No. 8. Sean Spence, LB, Miami

2010 stats: He was one of seven Hurricanes to start all 13 games last season and finished second on the team and fifth in the ACC with 111 tackles. He had a team-leading 16 tackles for loss, the fourth most in the conference. He also had six pass breakups, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.

Previously ranked: Not ranked.

Making the case for Spence: He’s aggressive towards the ball, a throwback player who has excelled at the outside linebacker position. He’s got a proven ability to make game-changing plays, disrupt the passing game and strip the ball. Just ask Clemson – he had 14 tackles against the Tigers, with a forced fumble and 1.5 tackles for loss. Spence has had an impressive career so far, but he has become a more complete player.

No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland

No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

No. 13 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami

No. 14 Danny O'Brien, QB, Maryland

No. 15 Sean Renfree, QB, Duke

No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

No. 17 Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia

No. 18 Greg Reid, CB, Florida State

No. 19 Ray-Ray Armstrong, S, Miami

No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

No. 21 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke

No. 22 Jarrett Boykin, WR, Virginia Tech

No. 23 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech

No. 24 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson

No. 25 EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State