5 ACC Players To Watch In Week 5

Conference play has kicked into high gear around the country. In the ACC, a matchup between two top 20-ranked programs Notre Dame and Louisville headlines the slate for early season bragging rights in the conference. With Week 5 set to kick off, here are five players to circle all over Saturday’s slate of football.

Cam Ward, QB, Miami

vs. Virginia Tech

What To Look For: It’s another week for Cam Ward to raise his Heisman profile, in what will be his toughest test yet. The Hokies have draftable talent scattered within their defense, and Ward’s ability to dissect this group will only continue to elevate his Heisman outlook. 

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

@ Duke

What To Look For: One of the country’s premier ball-carriers, Omarion Hampton has been unstoppable, really since he ever stepped foot on campus in Chapel Hill. While he failed to reach the endzone the first two weeks, Hampton has rattled off six scores in the last two games with 349 yards on the ground in those outings combined. Following an ugly loss for the North Carolina program last week to James Madison, you can bet Hampton will do everything in his power to lead the Tar Heels in Week 5.

Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

@ Clemson

What To Look For: Elic Ayomanor’s production will remain rather limited considering Stanford’s lack of talent under center, but he remains one of the country’s elite on the outside. A physical weapon with fantastic body control and creativity after the catch, his matchups against Clemson DB Avieon Terrell—a future first-rounder—will paint a nice picture of his ability to separate against future NFLers. Regardless of his production this week, eyes will remain on his ability to create throwing windows at a variety of depths. 

Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville

@ Notre Dame

What To Look For: There are games in a player's career that can be labeled as ‘resume games.’ In last year's class, it was QB Jayden Daniels’ tape against Florida and TE Brock Bowers’ tape against Auburn. While Ashton Gillotte isn’t a Heisman favorite like Daniels was this time last fall, nor does he project as the first player drafted from his position like Bowers, he has a massive opportunity this week in South Bend. A powerful (266v pounds) yet twitched-up edge threat that has accumulated 11 pressures in three games, Gillotte’s ability to set the edge on early downs, showcase his alignment versatility, and push the pocket on third down will continue to finalize his impressive prospect profile. 

Antwaun Powell-Ryland, EDGE, Virginia Tech

@ Miami

What To Look For: I’m fired up to see Antwaun Powell-Ryland this week against the Hurricanes. A pass-rusher whose stock continues to rise as the weeks progress, his knack for creating chaos within the pocket will hold massive weight toward the Hokies’ ability to earn an upset this week. He’s got 15 pressures and four sacks through four games, with an opportunity to raise a few eyebrows with a solid Week 5.