The ACC is more so known for defense and perhaps even the depth at running back, and quarterback. Not much is known about the receiving corps for many teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference. However, let’s take a look at a few players at wide out who should demand your utmost attention. You may not have heard of them before now, but you should remember them when all is said and done this season.

Duke is known as a basketball school, and for good reason, with the team taking home it’s fourth national title this season. However, the once abysmal football program has improved greatly over the last few seasons. Duke WR Donovan Varner is a spectacular player who you may not have heard of. Quietly, Varner lead the ACC last season with 65 catches, and finished up second with 1,047 yards. Not too shabby for a 5 foot 8, 175 pound wide receiver. Varner also found the back of the end zone 8 times last season, good for best on the team. Duke’s passing game is expected to be the focus of the offense, carrying the team this season, and as Varner goes, very likely is how the team is going to go in the upcoming campaign. 100 catches and 1400 yards is not out of the question.

Jarrett Boykin from Virginia Tech is another player who does not receive a lot of hype or attention. The fact is, Virginia Tech is based on their solid running game. However, Boykin was a standout for V-Tech last season, averaging an amazing 21 yards per catch. He didn’t top the 1000 yard marker due to the running game, but his stature at 6’2 and 200 plus pounds, combined with his ability to make the big play every time he touches the ball makes him a likely breakout candidate in the conference at the position this upcoming season.

Bert Reed Jr. from Florida State is going to benefit from the change at quarterback with Christian Ponder now slinging him the ball, and last year’s leading wide out Rod Owens being out of the picture. Reed is small in stature, at 5’10 and 167 pounds. However, Reed runs a 4.3 40 yard dash, and is likely to get behind the defense. However fast he is, does not mean he is a simple big play threat. Even with Owens on the team, Reed still pulled in 60 balls last season. He is not an all speed no talent type of player. Owens could easily become FSU’s best possession receiver, and biggest deep threat in the coming season. 100 catches could very easily be in his sights.