Admittedly, it’s tough to keep up with the daily nonsense around the Big 12’s summer-long expansion quest. But the latest, for those that missed, is that the Cincinnati Bearcats appear to be frontrunners in the race if the conference does, indeed, expand.

You may remember Cincinnati from such hits as “the time they made things miserable for Syracuse in the old Big East,” and “that one time we blew them out in 2010.”

Now, I’ve always liked Bearcats fans. And actioncookbook is a pretty nice dude that you should follow on Twitter. To be honest, I want them to make it into the Big 12 (especially if it’s instead of UConn). But there’s also an argument to be made that their promotion to a Power Five conference wouldn’t do the Orange any favors on the recruiting front.

Take, this year, for example:

Of Syracuse’s current 2017 commits, four (Tommy DeVito, Allen Strizinger, Zach Morton and Aaron Hackett) hold Cincinnati offers. Looking at the 2016 class, six (James Pierre, Jaquwan Nelson, Rex Culpepper, Tim Walton, Andrew Armstrong and Liam O’Sullivan) had offers from the Bearcats and O’Sullivan was a Cincy flip after Babers took over.

While both schools recruit from a variety of areas around the country, it’s tough to deny that there’s some intersection, especially in the Pennsylvania/Ohio/Indiana/Michigan area. SU goes to Florida a little bit more, but that’s because they’re not a state school in Ohio. Back when the two teams shared space in the Big East, they were also pursuing similar recruits, and the Bearcats won those battles more often than not. Several 10-win seasons certainly helped them gain an advantage there. Just like SU’s P5 status has helped them gain an advantage lately.

So what happens if Cincinnati is suddenly on equal footing again?

Because Syracuse is recruiting for the Orange’s new spread offense, the damage could be mitigated (much more so than if we were going for Scott Shafer’s old #hardnosed style of play). But it would certainly make work harder for the SU staff in the Midwest. If Cincinnati gets an invite soon, there’s a potential for at least a few Midwest Orange commits to give the Bearcats, their accomplished coach (Tommy Tubberville) and their Big 12 status a second look before National Signing Day rolls around -- especially if the Bearcats rack up eight or nine wins in the AAC while Syracuse is closer to five or six in the ACC.

***

Syracuse isn’t singled out in this potential struggle either. Boston College, Pittsburgh, Louisville and others in the region are able to recruit well against Cincinnati right now because of a gulf in perceived status. If that goes away, those teams are suddenly in a much different situation when it comes to Midwest recruits, potentially forcing a major change in strategy. A lot of guesswork here, of course. But it’s worth keeping an eye on if/when Cincinnati gets a bid from the Big 12.

(H/T to Land-Grant Holy Land for getting the thought process going on this one)

Name: Moe Neal

Position: Running Back

Year: Freshman

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 169

Hometown: Gastonia, N.C.

High School: Forestview

2015 Stats: As a senior at Forestview High School, Neal rushed for 1,381 yards and 20 touchdowns on 252 carries, and caught 27 passes for 525 yards and nine touchdowns.

2016 Projections: Neal was listed third on the Syracuse Orange’s post-spring depth chart at running back behind Dontae Strickland and Jordan Fredericks. The faster-tempo offense under Dino Babers will lead to more offensive snaps per game, which should translate to some significant playing time for Neal, even if he remains as the third-string running back.

How’d He Get Here: Neal chose SU over Wake Forest in his final decision, and had offers from a long list of other ACC schools (Boston College, Duke, Georgia Tech, NC State), West Virginia, Temple, Akron and a number of others.

He originally committed to the Orange under former coach Scott Shafer, and re-committed once Babers was hired. Neal enrolled at SU in January to get a head start participating in spring practice.

What’d Recruiting Sites Say?: Neal was rated three stars by ESPN, Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com. He was Syracuse’s top-rated recruit in the Class of 2016.

