ACC Football: Ranking the top five playmakers for 2015 season
Dec 27, 2014; Shreveport, LA, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) looks to pass as South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Gerald Dixon (44) pressures during the first half in the 2014 Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Switzer – North Carolina receiver/returner
2014 Stats: 61 receptions, 757 yards and four touchdowns
Switzer is that player you love to hate. When you face him he is that kid on the field that can stick a dagger in your back in the matter of moments. Especially when returning punts. I have seen it live multiple times in Pittsburgh. At the same time, you love his competitive spirit. He does everything right and can ask for on the field and will put up some good numbers this season.
Justin Thomas – Georgia Tech quarterback
2014 Stats: 96-187 – 1,719 Yards, 18 touchdowns, six interceptions and 190 rushes, 1,086 yards, eight touchdowns
I’m sure I will catch some flack for keeping him out of the top-five. Thomas is a true contender for ACC Player of the Year entering the 2015 season. Just know he was on the very edge of the rankings and could weasel his way in over a short amount of time.
Brad Kaaya – Miami quarterback
2014 Stats: 3,198 yards, 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions
Kaaya is a very promising prospect and is someone that Miami can finally lean on. So much uncertainty at the position foiled the past few seasons for the Hurricanes and now they have found their man in Kaaya. Strong arm and deceptive speed.
Dalvin Cook – Florida State running back
2014 Stats: 170 carries, 1,008 yards, eight touchdowns, 22 receptions for 203 yards
If Cook can stay on the field and not in trouble, he could be the x-factor Florida State needs to go alongside new transfer quarterback, Everett Golson. Very potent duo when healthy.
The handful of players that “missed the cut” are also players that are fully capable of jumping into the top-five. Each possess a particular set of skills, not to steal from Liam Neeson, that are special and could propel each to the upper-echelon of the ACC.
Now let’s get to the top five candidates.
Next: Kendall Fuller