2014 ACC Recruiting Needs

MORE 2014 NEEDS: SEC | Pac-12 | Big 12

Clemson commit Deshaun Watson would be a major signee for the Tigers.

One recruiting cycle is in the books. Another one is well under way.

Today, we take a look at the Atlantic Coast Conference, and identify what each of its teams' top needs are for the 2014 class. We've included every program that currently is in the ACC, or will be joining the league soon.

BOSTON COLLEGE
Biggest Need -- Running back. The younger backs on the Boston College roster have not yet proven themselves, and the Eagles -- at least on paper -- didn't hit a home run at this position with their 2013 class. In other words, Boston College needs a big-time back in this cycle. Securing one within their back yard would be significant.
Top Target -- Johnathan Thomas, RB, Danvers (Mass.) St. John's Preparatory School

CLEMSON
Biggest Need -- Quarterback. Starting signal caller Tajh Boyd has been very good in Orange, but his eligibility will run out after the 2013 season. Behind Boyd, Clemson doesn't have a whole lot of bodies, and nobody on the roster has done much at the college level though many think the future is bright for Chad Kelly. A 2014 signee might not start right away, but that's okay because depth is needed, too.
Top Target -- Deshaun Watson, DQB, Gainesville (Ga.) Gainesville (Current Tigers commit)

DUKE
Biggest Need -- Offensive line. The Blue Devils will have an extremely small class in 2014. Right now, they only have approximately 11 scholarships available. Of those spots, three or four could go to offensive linemen. This has not been a particularly strong area for Duke, and now many of the top players there are upperclassmen.
Top Target -- Will Richardson, OT, Burlington (N.C.) Hugh M. Cummings

FLORIDA STATE
Biggest Need -- Offensive line. When you look at the current FSU roster, this is really the only area at which the 'Noles seem to be lacking a little bit. Look for FSU to possibly sign up to seven linemen in 2014. The hope in Tallahassee is that one of them will be an elite left tackle.
Top Target -- Damian Prince, OT, District Heights (Md.) Bishop McNamara

GEORGIA TECH
Biggest Need -- Wide receiver. The Yellow Jackets don't pass it a ton but typically have one big-play go-to receiver. However, last season they were lacking a bit in that department. As a result the offense struggled at times in key games. Big, tall receivers are usually the preference.
Top Target -- Saeed Blacknall, WR, Englishtown (N.J.) Manalapan

LOUISVILLE
Biggest Need -- Running back. It is absolutely vital the Cardinals do well at this position because after the 2013 season they will only have three scholarship backs. Louisville didn't sign a running back in its 2013 class; it will be trying to grab two in this cycle. As usual, the Sunshine State will be a place they will look.
Top Target -- T.J. Harrell, RB, Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic.

The Hurricanes would love to add Khairi Clark.

MARYLAND
Biggest Need -- Defensive tackle. Make no mistake, this is a must for 2014. Earlier this month, the Terrapins signed only one defensive tackle. The previous year, they didn't sign any. The result of this is that Maryland doesn't have a ton of depth at tackle. In this cycle, the Terps hope to bring in multiple players at this position.
Top Target -- Ricky Walker, DT, Hampton (Va.) Bethel

MIAMI
Biggest Need -- Defensive tackle. The Hurricanes struggled badly with their run defense last season and this also was a key need for 2013. But Miami swung and missed on a few key prospects in the previous cycle, putting even more importance on this next class. The Hurricanes could sign up to four tackles.
Top Target -- Khairi Clark, DT, Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep

NORTH CAROLINA
Biggest Need -- Safety. The current Tar Heels staff wasn't left a ton of talent in the secondary. North Carolina addressed its needs at cornerback with its 2013 class. But having safety Korrin Wiggins flip to Clemson on Signing Day earlier this month was a downer. Now, there is a great focus on safety, both in terms of upgrading talent and adding depth.
Top Target -- Cortez McDowell, S, Locust Grove (Ga.) Locust Grove.

N.C. STATE
Biggest Need -- Defensive end. The Wolfpack ranked a respectable 27th in total sacks for all of the NCAA in 2012. That's the good news. The bad news moving forward is that nearly half of the ends on the spring roster will be seniors. So finding reinforcements here is critical.
Top Target -- Lorenzo Featherston, WDE, Greensboro (N.C.) Page

PITTSBURGH
Biggest Need -- Running back. With Rushel Shell emerging at this position the Panthers should be set here in 2013 and 2014. But then it gets dicey. If Shell continues to improve, he very well could bolt early for the NFL after 2014. Behind him, the cupboard is a little bare.
Top Target -- Shai McKenzie, RB, Washington (Pa.) Washington

SYRACUSE
Biggest Need -- Running back. At one time, it looked as if Syracuse would have a nice running back class in the previous cycle. But two prized prospects ultimately landed with other schools. Standout back Jerome Smith will be a senior in 2013, making this position a major priority.
Top Target -- Matt Domer, RB, Chicago (Ill.) Mount Carmel

VIRGINIA
Biggest Need -- Defensive line. The Cavaliers will have an extremely small class. In fact, at this time they only have about eight slots because the team is so young across the roster. There really are no pressing needs aside from defensive end and defensive tackle, and they'd like to take one of each if possible.
Top Target -- Andrew Brown, DT, Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith

VIRGINIA TECH
Biggest Need -- Offensive tackle. There are a few reasons for picking this position but for the most part, it comes down to this -- the Hokies really need to upgrade there if the offense is going to take off. Virginia Tech ranked only 81st in total offense during the 2012 season, so getting better up front is critical in Blacksburg.
Top Target -- Damian Prince, OT, District Heights (Md.) Bishop McNamara

WAKE FOREST
Biggest Need -- Defensive end. In 2013, the Deacs should be very solid at end. But both starters are seniors. Wake Forest is excited about some of the younger guys at this position (see Josh Banks and Tylor Harris) but those players are still unproven.
Top Target -- Melvin Keihn, WDE, Baltimore (Md.) Gilman

MORE 2014 NEEDS: SEC | Pac-12 | Big 12