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Monday, July 23, 2007
Choice leads the ACC pack
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Pinehurst, N.C. — We’re at the ACC preseason meetings for the next couple of days. So this seems like a good time to look at the players who are generating the most buzz in this league. Today we’re going to list the top five offensive players heading into the 2007 season. On Tuesday we’ll look at the top five defensive players. If I’ve left somebody special off this top five, let me know about it.
1-Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech: The transfer from Oklahoma led the ACC in rushing last season with 1,453 yards (105.2 average). With WR Calvin Johnson gone, Choice will be the focal point of the Georgia Tech offense. When new offensive coordinator John Bond was at Northern Illinois, he liked to get the ball to his running backs in a lot of different ways. Look for Choice to be a more versatile player in 2007.
2-James Davis, RB, Clemson: Nobody has done it better the past two seasons as Davis followed up a brilliant freshman year with 1,187 yards rushing as a sophomore. Last season he averaged 5.8 yards every time he touched the ball. The Clemson offensive line needs to be rebuilt in order to take advantage of what Davis can do. Davis did not get as many touches late last season because opponents committed to stop the run and Clemson could not throw the ball well enough to keep them honest. That has to change for Davis to have his second straight 1,000-yard season.
3-Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College: The rising senior led the ACC in passing yards (2,942) and total offense (242.2 ypg) last season. If the Eagles can find a couple of receivers, Ryan could be the All-ACC quarterback for the second straight year. Ryan is a great decision maker and the unquestioned leader of the BC offense. Ryan will also benefit from the arrival of Steve Logan as offensive coordinator.
4-Brandon Ore, RB, Virginia Tech: As a sophomore Ore ran for 1,137 and 16 touchdowns. He had another 214 in receiving, giving him 112.6 all-purpose yards per game. But Virginia Tech must prove it can consistently throw the ball to take some pressure off the running game. So quarterback Sean Glennon, who is still stinging from VT’s loss to Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, has to bounce back so defenses don’t load up against Ore.
5-Antone Smith, RB, Florida State: Smith was a highly recruited player coming out of high school who almost left Florida State because he simply wasn’t getting the ball. As a senior he will finally get his chance. New offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher envisions Smith, who has a great combination of speed and power, as another Warrick Dunn. Don’t be surprised if Smith lines up as a wide receiver. FSU will try to get Smith a lot of touches from a lot of different positions on the field. Smith averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season but only got 88 carries.
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