Conference Preview: ACC Breakdown

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Updated on July 15, 2015 11:28AM EST

The upcoming Atlantic Coast Conference season has the feel as that of a bit of a transition year. Florida State finally lost a game after flirting with defeat numerous times, and now their Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and all-time leading receiver are gone. The league also saw five of its top nine 2014 receivers selected in the NFL draft, two of which (DeVante Parker and Phillip Dorsett) were first-round selections.

With that said, the league will open the year experienced at quarterback, with all but Boston College and Duke boasting returning passers who started games in 2014 . At least two 1,000-yard rushers return in Pittsburgh's James Conner, and Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas, as do two receivers who went for at least 965 yards in Clemson's Mike Wallace and Artavis Scott.

When looking at the skill positions, the names don't jump out as recognizable to a casual fan. As such, many of the ACC's players will come with modest expectations. The stability under center and need for more pass catchers for those quarterbacks lends itself to some upside receiving targets later in your draft, while the lack of expectations means fewer risks, and potentially greater rewards.

Writers note: Florida State running back Dalvin Cook's recent arrest came as this column was written. For all intents and purposes, it is assumed he is suspended indefinitely.

Top-Five Fantasy Stars

1. James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh

Let's just get the lone negative out of the way first:

Writers note: Florida State running back Dalvin Cook's recent arrest came as this column was written. For all intents and purposes, it is assumed he is suspended indefinitely.

Top-Five Fantasy Stars

1. James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh

Let's just get the lone negative out of the way first: Conner doesn't catch passes. He has eight receptions total over two seasons. That one negative doesn't amount to much, though – Conner is a true battering ram that comes with very little risk. His 250-pound frame amassed 298 carries, 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Four times Conner had 30 or more carries, and five times he scored at least three touchdowns in a game. No other running back on the team had more than 87 carries a season ago, and the team's second-leading rusher was quarterback Chad Voytik. Conner found the end zone in all but two contests a year ago, and can likely be penciled in for 20 or more touchdowns again this season.

2. Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh

Just as Conner has a monopoly on the Pittsburgh running game, Boyd is similarly dominant as a pass catcher. Boyd caught 41.9 percent (75-of-188) of the team's receptions last season, gaining 1,261 yards and scoring eight times. The team's second -and third-leading receivers were both tight ends, one of which has now graduated. Boyd has thrown passes in each of the past two seasons, has 23 rushing attempts in two years and occasionally returns punts, giving him a fine chance to accumulate bonus stats for his owners. Boyd closed the 2014 campaign with 112 yards or more in five of the last six games, and had at least 50 yards in all but one game. The team will continue to force feed the ball to their future first-round draft choice when they aren't handing off to Conner. Boyd is facing a possible suspension due to an offseason arrest on DUI suspicion, but 11 games from Boyd is better than 12 from most receivers nationally.

3. Marquise Williams, QB, North Carolina

Williams brings true dual-threat abilities to both his owners and the Tar Heels, who he led in both passing and rushing a year ago. Williams' 3,068 yards and 21 touchdowns through the air are sound, but the 788 rushing yards and 13 scores is what took him into another tier of fantasy desirability. The Tar Heels defense was simply awful last season, allowing 39.0 points per game, forcing Williams and the offense to keep pace. He has ample options at both running back and wide receiver to spread the ball around to, including three receivers who are at least 6-foot-4 in Mack Hollins, Quinshad Davis and Bug Howard. Further boosting Williams' stock in 2015 is that head coach Larry Fedora insists that last year's occasional rotation with Mitch Trubisky will not continue. More opportunities for Williams should lead to a nice uptick in his yardage outputs.

4. Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Watson's natural ability is so vast it overshadows the injury red flag that might have owners hesitant to use an early selection on him. In two starts before initially injuring his knee, Watson threw for 702 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 90 yards rushing and two more scores, as a true freshman, moreover. Stretch that out over a 12 game season, and you have 4,212 yards and 48 touchdowns through the air, and 540 yards and 12 scores rushing. No, Watson won't produce 60 total touchdowns this season, but he has easy four-touchdown potential in any given game if he's healthy. Watson is recovering from a torn ACL, and is expected to be ready by August. That he didn't have surgery at the initial time of the injury is disappointing, but a one-legged Watson put up four scores on rival South Carolina, so as long as there are no full-fledged setbacks, we've seen what he can do at less than 100 percent. The offense doesn't figure to change much despite the departure of former offensive coordinator Chad Morris to SMU, and Watson has two of the nation's best receivers to throw to in Mike Williams and Artavis Scott. Elite true freshman recruit Deon Cain also figures to be an impact target for Watson.

5. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Speaking of Williams, he snags the last spot in the conference's Top-5 players over his teammate Scott, and regardless of Dalvin Cook's eventual status. The only knock on Williams last year was a lack of touchdowns, as he scored only six times. Four of those came in Watson's first two starts however, and the two have a clear chemistry. That bond, paired with Williams' 6-foot-4 frame should lead to a big jump in touchdowns during the receiver's junior season. Williams managed to post 1,030 yards last season despite often receiving his targets from Cole Stoudt, further illustrating his talent and reason for optimism heading into 2015.

Fantasy Sleepers

1. Shadrach Thornton, RB, North Carolina State

Thornton has seemingly always been on the cusp of a breakout season, but has never fully been given the opportunity to prove his potential as a true workhorse back. Thornton has 154, 165 and 164 carries in his previous three seasons. That's simply not enough. But he closed 2014 with 61 carries, 367 yards and two scores in his final three games. It could be another slow starting season for Thornton due to a joke of a non-conference schedule, but Thornton is not going to have games where he sees four-to-six carries like he did last year. Thornton has kept his nose clean during the offseason, something he failed to do in each of the last two years, and if he can see 180 carries, his first 1,000 yard season could quickly follow.

2. James Quick, WR, Louisville

Quick was one of five Cardinals to tally at least 25 catches and 300 yards last season, and he is the only one to return for 2015. At 6-foot-1, 191 pounds, he's not going to make fans or fantasy owners forget DeVante Parker, but the Cardinals are expected to have some stability under center with Reggie Bonnafon and Will Gardner (knee) providing two quality starting options, and the likely starters alongside Quick are both transfers; Ja'Quay Savage from Texas A&M and Jamari Staples from UAB. Both Savage and Staples go 6-foot-4, which could take away from Quick's red-zone looks, but should also give Quick ample opportunity to work underneath and across the middle. Quick lined up in the slot throughout spring, and snagged seven balls for 127 yards in the spring game. This should be a case where a spring game can and will translate into fall success.

3. Travis Rudolph, WR, Florida State

Simply put, Rudolph is the most likely choice to lead the 'Noles in receiving. He finished third on the team a year ago with 555 yards and four touchdowns, and the team lost its top two receivers in Rashad Greene and Nick O'Leary. Rudolph has drawn comparisons to Greene for his route running ability and similar body type, and the expectation is he will step forward and become the team's top receiver. The transfer of quarterback Everett Gholston eases the blow of Jameis Winston's exit, but the buyer beware comes as it is unknown who will develop immediate chemistry with the team's new passer. Florida State is not short on receiving options, with Ermon Lane and Jesus Wilson returning and freshmen George Campbell and Da'Vante Phillips joining the fold. With that said, Rudolph remains the best choice to lead the team in receiving, which could result in 800+ yards and 6-8 scores.

