Peter Woods, Francis Mauioga, and ACC Freshman Breakout Candidates for Fall Camp 2023

Fall camp is underway everywhere around college football, so naturally that means players, old and new, get to show what they can bring to the table. Let’s take a look at a freshman on each ACC team who can break out over the next few weeks and find a role on the field early.

Boston College

RB Datrell Jones, Catholic Memorial HS, West Roxbury, MA

The hometown kid is a playmaker with the ball in his hands
who can make you miss in a phone booth. Jones can also adds to special teams with a focus on the return game. I see him carving out a significant
role this season.

St. John’s Daniel Wickstrom chases down Catholic Memorial’s Datrell Jones on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Clemson

DL Peter Woods, Thompson HS, Alabaster, AL

The big boy from Alabama has been turning heads since
spring ball, and that has not changed during fall camp. A
complete dominant force in the middle, look for Woods to start week
one.

Clemson safety Andrew Mukuba (1), defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) and defensive tackle Payton Page (55) run in a drill during preseason practice in Jervey Meadows in Clemson, S.C.

Duke

WR Sean Brown, East Forsyth HS, Kernersville, NC

Whenever he has the ball in his hands, lookout. Brown’s not the
highest-ranked recruit in the class by any means, but you can’t teach speed and quickness which sets him apart from the rest.

Sean Brown jumps in a picture during his visit to the University of Duke

Florida State

WR Hykeem Williams, Stranahan HS, Fort Lauderdale, FL

While having an up-and-down spring, Williams is by far
the most talented recruit to step foot on campus in 2023. With his
tremendous length and jumping ability, look for him to hit his stride and carve out a role for himself.

Florida State football players take part in drills during an FSU spring football practice of the 2023 season on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Doak Campbell Stadium.

Georgia Tech

RB Evan Dickens, IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL

The running back room at Georgia Tech doesn’t have a ton of depth as it begins the Brent Key era, but Dickens has come in and made
a name for himself. If spring ball was any indication, he should be
firmly in the two-deep with a chance to do more.

Evan Dickens runs the ball during Georgia Tech’s Spring Game on Saturday, April 15th, 2022

Louisville

LB Stanquan Clark, Killian HS, Miami, FL

While fellow linebacker commit TJ Capers was the crown
jewel of the class, look for Clark to have the bigger impact. He
came into spring and immediately made his presence known. Look
for him to be on the field very early, maybe even start day one.

Stanquan Clark poses with his mom during a visit to the University of Louisville

Miami

OT Francis Mauigoa, IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL

It was a close race between Miami and Tennessee for
his services, but South Beach was too much to overcome. The
massive in-state tackle has come in and lived up to every
expectation so far. He is expected to start day one for the Canes.

Francis Mauigoa jumps for a picture during his visit to the University of Miami

North Carolina

DL Joel Starlings, Benedictine HS, Richmond, VA

The Tar Heels have some talented players coming in, but the
Virginia native sticks out the most to me. Starlings completely dominates his
opponents whether he is lined up inside or outside. His motor is like
no other to go along with his excellent size at 320lbs.

Benedictine Defensive Linemen Joel Starling (44) stands on the field during a High School Football Game

North Carolina State

WR Kevin Concepcion, Julius L. Chambers HS, Charlotte, NC

Concepcion was arguably the best player on offense during spring ball. The
in-state kid is a playmaker who will surely see the field early for the Wolfpack.

Kevin Concepcion flexes for a picture during his visit to North Carolina State University

Pittsburgh

LB Jordan Bass, Phoebus HS, Hampton, VA

Bass is a superb athlete who excelled on both sides of the ball. Multiple
sport athlete as well in HS. During his senior year, he racked up eighty-eight tackles
to go along with ten interceptions and four pick-sixes. On offense, he also had 1,500
receiving yards and 30 touchdowns. He is incredibly versatile and should see the field early.

Jordan Bass lines up in a High School Football game for Phoebus High School in Hamilton, Virginia

Syracuse

IOL J’onre Reed, Hutchinson CC, Hutchinson, KS

While there isn’t much talk surrounding the Freshman class,
there is one big addition literally and figuratively. The OL lost a lot and is a big part of their success, so they brought in 6’3 320lb JUCO transfer J’onre Reed. There will be steady competition this camp, and with
his experience, he should push for a starting spot.

J’Onre Reed gives a mock snap during a photoshoot at Syracuse University

Virginia

WR Jaden Gibson, Rabun County HS, Tiger, GA

The pass catcher from Tiger, GA set career receiving records
finishing with 274 catches, 5,124 yards, and 59 touchdowns. That is very impressive. With a weaker WR room in Charlottesville, Gibson has a great chance to gain a role early.

Jaden Gibson poses for a picture during his visit to the University of Virginia

Virginia Tech

WR Chance Fitzgerald, Nolensville HS, Nolensville, TN

Finishing as one of highest rated recruits in the class, his play surely
shows it. He has great size and can also take the top off of any defense. While Fitzgerald needs to put on some weight, he certainly has every other skill to break out this fall.

Nolensville Chance Fitzgerald (1) avoids Rockvale’s defense during the fourth quarter at Nolensville High School in Nolensville, Tenn., Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

Wake Forest

CB Antonio Robinson, Beechwood HS, Ft. Mitchell, KY

While the highest-rated prospect in the class is WR Micah
Mays, Wake Forest has a weaker cornerback position. That
works out perfectly for Robinson, who is a superb athlete in his own
right despite being undersized. Look for him to make his mark
early.