ACC Football 2017: Biggest x-factor for every team

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 09: Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) is blocked by Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) during the 2017 College Football National Championship Game between the Clemson Tigers and Alabama Crimson Tide on January 9, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. Clemson defeated Alabama 35-31. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NC – OCTOBER 01: Quin Blanding #3 of the Virginia Cavaliers tackles Daniel Jones #17 of the Duke Blue Devils at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

Virginia – Quin Blanding

Quin Blanding has certainly played his part for Virginia. Blanding and Micah Kiser were named to the All-ACC team and are clear leaders on the defensive side of the ball. Blading could have gone to a bigger school but decided to stay close to his native Virginia Beach which obviously paid off for the Cavs.

Blanding has been a plug-and-play guy since he led all freshmen in tackles his first year on campus. With Virginia stuck at the bottom of the ACC, Blanding has to get the rest of the unit firing which makes him the x-factor. His on field instincts really stand out when you watch this guy play.

Now that Blanding is a senior, his draft stock moving forward is one to monitor. Blanding has shown great ball production with six career interceptions. The Cavaliers safety is also a willing tackler and can lay the big hit. He’s recorded at least 115 tackles or more every season and the 6-foot-2, 205-pound defensive back will be playing on Sundays in the near future.

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