Conference play has kicked into high gear around the country. With Week 9 set to kick off, here are five players in the ACC to circle all over Saturday’s slate of football.
Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
@ No. 6 Miami
What To Look For: An under-the-radar name to the public, Azareye’h Thomas can flat-out cover on the outside. Whether he’s in zone, or in press-man (where he’s best), Thomas has the length, instincts, quickness, and awareness to keep wideouts in his hip pocket. The Seminoles as a whole haven’t met expectations this fall, but Thomas is a name that continues to ascend on boards. His success against Cam Ward and the Hurricanes’ passing attack will hold weight in the eyes of NFL teams in need of starting perimeter talent.
Fadil Diggs, EDGE, Syracuse
@ No. 19 Pitt
What To Look For: The team leader in pressures through eight weeks (14), a trip to Pittsburgh will be Fadil Diggs’ biggest test of 2024 thus far. A transfer from Texas A&M after four years spent in the SEC, Diggs’ ability to not only push the pocket but set the edge on early downs at 261 pounds will assist in finalizing his evaluation as a fifth-year senior.
Ja’Corey Brooks, WR, Louisville
@ Boston College
What To Look For: A former 5-star prep athlete and the No. 2 WR recruit in the 2021 class, Ja’Corey Brooks has found his footing in the ACC after three seasons of limited production at Alabama. In just seven games so far this fall, Brooks has reached a new career high in receiving yards (679), with eight trips to the end zone (first in the ACC). He's gone over the 100-yard plateau in three of his past five outings and sits only second to Miami WR Xavier Restrepo (686) in total receiving yards through the first eight weeks of action.
There's a reason why he was so highly touted out of high school, and Brooks has begun to put it together in 2024. Another good week up in Chestnut Hill will see his stock continue to rise in a WR class that remains up in the air.
Aeneas Peebles, DL, Virginia Tech
vs. Georgia Tech
Virginia Tech is loaded with draftable talent this fall. Positive reviews from across the league this summer.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) July 20, 2024
• CB Mansoor Delane
• WR Jaylin Layne
• CB Dorian Strong
• QB Kyron Drones
• DL Aeneas Peebles
• WR Da’Quan Felton
• ED Antwaun Powell-Ryland
• WR Ali Jennings…
What To Look For: I mentioned Aeneas Peebles back in July, and through eight weeks of ball, he’s opened eyes around the country. A transfer from Duke, Peebles has become one of the ACC’s most formidable interior defensive linemen due to his vertical push and pass-rush repertoire. He’s got some twitch to his game at 290 pounds and enters Week 9 against the Yellow Jackets with 11 pressures in his last three weeks combined (Miami, Stanford, Boston College).
Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
@ Virginia Tech
What To Look For: One of the country’s most willing runners at the quarterback position, studying Haynes King’s ability as a passer this week will be huge as a player who sits as a fringe draft pick at this stage in the evaluation process. Virginia Tech (see above) has draftable talents littered throughout their defense, and while King will use his legs to expand a playbook as he always does (when healthy), his ability to target the likes of Malik Rutherford and Eric Singleton Jr downfield will be key if Georgia Tech wants to earn a tough road win at Lane Stadium.