Championships in football are usually won along the line of scrimmage. If you can control the game in the trenches, you can make up for other deficiencies your team may have. The current state of college football has coaches scouring the transfer portal each off-season to plug holes in their rosters. While this is a helpful tool to rebuild a team, having high-level returning players is still very important. This is a list of the best returning ACC defensive linemen. These guys have proven they can contribute and at times even dominate in this conference. Since there is a major difference in the kind of impact a player can have depending on the position along the line, this list has the top returners at both edge and tackle.
Best Returning ACC Defensive Linemen
Edge Pressure
Jasheen Davis – Defensive End – Wake Forest
The Snellville, GA native was named Honorable Mention All-ACC by both the coaches and the media in 2022. He is an excellent speed rusher off the edge but also has the strength and technique to leverage opposing linemen with power moves. Davis led the Demon Deacons in tackles for a loss and sacks last fall. His consistency also stood out, with at least one tackle for a loss in each of the last eight games. He also had five sacks in the final four contests. If he can continue that momentum this fall, Davis could reach double digits in sacks and should be in line for an all-conference campaign.
Donovan Ezeiruaku – Defensive End – Boston College
The 6-2 250-pound end had a tremendous sophomore season with 61 tackles, eight and a half sacks, and three forced fumbles. If he puts up similar numbers as a junior, he could be rising up NFL draft boards next spring. Ezeiruaku has a good combination of size and athleticism and is a nightmare for opposing offenses to contend with on the edge of the line. He also has a very good motor and excellent pursuit, showing he is more than just a pass rusher. Like Davis, he was also consistently productive with at least one sack in seven different contests.
Jared Verse – Defensive End – Florida State
Easily the most explosive of the returning ACC defensive lineman, Verse is a menace along the line of scrimmage. The transfer from Albany started nine games during his first season in Tallahassee and ended the year being named an All-American. He was the highest vote getter on the defensive side of the 2022 All-ACC team as well. Verse is electric coming off the edge. He made quarterbacks miserable last fall, with nine sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. The Ohio native bookend-ed the season with excellent performances in wins over LSU and Oklahoma. Verse totaled 10 tackles, five for a loss, and three sacks over those two high-profile games.
Interior Roadblocks
DeWayne Carter – Defensive Tackle – Duke
The senior from Ohio was a disruptive force for the Blue Devils last season. He had 11 tackles for loss, five and a half sacks, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. One of those he returned for a touchdown. Carter is a space-eater in the middle of the line, but he can also move for a man his size. His combination of power and quickness makes him a handful for opposing offensive linemen. He has seven forced fumbles over the past two seasons. Ball carriers must be on alert when he is closing in because he has shown a clear knack for getting to the ball.
Tyler Davis – Defensive Tackle – Clemson
The super senior is looking to build off a strong 2022 campaign. Davis was very good as a freshman but battled injuries the next two seasons. Last fall he played in 12 games and was back to being a major disruptor for the Tigers. He will look to do more of the same in 2023. As the most experienced of the returning ACC defensive linemen, Davis will try to help Clemson get back to the College Football Playoff. He will team with Ruke Orhorhoro to form one of the best defensive tackle tandems in the country. The two will be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines in 2023. Expect to see both in the opponent’s backfield often.
Leonard Taylor – Defensive Tackle – Miami
In two seasons in Coral Gables, this 300-pounder has racked up 19 tackles for loss and five sacks. He also had an interception in 2022, showing his versatility. Taylor is a load to deal with on the interior but also has the agility to win matchups when power moves don’t work. A continued progression based on his first two seasons, and he should have a monster year. He will lead what could be a dominant defensive front for the Hurricanes. After a down season in 2022, Miami will look to its defense to help them get back to winning ways. That process will no doubt start up front with Taylor and company.
