Conference play has kicked into high gear around the country. With Week 7 set to kick off, here are five players in the ACC to circle all over Saturday’s slate of football.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
vs. Stanford
What To Look For: A matchup vs. Elic Ayomanor is ‘good on good.’ And for Benjamin Morrison, the rest of the campaign will be looked upon as an opportunity to solidify his first-round projection. One of the country’s elite cover corners, Morrison has allowed just 12 catches on 27 targets against so far this year.
Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
vs. No. 11 Notre Dame
What To Look For: It’ll be a test for Ayomanor this week, but if Stanford eyes an upset in South Bend, it’ll weigh largely on his ability to win isolated matchups. The aforementioned Morrison will likely shadow him throughout the afternoon, making things tough, but that’s how things are in the NFL, where Ayomanor projects as a future contributor. More is needed from the longtime Cardinal contributor moving forward.
Jasheen Davis, EDGE, Wake Forest
vs. No. 10 Clemson
What To Look For: One of the ACC’s leaders in pressures through six weeks, Jasheen Davis has an excellent opportunity on his hands this week. By no means does he need to record multiple sacks and upward of a handful of pressures, but good consistency and push on high-leverage downs will allow his stock to continue to rise. Setting the edge in the ground game will be important as well against RB Phil Mafah and Co.
Xavier Carlton, EDGE, California
vs. No. 22 Pitt
What To Look For: With 21 pressures already this fall, Xavier Carlton has found his footing in the 2024 campaign. A week after recording three pressures and a sack against QB Cam Ward and the Miami Hurricanes, Carlton’s ability to push the pocket on high-leverage downs will continue to move the needle a bit on his projection down the road. In totality, Carlton checks off a few of the boxes teams look for in potential day-three rotational pass rushers.
Antonio Clary, SAF, Virginia
vs. Louisville
What To Look For: Jonas Sanker gets all the attention on the backend for the Cavs, but Antonio Clary has done an excellent job in his own right so far this fall. He’s a sure tackler when asked to work downhill, but as the primary free safety, Clary has been excellent roaming hash to hash giving up just six catches on 13 targets. Louisville likes to sling it around the yard, and Clary’s range will be tested this week against the likes of Ja’Corey Brooks and Caullin Lacy.
