No. 22. Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech

2011 stats: He started the first 12 games of the season but missed the Hyundai Sun Bowl with an injury. He helped Georgia Tech lead the ACC in rushing offense, total offense, scoring offense, fewest sacks allowed and third-down conversion percentage.

Previous ranking: No. 24

Making the case for Uzzi: It’s impossible to ignore the most experienced player on the offensive line that has paved the way for one of the nation’s top rushing offenses. Uzzi sat out spring drills to recover from an injury, but he is still expected to be a first-team, all-ACC guard this fall. He is on the Outland Trophy Watch List, and is a strong lineman who has improved his fundamentals, and he moves well laterally. He has played an integral role in helping Georgia Tech rank in the top four nationally in rushing in each of the past three sesaons.

No. 23 Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech

No. 24 Bud Noel, CB, Wake Forest

No. 25 Nikita Whitlock, NG, Wake Forest