No. 14. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

2009 numbers: He ranked second in the country in total tackles (158) and solo tackles (87). His 12.15 tackles per game were the most by any rookie since the NCAA began tracking tackles in 2003. He had 10 or more tackles in the final nine games. He also led BC with four pass breakups and 13 tackles for loss.

Most recent ranking: Not ranked.

Making the case for Kuechly: His potential overfloweth. His 158 tackles were the most by a BC defender since 1993, and if it weren’t for a host of talented upperclassmen ahead of him, this youngster would easily be in the top 10.

No. 15 Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

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