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Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Ranking the ACC’s defensive linemen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s going to be a big year for defense in the ACC. In the final NCAA statistics of 2006, the ACC placed seven teams (Virginia Tech, Miami, Clemson, Virginia, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Boston College) in the top 34 in total defense. Those seven teams return 57 of 77 starters from a year ago.
And it all starts up front. Here is my list for the top five defensive linemen in the ACC as we head into the 2007 season.
1. Calais Campbell, DE, Sr., Miami: He’s the best defensive end in college football, period. At 6-8, 282, he doesn’t have to get to the quarterback to have an impact on the passing game.
2. Chris Long, DE, Sr., Virginia: A relentless defender who keeps constant pressure on the quarterback. The son of former NFL great Howie Long had five sacks and 12 tackles for loss last season.
3. Andre Fluellen, NG, Sr., Florida State: Fluellen has started 25 of the last 26 games on the defensive line for the Seminoles. Can play noseguard or tackle. Was the most dominating player in spring practice and is expected to have a huge year.
4. DeMario Pressley, DT, Sr., N.C. State: Has started 23 straight games and will anchor what will be a pretty good Wolfpack defense.
5. B.J. Raji, DT, Sr., Boston College: Raji was a second team All-ACC pick last season, when he had 6.5 tackles for loss. He’s a very underrated player because he plays on the same defense with LB Brian Toal.
HONORABLE MENTION
Chris Ellis, DE, Sr., Virginia Tech: Missed spring ball as he recovered from shoulder surgery but coaches believe he is going to have a big year. He had 8.5 tackles for loss last season.
Paul Griffin, DT, Jr., Florida State: This guy began last season in the starting lineup as a JUCO transfer. Then he injured his left knee in the second game and was lost for the rest of the season. If he comes back full speed he will be a force.
Adamm Oliver, DE, Sr., Georgia Tech: A second team All-ACC pick last season who had 70 tackles, including 11 for lost yardage.
Vincent Oghobaase, DE, Soph., Duke: There wasn’t a whole lot to smile about at Duke (0-12) last season but this guy came to play every Saturday. He passed up offers from Miami and Oklahoma to go to Duke.
Phillip Merling, DE, Jr., Clemson: Had a pretty good 2006 with Gaines Adams, the ACC defensive player of the year, on the other side. Adams is gone and the Tigers are relying on Merling to be the man up front.
