ACC football 2019 season preview: Clemson and everything after

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Dabo Swinney of the Clemson Tigers reacts against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 1, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 13: Bryce Hall #34 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half during a game against the Miami Hurricanes at Scott Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

Defensive Player of the Year: Bryce Hall, Virginia

Given how dominant Clemson is likely to be in the ACC this season, it figures that they have two quality candidates to win Defensive Player of the Year in the conference. Both Isaiah Simmons and Xavier Thomas have the potential to earn those honors this season. And, if they were to come out with the award at the end of the year, no one should be surprised.

Having said that, my projection for the best defense in the ACC this season is not the Tigers but rather the Virginia Cavaliers. Bronco Mendenhall’s team has a tremendous amount of talent in that group, as well as having the luxury of experience throughout the unit. Having said that, it’ll be cornerback Bryce Hall that leads the way and that should be the headline-stealer for this stellar UVA defense.

Hall flirted with the NFL Draft last season and, had he chose to head to the pros, he likely would’ve been a first-round pick and the top cornerback selected. Instead, he chose to return for one more season in Charlottesville and the Cavaliers are certainly better for it. He has true lockdown abilities on the outside and should be able to showcase that from the first week of the season and on.

In truth, a defensive back winning Defensive Player of the Year hinges on the counting stats that they’re able to put up. Thus, Hall will likely need to improve upon his career-high of two interceptions in a season. Given his 21 pass breakups last season, though, he’ll undoubtedly be around the ball and have the opportunity to make that kind of impact and emerge as the top defender in the ACC.

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