No. 15. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

2011 stats: Coples led the Tar Heels in both tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (7.5). He had 55 total tackles -- fourth-best on the team. He ranks fourth in the country among active players with 24 career sacks and leaves Chapel Hill with 144 total tackles, five forced fumbles, 22 quarterback hurries and four pass breakups.

Previous ranking: No. 2

Making the case for Coples: When 15.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks is considered a “down year,” you’re definitely one of the best players in the country, not just the ACC. This list isn’t about NFL potential, though Coples certainly has oodles of that, it’s about what the players did in 2011, and even in the face of double-teams he was effective as a pass-rusher. He has quick hands and feet, a strong upper body, and does a good job of shedding blocks.

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