Top players in the league? Best road trips? Weirdest plays? ACC player survey (2024)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — We asked nearly 30 players from around the ACC a variety of football-related questions to get a sense of which opponents they respect the most, which road environments are the best, what they thought of the ending of the Miami–Georgia Tech game and more.

Let’s get to it.

If you could steal a player off any roster in college football and put him on your team, who would it be and why?

Syracuse defensive back Justin Barron: Tyler Van Dyke, Wisconsin. My high school quarterback.

Georgia Tech defensive lineman Zeek Biggers: The wide receiver from South Carolina in the video game has, like, a 99 speed (sophom*ore Nyck Harbor). Probably him.

Virginia defensive lineman Kam Butler: Give me that boy (Mason) Graham from Michigan, the D-tackle. We’d put him at three-technique and put Jah Carter at nose. Two monsters in the middle. That’s what I want.

Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels: Isaiah Bond, the Texas receiver, was my receiver in high school. I’ve always had an outstanding connection with him. If we could have him and Elic (Ayomanor), we’d have a pretty damn good offense.

Wake Forest defensive lineman Jasheen Davis: I’d honestly just keep the players we have. I feel like you’ve got to trust the process.

Syracuse edge rusher Fadil Diggs: One of my closest friends, like family, Jihaad Campbell. He’s at Alabama. We’ve known each other from around the way. It would be playing with another brother just like my brothers at Syracuse.

Florida State defensive lineman Joshua Farmer: (Colorado’s) Travis Hunter. Just because he could play both sides of the ball.

Wake Forest offensive lineman DeVonte Gordon: Travis Hunter.

Georgia Tech running back Jamal Haynes: I’d steal Travis Hunter. He played at Collins Hill, I played at Grayson — both in Gwinnett County (Georgia). That’s something people wouldn’t be able to stop: Jamal Haynes and Travis Hunter. That would be ridiculous.

Duke quarterback Grayson Loftis: I’m gonna go sleeper. His name is Nathan Johnson. He’s a freshman All-American edge rusher at Appalachian State. He’s making a lot of noise.

SMU tight end RJ Maryland: Big Mason Graham, Michigan D-tackle. He’s a force.

Miami linebacker Kiko Mauigoa: Travis Hunter. He’s just a freakish athlete overall. He can play offense, defense, get up and catch a ball over his head.

Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord: Travis Hunter. His diversity, we could use him on offense and defense. Some of the plays he makes, it’s a little unfair.

Pittsburgh safety Donovan McMillon: I’d go get my best friend, (ex-Florida linebacker) Scooby Williams. He transferred to Texas A&M. I’d love for him to be in Pittsburgh and play with him again. Hopefully, we will play together again in the future.

Duke receiver Jordan Moore: I want my boy (former Duke running back) Jordan Waters back (from NC State). Selfishly, he was one of my greatest friends. We’d go fishing together. He’s so funny. He was there when I got to college.

Virginia quarterback Tony Muskett: (Colorado’s) Shedeur Sanders. He’s not gonna play. But I think he’d be a good personality to be around. We’d have the music playing, and it would be fun.

Cal running back Jaydn Ott: I want (USC receiver) Zachariah Branch. I went to high school with him at (Las Vegas Bishop) Gorman. That guy is a dog.

Virginia Tech defensive lineman Antwaun Powell-Ryland: Travis Hunter. That man is a cheat code in that game. He plays corner and receiver.

SMU defensive lineman Elijah Roberts: They’re not in college anymore, but I’d say (former Miami safeties) James Williams or Kam Kinchens. Those guys loved ball. They’d be in the facility from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SMU quarterback Preston Stone: That’s a great question. Out of the guys we played against last year, (linebacker) Danny Stutsman from Oklahoma. He was really good.

NC State defensive tackle Davin Vann: I feel like Travis Hunter’s a good pick, just because he’s a dual threat. He can play offense and defense.

Florida State offensive lineman Darius Washington: Nobody. I’ll take my team as is every day just because of the people we have on our team and the relationships we have. I don’t need anybody added. Our team is set already. Why try to add somebody else?

Cal safety Craig Woodson: In the video game, I’d take Travis Hunter. He’s a cheat code. In real life, whoever the best D-tackle is in the nation. I’m gonna take him because we need a pass rush so the back-end guys can eat.

Who is the best offensive player in the ACC not on your team?

Barron: The first one that came to mind was (Clemson running back) Phil Mafah for me. Just that big power back, hard to tackle, hard to wrap around.

Biggers: Florida State’s center (Maurice Smith) is pretty good. I only really watch interior offensive linemen. If I had to pick a running back, North Carolina’s (Omarion Hampton).

