Conference Review: ACC

Rob Willette Posted On September 3, 2014

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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 Performer

Rashad Greene, WR Florida State
11 receptions for 203 yards and one touchdown

The Seminoles Rashad Greene put the nation’s number one team on his shoulders, finding seams in the defense and putting the nail in Oklahoma State’s coffin with a long touchdown late. As Karlos Williams and the running game sputtered, it was Greene that picked up the slack, becoming a magnet for balls that came out Jameis Winston’s hand. He’s one of the nation’s most refined receivers and should be an immediate NFL contributor in the slot.

Rising

Mike Williams, WR Clemson
Three receptions for 88 yards

We may not get an opportunity to see all that Mike Williams has to offer in 2014, as Clemson will be turning to the limited Cole Stoudt or the green DeShaun Watson under center. However, Williams did work on the Tigers’ first drive, making tough catches, displaying physical dominance, and showing he is the team’s number one receiver with Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant moving on the next level. If his numbers are tamed by Clemson’s sluggish passing game, he is an excellent buy target.

Shai McKenzie, RB Virginia Tech
Nine carries for 106 yards and one touchdown

Taking advantage of Trey Edmunds’ absence, Shai McKenzie powered through an overmatched William & Mary squad, demonstrating lead back skills in the process. After impressing in fall practice, he cemented a role in the Hokies’ backfield even upon the return of Edmunds.

Elijah Hood, RB North Carolina
Eight carries for 43 yards

[inlinead]It looks like a true committee in Chapel Hill. However, the fact that Elijah Hood can carve out his niche in a deep backfield as a true freshman is a positive sign. A compact, economical runner with breakaway speed at the second level, Hood has a little Doug Martin to his game and will emerge as the lead back before long.

Mario Pender, RB Florida State
Three carries for 31 yards; one catch for zero yards

The long forgotten Mario Pender finally got an opportunity to suit up and earn meaningful carries for the Seminoles and made the most of it, offering an explosive change of pace option to Karlos Williams and looking good in the process. While Saturday’s performance does not exactly return him to his post-recruiting hype glory, he’s at least placed himself back on the map for deep devy leagues.

DeAndre Smelter, WR Georgia Tech
Five receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns

The Yellow Jackets are infamous for super-sized receivers that make plays in their run-heavy offense, and DeAndre Smelter is the latest to arrive on the scene. A former baseball player, Smelter is new to football yet oozes upside. Physically mature and fluid, he has the potential to be a huge draft riser over the next few months.

Falling

Jameis Winston, QB Florida State
370 yards passing, one touchdown and two interceptions; Nine yards rushing and one touchdown

This is not to say that Jameis Winston is not still a top prospect. He is, despite his detractors, and continues to show he’s adept at making throws with defenders in his face and finding ways to win football games. However, we did see the usual flaws that you’d expect from an inexperienced quarterback (despite his profile, he is still relatively light on games played). He failed to separate himself from Marcus Mariota in game one and is not quite the bulletproof number one overall prospect as was once anticipated.

Taquan Mizell, RB Virginia
Ten carries for 31 yards; Six receptions for 15 yards

An elite recruit in the 2013 class, Taquan Mizell has still been unable to get on track during his Cavalier career. Known as a speedster and dynamic space player, he’s had issues creating yards and looks surprisingly sluggish for someone with his natural athleticism.

Michael Dyer, RB Louisville
DNP

All spring and fall, we have heard that we should expect to see the Michael Dyer of old. At his best, Dyer is a wrecking ball with nimble feet and sprinter speed. However, we have not seen him make a meaningful football play in three years. For as much as he dominated in Auburn, his career has taken numerous twists and turns and his age alone tempers expectations. Those hoping to see a rejuvenated Dyer will have to wait a bit longer than expected.

Freshman Spotlight

Brad Kaaya, QB Miami
174 yards passing, one touchdown and two interceptions

Al Golden elected to expedite the future by anointing Brad Kaaya his starting quarterback over the well-traveled Jake Heaps. His debut against Louisville on Labor Day was not exactly sparkling; few first efforts from true freshman quarterbacks are. However, you saw the smooth delivery and advanced pocket presence on display. The Hurricanes are young yet plush with talent. Expect Kaaya to lead the maturation and become one of the devy world’s most valued commodities.

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