No. 12. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
2010 stats: He started all 14 games at boundary corner as a redshirt freshman. He tied for the team lead with 12 pass breakups and four interceptions for 16 passes defended, which led all freshmen nationally. He was seventh on the team with 58 tackles and he also had 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. He had two fumble recoveries.
Previously ranked: Not ranked.
Making the case for Rhodes: He was named the ACC’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, and he’s a rookie no more. Rhodes will build off of what was arguably one of the best seasons by a freshman at Florida State. At 6-foot-2, he’s a big physical corner with speed who can change directions quickly and also has good hands and ball skills. Some of his best plays were made in the clutch last season (interception in the end zone against Clemson). He uses his size to his advantage and will continue to disrupt passing games, but his ability to play close to the line of scrimmage also makes him a threat to get into opponents’ backfields.
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
