No. 7. Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State

2010 stats: He allowed just one sack in 11 games (all starts) last season, and held off heralded pass rushers from Oklahoma, Miami, Clemson, Florida and Virginia Tech. He was penalized just three times and had five missed assignments in 691 snaps. Datko's season average grade of 87 percent was second on the team only to Rodney Hudson.

Previously ranked: Not ranked.

Making the case for Datko: The veteran left tackle has 36 career starts, but his accomplishments have been overshadowed by his predecessors, Hudson and Ryan McMahon. Datko bulked up this offseason, despite missing spring practices with a shoulder injury. He’s a smart player (he earned the Matt Schmauch Academic Award at the end of spring practice, which is given to the player who is dedicated to getting a degree), and he is a candidate for both the Lombardi and Outland trophies. He has excelled in protecting the quarterback’s blind side, and that will be critical this fall with first-year starter EJ Manuel

No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami

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