No 3. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

2009 numbers: He rushed for a school-record 1,655 yards, setting an ACC freshman mark, and he scored 22 touchdowns, including 21 rushing, breaking ACC season records in both categories. The 21 rushing touchdowns tied an NCAA record for a freshman.

Most recent ranking: Not ranked.

Making the case for Williams: He was the first freshman in ACC history to lead the league in both rushing and scoring. He was the only freshman in the nation to be ranked in the top five nationally in both rushing and scoring. His 10 100-yard rushing performances set a school season record and tied the ACC record. And the coaches don’t believe he has reached his peak yet. His personality is as electric as his running style, and he gave a struggling offense a much-needed boost last year.

No. 4 Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

No. 5 Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

No. 6 Quan Sturdivant, LB, UNC

No. 7 Russell Wilson, QB, NC State

No. 8 Joshua Nesbitt, QB, Georgia Tech

No. 9 Rodney Hudson, LG, Florida State

No. 10 Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

No. 11 Allen Bailey, DE, Miami

No. 12 (tie) S Deunta Williams, CB Kendric Burney, UNC

No. 13 Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina

No. 14 Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

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