We're counting down the top 25 players in the ACC this week -- five players per day -- ranking the league's elite based on a combination of what they've done already and what we expect from them in 2015.
Here are Nos. 16-20.
16. Jacoby Brissett, NC State (QB, RSr.)
The nation saw what Brissett was capable of during last season's loss to FSU, when he threw for 359 yards and three touchdowns in a 56-41 loss to the defending champs. (And had one Manziel-esque play.) For the season, Brissett finished with 2,606 yards on 59.7 percent passing, with 23 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. He did, however, lose seven fumbles while rushing for 529 yards and three more scores. Improved ball security is a must, but with a veteran offense around him, Brissett has the chance to help the Wolfpack break through in what appears to be an open ACC this season. (And a league with no shortage of talented quarterbacks.)
17. Shaq Lawson, Clemson (DE, Jr.)
You will be hard-pressed to find a more accomplished "backup": In two years as a reserve on strong Clemson defenses, Lawson totaled 79 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Now he is the centerpiece on a revamped unit that will look to live up to its predecessor -- Clemson had the nation's No. 1 defense in 2014 -- for the preseason ACC favorite.
18. James Burgess, Louisville (LB, Sr.)
Burgess is coming off consecutive seasons with 71 tackles. He had 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and three interceptions last season under first-year coordinator Todd Grantham, and he figures to be the glue for a linebacking corps that is the strength of the Cards' 3-4 defense, having started 30 games at Louisville and passing up an early entrance into the NFL draft last spring.
19. Landon Turner, North Carolina (RG, RSr.)
On the most experienced offensive lines in the ACC, Turner boasts the longest tenure, with 28 starts. The potential All-American was the brightest spot in the trenches last season for UNC, which returns all five starters this fall. Another strong season from him could help the Tar Heels' run game take off, alleviating the pressure on Marquise Williams and possibility vaulting Turner to the top of NFL draft boards among interior linemen.
20. Rod Johnson, Florida State (LT, So.)
Though plenty of attention down the stretch last season went to Dalvin Cook, much of it would not have been possible without the play of another true freshman, Johnson, who helped kick the offensive line into another gear. The freshman All-American started the final five games of the season at left tackle, and the 6-foot-7, 323-pounder now finds himself as the leader (and lone returning starter) on the line headed into 2015, a sigh of relief for FSU's new starting quarterback.