Money Quote: Here’s what fellow running back (and number one on the depth chart) Dontae Strickland had to say about Neal during preseason camp a few days ago:

“He grasped everything pretty quick. The guy’s got cuttability, speed, vision, everything. He’s just a versatile back. I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do this season.”

Links of Wonder: Neal’s home-county paper, the Gaston Gazette, wrote a nice piece during preseason ACC Media Days back in July about how he is poised for success after enrolling early at SU in January. The article features some great quotes on Neal from coach Babers and team captain Jason Emerich.

Twitterfeed: @Captainmoe21_

Tweets of Wonder: Pretty cool:

What Does the Coaching Staff Think of Him?: Well, here’s what Dino Babers had to say about Neal and a couple of his fellow freshman at the preseason ACC Media Days:

“What I will do is I’ll talk about Kenneth Ruff, Rex Culpepper and Moe Neal. Those were our three early midyear admits. All three of those freshman have done a fabulous job of learning the right things to do as far as getting to class and getting on time and representing the university in a proper manner...We’re excited about all three of those freshmen. We think they’re all going to help the family.”

Interesting Nugget O’Interest: Neal is the first player in Forestview High School history to earn a scholarship to a Power Five school.

Let’s Get a Good Look Atcha:

The Syracuse Orange football season is only weeks away. Just as in years' past, we'll preview a different SU position group each week to get ready for the new year of football. Last week it was the the team's experienced linebacker corps. This week:

Defensive Backs

Cornerbacks

Corey Winfield, (Redshirt) Junior

Winfield appears recovered from this offseason’s horrible stabbing incident, and could start in week one -- resuming a spot he held for the first eight weeks of 2015 before getting injured. Last season, he intercepted two passes (tied for team lead), broke up three passes and managed two sacks as well. While the blitzing may be removed from his repertoire in SU’s new scheme, the pieces are there for him to improve in coverage and help usher this unit into a new era.

Cordell Hudson, (Redshirt) Sophomore

Hudson gradually got more involved as the 2015 season (his first) wore on, and as a result, you started to see some of the promise of this fall. Starting over the final four games, he did show an ability to cover more experienced receivers, make some open=field tackles, and grab one of his two picks. Now he’ll likely start, putting those coverage skills to work right away and hopefully building on last year’s momentum too.

Wayne Morgan, (Redshirt) Senior

Morgan came to SU with high expectations. And while he’s yet to truly meet them, he still has a chance to help usher this Orange defense into a new era before he graduates. He saw his role decrease in 2015, but it could still bounce back if he can find ways to get in front of passes -- as he did from time to time last year. At 193 pounds, he has the size to cover the ACC’s pass-catchers. Morgan just needs to prove he can do so consistently.

Juwan Dowels, (Redshirt) Sophomore

Dowels was young last year, but made up for that inexperience rather quickly. Though he’s currently listed second on the depth chart behind Hudson, there’s a chance he breaks through to start. Or at least he’ll be a significant part of the rotation (as he was last year). Leading the team in pass break-ups and passes defended, it’s obvious he has the abilities the Tampa-2 requires. His size (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) may be a disadvantage, though it didn’t seem like it last year. He could be a breakout player for the Orange, even if it’s in a reserve role.

Christopher Fredricks, (Redshirt) Freshman

The Georgia product redshirted in 2015, but he’ll definitely see the field this fall and the Orange will take all the help they can get in the secondary. With similar size to Morgan, Fredricks has the stature to be plugged in quickly and perhaps pick up where he left off at Cedar Grove High School in Conley, Ga. There he was an apt tackler and defended receivers well -- skills he’ll need right away as SU cycles in a long list of corners.

Carl Jones, Freshman

Typically, you’re trying to redshirt a true freshman defensive back, but that may not be an option for Jones or the Orange in 2016. Jones is the type of athlete Dino Babers staff will continue to recruit more of: quick, great hands, played both sides in high school (and played basketball as well). Like the other younger DBs on the roster, he has an ability to get his hands on the football. There’s a chance you see him on the field a bit in year one.