4. Darius Wade, QB, Boston College

Wade will enter the season as one of two ACC quarterbacks without a career start, joining Duke's Thomas Sirk. Sirk has seen meaningful snaps, however, while Wade is just 3-of-8 for 23 yards in his career. That alone qualifies Wade as a sleeper, as it's likely not many know who he is. Tyler Murphy, last year's starting quarterback for the Eagles, ran for 1,184 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 13 scores and 1,623 yards through the air. Wade will have his growing pains, and a lack of playmakers around him and an inexperienced line initially throw up red flags. But once he's settled in, Wade likely projects as a slightly better passer and slightly lesser runner than Murphy. The easy approach here would be to wait and see how Wade does early, but the first half of the schedule looks like it could allow Wade to get out of the gates quickly. Other than a Sept. 18 matchup with Florida State, Boston College hosts Maine, Howard and Northern Illinois before taking on Duke and Wake Forest.

5. Stacey Coley, WR, Miami

Coley is coming off of a disastrous sophomore campaign that saw him catch just 23 passes for 184 yards, but there is reason for optimism here. First, Miami must replace their top three pass catchers from a year ago, who combined to produce 118 catches, 1,968 yards and 20 touchdowns. The last number is important because quarterback Brad Kaaya threw 26 scores, putting a lot of them up for grabs in 2015 even without likely growth in Kaaya's game. Reports of Coley's attitude and work ethic being much improved have come out of Coral Gables often during the offseason, and he seems to be bonding with new wide receivers coach Kevin Beard, who starred for the 'Canes in the early 2000s. Coley has speed to burn and seems like the most likely option to step into Phillip Dorsett's deep threat role. If Miami would ever use Coley across the middle, there's no reason he can't flirt with 10 scores. The 'Canes still have a lot of options, including Herb Waters, Malcolm Lewis and Rashawn Scott, who is returning from a shoulder injury, but Coley is poised for a bounce back season. And Scott has some deep sleeper appeal in ACC heavy circles.

Bonus: Jacques Patrick, RB, Florida State

This author was previously bullish on Patrick's status for his upcoming freshman season prior to Dalvin Cook's recent legal woes, which have now created what could be the perfect storm for immediate success. The team's perceived backup to Cook, Mario Pender, redshirted as a freshman due to a groin injury and missed five games last season due to various injuries. He was also academically ineligible for the 2013 season, and while he's shown modest flashes, Cook had no trouble bypassing Pender on the depth chart last season, and Patrick likely won't this year. Pender is a change-of-pace option only, while Patrick and his 232-pound frame can score from short distances while also possessing the ability for the home run jaunt. He had a tremendous spring after enrolling early. Patrick had 81 yards rushing and 19 yards receiving during the team's spring game, and was likely to carry value as a backup to Cook. For the time being, the 'Noles are without Cook, which makes Patrick a star in the making.

Others to consider: Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson, Gus Edwards, RB, Miami, J.C. Coleman, RB, Virginia Tech, Marcus Allen/Patrick Skov, RB, Georgia Tech, Quinshad Davis, WR, North Carolina

Fantasy Busts

1. Joe Yearby, RB, Miami

To the casual fan, Yearby is often thought of as the heir apparent, and possibly even the second coming to Duke Johnson. And while Johnson began his Miami career with a similar small build to that of Yearby, the similarities stop there. Yearby has shown no ability to run through contact, albeit in limited opportunities. But that's the least of the red flags surrounding the talented sophomore. Yearby was suspended for the spring game after missing curfew the night before, allowing Gus Edwards to seize the top job heading into camp. Edwards offers much more size and between-the-tackles ability, but also tested with 4.55 speed during the spring. The 'Canes also welcome hotshot freshman Mark Walton to the equation over the summer. Finally, Miami's offensive line is young and inexperienced, and while not short on talent, will need some time to gel once finding the right pairings. Yearby certainly has the talent to live up to lofty expectations, but it seems highly unlikely he even approaches 200 carries. Yearby feels more like a change of pace, home run option than a true top running back.