Butler: I don’t want to say it, but V-Tech’s quarterback (Kyron Drones) is really good. I don’t want him on my team, though. I’d take (Miami quarterback) Cam Ward.

Daniels: (Clemson quarterback) Cade Klubnik. He’s a guy I really look up to because he’s so rooted in his faith with the Lord. That’s something I respect so much. We have that connection, know each other from camps and keep in touch.

Davis: (NC State’s Kevin) Concepcion. He loves the game of football. He’s fast. He doesn’t talk too much trash.

Diggs: I don’t really know his name, but No. 7 for Miami (wide receiver Xavier Restrepo). I respect how he plays the game. He plays hard and is a great athlete. Give him his props. He’s a good player.

North Carolina linebacker Power Echols: No. 7 from Miami (Restrepo) was good. And obviously Kevin Concepcion from NC State. I know his name because we went to the same high school.

Farmer: My buddy at Miami: Cam Ward. I’m looking forward to playing him — big time.

Haynes: I’m a wide receiver guy. I have to go with Restrepo. He’s a very good slot receiver. He knows how to get open. I really respect his game.

Loftis: Jordan Waters at NC State. Little bit of a cop-out answer since he was here last year.

Clemson running back Phil Mafah: Daejon Reynolds — he plays (wide receiver) at Pitt. I’d say that just because he was my teammate at Grayson (High), and I just love that dude. I love his work, and he’s always encouraged me, and I just want to see him do great.

Maryland: Miami receiver Xavier Restrepo. I met him on my official visit to Miami when I was a junior. He wasn’t my host — Elijah Arroyo and Jake Garcia were — but he’s a great player.

Mauigoa: Concepcion. He’s an explosive individual. He runs his routes very good. When he gets the ball, he’s dangerous. He has the vision to see the whole field. That’s rare to find. He plays running back, receiver and does the wildcat. I think he’s a really good player with a bright future.

McMillon: I watched Cal’s running back (Ott) and really like his game. It’s gonna be a great experience to play him. Of the guys I’ve already played in the league, the running back for North Carolina (Hampton) and Virginia Tech’s quarterback (Drones). People don’t give the ACC enough credit. It’s a great competition.

Clemson safety R.J. Mickens: I really respect DJ (Uiagalelei). He was my roommate (at Clemson), and he’s been through a lot. Just seeing all that he’s overcome and the man he is today — we still keep in touch. He’s just a great person, a great human. I know he got a lot of hate and stuff, but he’s really done good and bought in and did good things at Oregon State, and I think he’s in for a good year. He’s a really good friend.

Muskett: Cam Ward is a great player. He was at Incarnate Word when I was at Monmouth. We were both finalists for the best FCS freshman. He’ll have a good year at Miami.

Powell-Ryland: NC State’s Concepcion. He’s a baller. He’s got something about him. Good kid.

Miami offensive tackle Jalen Rivers: Kyron Drones from Virginia Tech. I’ve got respect for him.

Roberts: (Louisville running back) Donald Chaney. People kind of forget about him, but Don Chaney is a really good player. He’s 205, solid, can run, move. I’m excited to see what he does at Louisville.

North Carolina defensive lineman Kaimon Rucker: Phil Mafah, the running back from Clemson. I respect him a lot, man. He’s a very strong runner, and with him and Will Shipley last year, they were a two-headed monster at running back. Having a chance to go against him was definitely a treat. I would definitely say Clemson was one of the toughest, most physical games I’ve played in college, so with him leading the charge, it did not make things any easier.

Duke defensive back Jaylen Stinson: I’ll give it to the guy at NC State (Kevin Concepcion). He’s a dog. I respect him. He was also a nice guy.

Stone: I’m a big fan of (Clemson quarterback) Cade Klubnik. He’s an absolute baller. I’m looking forward to watching him play.

NC State running back Jordan Waters: Omarion (Hampton). I’ve talked to him a couple times. He’s one of the most quiet guys in the world, but he’s all about his business. I like him.

Woodson: Cam Ward. I’m looking forward to it because we’re playing Miami. But secondly, I want to get a pick off him. I should’ve had one against him last year (when Ward was at Washington State), and I didn’t take the chance on the play.

Who is the best defensive player in the ACC not on your team?

Butler: (Rueben) Bain from Miami is really good, and Louisville defensive end (Ashton Gillotte).

Daniels: Barrett Carter from Clemson. They have always had a great defensive line. Their guys up front are great. It’s gonna be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.

Davis: The dude at Louisville, the defensive end (Gillotte). He’s physical. The quickest way from A to B is through someone. That’s the style he plays. I respect that.

