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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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Nov 12, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Jaylen Samuels (1) runs with the ball as Syracuse Orange defensive back Daivon Ellison (19) defends during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. North Carolina State defeated Syracuse 35-20. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Jaylen Samuels (1) runs with the ball as Syracuse Orange defensive back Daivon Ellison (19) defends during the third quarter at the Carrier Dome. North Carolina State defeated Syracuse 35-20. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

The North Carolina State Wolfpack list Jaylen Samuels as a tight end, but he’s been much more than that for their offense. He had 55 catches for 565 receiving yards and seven touchdowns and 33 carries for 189 rushing yards and six touchdowns for the Wolfpack in 2016.

Samuels was eighth in the ACC in touchdowns a season ago. While he did catch a lot of touchdown passes, most of it in the team’s Independence Bowl 41-17 victory over the Vanderbilt Commodores. He had six catches for 104 receiving yards and three touchdowns against the Commodores to close out the 2016 season. He also threw a 59-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Stephen Louis against the North Carolina Tar Heels. They won that game 28-21 to clinch bowl eligibility.

He led the Wolfpack in receiving touchdowns last season and with quarterback Ryan Finley returning, the duo should have a better 2017 season. They’ll need to replace running back Matt Dayes, who rushed for 1,166 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns to lead the rushing attack, but spring camp should show who will replace him. At 5-foot-11 and 223 pounds, Samuels could very well be the answer for the Wolfpack.

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