Safties

Antwan Cordy, Junior

Last year, Cordy was arguably the best returning defender on the entire team, and now he’s an essential part of this team handling the Tampa-2 transition well. Though he led the team in tackles for loss (12) and INTs (two), and was second in tackles with 68, his skill set will shift on a dime now. We know he can cover receivers, but he’ll need to do so consistently (and for full games) this fall. The speedy safety can play above his size (5-foot-8, 175 pounds). He’ll be an interesting subject to see how much the DBs have progressed in a year.

Kielan Whitner, Sophomore

Whitner was hot and cold for SU last year, but that won’t be an option in 2016 as he’s potentially thrown into the starting role. At times, he covered well, and at others, receivers got behind him too easily (and/or he was committing costly penalties deep down the field). He’ll be challenged for starting snaps, but he showed promise as a true frosh. His position battle is among the most heated this summer.

Chauncey Scissum, (Redshirt) Junior

Like Winfield, Scissum was also a victim of the offseason’s stabbing incident, but similar to his teammate, he returns healthy and ready to potentially start. As a sophomore, he started seven games in 2015, and displayed solid tackling ability in spurts. He’s currently listed as a free safety, though there’s potential to challenge Whitner at the strong safety spot as well. Either way, you’ll see plenty of the junior this year.

Rodney Williams, (Redshirt) Sophomore

Williams looked great in spring last year, and even started the first five games, but injuries and some struggles reduced his role over the course of the year. He’s coverage-focused and has his moments, but has yet to really put it together for consistent stretches. Williams has a chance to challenge Whitner to start again, but this does appear to be a solid four-safety rotation all-around, no matter who gets the official "starting" nod when the season begins.

Daivon Ellison, Sophomore

Ellison was a special-teamer last year, but his role should increase this fall. He’s listed as a strong safety, but depending on need, could potentially get shifted over to cornerback duties if needed (and it might be). He’s on the smaller side like Cordy, so that’s not to discount his abilities at safety at all. In limited action, he was able to record pass break-ups and even force a fumble (on a kickoff) vs. Pitt.

Joe Stanard, Senior

To this point, the walk-on Stanard has failed to see the field, but with the team short on veteran defensive backs and in need of bodies to shuffle in, this could be the year for him. Even if just on special teams, it would seem likely that you see Stanard here and there as he takes his first collegiate snaps.

Scoop Bradshaw, Freshman

Bradshaw’s close friendship with incoming QB Rex Culpepper doesn’t make him a "package-deal" add-on... far from it. The three-star Florida safety found himself all over the field at Plant High School, though he’ll obviously be channeling his wide skill set into downfield coverage at SU. He stands a chance to see the field this year, but obviously the preference is to redshirt if possible.

Devon Clarke, Freshman

While it took awhile, Clarke did eventually become a member of the Syracuse recruiting class this offseason, and just in time too, as the team looks to inject a lot of new life into a struggling secondary. Clarke brings good size to the safety position at 6-foot-2 and 186 pounds. With a potential year to redshirt and continuing growing into a college safety, Clarke’s one to keep an eye out for come 2017.

Evan Foster, Freshman

Like Clarke, Foster’s bigger (6 feet, 208 pounds), and is well situated to be a major contributor to the future of this defense. Never say never for all of these true freshman -- Babers has indicated that the best players will start, regardless of class/experience. But with Foster, it’s likely we’re waiting until next year to see what the impressive arrival can do for the Orange.

TBD

As you know, there are two additional defensive backs (likely corners) are set to join the Orange as well, barring admission to the university all checks out. One-time North Carolina signee James Pierre is a pretty well-regarded addition and one that could potentially challenge for playing time as a true frosh. Michael Moore, a JUCO freshman from California’s Palomar College, would also figure to challenge for field time early as he brings two years of collegiate experience with him.

Hopefully the hold=ups end soon for both players and they’re able to join the team at camp.