Echols: Last year, before he transferred to Nebraska, (linebacker) Stefon Thompson from Syracuse. That’s my guy.

Farmer: Rueben Bain.

Gordon: Virginia Tech’s Antwaun Powell-Ryland. He was really good last year. There’s a lot of good defensive linemen in this conference. He’s got my respect, for sure.

Haynes: Barrett Carter, linebacker at Clemson. Very good guy. Great player as well. He went to North Gwinnett (Ga.) High School. I really respect his game.

Loftis: (Defensive lineman) Aeneas Peebles at Virginia Tech, who played with me here. You said not on your team, and he’s not on our current roster.

Mafah: I’ll say Rucker from UNC. He’s just a great person, driven by Christ, and I love the way he plays honestly. Just a great guy in general.

Maryland: All of Florida State’s D-linemen. All of them. They always have great D-linemen every year. That’s definitely one game that would be fun to play.

Mauigoa: The defensive end from Louisville (Gillotte). I’ve seen his film, and he has a lot of pass-rushing moves in his toolbox. That’s very important to have in a defensive lineman. He can pass rush and play the run. He’s a special player.

McMillon: I’d go with Antwaun Powell-Ryland from Virginia Tech. He’s lights out, a highlight player who makes plays all over the field. He had a strip-sack against us last year.

Mickens: My boy Jonathan McGill, safety at SMU. He’s a really good player, came from Stanford. He’s really smart, really instinctual. Flies around and makes plays. Just a really good player. I’m excited for him this year.

Ott: I don’t know any ACC defensive players. I’m not gonna lie. I’ll find out soon in the scouting report.

Powell-Ryland: Pittsburgh safety Donovan McMillon. That’s my old teammate (at Florida). I’ve seen him grow from a young guy to a guy who makes plays. It’s definitely good to see.

Rivers: I went up against him last year: Louisville’s Gillotte. Going into that game, he was already at the top of the list in terms of pressure. He reminds me of Rueben Bain. He’s very quick and savvy. He has countermoves. He gave us enough trouble.

Roberts: Miami’s Rueben Bain. Being a freshman and having the kind of impact he had last year, people don’t understand how hard that is. He was 18, 19 years old and making plays like he was 25.

Rucker: Ashton Gillotte, the defensive end for Louisville. He’s a dog, man. I definitely get a lot of push from him, because I know me and him were basically going at it for the top spot in the ACC edge rushing list. I know he beat me in sacks last year, but it’s all friendly competition at the end of it. We both are trying to make it to the next level, so it’s a friendly competition, and I’m rooting for him just as much as he’s rooting for me.

Stinson: One of my teammates from last year who left us: Aeneas Peebles (now at Virginia Tech). He’s for sure a dog, puts the work in.

Stone: R.J. Mickens for Clemson. We grew up playing with each other in Southlake (Texas). We don’t play Clemson, but I’d say R.J.

Vann: Those boys from Florida State on defense, their D-Line.

Waters: No. 0 from Clemson (linebacker Barrett Carter). He’s a dog. He can play.

Is there a road environment in the ACC you’ve previously enjoyed or are looking forward to?

Barron: NC State. That’s a fun road environment to play in because they’re usually pretty loud. It’s a tough place to win, and they do a good job keeping it like that all season.

Biggers: It’s always fun playing at Virginia Tech. “Enter Sandman.” That’s hard. The crowd is rocking.

Butler: This upcoming season, Notre Dame. I’ve been to a game there but haven’t played there. Clemson, for sure. And Coastal Carolina. I played on gray turf. Now I want to play on teal turf.

Diggs: I heard NC State is pretty loud, and that’s where we go on the road. That’s a good fan base to play in front of.

Echols: We play Boston College in the cold. I want to see what that’s like in November. Then, obviously, the first game: at Minnesota on Fox. That’ll be awesome.

Gordon: It gets rocking at NC State. It gets really loud. As much as you hate the noise, people get loud.

Haynes: Louisville is one of those environments I look forward to. I also have to give it to Syracuse in the dome.

Loftis: Florida State. That was really cool. Just standing on the sideline was really neat.

Maryland: I really wanted to play at Florida State, but they’re coming to Dallas. That would be a great environment to play in. I was playing at FSU in (EA Sports College Football), and it was crazy in the game. I’m sure it’s crazy in real life.

Mauigoa: There’s one I wish I could play at: Virginia Tech. I’ve seen a lot of videos and hype about it. I kind of want to experience that, but I don’t think I’ll get to. It’s a cool environment.

