No. 13. James Gayle, DE, Virginia Tech
2011 stats: He started all 13 games he played in and had 38 tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks -- which tied him for sixth in the ACC. He also had 20 quarterback hurries.
Previous ranking: Not ranked.
Making the case for Gayle: This past spring, Gayle earned Super Iron Hokie honors when he recorded a 39½-inch vertical jump, 400-pound bench press and 4.44 40-yard dash. Yikes. Gayle has the combination of size, strength, speed and athletic ability needed to become a dominant defensive end in the conference. There are high expectations for him in Blacksburg this year. He had a good, consistent spring, he just needs to stay healthy, focused and keep it up.
No. 14 Bryn Renner, QB, North Carolina
No. 15 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
No. 16 Giovani Bernard, RB, UNC
No. 17 Dalton Freeman, C, Clemson
No. 18 Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson
No. 19 Lamarcus Joyner, S, Florida State
No. 20 Michael Campanaro, WR, Wake Forest
No. 21 Jeremiah Attaochu, LB, Georgia Tech
No. 22 Omoregie Uzzi, OG, Georgia Tech
No. 23 Bruce Taylor, LB, Virginia Tech
No. 25 Nikita Whitlock, NG, Wake Forest