Five Best ACC Grads Playing in the Super Bowl

Vince Wilfork has rebounded nicely after a season ending Achillies injury in 2013-2014. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

4. Vince Wilfork, DT, Miami (FL)

Checking in at number four on the list is big defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. Some may disagree with my placement of Wilfork ahead of Jones, but to me no one has a bigger impact both on the field and in the locker room for their defense than this guy.

Coming off a season-ending injury to his Achillies last year, there was reason to believe we may never see Wilfork on the football field again, but he has bounced back in a big way.

At his best Wilfork is a run clogging presence in the middle that can play anywhere on the defensive line, and take on two blockers with regularity. Wilfork has never been known as a pass rushing specialist, but does a very good job of pushing the pocket in the middle making it easier for the defensive ends to capitalize on the sacks. Wilfork also brings a tremendous leadership presence and is a truly settling presence. Wilfork is just as much help off the field as on it.

However as great as Wilfork has been this year, he has not been as great as he was in past years. This is certainly not his fault, and he still plays at a very high level, but he at times has been handled by single blockers and the Pats run defense this year has been gashed multiple times.

Despite those flaws Wilfork still plays at a very high level and demands ultimate respect as a defensive presence from the players and the coaches. He can still wreck a game plan.

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