Top 3 ACC Playmakers in ’09

Title says it all: I’m throwing out my Top 3 Playmakers for ’09. Normally I wouldn’t pick 3 players from the same position, but that’s where the talent is this year in the league. There are no real marquee/standout QB’s and a slew of good receivers were lost via the draft/graduation last year.

I am defying the major publications out there with my #1 (EVERYONE and their brother has Dwyer in the top spot) but my Top 3 doesn’t rely on statistics alone or ‘who’s the best running back’, but a combo of stats + the ability to change game at any given moment (plus the potential for a highlight reel play). Enjoy.

PS: Disagree with my Top 3? I love feedback so throw it on the wall –>

#1 – RB CJ Spiller, Clemson
One of the fastest and most explosive players in all of football. Considering he was the #2 RB behind newly drafted James Davis, Spiller accumulated pretty amazing stats in ’08. He ran for a little over 50 yards a game, but again his touches were limited. He took advantage of his opportunities though, averaging almost 5.5 yards a carry, and scampered for 7 TD’s. The ’09 season should be a break-out one for rushing yards, seeing as he is the premier running back now and barring injuries should see twice the attempts.

What really sets Spiller apart from the crowd is his pass catching ability. We’ve all seen his jaw-dropping moves against BC and GT off swing passes. I don’t expect to see his receiving numbers nearly as high as ’08, when he racked up 436 yards receiving (12.8 Average) and 3 TD, but he is still a legitimate threat.

And if rushing and receiving weren’t enough, he is dangerous on the return as well, tallying over 700 yards in returns in ’08 (and an eye-popping 27.2 yard average on kickoffs). Fast? Hell yeah. Check out the video of his return against Alabama in the season opener back in ’08.

I’ll go out on a limb and say watch out for Spiller to be a darkhorse in the Heisman race if Clemson can find a solid QB and their Offensive Line actually performs to par.

#2 – RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
The 2008 ACC Player of the Year might just pull a repeat in ’09. Dwyer broke out in ’08, helping Georgia Tech to a 9-4 record and 2nd place finish in the Coastal.

This guy is the real deal, the kind of running back you want AND need to base your team around, and considering the type of offense Johnson is running, Dwyer gets plenty of chances to show what he’s made of. The ’08 season was just a glimpse – almost 1400 yards, and averaged 7 (yes SEVEN) yards a carry. Nearly a first down EVERY RUSH.

With every season that passes, the option offense for the Jackets will get more refined and polished, allowing their RB’s (or QB) to break through the line and pick up yards. Dwyer has a major advantage over other RB’s in the league – an improved offensive line, and a QB that distracts the defense and keeps them honest.

And while he isn’t up there with Spiller as a receiver, Dwyer still did alright for himself (200+ Yards and a TD). Don’t expect to see to many kickoff or punt returns though, but DO expect 1500+ yards rushing in ’09 and a mention for the Heisman. There is no excuse for Tech to not push for the Coastal crown.

#3 – RB Da’rel Scott, Maryland
Talk about a break out season. The 2008 season saw Scott quietly come out of nowhere and finish 2nd in the league in rushing with 1,133 yards. This kid has some serious wheels and good moves, and with the passing game in ok shape, he has the potential to blow-up again this year. The only problem for Scott is the offensive line – the Terps are losing a majority of their starters and will have to gel FAST.

He won’t have the supporting cast that Dwyer and Spiller have, but if he see’s daylight – watch out. In all honesty, if the running game is sluggish don’t be surprised to see his receiving stats go up. He didn’t put up the biggest numbers for receiving, but when you’re as naturally athletic as Scott, good will come when he touches the ball.

Either way, Da’Rel (NOT Darrell) Scott comes in at #3 for the 2009 Playmakers in the ACC.

Honorable Mention
- QB R.Wilson, NC State
- QB R.Skinner, Wake Forest

- Harlon Jordan

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Tags: 2009 ACC Playmakers, ACC Football Running Backs, ACC Football Top 3, CJ Spiller, Clemson Football, Clemson Football 2009, Clemson Tigers Football, Da'Rel Scott, Georgia Tech Football, Georgia Tech Football 2009, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Football, GT Football, Jonathan Dwyer, Maryland Football, Maryland Football 2009, Maryland Terrapins Football