10 ACC true freshmen positioned to be factors in 2023

Every year with true freshmen, there are some highly-rated players who step in and make an instant impact as well as some lower-rated recruits who exceed expectations and end up being immediate factors.

It will be no different this year.

This week, On3 is taking a conference-by-conference look at true freshmen set to make noteworthy contributions this season. Today, we start with the ACC.

Based on intel from team sources, here are 10 ACC true freshmen in position to be factors in 2023 (listed alphabetically by school).

Clemson DL Peter Woods, DL T.J. Parker

Where they ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Woods — Five-star, No. 2 defensive tackle, No, 19 overall prospect; Parker — Four-star, seventh-best EDGE, 54th-best overall prospect

The two highest ranked members of Clemson’s 2023 class both impressed during the spring and are both in position to contribute within Clemson’s defensive front as freshmen.

Woods finished the spring by tying for the team-lead with seven tackles during the Tigers’ spring game. He also had a sack and blocked a kick.

“Peter Woods is a guy that is rare,” Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said on the ACC Network+ broadcast of the spring game. “He’s like a Halley’s Comet. Every now and then you get a guy that physically and mentally and maturity and all the intangibles, he’s just ready. Man, we’re blessed to have that young man in our program.”

Parker tallied four tackles and a sack during the spring game.

“He’s everything that I thought he would be recruiting him,” Tigers defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall said during the spring. “Man, he’s going to help us tremendously.”

Duke RB Peyton Jones

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking:  Three-star, No. 62 running back, No. 826 overall prospect

Even with Duke returning its top three running backs from last year, Jones impressed during the spring to the point that he’s expected to factor into the Blue Devils’ running game. 

In Duke’s spring game, Jones helped his side pull out the win with 55 rushing yards and a touchdown on a game-high 17 carries.

The Blue Devils staff views the 5-foot-10, 199-pound Jones as having a “good build” and as being a “sturdy and tough downhill runner.”

Florida State DB K.J. Kirkland

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Three-star, No. 48 safety, No. 502 overall prospect

Although there were several other members of Florida State’s freshman class that were higher-rated, Kirkland may be the Seminoles freshman best positioned to make an impact as a first-year player.

Kirkland had a strong spring.

Fellow freshman defensive back, Conrad Hussey, is another first-year DB that the Florida State staff could see potentially contributing this season.

FSU staffers are also high on other freshmen such as four-star wide receiver Vandrevius Jacobs, but it may be tough for him to make a significant impact this year with the Seminoles having early-round NFL draft prospects Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson as well as others at wide receiver.

Georgia Tech WR Eric Singleton

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Three-star, No. 166 wide receiver, No. 1,100 overall prospect

Singleton received late offers from several Power Five teams, including Texas A&M, Auburn and Nebraska, but ended up signing with Georgia Tech. A high school track star, Singleton recorded times in high school of 10.20 in the 100-yard dash and 20.72 in the 200-yard dash.

“He can absolutely fly and is also a natural wide receiver,” a Georgia Tech source told On3. “He’s going to be a playmaker.”

Louisville LB Stanquan Clark

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Four-star, No. 36 linebacker, No. 355 overall prospect

Louisville lost starting linebackers Momo Sanogo and Monty Montgomery. Clark could be part of helping the Cardinals replace them.

A Louisville source summed up the outlook for Clark moving forward in four words.

“He’s a real one,” the source said.

Miami OL Francis Mauigoa

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Five-star, No. 2 offensive tackle, No. 12 overall prospect

Miami is set to be markedly better along the offensive line than it was last season. Mauigoa is part of the reason for that.

He’s in position to be one of a few new starters along the offensive line for the Hurricanes along with former Alabama offensive guard Javion Cohen and ex-UCF center Matt Lee.

“If Francis is running with the ones, I expect him to be able to do what someone running with the ones needs to be doing,” Miami offensive line coach Alex Mirabal said during the spring. “I don’t cut him any slack. He’s swimming. He’s swimming. He’s swimming fast and he’s not drowning. He keeps swimming to the point where he’s swimming with the other guys.

“One of his greatest gifts that he’s got is he’s got like a sixth sense. He sees things. He sees thing without you as a coach having to to tell him. That’s a gift. (Guys like) Penei Sewell had it. … I’m not saying they’re the same player, but he’s got that.”

NC State WR Kevin Concepcion, TE Juice Vereen

Where they ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Concepcion — Three-star, No. 91 wide receiver, No. 593 overall prospect; Vereen — Four-star, No. 18 tight end, No. 262 overall prospect

It didn’t take long into the spring before the NC State staff started to realize that these two could help the Wolfpack offense as freshmen. 

That belief remains the same, that both should help NC State’s offense this season.

Both have been described to On3 as “natural catchers who both have a knack for creating separation and getting open.”

North Carolina LB Amare Campbell

Where he ranked in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking: Three-star, No. 129 linebacker, No. 1,337 overall prospect

Despite being the Tar Heels’ lowest rated 2023 signee, Campbell may have the best shot out of UNC’s freshman class to make a noteworthy impact as a first-year player.

North Carolina lacks experienced options at inside linebacker behind All-American Cedric Gray and honorable mention All-ACC selection Power Echols. Campbell could up seeing playing time and contributing as an option behind Gray and Echols.