This year is the first in recent history all awards feel like they’re finally up for grabs with Mr. Lamar Jackson, who won the ACC player of the year award in 2016 and 2017, entering the NFL draft. The ACC has a rich history of football and I’m here to break down another yearly installment for all of you football guys out there so you don’t have to hurt your brains.
ACC Offensive Player of the Year – A.J. Dillion/RB/Boston College
Dillion comes into the 2018 season after winning the ACC freshmen of the year award while gaining 1589 yards on the ground. He also scored 14 touchdowns on the ground but what is shocking to me is that he didn’t even catch one ball all last year! A.J. needs to get a couple of workouts with another former ACC running back in Gio Bernard and learn how to catch out of the backfield. If Dillion can learn to be a double threat in the backfield his stock will only rise.
I mean… pic.twitter.com/a01xMZLBtD
— Magnus Bendixen (@BendixenNFL) May 8, 2018
ACC Defensive Player of the Year – Clelin Ferrell/DE/Clemson
I would probably get in trouble of I didn’t include one Clemson player in this award preview, and luckily Ferrell looks to be this year’s Bradley Chubb. Ferrell ended last year with 9.5 sacks just behind Chubb who had 10. A big help for Ferrell, as I noted in my other article about pro prospects, is having Dexter Lawerence and Christian Wilkins back, which will force quarterbacks outside and allow Ferrell to make plays all season long.
Clelin Ferrell is one of those rare specimens that can play in any defense. I shudder at the thought of what Vic Fangio could do with him and Floyd on the field together. #Bears pic.twitter.com/SXAUDAb1F2
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) July 23, 2018
Coach of the Year – Dabo Swinney/Clemson
I’m putting Dabo here because this man should win it every year but was robbed last year because of a stupid chain. I expect Clemson to win the ACC again this year so because of that I’m going with him. No reason to beat around the bush here, he is the best in the conference.
Most improved player – Anthony Brown/QB/Boston College
Brown missed some time at the end of last season due to an injury but put up respectable numbers as a redshirt freshman. I expect him to have a great season with my pick for offensive player of the year A.J. Dillion dictating the usual pace of Boston College football. He was also learning from some guy named Tom this offseason.
It was great having Tom Brady on campus. He spent a few minutes chatting with @BCFootball QB Anthony Brown and @BCCoachLoeffler during his visit. @BCEagles pic.twitter.com/UgBjGlL9pX
— Matthew Conway (@MConwayBC) July 22, 2018
This “Tom” character also won the NFL most improved player in 2011 so it just makes sense.
X-Factor Award – Joe Giles-Harris/LB/Duke
The reason I chose to pick Joe Giles-Harris was because he has two last names which means he is essentially two players in one. Giles-Harris has had 232 total tackles in the two seasons he’s played for the Blue Devils but what stands out is the 25.5 tackles for loss in that time. I expect him to be a household name after this season… even though he plays at a basketball school.
Alex Moran Award – Trevor Lawrence/QB/Clemson
Lawerence will be behind Kelly Bryant for most of the year until Dabo realizes Trevor should be the guy. Every girl is going to want to get with the second coming of Peyton Manning and collect child support so be careful Trevor. However, go nuts because you are going to be the king of Clemson for the next 3-4 years. Ever watch Remember The Titans…. Sunshine.
Will Trevor Lawrence start this year at #Clemson? We will see but I know one thing…the kid has a live arm. 😷 #JPsSickSeconds pic.twitter.com/DTPdYrC37W
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) July 16, 2018
Legacy Award – Asante Samuel Jr/CB/Florida State
His father won two Super Bowls and made four pro bowls, so if Samuel Jr can bring some of that pedigree to Florida State it would be fantastic. Not sure if he will even play this year but his name will certainly ring a bell in all football fans’ brains.
Shot(s) Award – Ricky Aguayo/K/Florida State
Nothing is more stressful then watching a kicker, Aguayo’s brother was a great kicker but all of a sudden lost it when he got to the league. Same thing is gonna happen to Ricky. You will need a shot ready every time this guy lines up to kick a field goal. Those fraternity guys may have really gotten to him.
Why did you Transfer Award – Ricky Town/QB/Pittsburgh
Ricky Town has almost completed his power five journey. He is now at Pittsburgh in the ACC after being at USC (Pac-12) and Arkansas (SEC). What makes this confusing is that Kenny Pickett, who was the quarterback to lead Pitt to the win over Miami last year, looks to be the starter. I just don’t understand why he would transfer once again to a school that has a starter set in stone.
ex #USC QB Ricky Town to transfer to #Arkansas, according to espn.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 21, 2015
I guess third time is the charm right?
Feel free to tweet at me on twitter, or comment down below. Always looking to interact with football fans. And keep coming back to Student Union Sports for more articles form me and the rest of these talented content pushers.