***

This isn’t the most experienced bunch, but they’re not all that green either. Injuries led to a lot of young players getting time on the field in 2015, so there are a whole lot less wide eyes come the season opener than one would assume. Still, there’s much to be concerned about for a secondary whose outputs declined terribly over the last couple seasons. An emphasis on big plays over sound coverage left the Orange ranked 101st in pass defense despite allowing just 18 touchdowns through the air, and picking off 11 balls too. As long as this never happens again, however, I think we’ll take just about any outcome as SU transitions to a whole new scheme that should (eventually) alleviate much of the previous issues.

Yesterday, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Ken Sugiura wrote up an article on the ACC's latest football scheduling plan. As we all know, between the divisional issues, Notre Dame and out-of-conference rivalries for many teams, it's been a mess since Syracuse and Pittsburgh joined the league in 2013.

The ACC is trying to fix that mess, but may end up making an even bigger one in the process. The latest idea is an "eight plus two" model.

Sugiura describes the idea, which will be on the agenda when ACC athletic directors meet this Friday, as a way to increase appealing football inventory for the ACC Network. Or at least, that's the thinking of some athletic directors, including Georgia Tech's Mike Bobinski, who Sugiura spoke to for the story.

Right now, most ACC teams schedule at least one non-conference game against a Power 5 opponent (or BYU), and by 2017, all will have to by league mandate. Schools like Clemson, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Louisville are already covered on that front with an annual non-conference rivalry game. Five ACC schools per year also play Notre Dame -- a list that has overlap with the aforementioned list some years. So some years, those four schools already have an "eight plus two" setup by way of Notre Dame, and in the years the Fighting Irish aren't on the schedule, most do typically schedule an additional power program.

That sounds fine for playoff contenders. But certainly not for the rest of the ACC's vast middle class. For the majority of the conference, the issues are numerous:

1. Scheduling a second P5 team doesn't increase television inventory

The ACC's move to 20 games in basketball is not universally loved, but is understood as a means to increase inventory for the ACC Network. But forcing every ACC team to schedule an additional P5 opponent doesn't have that same effect (and is supposed to be the point of this games-adding exercise). Any P5 team is going to want a home-and-home. So every other year, the ACC loses a game in their inventory to another league. That game would've otherwise been a bodybag home game, which even if less entertaining, the conference would have possession of.

2. Not all P5 games are created equal

Annual non-conference matchups of Clemson and Texas, or Florida State and USC, or Virginia Tech and Ohio State all sound fun. But for every one of those, you're going to get Wake Forest and Washington State, or Boston College and Kansas that literally no one wants to watch. Doubt that? Maybe consult the next two points.

3. There aren't enough P5 teams to go around

The Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-12 already have nine-game schedules. Four SEC teams are already taken up with a non-conference game every year against the ACC. Where are these additional teams coming from? In theory, there are 44 non-conference P5 slots available per year outside of the ACC when you take out those aforementioned SEC rivalry games, and Stanford and USC's respective Notre Dame deals. The ACC is not the only P5 league looking to schedule there (all the leagues pretty much have to). The math doesn't add up unless you create idiotic exceptions like the Big Ten has already instituted.

4. Future schedules are already set for many teams

Not every school is as bad as Syracuse at scheduling into the future. NC State has 25 of a possible 32 games locked up through 2024. Wake Forest has 27 in the same stretch. So you're going to force those schools to pay to break contracts? And not only that, but actively remove games from your inventory too? All so that you can watch Wake Forest lose to Utah instead of watching them beat Old Dominion. Which reminds me...

5. Why are you going to force teams to schedule losses?

Smart programs schedule for their station in the college football world? Looking to make a bowl game? Schedule at least three non-conference wins so it's easier to do so. Looking to contend for the College Football Playoff? Make sure you get at least one major name on your non-conference schedule so the committee doesn't ding you. By forcing teams to schedule a certain way here, the ACC is potentially hurting its chances at more bowl teams (and more bowl revenue). College football's main goal has always been "don't lose." For teams that would lose five or six times against a standard schedule, why put them in line for a seventh?

