Well, here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2022 season.
As usual, we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen | Tight Ends |
Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) Sean Tucker, Syracuse
Syracuse has themselves an absolute stud at RB in Sean Tucker. The record-breaking RB had nearly 1500 yards rushing last year. He’s flying up Syracuse’s career rushing charts, and that’s no small task.
Syracuse football is a who’s who of Running Backs with the likes of Ernie Davis, Floyd Little, and Larry Csonka. Sean Tucker is working to join that list. He averaged a stellar 6.1 yards per carry last year and is considered one of the 10 best running backs in the country.
2) Will Shipley, Clemson
Will Shipley showed flashes of his 5 Star talent in 2021. If he can stay healthy for the entire season, he can be an All-American. He missed a month of the season and still ran for 739 yards. The versatile Shipley also returned kicks and was a solid pass catcher in a Clemson offense that struggled with quarterback issues.
If Clemson can get even decent QB play, Shipley could have an absolute monster sophomore season.
3) Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
Without QB Kenny Pickett or WR Jordan Addison, Israel Abanikanda will become of one the offensive players that Pitt will rely on in 2022. Abanikanda is coming off a year that saw him total over 800 yards rushing and receiving while also returning kicks for a 29.4 yard average.
His track speed makes him one of the most dangerous players in the ACC.
4) Pat Garwo III, Boston College
Boston College’s Pat Garwo III is coming off a 1,045 rushing season at over 5 yards a carry. Boston College is going to be the only ACC team with a top 5 Quarterback, Running Back, and as a preview of the receiver rankings – a top 5 WR.
I’ve seen comparisons of the 5-8 Garwo to Darren Sproles, and that’s good company. Garwo was a surprise last year, but he won’t be a surprise this year. A solid runner, I expect Garwo to make a step forward as a pass catcher and become more of an all-around back.
5) Jalen Mitchell, Louisville
Louisville suddenly has a sneaky good backfield. Tennessee transfer Tyron Evans was the Vol’s leading rusher in 2021, and with RB Jalen Mitchell, the Cardinals are going to have a nice battle at RB. Trevion Cooley showed flashes of his potential as a freshman with 431 yards rushing. This is a loaded group, and I think Mitchell will emerge to lead Louisville.
He’s also a quality blocker in pass protection. Mitchell ran for 722 yards last year at 4.7 yards per carry. He was the star of the Spring game for the Cards with 3 TDs.