McCord: I’ve never been to a lot of the schools. I heard NC State is a really good environment. Cal should be fun, going out to the West Coast for the first time.

McMillon: I’d say Virginia Tech. I went there while I was being recruited. “Enter Sandman” was ridiculous. Being able to play there was an amazing experience. This year, I wish we could’ve played at Clemson. SMU should be a fun game to play, and Louisville should also be a fun experience.

Mickens: Probably Virginia Tech. I’m excited for that. I got to play there back in 2020. It was COVID, and I didn’t really play that much — it was my freshman year. But it was really cold, and the stadium was awesome. The campus looked beautiful. And I’ve heard really good things about that stadium, so I’m excited to play there.

Moore: Virginia Tech. “Enter Sandman” is so dope.

Muskett: Clemson. Notre Dame. Virginia Tech. We’ve got a lot of good road games.

Ott: Florida State. I heard it’s lit over there.

Powell-Ryland: Louisville. Florida State is cool, too. I just hate that chant they got.

Rivers: I love playing at Florida State. That rivalry is unmatched. The other would be Clemson.

Roberts: Louisville. I went there my freshman year during COVID and missed the crowds.

Rucker: Florida State. I know we went there my freshman year, but that was when COVID was a thing, and even if they only had a quarter of the stadium, it was still rocking. So I would only imagine how it’s going to be with a full-capacity crowd. So, I’m definitely looking forward to going to Tallahassee and playing Florida State in their crib.

Stone: Louisville. It’s the most packed environment we have this year.

Waters: Clemson. We all know how it gets. I’ve never experienced it yet, but we all know how Death Valley goes. I can’t wait to go there.

Woodson: Florida State. I know the environment is gonna be crazy. I’m looking forward to getting over there.

What’s the weirdest play you’ve been part of?

Daniels: Elic’s (Ayomanor) 97-yard slant against Colorado. I’d never thrown a 97-yard touchdown pass. That was extremely cool.

Echols: When we were playing Oregon and (former UNC linebacker) Cedric (Gray) to start off the second half, he shot the gap, like, right after we came out for the second half, and he de-cleated the running back. I was hyped after that play.

Mafah: I would honestly say a play that got me going for real was when we played Miami and (Clemson tight end) Jake Briningstool got a fade ball to the end zone and he just grabbed it out the air. That was amazing, honestly, and we needed it at that time, so I’d say that play.

McMillon: Drake Maye’s left-handed touchdown pass. We had him locked up, defenders on him. He pulled out a left-handed throw. First-rounder. He was a fun guy to play against.

Mickens: 2021 Florida State, lateral, and my man Barrett Carter scores at the end. You know, a lot of people were upset about the Vegas lines or whatever because he scored, but that play was definitely the craziest. It was like a hook-and-ladder, whatever. They threw it to him, and he got it, scooped it up and scored. That was awesome.

Rucker: I’m gonna date this back a couple years ago. At App State, when they drove down the field, they ran a little RPO kind of play, and Chase Brice decided he wanted to tuck and run it. And I was on the whole opposite side, and I managed to come back around and have me and Noah Taylor — the outside linebacker at the time — me and him gang-tackled him at the 1-yard line to save the game. That was definitely a play. That’s something that’s going to be in my archives and a core memory for me as long as I live.

What were you thinking about when you saw Miami running the ball and not taking a knee against Georgia Tech last year?

Barron: So, here’s a bad story. I texted (former Miami quarterback) Tyler (Van Dyke) before — like, when they got the ball back and I thought the game was over. I was like, “Great game, what a great win.” And then that backfired and I had to un-send the text. That was right after Apple added the feature of being able to un-send texts, so he never saw it. But I told him that after. No, that’s on coaching, 100 percent. They’re the ones calling the play, and the quarterback, if you’re going to change the play, especially in that situation, you don’t want to be the one who was wrong with the game on the line. It’s tough.

Biggers: A couple seconds left, I saw them running the ball. I’m like, “What are they really doing?” I thought they were gonna take a knee. I’m like, “Wow, they ran the ball.” We executed, got the ball out. Haynes King threw the touchdown. It was electric. We had great momentum after that.

Haynes: Before the guy fumbled, I looked at my teammates and told them he was gonna fumble and get your helmets ready. I called it. I was jumping out of my seat. I wasn’t even in the game for the touchdown. I saw how (Georgia Tech wide receiver) Christian Leary came off the ball, and I knew he was gonna score. It was a surreal moment. It’s one I’ll never forget.

(Top photos of Kevin Concepcion, Ashton Gillotte: William Howard, Jamie Rhodes / USA Today)