This isn't to excuse programs that can't find success. It's to point out that you shouldn't punish programs for needing a year to build themselves back up or to get a new coach the personnel he needs before really hitting his stride. The extra practices from bowl games are valuable, just as much as the conference revenue is. Every team can't go 12-0. That doesn't mean every team but the conference's top four or so has to go 5-7 or 4-8.

***

Clearly the ACC has been batting this issue around for a few years now, but we're no closer to a resolution. While I applaud the conference for trying to think differently about its unique scheduling quandaries and desire to create more television inventory, I'm just not sure this is the right tact. Unless, y'know, you want to convince Texas to join the ACC in some sort of Notre Dame-type arrangement... then sure, go for it.

Name: Shyheim Cullen

Position: Linebacker

Year: (Redshirt) Freshman

Height: 6-0

Weight: 197 lbs.

Hometown: Lowell, Mass.

High School: Lowell

2015 Stats: Cullen sat out the 2015 season, and comes into this year with four years of eligibility still to his name. In high school, he was a two-time all-state player and Boston Herald All-Scholastic Selection.

2016 Projections: On the post-spring depth chart, Cullen is third down the line of weak-side linebackers behind junior Parris Bennett and senior Marquez Hodge. He could get into the game here and there on defense, but you can expect to see Cullen getting a lot of special teams reps for most of the season. He started the spring game, but that was only because of an injury to Marquez Hodge. With Hodge graduating this year, Cullen’s time to shine will potentially come in 2017.

How’d He Get Here: Syracuse was the only school to offer Cullen a scholarship. The Orange offered Cullen first, and he committed before anyone else could get a word in. He did receive interest from schools such as Miami, Boston College, Rutgers, UConn and others.

What’d The Recruiting Sites Say?: Scout, 24/7 and ESPN all gave Cullen three stars. Rivals went with two stars, but what do those guys know?

Money Quote: After the spring game, Cullen told Syracuse.com’s Nate Mink he thought he fit in with SU’s best:

“Right now I do feel like I’m up there with the ones and twos,” Cullen said. “I have a lot to work on. I’m definitely not content with where I’m at. I want to be playing and starting.”

Links of Wonder: Trying to summarize it here wouldn’t do it justice, but Cullen has quite the story to his name. Syracuse.com’s Stephen Bailey wrote this feature on Cullen’s path to Syracuse in August of 2015.

Twitter Feed: @shycullen24

Tweets of Wonder: Cullen is ready to prove himself this season:

What’d The Coaching Staff Say: It’s not from any of the staff directly, but here’s what Cullen says the coaching staff says about him, again from Syracuse.com’s Nate Mink:

“(The coaches) definitely like the athletic ability that I have,” Cullen said. “I want to go into fall camp having them being comfortable with me starting.”

Let’s Get A Good Look Atcha:

We've been talking about the Syracuse Orange's football recruiting momentum of late. But for every kid that does commit, there could be another one-time target that could potentially fall by the wayside. This is not unique to SU, but is the case for every school. It's the unfortunate side of these things, but a fair one considering how involved the process is today.

On Sunday night, three-star Virginia (Stafford) running back Damone Drew announced his commitment to Syracuse on Twitter, but was informed by the staff (running backs coach Mike Hart) that he no longer had a commit-able offer. Syracuse.com's Stephen Bailey followed up with Drew to get more details. He shared:

"It got declined. Just because we haven't been in contact for a while. So it just got passed up."

"The only time they were pushing hard was the time I visited."

Syracuse currently has one running back in the fold -- Michigan product Allen Stritzinger -- though that will only make four scholarship backs on the roster come 2017. George Morris II departs, while Stritzinger would join Dontae Strickland, Jordan Fredericks and Moe Neal in the backfield. Bailey believes the team could take another one or two players at that position this cycle. Which could mean some good news down the line (potentially) for Drew.

