When Clemson dominated Alabama’s high-flying offense in the National Championship game, people started to take notice. And when 3 out of 4 of the D-line was taken in the 1st round of the NFL Draft, people really started to take notice. And now that the Tiger D-line is gone to the next level, it’s time to see who will take their place atop the ACC rankings. Here are the Top 10 defensive ends in the ACC.
1. Alton Robinson – Syracuse
Robinson was one of the best players in CFB last season. He was a big reason why the Orange went 10-3. Last season, he had 39 Tackles, 10 sacks, 17 Tackles for Loss, 2 PBUs and 11 QB hits. 🔥🔥🔥
2. Xavier Thomas – Clemson
I have Thomas ranked at #2. However, there’s no doubt that he has the highest upside of anyone on this list, and could be considered the #1 DE in all of college football by season’s end. Last season as a true freshman, he had 43 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2 PBUs and 6 QB hits. This season, expect him to get 8-12 sacks.
3. Jonathan Garvin – Miami
Garvin had a tremendous season for the Canes in 2018. Last year, he had 60 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. He can use his quickness for a sack or his strength up the middle. Garvin has the potential to be a 1st or 2nd round NFL Draft selection.
4. Kendall Coleman – Syracuse
Coleman had 32 tackles, 10 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 6 QB hits in 2018. Coleman wreaked havoc on offensive linemen with his strength and quickness. He and Alton Robinson combine for one of the best DE duos in college football.
5. Rashad Weaver – Pitt
Last season, Weaver was spectacular. He had 47 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, 4 pass breakups and 10 QB hits. He uses his strength to overpower interior offensive linemen and quickness to get around the edge.
6. Ty Tyler – Louisville
Tyler, a graduate transfer from Marshall, was a huge pickup for new head coach Scott Satterfield and the Cardinals. Last season Tyler had 44 tackles, 9 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 1 PBU. Remember the name!
7. Carlos Basham – Wake Forest
Basham is an underrated DE who had a big season in 2018. Last year, he had 64 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Basham is good vs the run, and he also gets to the QB. He is an all around excellent DE.
8. Victor Dimukeje – Duke
Dimukeje has been excellent for the Blue Devils. As a freshman in 2017, he had 40 tackles, 6.5 TFL & 2 sacks. Last season, he had 42 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.
9. Jason Smith-Williams – NC State
Last season, Smith-Williams continually found himself in the backfield. He had 37 tackles, 6 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss and 4 QB hits. The Wolfpack have been sensational in their development of defensive linemen, and the next one to head to the NFL will be Smith-Williams.
10. Trevon Hill – Miami
Hill, the former Virginia Tech Hokie, was a big pickup for Manny Diaz and the Canes defense. Hill had 94 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in 29 games for VT. He’s quick off the edge & will do great for the Canes.
Just Missed
- Mandy Alonso – UVA
- Drew Jordan – Duke
- Tyjuan Garbutt – VT
- Emmanuel Belmar – VT
- Chris Collins – UNC
- Justin Foster – Clemson
- Savion Jackson – NC State
- Joshua Kaindoh – FSU
- Janarius Robinson – FSU
- Patrick Jones – Pitt
- Amonte Caban – Louisville
