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ACC Football: Top 10 players heading into spring games

By Jerran Anderson

Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) celebrates after a tackle during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Christian Wilkins (42) celebrates after a tackle during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Lamar Jackson from the University of Louisville wins the Heisman Trophy at Playstation Theater. Mandatory Credit: Todd J. Van Emst/Heisman Trust via USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Lamar Jackson from the University of Louisville wins the Heisman Trophy at Playstation Theater. Mandatory Credit: Todd J. Van Emst/Heisman Trust via USA TODAY Sports /

Louisville Cardinals quarterback Lamar Jackson won the Heisman Trophy in 2016. He will return in 2017 looking to do more than just that, starting with a strong spring.

The Cardinals lost their last three games of the season despite Jackson winning the Heisman Trophy. However, it wasn’t entirely on Jackson. He was sacked 22 times in the team’s final three games of 2016, including 8 in their 29-9 Citrus Bowl loss to the LSU Tigers.

Related Story: Top 15 Heisman Trophy candidates to watch this spring

Jackson still threw for 3,543 passing yards and 30 passing touchdowns and rushed for 1,571 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns to earn ACC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year last season. With some offensive line adjustments and finding new targets in the receiving game, Jackson could get the Cardinals high-powered offense to the College Football Playoff.

Louisville does have five offensive lineman incoming, one is an early enrollee. With some o-line help on the way, Jackson could show he has better production in the spring.

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