Well here we go. It’s time to start ranking the best players in the ACC for the 2021 season.
Check out the latest edition Lindy’s College Football where @TalkinACCSports (myself) with a big assist from @Hokiesmash_ASD player research helped put together these lists and the Lindy’s All-ACC team with @mattzemek.
As usual we hope you enjoy the rankings.
Previous and Upcoming Rankings
Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Offensive Linemen |
Defensive Linemen | Linebackers | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Special Teams
1) James Mitchell, Virginia Tech
We have our second Virginia Tech entry into our top 5 ACC player list and it’s a good one. James Mitchell checks in as the ACC top Tight End going into the 2021 season. Last year Mitchell had had 26 receptions for 435 yards and a very nice near 17 yard per reception average. The 4 TD catches were tops for the Hokies in 2020. He’s an NFL prospect that scouts will be watching closely.
2) Braden Galloway, Clemson
Braden Galloway looks like Clemson’s best TE since Jordan Leggett. He’s coming off a 27 reception 369 yards seasons with 2 TDs. He averaged 13.7 per catch too. The 6-4 240 lb should fill a bigger in the Tiger offense than in 2020, and that should lead to a breakout 2021. He’s got NFL potential, and is considered currently a late round pick.
3) Jelani Woods, Virginia
If you are looking for one of the top transfer players in the ACC, how about former Oklahoma State TE Jelani Woods? Woods was a 2018, 2019 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention pick. Bronco Mendenhall called Woods the “brightest spot of Virginia’s spring. With tremendous size at 6-7 275 lbs, he is just what Mendenhall is looking for in a TE.
4) Marshon Ford, Louisville
With offense stars like Javian Hawkins and Tutu Atwell gone, Louisville needs some players to fill the gap. TE Marshon Ford could one of those players. Ford is coming off a 25 reception 309 yard 2020. He also had 6 touchdowns. That was good for 2nd among TEs in the ACC last year. The former walk-on may be in line for career in the NFL.
5) Garrett Waltson, North Carolina
North Carolina’s Garrett Waltson is in a really good place to be a receiver on a team with Sam Howell as the quarterback. In 2020 he had 19 catches for 255 yards and 2 TDs. That makes him UNC’s leading returning receiver. Waltson came back to UNC to improve his draft stock, and that should happen with the expected larger role in the Tar Heel offense.
