Grade A beef isn’t just reserved for the midwest, the deep south, or even the Lone Star State. The ACC has plenty of offensive line talent that will catch the attention of ACC defensive coordinators. It has already started to grab the attention of NFL scouts. So who makes the cut to be part of the best ACC offensive linemen returning to college football in 2022?
Best ACC Offensive Linemen Returning For 2022
Fifth Best: DJ Scaife – Miami
Miami’s most experienced lineman (39 starts, 2,943 snaps) is DJ Scaife. He enters the 2022 season with a consecutive starts streak of 31 games. Scaife is the top returning pass blocker in the ACC according to PFF. Which position he will play for Mario Cristobal still remains to be seen. Scaife has spent time both at guard and tackle with the Hurricanes. Cristobal has a reputation for wanting to dominate the line of scrimmage. The former Hurricane offensive linemen know that if he is to bring “The U back”, it is going to start with players like Scaife anchoring the offensive attack.
Fourth Best: Carter Warren – Pitt
The Pitt Panthers had a banner season in 2021, which included the best offense in school history. But with the departure of their offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, Biletnikoff award-winning wide receiver Jordan Addison, and a new quarterback under center, there is reason to think Pitt will take a step back in the ACC pecking order. However, having Carter Warren back on the offensive line is a big piece to maintaining their high level of play. Warren was also a second-team All-ACC selection, who is bringing 35 starts worth of game experience back. He will anchor an offensive unit that still returns eight starters on the offensive side of the ball.
Third Best: Jordan McFadden – Clemson
The extensive experience continues to be a trend for the best ACC offensive linemen heading into the 2022 season. Jordan McFadden enters his final season at Clemson after having started the last two seasons for the tigers. McFadden has displayed terrific durability as he has started the last 25 consecutive games for Clemson. He earned second-team All-ACC selections from the AP, PFF, and Phil Steele in 2021. McFadden will continue to anchor the blind side of quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei. Clemson is hoping to bounce back from a “down year”. Another stellar season by McFadden is a must if Clemson is to get back into playoff discussions.
Second Best: Caleb Chandler – Louisville
Another offensive lineman who has received pre-season accolades from Phil Steele is Caleb Chandler. Chandler is coming off a 2021 season where he was selected first-team All-ACC. The Louisville stand-out earned preseason first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American recognition by Steele’s and Athlon’s publications. Chandler has played 44 games in his Cardinal’s career and only four were not starts. It was a bit of a shock to see Chandler return as his stellar play in 2021 landed him 74th on PFF’s 101 best players list. Cardinals fans should expect another outstanding season from their best offensive lineman.
The Best: Jarrett Patterson – Notre Dame
A fifth-year senior (with technically two years of eligibility left), Jarrett Patterson has one of the most impressive streaks still intact. In 37 games played, 34 of which were starts, Patterson has never surrendered a sack. He is rehabbing a torn pectoral muscle, which forced him to miss spring practice. However, he is on track to be starting again in week one. Originally recruited as a tackle, he has spent his career playing center for the Fightin’ Irish. Peterson was recently selected as a first-team preseason All-American by Phil Steele for the 2022 season. He also was selected to Athlon’s second-team preseason All-American team. This season could see him moving over to guard. Regardless of where Patterson lines up, new head coach Marcus Freeman has a stalwart on his offensive line to rely on.
Honorable Mention: Christian Mahogany – Boston College
Christian Mahogany was unquestionably one of the best ACC offensive linemen coming back for the 2022 football season, but his ACL had other ideas. News broke on June 16th that Mahogany tore the ACL in his right knee in May. Mahogany injured the knee while working out at home in New Jersey. He had garnered several preseason All-ACC first-team honors for 2022. Mahogany is viewed as the second-ranked guard prospect for the 2023 NFL draft.
