NFL.com Predicts A Big Season For Boston College's Steven Daniels

NFL.com's Mike Huguenin has an interesting article out which attempts to predict the ACC league leaders in the major statistical categories.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Florida State QB Jameis Winston, is the clear choice when it comes to passing yards. Miami running back Duke Johnson gets the nod for rushing yards while Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker for receiving yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, Clemson DE Vic Beasley and Virginia Tech CB Kendall Fuller are Huguenin's picks for the conference's sack and interception leader, respectively. But as far as tackles are concerned, Huguenin predicts a familiar name will finish atop the rest of the ACC:

Tackles: Boston College LB Steven Daniels
BC had two linebackers with at least 100 tackles last season (Steele Divitto and Kevin Pierre-Louis), when Daniels had 88. But with Divitto and Pierre-Louis gone, look for Daniels to fill the void. Daniels (6-0, 257), a junior, is a physical player with big-play capabilities. He is stout against the run, but also has some pass-rush skills.

Of course, it isn't some great stretch to predict a Boston College 'backer topping the conference's tackle list again this season. The program has placed a defender in the conference's top 5 for tackles seven straight years running, including two in the top five last season (Divitto 3rd and KPL t-5th). In fact, an Eagles linebacker topped the conference's tackle list in four consecutive seasons from 2009-2012, though three of those years were courtesy of the superhuman strengths of Luke Kuechly.

Daniels performance was lost in an otherwise dismal defensive effort by the Eagles last season. As the unit looks to get back on track in 2014, look for Daniels to be a difference-maker in the linebacking corps.