No. 14. Kenny Tate, S, Maryland

2010 numbers: He was seventh in the ACC and second on the team with 100 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and a league-high four forced fumbles. He also had one fumble recovery.

Previous ranking: Not ranked.

Making the case for Tate: He was named the team’s defensive MVP and was one of the most improved players in the ACC in 2010. He became the first Maryland defensive back to reach 100 tackles since Tony Jackson had 101 in 2000. Much like Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel, Tate’s game went beyond interceptions. He made other game-changing plays and was instrumental in Don Brown’s attacking-style defense.

The countdown:

No. 15 DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson

No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

No. 17 Montel Harris, RB, Boston College

No. 18 T.J. Yates, QB, North Carolina

No. 19 Alex Wujciak, LB, Maryland

No. 20 Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

No. 21 Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson

No. 22 Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech

No. 23 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami

No. 24 George Bryan, TE, NC State

No. 25 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke