Defensive Dawgs: Outstanding Players in the ACC Week 1

© Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

With the first week of the college football season in the books, which players stood out helping their teams the most during the Week 1 slate of games in the Atlantic Coast Conference? With the conference going a combined 13-4 on the week, there were some defensive dawgs with standout performances in Week 1.

Defensive End

Jahvaree Ritzie, North Carolina Tar Heels

With players like Power Echols and Kaimron Rucker sharing the field, it's not easy to stand out. Enter Ritzie who did just that in a game that saw the Tar Heels (1-0) lose their starting quarterback. Ritzie proved to be a nightmare for the offense of the Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-1) leading the team with 3 sacks in the game. He was in a rotational situation on the defense for the Tar Heels, however, he maximized his opportunity with solid play. He showed good hand usage to engage, shed blockers and quickly closed on the quarterback.

Fadil Diggs, Syracuse Orange

New head coach Fran Brown and the Orange (1-0) seem to have a new mentality. The Orange hosted the Ohio Bobcats (0-1) in their season opener and while the offense had Oronde Gadsden II, and LeQuint Allen, a force on defense remained a question mark. Diggs answered the call finishing second on the team in tackles with 8 and had 2 of the team's 4 sacks on the day. He showcased a quick first step to beat blockers and get pressure on the Bobcats offense and quarterback Anthony Tyus III. Playing with violent hands, Diggs was able to gain the advantage against blockers and close on the ball carrier to make plays on defense.

Defensive Tackle

Aidan Keanaaina, Cal Golden Bears

This choice was between Keanaaina for the Golden Bears (1-0) and Aeneas Peebles for the Virginia Tech Hokies (0-1). While both can generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, their efforts against the run weigh more. With that in mind, Keanaaina won the matchup, with a better grade on profootballfocus.com in run defense and general defense. Keanaaina is a physical defender who has a powerful punch and is a mauler on the interior of the defensive line.

Linebacker

Marlowe Wax, Syracuse Orange

Similar to Diggs, Wax has bought into the system of Brown. He's got solid athletic ability and explosiveness to attack the line of scrimmage. He's also a solid contributor in pass coverage for the Orange with sideline-to-sideline ability and a good change of direction. He's a high-motor player that plays through the whistle. In their win, Wax had 6 tackles and a sack as he made plays all over the field.

Francisco Mauigoa, Miami Hurricanes

The No. 12 Hurricanes (1-0) came into the season with high expectations and made a statement in their opener on the road in "The Swamp" against the Florida Gators (0-1). Mauigoa established himself as one of the leaders on the defense for head coach Mario Cristobal. With 6 tackles, a sack and a pass breakup in the game, Mauigoa showcased his athletic ability to keep pace in coverage and to defend the run. He's an intelligent defender who is quick to read and react to the offense and is agile enough to avoid blockers through traffic.

Secondary

Mishael Powell, Miami Hurricanes

A hard-hitting safety for the Hurricanes' defense Powell delivers just that for the University of Miami. Tasked with coverage more often, he intercepted the only ball thrown his way. He attacks downhill and always seems to be around the ball. He's able to cover ground quickly and shows good instincts in coverage to track the ball and uses his hands well to break up passes.

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Marcus Harris, Cal Golden Bears

The Bears began their tenure in the ACC with a solid win. Harris is another defensive back with the versatility to excel in coverage and to attack the line of scrimmage. He only allowed 2 receptions on 5 targets during the Bears win. He also added an interception and 2 pass breakups. An athletic defender who has the fluidity in his movements and speed to keep pace with anyone. With good hands and vision to track the ball on vertical routes and he's got the instincts to know when to breakup the pass.