Deshaun Watson, Dalvin Cook battle for ACC offensive supremacy

11:22 AM ET

ACC Kickoff is upon us, but before the media’s picks for players of the year are released later this week, ESPN writers Andrea Adelson, Jared Shanker, Matt Fortuna and David Hale are taking a crack at some of the names to watch.

Here are our picks for offensive player of the year candidates — from the obvious names to potential surprises.

The pick: Clemson QB Deshaun Watson

The expectations for Clemson’s Deshaun Watson will be sky-high following his phenomenal 2015 season. Joshua S. Kelly/USA TODAY Sports

There is little doubt Watson is the favorite to repeat as ACC Player of the Year. If he does, he would become the first player to accomplish that feat since Florida State quarterback Charlie Ward in 1992 and 1993. Watson was spectacular as a sophomore, becoming the first player in FBS history with at least 4,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing in a season. He also became the first player in school history to make the trip to New York as a Heisman finalist. The expectations for this season are even higher. Not only does Watson have a firm command of the offense, he has a cadre of skilled playmakers returning. Plus, the knee injury that limited his ability to run in the first half of 2015 is no longer a concern. It would be an absolute stunner if Watson falls from his perch as the best quarterback in the country. — Adelson

The runner up: Florida State RB Dalvin Cook

Florida State fans are not willing to concede Watson is the ACC’s best player. Cook’s 2015 season is a convincing …

continue reading in source espn.go.com