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By the SouthernPigskin.com Staff
In the "Perfect Ten" series, members of the SouthernPigskin.com Staff will rank the ten best players at each school since 1975. Next up, Duke.
In an attempt to help bring into to focus just a small piece of the humbling tradition of football in the south, the SouthernPigskin.com Staff will rank the top ten players at each ACC and SEC school from 1975 until now. These post-Vietnam War rankings, if you will, will help showcase the best of the best in the relatively modern era of southern college football.
Perfect Ten: Duke
1. Clarkston Hines, WR (1986-1989) – One of the most accomplished and decorated players in ACC history, Hines was a consensus first-team All-American and the 1989 ACC Player of the Year. He also earned All-American honors in 1988. Hines led the ACC in receiving in three different seasons and still leads the ACC in touchdown receptions. Hines was named to the 50th Anniversary All-ACC team. While at Duke, Hines earned a share of the ACC championship.
2. Mike Junkin, LB (1983-1986) – Set a school record with an amazing 188 tackles in 1986. Also had 162 in 1985 Is the school’s all-time leading tackler with 513 stops and ranks sixth with 36 career tackles for loss. One of the most productive linebackers in ACC history. Was selected fifth overall in the 1987 NFL Draft.
3. Billy Bryan, C (1973-1976) – The most dominant offensive lineman in Duke history, Bryan earned 1976 All-American honors. Bryan was named to the Silver Anniversary All-ACC team. Won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy given to the league’s top offensive lineman in both 1975 and 1976.
4. Ben Bennett, QB (1980-1983) – The Blue Devils’ career passing leader, Bennett was named the 1983 ACC Player of the Year. He is the program’s career leader in attempts, completions, yardage and touchdowns. He was named a third-team All-American in 1983.
5. Anthony Dilweg, QB (1985-1988) – Dilweg earned ACC Player of the Year honors in 1988 as he set a school record with 3,824 yards passing as a senior. That same year he threw 24 touchdown passes, another school record. Dilweg had nine 300-yard passing games in 1988.
6. Chris Douglas, RB (2002-2005) – One of the most dynamic offensive playmakers in school history, Douglas excelled as a runner, receiver and return man throughout his career. He is Duke’s all-time leading rusher with 3,122 yards. One of just four players in league history to have four seasons with 500+ rushing yards and 20+ receptions. Was first-team All-ACC as a senior.
7. Chris Castor, WR (1979-1982) – A first-team All-American in 1982, Castor earned ACC Player of the Year honors that same season. He was the favorite target of legendary Duke quarterback Ben Bennett. Had 952 yards and 13 touchdown receptions as a senior. Had three 100-yard receiving games in 1982.
8. Robert Baldwin, RB (1991-1994) – The 1994 ACC Player of the Year, Baldwin helped lead the Blue Devils to the Hall of Fame Bowl against Wisconsin his senior season. Rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and scored 12 touchdowns that year. Had a school record 238 yards versus Maryland.
9. John Talley, CB (2003-2006)– Is Duke’s all-time leader in interceptions with 18 and pass break ups with 33. Had seven in 2006. Earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2005 and 2006. He returned three career interceptions back for touchdowns.
10. Chris Combs, DE (1996-1999) – A two-time first-team All-ACC member, Combs is Duke’s career leader in tackles for loss with 57.5 and ranks second on the career list in sacks with 20. He started 40 career games for the Blue Devils and was selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.
Next Up: Florida
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