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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CHESTNUT HILL, MA – SEPTEMBER 24: Boston College Eagles defensive end Harold Landry (7) gets to Wagner Seahawks quarterback Alex Thomson (19) for a sack during the third quarter at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Mass., on Sept. 24, 2016. /

Boston College – Harold Landry

The last Boston College player to make a real dent in the NFL was Luke Keuchly. The one before that was Matt Ryan. This year we may be looking at a similar type of player in regards to Harold Landry. The BC edge rusher likely could have been a first round pick this past year. Now Landry will look to elevate himself into the top-10 discussion.

The 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end is a pure pass rusher. When you watch Landry play, he sort of reminds you of Vic Beasley who used to play for Clemson. His initial get off and bend around the edge makes him an interesting prospect to watch. Landry isn’t the most powerful edge rusher but his pure athleticism gives offensive lineman a lot of trouble.

After coming off a 16.5 sack season, Landry simply just has to repeat what he did a year ago. You can’t get much better than seven forced fumbles either. If Landry can just simply repeat what he did a year ago, he will probably be ticketed to be selected in the first round of the draft. He seems awfully hell-bent on making that a reality.

“I have one goal in mind, and that’s to be a first-rounder,” Landry said via USA Today. “To hear that it was hard to be in the first round I thought, I’ve got this whole offseason to prove people wrong. And that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s going to definitely take drive every single day – summer, camp, preseason, everything — to make sure I have a good year.”

Boston College has won seven games in three of the four years under head coach Steve Addazio. If BC wants to improve, it’s the pieces around Landry that will have to improve.

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