Big things expected from explosive Spiller

CLEMSON — With a lack of elite quarterbacks, and backfields loaded with 1,000-yard rushers, 2009 may be the year of the running back in the ACC. And of the running back collection, Clemson's C.J. Spiller, already a stellar performer, is poised for a breakout season.

In The Post and Courier's look at the top returning offensive players in the ACC, Spiller ranks as the No. 1 asset.

The conference has always known Spiller is versatile and explosive. He was the lone player to rank in the top 15 in receiving and rushing last season, and is one of the conference's top long-distance scoring threats with sub 4.4 second speed. Now the conference will see what kind of numbers Spiller can post as the senior takes over the feature role.

ESPN and Sports Illustrated are expecting big things, listing Spiller as the first ACC offensive player to go off the board in the first round of next April's NFL draft. CBS has him as the ninth overall prospect, and he is Phil Steele's No. 1 running back in the country.

Behind an improved offensive line, 2009 should be a banner year for Spiller.

Here's a look at the rest of the best returning offensive players in the ACC:

2. Jonathan Dwyer, Ga. Tech, RB

As the reigning ACC player of the year, Dwyer can make a case for the No. 1 spot. Last season, Dwyer led the conference in rushing and averaged seven yards per carry. It's not just the Georgia Tech wishbone scheme that makes Dwyer so productive, the 6-0, 228-pounder can avoid and steamroll defenders.

3. Russell Wilson, N.C. State, QB

As a freshman, he threw just one interception in 275 pass attempts, while tossing 17 touchdowns. This summer he is swinging a bat in the Coastal Plain League, illustrating his athletic gifts. His streak of 249 pass attempts without an interception is the longest in the country, and he doubled as the Wolfpack's third-leading rusher.

4. Sergio Render, Va. Tech, G

If it's not the year of the running back, it's the year of the guard in the conference. The 6-3, 319-pound Render presents a serious presence and was a key player in Virginia Tech's offense, which produced two of the ACC's top 10 rushers last season. Render creates running lanes for his backfield.

5. Demaryius Thomas, Ga. Tech, WR

Tech's leading receiver has excellent size (6-3, 230 pounds) and skills, but gets lost in a run-first offense. Georgia Tech is going to throw the ball, which should boost Thomas' numbers. He had 39 of the Yellow Jackets' 74 receptions last season.

6. Darren Evans, Va. Tech, RB

Evans possesses a 6-0, 213-pound frame and can run a 4.46 40-yard dash. He rushed for 1,265 yards last season, the third-best total in the ACC.

7. Thomas Austin, Clemson, G/C

The ACC has three interior offensive linemen who could go in the top 50 of the 2010 NFL draft, and Austin is one of them.

8. Rodney Hudson, Florida St., G

Hudson was a three-time winner of ACC weekly offensive lineman honors last year, more than any other lineman in the conference. When he was whistled for a false start against Virginia Tech last year, it snapped a streak of 1,024 snaps and 20 games without a penalty. He also allowed a sack in the game, breaking a 16-game run of perfect protection.

9. Riley Skinner, Wake Forest, QB

Yes, the completion percentage (63.9) has slipped a bit from when he led the country in 2007 (72.4), but he improved his touchdown-to-interception numbers from negative in 2007 to 13-7 last season. He's never had a lot to work with, but he is efficient and Wake's all time wins leader at quarterback.

10. Anthony Castonzo, Boston College, OT

Boston College held opponents to 21 sacks last year with a first-year quarterback in large part due to Castonzo's 6-7 frame and smarts.

11. Jacoby Ford, Clemson, WR

Ford is the leading returning receiver in the ACC. That said, he was limited to 55 catches and 710 yards last season. His speed makes him one of the conference's game breakers.

12. Da'Rel Scott, Maryland, RB

First-team ACC running back last season, who registered 1,133 yards and a 5.4 yards per carry average.

13. Jason Fox, Miami, OT

At 6-7, 310, Fox has the ideal frame and wingspan at tackle.

14. Tyrod Taylor, Va. Tech, QB

A poor man's Michael Vick? Maybe, but Vick was never as bad as Taylor was throwing the ball last season (2 TD/7 INT). Taylor did record three 100-yard rushing games on the ground, and he has the keys to the offense all to himself this season.

15. Aldarius Johnson, Miami, WR

There is some major upside here. This 6-3, 215-pounder has strong hands, a big frame and can get behind defenses … sounds like a slower version of former Miami star Andre Johnson.

16. Christian Ponder, FSU, QB

17. Thaddeus Lewis, Duke, QB

18. Graig Cooper, Miami, RB

19. Rich Gunnell, Bos. Coll., WR

20. Owen Spencer, N.C. State, WR

Reach Travis Sawchik at tsawchik@postandcourier.com.