Conference play has kicked into high gear around the country. With Week 10 set to kick off, here are five players in the ACC to circle all over Saturday’s slate of football.
Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
vs. Louisville
What To Look For: Cade Klubnik has been one of the country’s most improved players at the position. A former highly recruited talent at the prep level, Klubnik has led the Tigers to an undefeated ACC record (5-0) through nine weeks to the tune of 24 total touchdowns (pass/run). Another good week against Louisville will see his stock continue to rise.
Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU
vs. No. 18 Pitt
What To Look For: Elijah Chatman was a hit for the Giants in the 2024 Draft, and another athlete with the same forename is a prospect to know this fall. Elijah Roberts currently leads the ACC in pressures (41) behind a powerful frame that can lift opponents off their feet (see Stanford tape).
Ja’Corey Brooks, WR, Louisville
@ Clemson
What To Look For: A former five-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. He's gone over the 100-yard plateau in four of his past five outings and another good performance at a game that is expected to have a long list of scouts in attendance will hold weight.
There's a reason why he was so highly touted out of high school, and Brooks has begun to put it together in 2024.
Payton Page, DL, Clemson
vs. Louisville
What To Look For: The numbers haven’t been there yet for Payton Page, but this is a nod toward recent discussions with scouts. Teams have remained impressed with his blend of twitch and power at 310 pounds, introducing a highly intriguing performance floor. It seems like every year Clemson has a few names to know within the front seven, and Page is a name to note as the season progresses. After failing to record a pressure in the first three weeks, Page has nine pressures and nine QB hurries in the last month of play.
Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke
@ No. 5 Miami
What To Look For: I’m excited to see Vincent Anthony Jr. again this week. Duke’s leader in pressures (27) through nine weeks, Anthony will enjoy his biggest spotlight this fall with a matchup against the high-powered Hurricanes. Considering his size (6-foot-5, 260 pounds) and twitch, Anthony Jr. has quickly become a name to know. He’s also a highly intelligent young man who is currently double-majoring at Duke.