From Deshaun Watson to Dexter Lawrence, teams are winning with true freshmen these days. So, which incoming ACC freshmen will make major contributions for their team in 2017? We’re picking our favorites this week.
Last up, Wake Forest.
Recruit: Jeff Burley, No. 41 inside linebacker
Stars: Three
How he got to Wake Forest: A Georgia product, Burley was something of a late bloomer. He committed to Wake last summer, but a standout senior season put other schools -- particularly Ole Miss -- hot on his trail. The early commitment to Wake held, however, and Burley signed with the Deacons on signing day.
Why he will make an impact: Dave Clawson's first three years at Wake have been building to this point, a year in which there’s minimal need for "instant impact" players because he’s allowed his previous classes to redshirt and slowly gain experience -- particularly on offense, where seniors were effectively absent from last season's depth chart.
On defense, however, there’s some room for a new signee to force his way onto the field, and Burley figures to have as good a chance as anyone. To be sure, he could use a year in the strength program to add some heft to his frame. At 6-foot-2, 210, he has ample room to get bigger, but the wiry build also allows him to be quick to the football and agile in space. He has, as coaches like to say, a nose for the ball.
With the departure of star linebacker Marquel Lee, there is room for Burley to get on the field early, and his instincts at the position should help make up for his lack of experience.
The other big advantage to getting Burley on the field right away is to allow him to go through growing pains while surrounded by more veteran talent. The upside for Burley is high, and though 2017 could offer some ups and downs, the experience plus a year in the weight room could add up to an All-ACC caliber player by 2018.
Coach's quote: "We were his first offer, and that’s probably why we got him," Clawson said. "He’s tall, rangy, athletic. If him and Marquel Lee walked in the door side by side, they’d look very similar. He has that run-hit factor."