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Israel Polk, Peter Woods, and the Top 5 Most Impactful Freshmen in the ACC

Breaking down the true freshmen who will have big impacts on their ACC teams in 2023

Staff| May 27, 2023 (Updated: July 9, 2025)
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Continuing our series on the most impactful true freshmen in the country, let’s head to the ACC where there’s a ton of talent to choose from.


1. DL Peter Woods, Clemson

The Tigers have been churning out elite defensive linemen for nearly a decade, and Woods is the next in line. Woods plays like a bull in a china shop and collapses the pocket really well. Paired with fellow freshman Vic Burley, Dabo Swinney‘s squad is in good hands along the defensive line for years to come.

July 08, 2022; Alabaster, AL, USA; Peter Woods, one of the nation s top defensive recruits, announced his intention to play for Clemson University during a ceremony at Thompson High School Friday.

2. WR Israel Polk, Pitt

A rare get from California power St. John Bosco, Polk enrolled early and opened quite a few eyes this spring. The Panthers only have two receivers returning from last year’s squad that had double-digit receptions, so there will be a lot of opportunities available for him to get some targets. Polk is great at finding space out of the slot and making guys miss with the ball in his hands.

Dec 10, 2022; Mission Viejo, California, USA; St. John Bosco wide receiver Israel Polk (19) tries to run past Serra Padres running back Jaden Green (3) in the first quarter of the CIF State Football Championship Open Division Bowl at Saddleback College. Going into the game St. John Bosco was the #1 ranked high school football team in the USA.

3. OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami

Mario Cristobal and OL coach Alex Mirabal landed two of the top tackles in the country for the 2023 cycle in Mauigoa and Samson Okunlola, which should bolster a line that has been up and down during the past few seasons. Mauigoa showed off why he deserved his five-star ranking in spring ball, finishing up camp as the number-one RT for the ‘Canes. He’s a true bookend tackle who will be a mauler in the run game.

https://twitter.com/BenjaminRivals/status/1616660079314362372

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4. Hykeem Williams, Florida State

Even on a stacked Seminoles roster, there will absolutely be snaps to be had for a player of Williams’ raw talent. The five-star receiver is one of the most polished players at his position in the class of 2023, and he’s already got a college-ready body. A three-receiver lineup of Williams, Johnny Wilson, and Keon Coleman will be an absolute nightmare against teams with smaller defensive backs.

2023 five-star WR Hykeem Williams from Fort Lauderdale, FL (Stranahan)

5. DB Kahlil Ali, Boston College

Ali’s recruitment was a bit of a wild one, which saw him commit, de-commit, and finally re-commit to the Eagles. But in the end, the versatile athlete ended up in Chestnut Hill. He has the chance to see the field early because of his athleticism at the safety position. He’s a playmaker with a nose for the ball who’s not afraid to hit, either.

https://twitter.com/JSZ_Sports/status/1603428244811825152

Category: College FootballTag: Aaryn Parks, Boston College Eagles, Derrick Blanche, Florida State Seminoles, Francis Mauigoa, Hykeem Williams, Kael Snyder, Miami Hurricanes, Peter Woods
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