The deadline to declare for this year's NFL Draft came and went on Saturday, and no one from BC is bolting early for the League. Not that we were really expecting anyone to leave early, but regardless, that's always a good thing.
A quick trip around the rest of the conference though shows that other ACC programs didn't fare as well. Here is an unofficial list of NFL Draft early entries from the ACC. We won't get an official list under Tuesday, because players have until then to rescind their decision.
Clemson
DE Da'Quan Bowers (Jr.)
RB Jamie Harper (Jr.)
Georgia Tech
OT Nick Claytor (Jr.)
S Jerrard Tarrant (Jr.)
Maryland
WR/KR Torrey Smith (Jr.)
Miami
CB Brandon Harris (Jr.)
North Carolina
DE Robert Quinn (Jr.)
Virginia
DE Zane Parr (Jr.)
Virginia Tech
RB Darren Evans (Jr.)
RB Ryan Williams (So.)
The loss of Virginia Tech's running back duo stands out as a significant loss, though the Hokies always seem to replace talent in the backfield. However, with Evans and Williams bolting for the NFL, and Tyrod Taylor graduating, the Hokies backfield will look very, very different in 2011. Williams finishes his college career with 2,132 rushing yards and 32 total touchdowns, and is projected to be a late first round or early second round pick. Evans is a projected fourth rounder. Virginia Tech will likely turn to junior running back David Wilson, who ran for 642 yards and five touchdowns (and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns) this season.
The Clemson defensive line will also take a hit with the ACC Defensive Player of the Year Da'Quan Bowers leaving early. Bowers led the nation in sacks with 15 and finished second in TFLs with 25. Bowers, along with senior DT Jarvis Jenkins, will have to be replaced on the Tigers' defensive line next season.
Maryland will also no doubt miss Torrey Smith's services as a wide receiver and kick returner. The junior will forgo his senior senior and has declared for the Draft. Smith finishes his career as one of Maryland's most productive wide receivers and kick returners. This leaves Maryland with little experience at wide receiver. Ronnie Tyler is the Terps' lone returning starter, though he was ruled academically ineligible for the Military Bowl. If Tyler is back, the Terps are left with receivers like Quinton McCree, Kevin Dorsey, Kerry Boykins and Adrian Coxson. All were somewhat highly regarded as recruits, but have all of zero starts among them.