No. 14. Kenny Tate, S, Maryland
2010 numbers: He was seventh in the ACC and second on the team with 100 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and a league-high four forced fumbles. He also had one fumble recovery.
Previous ranking: Not ranked.
Making the case for Tate: He was named the team’s defensive MVP and was one of the most improved players in the ACC in 2010. He became the first Maryland defensive back to reach 100 tackles since Tony Jackson had 101 in 2000. Much like Clemson’s DeAndre McDaniel, Tate’s game went beyond interceptions. He made other game-changing plays and was instrumental in Don Brown’s attacking-style defense.
The countdown:
No. 15 DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
No. 16 Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
No. 17 Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 18 T.J. Yates, QB, North Carolina
No. 19 Alex Wujciak, LB, Maryland
No. 20 Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson
No. 21 Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson
No. 22 Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech
No. 23 Brandon Washington, OL, Miami
No. 24 George Bryan, TE, NC State
No. 25 Conner Vernon, WR, Duke
