Ranking the ACC's top all-time players

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By Brian George
BGeorge@pigskinpodcast.com

Over the past few weeks, I've started a rundown of the three greatest players from each team in each of the six BCS conferences, based primarily on the players' accomplishments in college.

(Quick archive: Big Ten Part 1; Big Ten Part II)

Feel free to agree or disagree by sending us an email. We may even use your email and response on an upcoming show! We'll continue this week with Part 1 of the ACC.

BOSTON COLLEGE

1. Doug Flutie (QB): Won the Heisman and Maxwell, Walter Camp and Davey O'Brien awards in 1984. Best remembered for his Hail Mary pass to Gerard Phelan to beat Miami. College Football Hall of Fame inductee in 2007.
2. Gene Goodreault (E): Consensus first-team and Walter Camp All-American in 1940 and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
3. Mike Ruth (NT): 1985 Outland Trophy winner, and a consensus first-team and Walter Camp All-American.

CLEMSON

1. Terry Kinard (S): Two-time All-American DB and AP All-American, and CBS National Defensive Player of the Year in 1982. Tigers' all-time leader in interceptions and tackles by a defensive back. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.
2. Banks McFadden (HB): 1939 AP Athlete of the Year, consensus first-team All-American and one of only two players in Tiger history to have their number retired.
3. Jeff Davis (LB): Two-time All-American linebacker who helped the Tigers to their only National Championship in 1981. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

DUKE

1. Mike McGee (DL): 1959 Outland Trophy winner and All-American, and 1990 College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
2. Ace Parker (HB): Second-team All-American in 1935 and consensus first-team All-American in 1936. Sixth in the 1936 Heisman voting and elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955.
3. Clarkston Hines (WR): 1988 first-team All-American and consensus All-American in 1989. ACC athlete of the year in 1990, and only player in ACC history with 1,000 yards receiving in three seasons. Left school with an NCAA record 38 touchdown catches.

FLORIDA STATE

1. Charlie Ward (QB): Won the Heisman and Maxwell, Walter Camp, Davey O'Brien and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm awards in 1993, leading the Seminoles to their first National Championship with an 18-16 over Nebraska. Sullivan Award winner as the most outstanding amateur athlete and elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.
2. Chris Weinke (QB): Won the Heisman and O'Brien and Johnny Unitas awards in 2000. Led FSU to its second national title, and upon leaving Tallahassee, held several FSU records and one of seven to have their jersey retired.
3. Deion Sanders (CB): Two-time consensus first-team All-American cornerback in 1987 and '88 and a third-team selection in 1986. 1988 Jim Thorpe Award winner and one of seven 'Noles to have their jersey retired.

GEORGIA TECH

1. Joe Hamilton (QB): 1999 Heisman runner-up and a first-team All-American who won the 1999 Davey O'Brien Award. Set NCAA records for total offense, touchdown passes and total touchdowns.
2. Clint Castleberry (HB): Finished third in the Heisman voting in 1942, which until 1980 was the highest a freshman had ever finished. His No. 19 is the only jersey ever retired at Georgia Tech.
3. Calvin Johnson (WR): 2006 Biletnikoff Award winner and a two-time All-American who left the Yellow Jackets first in school history in career receiving yards, touchdown catches and 100-yard games.

MARYLAND

1. Randy White (DE): 1974 Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award winner. 1974 ACC player of the year was a consensus All-American and a 1994 College Football Hall of Fame inductee.
2. Boomer Esiason (QB): Two-time honorable mention All-American in 1982 and 1983 and set 17 school records.
3. Dick Modzelewski (DT): Two-time All-American in 1951 and 1952 and winner of the 1952 Outland Trophy. A member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

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