No. 9. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
2011 stats: He had 77 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and tied for a team-high 18 quarterback pressures in 722 snaps over 14 games (13 starts). He was fourth on the team in tackles.
Previous ranking: Not ranked.
Making the case for Thompson: He was one of the top defensive tackle prospects in the country, and you know a guy can plug the middle when his nickname is “Yams” for his big thighs. He was a great run-stopper for Clemson, and was a leader and permanent team co-captain. He’s a powerful hitter, a tough player and has quick hands and feet.
No. 10 Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina
No. 11 Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
No. 12 Blake DeChristopher, OT, Virginia Tech
No. 13 Shawn Powell, P, Florida State
No. 14 Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina
No. 15 Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
No. 16 Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
No. 17 Sean Spence, LB, Miami
No. 18 Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State
No. 19 Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
No. 20 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
No. 21 Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest
No. 22 Terrell Manning, LB, NC State
No. 23 Matt Conrath, DT, Virginia
No. 24 Omoregie Uzzi, RG, Georgia Tech
No. 25 Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State
