No. 1. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College
2010 stats: As a sophomore, Kuechly led the nation in tackles (183) and solo stops (110). He has registered 10 or more tackles in 22 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the nation. Last year he had 10.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.
Previous ranking: No. 4
Making the case for Kuechly: He has already made a case for being one of the best defenders in the country, and he did it in just two seasons. Recognized last year as a consensus All-American, Kuechly reached the 200 tackle mark faster than any other player in school history. He is the only player in school history to reach 300 tackles in his first two seasons, and is a candidate for this year’s ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He is more than just a tackle machine, though. He is an instinctive player who finds the ball and continues to put in the work to become even better. He can make game-changing plays and find the ball, and is the heart and face of the Boston College defense.
No. 2 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 3 Jayron Hosley, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 4 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
No. 5. Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
No. 6 Donte Paige-Moss, DE, North Carolina
No. 7 Andrew Datko, LT, Florida State
No. 8 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 9 Kenny Tate, LB, Maryland
No. 10 David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech
No. 11 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
No. 12 Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State
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
