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ACC Football: Most impactful newcomers for each team

By Dante Pryor

Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) rolls out during the third quarter of the ACC Championship game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) rolls out during the third quarter of the ACC Championship game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee defensive lineman/linebacker Tyler Baron (9) defends Pittsburgh quarterback Nick Patti (12) during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Pittsburgh Panthers in Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept 10, 2022. The Vols defeated Pitt 34-27 in overtime.
Tennessee defensive lineman/linebacker Tyler Baron (9) defends Pittsburgh quarterback Nick Patti (12) during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and Pittsburgh Panthers in Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Saturday, Sept 10, 2022. The Vols defeated Pitt 34-27 in overtime. /

Pittsburgh Panthers

Derrick Davis, running back: With all-conference running back Israel Abanikanda off to the NFL, there are a lot of carries up for grabs. The season before Abanikanda’s emergence, the Panthers used a running back-by-committee approach. There is a possibility they can do that again this year.

LSU transfer Derrick Davis could take some of those carries. Though he was one of the top safeties in his class, he was also one of the full running backs. It is interesting where he lands, returning to his home state to play football.

Phil Jurkovec, Quarterback: The Panthers are again taking a risk with an often-injured quarterback. However, Jurkovec has much more upside than outgoing quarterback Kedon Slovis. Jurkovec is a plus in the running game and can make any throw in the book.

That said, he is not a lock for the job. Penn State transfer Christian Veilleux will battle for the job, and don’t count out veteran backup Nick Patti. If Jurkovec does win the job, Veilleux and Patti better be ready to play because Jurkovec might not play the entire season.

Donovan McMillon, Safety:  Florida Safety Donovan McMillon adds depth to a secondary that did lose some players to graduation and the NFL Draft. Like Derrick Davis, McMillon is a player who is returning to play in his home state after choosing an SEC school initially.

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