It is now time to preview some of the most important, but often overlooked, players in the ACC. The special teams players across the conference are some of the most distinguished in the country, so let’s take a look at who some of the most impactful players are across the ACC in this category.
The Top Five
5.) Myles Willis, Running Back, Boston College
Amassing over 1500 yards in kick returns over his first two seasons in Chesnut Hill, backup running back and primary returner Myles Willis has made a name for himself in the role he has been given throughout his Boston College career so far.His 895 total kick return yards ranked him first in the conference last season in that category, and he has taken back two kickoffs to the house in his two year stint–a 98 yard return as a freshman, and a 95 yard return last season. His big play capability and his proven reliability on special teams helps him to crack the top five for 2015.
4.) Chris Milton, Cornerback, Georgia Tech
Chris Milton has been one of the most impressive special team players in the ACC over the past two seasons. As a sophomore in the 2013 season, Milton blocked three kicks for the Yellow Jackets, and his two blocked kicks last year as a junior tied him for the NCAA lead with five over the last two seasons. He is a player that every opponent must prepare for, as he has proved time and time again that he can rush the point of attack and help the Jackets make a huge stop on fourth down.
3.) Tyler Boyd, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh
Heading into 2015, Tyler Boyd is viewed by many as one of the best all-purpose threats in the entire country. His impact as a number one receiver for the Panthers is already well documented, but he also has the ability to change a game with his return ability with both punts and kicks. In 2014, Boyd led the ACC and ranked 10th nationally with a 27.6 yard kick return average after taking in 16 kicks for 442 return yards. Additionally, Boyd ranked second in the conference and 21st in the country with a 10.1 yard punt return average, as he received 16 punts for 162 total yards.
Boyd can also take one back to the house from time to time, as you can see in the video below.
2.) Ryan Switzer, Wide Receiver, North Carolina
Ryan Switzer made his name known in a hurry in his freshman season in 2013, as he greeted the North Carolina fans with a campaign that included an ACC single-season record and a tie of an NCAA single-season record of five punt return touchdowns, and a school record of 502 punt return yards on the season. The impressive return numbers that he posted led to his 2nd-Team All-American selection by the USA Today in his initial year for the Tar Heels. However, due to film study and enhanced preparation for his return abilities, Switzer underwent a sophomore slump as he returned 37 punts for 172 total yards last year. Although he may not break loose for a stat line as outstanding as the one he posted as a freshman, Switzer is still more than capable of breaking a game open with a big play to swing momentum. Look for him to make a significant impact for the ‘Heels on special teams this season.
1.) Roberto Aguayo, Kicker, Florida State
In his first two seasons in Tallahassee, Roberto Aguayo has established himself as the best kicker in college football. As a freshman, he converted on 21 of his 22 field goal attempts, which was good for a nearly 96% conversion rate. Last season as a sophomore, Aguayo went 37 for 40 on the season, including an error-less 18 for 18 inside of 40 yards. As a special teams player, Aguayo is as reliable as it gets as he looks to continue to solidify himself as the best kicker in college football in 2015.
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