David M. Hale 9y

ACC's all-breakout team: Offense

Last week, the ACC announced its preseason all-conference team, but those selections are bound to change dramatically by year's end. With that in mind, we've put together our All-Breakout selections for the ACC, made up entirely of players we think can emerge as stars in 2015, despite failing to receive a single vote in the conference’s preseason balloting.

First up, the offense.

QB -- Chad Voytik, Pittsburgh

Voytik's lack of votes was probably more about the competition. The ACC is loaded at quarterback. But between his obvious growth down the stretch last season and the wealth of weapons at his disposal and there's reason to think Voytik will be among the ACC's elite by the end of the season.

RB -- Patrick Skov, Georgia Tech

The Stanford transfer has only been on campus a few weeks, so perhaps we're projecting him a bit high. After all, he isn’t even the projected starter at B-back yet. The lack of experience shouldn’t be a concern, though, considering Paul Johnson's history. B-backs Zach Laskey and Synjyn Days combined for nearly 1,800 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns last season.

RB -- Taquan Mizzell, Virginia

C

The hype has been high for Mizzell since he arrived at UVA, but he’s yet to really break through. With the Cavaliers' backfield in transition, however, this should be the year. Mizzell's athleticism makes him a dual threat (39 receptions in 2014, tops by an ACC RB), and he could emerge as the centerpiece of Virginia's offense.

WR -- Ricky Jeune, Georgia Tech

There’s no question the Yellow Jackets have a star at QB, but who is he going to throw to? With DeAndre Smelter and Darren Waller (combined 61 catches, 1,157 yards, 13 TD last year) gone, the 6-foot-3 Jeune is an inviting target in an offense that prioritizes physicality at receiver.

WR -- Bra'Lon Cherry, NC State

With the loss of Bo Hines this offseason, there's a need for a receiver to step up. Cherry is the most experienced candidate, and his skill set -- 13.1 yards-per-catch last season -- make him a likely bet to be Jacoby Brissett's top target.

TE -- Mavin Saunders, Florida State

He’s not even atop FSU’s depth chart at tight end right now, but the 6-foot-6 Saunders had a nice spring and showed potential to develop into an exceptional receiver. The Seminoles might not have one sure-fire replacement for Nick O'Leary, but look for Saunders to get a lot of looks in the passing game.

OT -- Mitch Hyatt, Clemson

It’s never a good sign when a contending team starts a true freshman at left tackle, but Hyatt's emergence isn't just about need for Clemson. He was the No. 2-ranked tackle in the 2015 recruiting class, and teammates raved about his progress this spring.

OT -- Bentley Spain, North Carolina

There was a point last spring when it looked like Spain, then a true freshman, would win the starting tackle job. That never materialized, but his talent was undeniable. Now he’s poised for a breakthrough on a unit that returns all but one starter from last season.

OG -- Augie Conte, Virginia Tech

It’s Wyatt Teller that started the hype for a turnaround on the Hokies' line, but Conte (6-6, 300 pounds) has similar athleticism and size and should make for a nice counterpoint to Teller on the opposite side.

OG -- Kareem Are, Florida State

The 330-pound juco transfer is a giant and should be a nice fit in the middle of Florida State's new-look line. With a redshirt year with line coach Rick Trickett under his belt, the Seminoles are also hoping the transition into a starting role won't be too much of a leap.

C -- Alex Officer, Pittsburgh

He took over at center a year ago following Artie Rowell's season-ending injury and he appears to have a stranglehold on the job now. Officer's first year as a starter had its share of ups and downs, but he promises to be more consistent as a redshirt sophomore while blocking for one of the nation’s best runners in James Conner.

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