If last season was the year of the quarterback in the ACC, this season should be the year of the defense.
That much has been made clear with spring practice now in the books. Just take a look around the conference, and the possible championship contenders. Most of the best returning players across the board belong on defense, from Christian Wilkins to Derwin James to Harold Landry, Shaq Quarterman and Bradley Chubb.
Start with Clemson, where defensive coordinator Brent Venables has fielded questions about whether this could be his best defense.