Conference Review: ACC

Rob Willette

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With college football in full swing, we’ll be bringing you a review of the “Big Five” conferences each and every week. These recaps will feature sections for “Premier Conference Performer,” “Rising Players,” “Falling Players,” and a special Freshman spotlight. These weekly reviews will keep you up-to-date on all the happenings in devy leagues and allow you to keep tabs on future dynasty league assets. By the time the NFL Draft rolls around, you won’t see too many strangers.

Premier Conference Performers

Duke Johnson, RB Miami
29 carries for 249 yards and one touchdown; two receptions for 37 yards and one touchdown

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Duke Johnson simply embarrassed the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday, running circles around a defense that appeared to be immersed in quicksand. The former five star recruit has erased any doubts that he may struggle to regain his explosiveness following a 2013 foot injury, and has earned his distinction as one of the nation’s best running backs. A true speed merchant that offers versatility and a sturdy enough frame, Johnson is squarely in the round two mix for 2015.

Jon Hilliman, RB Boston College
20 carries for 101 yards and two touchdowns

Jon Hilliman entered a crowded backfield and has proceeded to bully his way to the depth chart in a similar manner to the way he has bullied defenses during his inaugural campaign. He continues to be featured in this space as he continues to produce at a high level, doing his best to fill the massive production void left by Andre Williams. Demonstrating the lost art of moving north and south even when moving laterally, Hilliman has shown a professional running style that portends huge numbers over the course of his Eagle career. He’s managed to become a notable name in an incredibly deep class of freshman runners.

Rising

Mack Hollins, WR North Carolina
Two receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns

Essentially ignored as a high school recruit, Mack Hollins has managed to carve out a significant role in the Tar Heels passing game during his sophomore year. The rangy wideout has become a big play machine.

Tyler Boyd, WR Pittsburgh
Nine receptions for 137 yards; one carry for three yards

It is not that Tyler Boyd ever really went anywhere. It was just a slow week for the ACC and Boyd looked somewhat hindered by an early-season finger injury that he was fighting through. He looked as spry as ever against Georgia Tech, as one of only a few to show up against the Yellow Jackets. The wiry sophomore remains one of the nation’s elite devy prospects.

DeVante Parker, WR Louisville
DNP

In his season debut in Week 8, DeVante Parker showed no ill-effects from the foot injury that cost him the first half of the 2014 season. Back on the field – healthy and productive – Parker quickly rehabbed any stock that was artificially submarined thanks to missed games. He is a late 1st/early 2nd round prospect.

Travis Rudolph, WR Florida State
DNP

The Seminoles had the week off, yet over recent weeks we have seen the emergence of Travis Rudolph. He’s an interesting freshman, as despite lacking elite and dominant physical tools, he has the ability to dominate due to route-running and sure hands. Normally, true freshman rely on physical skills to make their mark. Rudolph’s got adequate size and a smooth gait, yet it’s his wits that set him apart. He’s slowly emerging as a 2B option along with Jesus Wilson and gives Florida State the complimentary option they have desperately been looking for in the passing game.

Falling

Karlos Williams, RB Florida State
DNP

It has been a disappointing season for Karlos Williams. He’s been sluggish on the football field and now has a looming assault case hanging over his head. While it is unfair to make assumptions as to his guilt or innocence at this point, it is not the type of distraction that Williams needed as he heads into the season’s home stretch. He’s still likely a draftable prospects due to his athleticism and ability to grow at the position (it is only his second season) but the hopes of him emerging as the third best back in this class proved unwarranted.

Freshman Watch

Wayne Gallman, RB Clemson
28 carries for 101 yards; two receptions for 12 yards

Redshirt freshman Wayne Gallman appears to be the next man up in the Clemson running back carousel. Gallman put together a workmanlike effort in the Tigers’ ugly ten point win over Syracuse. A big back that carries his weight well, he may be ready to assume the role of workhorse for Clemson.

Artavis Scott, WR Clemson

If Artavis Scott is owned in a college PPR league, he’s churning out some nice numbers. The true freshman has proven to be incredibly reliable in the intermediate game, nicely complimenting outside weapon and deep threat Mike Williams. More playmaking ability is needed if Scott is to become a notable devy prospect, but he’s on the watch list for now.

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rob willette