2. Jonathan Hilliman, RB, Boston College

Hilliman is coming off of an impressive freshman campaign where he ran 210 times for 860 yards and 13 touchdowns. Those numbers are slightly more impressive when knowing he didn't start the year atop the depth chart, and amassed only 12 carries in the first two games. There is no question Hilliman is a top tier talent at running back. He had seven games with 73 yards or more once assuming the starting role, and ran 19 times or more six times, while scoring twice in five games. The concern here is what's in front and to the sides of Hilliman. The Eagles started five seniors on their offensive line last season, all of which have now moved on. As much potential as there is in quarterback Darius Wade, that remains just potential at this point. Add in the lack of proven receivers and Hilliman has an uphill battle for production. There is little doubt he will see as many carries as his body can handle, and volume equals statistics, but should Hilliman build on his freshman stats, he'll have earned every bit of it.

3. Jacoby Brissett, QB, North Carolina State

Brissett threw for 2,606 yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. Those are fine numbers, especially the lack of mistakes, but he simply didn't perform against better competition. Ten of his touchdowns came in the first four games, against the likes of Georgia Southern, Old Dominion, USF and Presbyterian. After that non-conference slate, Brissett had three games with under 85 yards, including a woeful 4-of-18, 35 yard performance against Clemson. The Wolfpack have a similarly soft September of 2015 schedule featuring Troy, Eastern Kentucky, Old Dominion and South Alabama, which makes Brissett a tremendous streaming play for a month, but he won't come recommended for the final two months of the season.

4. Taquan Mizzell, RB, Virginia

Mizzell enters his junior season with the hopes of a breakout year. Gone are Kevin Parks and Khalek Shepherd, who combined for 273 carries, 1,093 yards and six touchdowns a season ago. Mizzell brings a sound 5-foot-11, 200-pound frame and former five-star pedigree to the table, which will certainly entice owners looking for a starting running back late in drafts. The problem is that Mizzell simply hasn't shown much of anything in his time in Charlottesville. In two seasons, he has a total of 109 carries, 464 yards and three touchdowns. He exited spring tied atop the depth chart with Daniel Hamm and the Cavaliers still have no clue who their quarterback will be thanks to a rumored transfer in of former Arizona quarterback Conner Brewer, which won't help keep defenses honest. Further, Virginia's non-conference slate includes UCLA, Boise State and Notre Dame – not exactly what you're looking for in September to build confidence. The opportunity is there for Mizzell, but expecting a true breakout year feels like wishful thinking, though he is a lot more valuable in PPR thanks to his 68 receptions in two years.

5. Ryan Switzer, WR, North Carolina

Switzer could be one of the most dynamic players in the country, and is a joy to watch with the ball in his hands. And the Tar Heels made a great effort to get him the ball more last season, as he saw his catch total rise from 32 to 61, and turned in 757 yards and four touchdowns. Switzer also returned 37 punts, 12 more than as a freshman, but did not return any for scores after doing so five times in his first year in Chapel Hill. The problem for Switzer in fantasy circles is consistency. He had two games last season with eight or nine catches that produced 43 and 39 yards, respectively. He turned in five games with 39 yards or less and the Tar Heels spread the ball around quite a bit offensively, returning their top four receivers from a year ago, all of whom had at least 35 catches and 455 yards. Switzer is fun to watch, but can be a headache to own, and it's hard to see his stat line taking another leap forward.

Team-by-Team Fantasy Stars (Overall ranking listed parenthetically)

Boston College

RB Jonathan Hilliman (48)

Clemson

QB Deshaun Watson (18), WR Mike Williams (19), WR Artavis Scott (20), WR Deon Cain (153)

Duke

QB Thomas Sirk (31), WR Max McCaffrey (114), TE Braxton Deaver (24)

Florida State

QB Everett Golson (32), ~~RB Dalvin Cook (28)~~, WR Travis Rudolph (78), WR Ermon Lane (155), WR Ja'Vonn Harrison (170), WR Jesus Wilson (183), TE Mavin Saunders (33)