As you may recall, Devon Clarke committed to Syracuse last July, but his pledge was not accepted by the staff. Later on, he ended up joining the Orange anyway after the coaching change. For Drew, who has offers from Appalachian State, Cincinnati, Temple and Virginia, among others, it's somewhat of a good sign -- despite being far from a guarantee.

247Sports has a full list of known offers the Orange have out right now, including a ton of running backs, a bunch of which have already made verbal (non-binding) commitments . One of those players is Florida product Isaiah Miller, who indicated yesterday that he's planning a campus visit to SU soon.

***

Who knows if this is the last we here about Drew and the Orange. But as Dino Babers's Orange staff starts throwing a wider recruiting net, occurrences like this may become a bit more frequent. Offers are based on team needs the moment they're tendered, and can shift on a dime. If the past couple months are any indication, we're in for a busy five months before National Signing Day.

Name: George Morris

Position: Running Back

Year: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 182

Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA

High School: Central Gwinnett

2015 Stats: Morris played in all 12 games during his junior season for the Syracuse Orange, finishing third on the team in rushing with 326 yards on 66 carries. He started the season behind the now-departed Devante McFarlane on the depth chart, but they both got eclipsed by then-freshman Jordan Fredericks for carries as the season progressed.

2016 Projections: Continuing to be surpassed by younger talent, Morris was listed fourth on the post-spring depth chart at running back behind sophomore Dontae Strickland, sophomore Jordan Fredericks and freshman Moe Neal. Morris is facing the prospect of decreased playing time in his final season in Orange.

How'd He Get Here: Morris chose SU over offers from a trio of Big 10 schools (Illinois, Indiana, Purdue), Utah, Vanderbilt, Memphis and a few others.

What'd Recruiting Sites Say?: He was rated three stars across the board coming out of high school.

Money Quote: Here's what Morris had to say after the Clemson game last year when asked if it is difficult or frustrating to have to sit behind younger players and wait to make an impact:

"It was kind of difficult, but, at the same time, you've got to think of the bigger picture. And that's the team, and you gotta make sacrifices. I had to make a sacrifice, and I was willing to do it."

Links of Wonder: By all accounts, George Morris is a team-first player who takes his opportunities when they present themselves, as highlighted by this Daily Orange article on him from last year after the Clemson game.  Morris seems to have the right attitude to help lead a young group of running backs during his senior season, even if it's in a backup role.

Twitterfeed: @GMII27

Tweets of Wonder: George likes to get philosophical on his Twitter feed.

At some point you have to let go of what you thought would happen and live in what is happening.

— George Ⓜ️orris II (@GMII27) June 10, 2016

What Does the Coaching Staff Think of Him?: Being listed fourth on the depth chart, including behind an incoming freshman, certainly speaks volumes. Morris has played a significant role on special teams in the past as a kickoff returner, but Brisly Estime was the only player listed as a kick returner/punt returner on the post-spring depth chart. It will be interesting to see what kind of on-field role he plays this year.

Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Morris pulled the switcheroo on Syracuse fans a few years ago when his name seemingly changed from 'George Morris III' to 'George Morris II'.

Let's Get a Good Look Atcha:

[embedded content]

Zaire Franklin was a surprise selection in 2015 when he was chosen to represent the Syracuse Orange at ACC Kickoff. This year, it'd be weird if he wasn't chosen. The junior linebacker and redshirt senior center Jason Emerich will rep the Orange at the 2016 media event.

Franklin is one of only three athletes who will be on hand for the second time. Last year he became only the fourth sophomore captain in the history of the Syracuse football team. He ended up as Syracuse's leader in tackles (81) and was second on the team in tackles for loss (11.0). Zaire was also on the Spring 2015 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Emerich played in all 12 games for the Orange last year, starting in ten of them. He enters the 2016 season entrenched as the team's starting center and as one of the leaders on offense. He was also on the Spring 2015 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and a 2015 All-ACC Academic Team selection.

Of course new head coach Dino Babers will also be on hand to meet the ACC media and drop some sound bites.

