No. 16. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia
2010 numbers: He started all 12 games and finished No. 2 in the ACC and No. 5 nationally with six interceptions. He finished eighth on the team with 48 tackles, broke up four passes and had half a sack.
Previous ranking: No. 16
Making the case for Minnifield: Not only does Minnifield soak up his film study time, but he also takes pictures and videos of formations and plays with his iPhone and sends them to his dad for an extra analysis. (His father, Frank, was a Pro Bowl cornerback for Cleveland, from 1984-92). He’s got talent, but a lot of his success comes from his preparation. At ACC media days last month, Minnifield was doing pushups and situps in his room instead of hanging out with other players. His work ethic -- not his interceptions -- is what will continue to separate him. He is less concerned with how many interceptions he has and more focused on how few catches his opponent gets.
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
