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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, Virginia.
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.
1. Thomas Jones, RB (1996-1999) - The career rushing leader at Virginia with 3,998 yards, Jones finished his career with conference records, including rushing yards in a season with 1,798. Became the only player in ACC history to have 200 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in a single game. Was a consensus first-team All-American and finished 8th in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1999.
2. Chris Slade, DE (1989-1992) - Earned All-ACC honors three times and All-American honors twice for the Cavaliers. Was the first player in school history to earn back to back first-team All-American honors. Was named the National Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. Had his jersey retired during the 2008 season.
3. Jim Dombrowski, OT (1982-1985) - One of just three players in school history to earn first-team All-ACC honors three times. Dombrowksi was named a consensus first-team All-American in 1985. Was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
4. Tiki Barber, RB (1993-1996) - Became the first player in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons. Finished his second on UVA's career list in all-purpose yards with 4,883 and first in rushing yards with 3,389 (before Jones). Had 19 career 100-yard rushing games. Was a finalist for the Doak Walker Award in 1995. Was the 1996 ACC Player of the Year.
5. Ronde Barber, CB (1993-1996) - Played three seasons for the Cavaliers before going pro after his junior season and earned three first-team All-ACC honors. Only three players have done so in school history. His number was retired at Virginia last season.
6. Herman Moore, WR (1987-1990) - Ranks second all time in career receptions at Virginia and he went pro after his junior season. In his junior season, Moore set a number of school and ACC records. Was well-known for his leaping ability as a receiver; Moore set the UVA high jump record during his career.
7. Chris Long, DE (2004-2007) - A first-team All-American as a senior, Long recorded 14 sacks and won the Ted Hendricks Award given to the nation's top defensive end. He finished 10th in the 2007 Heisman Trophy race and actually received one first place vote. In 2007, his #91 jersey was retired at UVA.
8. Anthony Poindexter, S (1995-1998) - Set a school record with 98 tackles in 1996, then earned first-team All-American honors as a junior in 1997. Was injured near the end of his senior season. As a freshman, Poindexter helped make one of the most famous plays in school history as he tackled FSU running Warrick Dunn at the goaline to give the Seminoles their first ACC loss ever.
9. D'Brickashaw Ferguson (2002-2005) - After being recognized by some outlets as an All-American in 2004, Ferguson earned consensus first-team All-American honors in 2005. Played linebacker some his freshman season, but ultimately started in four straight bowl games at tackle for UVA. Was the fourth overall pick in 2006.
10. Heath Miller, TE (2002-2005) - The 2004 Mackey Award winner given to the nation's top tight end, Miller led ACC tight ends in receiving each of his three seasons. Earned consensus first-team All-American honors as a junior. Holds league records for most career receptions, yards and touchdowns by a tight end.
Next: Virginia Tech
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