Other notable players attending include Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson, Clemson linebacker Ben Boulware, FSU running back Dalvin Cook, Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya, and Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson.

The event takes place July 21-22 at the Westin Charlotte located in Charlotte, N.C. Head coaches and student-athletes from ACC Coastal Division schools will be available on Thursday, July 21, with the head coaches and student-athletes from Atlantic Division teams available on Friday, July 22.

In past years, we've come up with some creative ways to rank ACC players, Syracuse Orange football opponents and more, in the lead-up to the new season. This year, we're going position by position, ranking the top five players SU faces at each. These are obviously just pulled from the 12 scheduled opponents, and only those. So when you ask "where is ACC player X?" or "how can you skip ACC player Y?"... that's how.

Today:

Top Five Opposing Offensive Linemen

1. Roderick Johnson, Left Tackle, Florida State Seminoles

A returning 1st-team All-ACC player, the junior could very well be on of the top offensive tackles in the country. Johnson is a massive body on the line, at 6-foot-7 and 307 pounds, and already has a year-and-a-half of starts under his belt. He was instrumental when Florida State's quarterbacks stayed up right (26 sacks against ranked about middle of the country), and obviously helped facilitate Dalvin Cook's breakout year at running back too. This line brings a good deal of experience (ahem: everyone's back), but none more crucial than Johnson's.

2. Mitch Hyatt, Left Tackle, Clemson Tigers

Hyatt isn't the elder statesman of Clemson's retooled line, but that's all relative when you're one of just two or three starters to return. Last year, teammates Eric MacLain and Jay Guillermo got more headlines, sure. This year, however, Hyatt, just a sophomore, could be poised to break out. The Tigers protected Deshaun Watson very well in 2015, and this season's youth on the line could put a slight dent in that record. Hyatt, though, should still be one of the group's rocks (along with Guillermo), and is in line for national attention as he likely makes a big leap in year two.

3. Adam Bisnowaty, Left Tackle, Pittsburgh Panthers

With 31 starts in his career, Bisnowaty is one of the ACC's most tenured offensive linemen, and the results -- especially in the run game -- will show as much once again in 2016. Like all of these players, Bisnowaty's got a ton of size (6-foot-6, 300 pounds), but his technique and footwork have had him on NFL teams' radars for at least a year now. Again, having as many capable rushing options as Pitt certainly helps make matters easier for a line. But that can't discount what Bisnowaty's contributed either. Along with the rest of the Pitt lines of the last three years, he's helped six different players run for 400 yards in one season now.

4. Mike McGlinchey, Left Tackle, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Another tall (6-foot-8), large wing-spanned tackle for an inexperienced Syracuse defensive front to go up against. "Great." McGlinchey has grown gradually into his role as a leader for Notre Dame. After earning his first starting role last year, the top three offensive linemen from last year disappear, leaving him (and fellow junior Quenton Nelson) as the new stars of a rebuilt line. Notre Dame's never really had trouble recruiting linemen, so the reinforcements will be fine. But McGlinchey, particularly, will play a big part in keeping whoever wins the quarterback battle upright. We may be a year away from All-America talk, but he's still a name to watch, nationally.

5. Geron Christian, Left Tackle, Louisville Cardinals

Christian may not possess the recruiting accolades and fanfare of the players ahead of him on this list, but he's still every bit as critical to his team's success as they are. Lacking blue-chippers, Louisville has managed to load up on size (many players over 6-foot-4 and 300-plus pounds) where they lack in star ratings. This year, the poster boy for that is Christian, the Cardinal's towering left tackle who could work himself into the All-ACC conversation by season's end. The biggest task for him, and the rest of the young Cards line, will be cutting down sacks. They allowed 44 last year, which was second-worst in the country.

***

Yes, they're all left tackles. Sorry. That's just how things shook out this year. See any other players on this year's schedule who could also crack this list (I'd assume so, since a lot of ACC O-linemen are getting preseason honors in 2016)? Share your additions/subtractions below.