No. 8. Joe Vellano, DL, Maryland
2011 stats: He started all 12 games and led the FBS in tackles by a lineman with 7.8 per game. He finished with 94 total tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also had two caused fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four pass breakups.
Previous ranking: No. 19
Making the case for Vellano: He made the case for himself last year when he almost single-handedly stopped Georgia Tech’s running game with 20 tackles (14 solo). His ability to make game-changing plays from the tackle position is remarkable. He’s a quick, hard-nosed player who is following in his father’s footsteps. Paul Vellano was an All-American defensive tackle for Maryland (1972-73), and Joe Vellano is good enough to continue that legacy, but this year he will be moving to end in the 3-4 scheme. Vellano is a team captain, the anchor of the line, and suddenly he’s also the face of Maryland’s program.
No. 10 Kyle Fuller, DB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
No. 13 James Gayle, DE, Virginia Tech
No. 14 Bryn Renner, QB, North Carolina
No. 15 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 16 Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC
No. 17 Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson
No. 18 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 19 Lamarcus Joyner, S, Florida State
No. 20 Michael Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest
No. 21 Jeremiah Attaochu, LB, Georgia Tech
No. 22 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 23 Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech
No. 25 Nikita Whitlock, NG, Wake Forest