ACC Football: Newcomers who’ll have the biggest impact in 2022
By Dante Pryor
10. North Carolina State Wolfpack: Michael Allen, Running back
Wolfpack quarterback Devin Leary had the best season of his college career, throwing 35 touchdown passes. However, Dave Doeren and North Carolina State want to run the football. Running backs Ricky Pearson, Jr. and Zonovan “Bam” Knight combined for nearly 1,400 yards rushing last season.
With both runners headed for the NFL, there is an opening at running back. Incoming freshman Michale Allen is one of the faster prospects this fall, running a 4.48 in the forty-yard dash. Allen has a tremendous first step and does not take long to accelerate. Expect the Greenville native to compete for snaps this fall.
9. Louisville Cardinals: Popeye Williams, EDGE rusher
Emory Hunt famously says, “size is not a skill, and you can’t hit what you can’t catch.” Don’t be fooled by Popeye Williams’ size. Despite measuring at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Williams gets home frequently. Though he played defensive end in high school, Williams likely plays outside linebacker in Louisville’s 3-4 defense.
Williams uses his hands tremendously well and has some variety with his pass rush. Yasir Abdullah, Louisville’s led the team in sacks last year and is the only proven commodity at linebacker returning this season. That opens the door for Williams to compete for snaps this fall.