No. 15. Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

2009 numbers: He led the ACC and ranked second nationally with 1.31 passes defended per game. He tied for second nationally with 15 pass breakups and was third in passes defended with 17. He finished third on Miami’s defense with 52 total tackles.

Last ranking: Not ranked.

Making the case for Harris: He’s shown the ability to be disruptive all over the field, including in the opponents’ backfield. Harris had six tackles for losses last year, including a sack against Oklahoma. He’s a game changer, as evidenced by his pass breakup in the end zone with nine seconds remaining against rival Florida State. He also had two forced fumbles.

No. 16 Jacory Harris, QB, Miami

No. 17 Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech

No. 18 Donovan Varner, WR, Duke

No. 19 Alex Wujciak, LB, Maryland

No. 20 Montel Harris, RB, Boston College

No. 21 Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

No. 22, Greg Reid, CB, Florida State

No. 23 Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech

No. 24 Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

No. 25 Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College