Spiller player of the year

CLEMSON -- When C.J. Spiller heard he was named the ACC Player of the Year on Wednesday, the Lake Butler, Fla., native "broke down emotionally."

"Just the things I had to go through in January," Spiller said, "deciding whether to go or come back … it's an honor."

Spiller's mother initially was disappointed to learn of her son's decision to return for his senior season in January. Spiller said she's no longer disappointed.

She'll also be pleased to learn Clemson plans to retire Spiller's No. 28, Dabo Swinney announced Wednesday.

To cap a campaign that has included nine touchdowns of 50 yards or more, a year in which Spiller became the only player in NCAA history to reach 3,200 rushing yards, 1,600 kickoff return yards, 1,000 receiving yards and 500 punt return yards for his career, Spiller received 29 of the 40 first-place votes.

"God was in a good mood when he created C.J. Spiller," Swinney said.

Spiller finished ahead of second-place finisher Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt (9), Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams (2) and Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan (1).

Spiller's top performances included two 300 all-purpose yard games. Spiller scored on a 90-yard kick return and 56-yard pass reception en route to 310 total yards at Miami. And he recorded a career-best 312 yards against Florida State.

Spiller is the sixth Tiger to win the ACC top individual award and the first since Michael Dean Perry in 1987. Defensive end William Perry (1984), linebacker Jeff Davis (1981), quarterback Steve Fuller (1977 and 1978), tailback Buddy Gore (1967) were also ACC POYs.

All previous Clemson's ACC POYs helped Clemson to ACC titles.

Swinney and Spiller also used Wednesday's press conference to promote Spiller for Heisman.

"He affects the game in so many ways," Swinney said. "If you take the logos off the helmet and put on the film they'd take this guy. … They give the Heisman to the best guy on the best team. I don't think that is the definition of the award."

VOTING FOR ACC HONORS

ACC Player of the Year

Josh Nesbitt, QB, Georgia Tech (8)

Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech (2)

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech (1)

Offensive Player of the Year

C.J. Spiller, RB-SPC, Clemson (24)

Josh Nesbitt, QB, Georgia Tech (10)

Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech (4)

Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech (1)

Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State (1)

Defensive Player of the Year

Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech (21)

Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina (7)

DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson (7)

Nate Collins, DT, Virginia (1)

Quan Sturdivant, LB, North Carolina (1)