* Classes weighted by TopDrawerSoccer.com Players To Watch & Top 100 Lists
* Number in parenthesis represents Players To Watch Top 100 ranking

In Part Two of the men’s ACC conference recruiting ranking it’s time to address the cream of the crop – team’s that finished in the top half of the standings in 2008 and are largely expected to get back.

Click here for Part 1

So who’s No. 1?

No. 1: Virginia

What, you were expecting the defending National Champion Maryland Terrapins? That would have made sense, and the champs have a powerhouse of incoming talent, but the nod here goes to a class of six that couldn’t be more quality.

The Cavaliers are stocked with standouts starting with Ahkeel Rodney (19), a member of the U20 US National Team that competed in Mexico. Rodney, of B/W Gottschee, is an explosive striker who can get behind a defense and knows how to finish. Joining Rodney is Will Bates (39), another regular on US youth national teams, who is crafty with the ball and thinks the game well.

Shane Cook (DC United) is another offensive asset – a versatile left-footed player who can beat defenders 1v1 and is clearly one of the best prospects in Virginia. Cook’s teammate Marcus Douglas can play anywhere on the field. He has quickness and athleticism and is good in the air. Sean Murnane also joins the fray by way of DC United, and should bring some defensive prowess to the group as he shined at right back during his club career.

Goalkeeper Will Whorton rounds out a group that should blend well with Virginia’s young talent like midfielder Tony Tchani, Shawn Barry and Brian Ownby – all exceptional freshman performers from a year ago.

No. 2: Maryland

Given that they are, after all, National Champions, the Terrapins are least in need of a stellar recruiting class. Yeah, try telling that to coach Sasho Cirovski.

Despite losing some key cogs from their title run, including Omar Gonzalez, Graham Zusi and A.J. Delagarza and having one of the top freshman classes in the country in 2008, the program will replenish itself.

Taylor Kemp (2) is one of the top prospects in the nation. An attack minded left back, Taylor has a brilliant service in the box and is tenacious. He has a lot of international experience which should help his preparedness for the big stage – he’s a can’t-miss.

DC United teammates Paul Torres and Ethan White are quality pickups. Torres isn’t a typical midfielder, but is a strong connector while White can help a team on either side of the field.

Jordan Cyrus (Virginia Rush) is an explosive and versatile goal scorer who will bring physical strength to the collegiate level. London Woodberry is another sneaky player with tons of upside. He has great height and is an opportunist around the goal.

Filling out the class are Olivier Lacoste-Lebuis (Canada), Jake Pace, John Stertzer, Norris Ethan White and Kevin Dansky.

Will it be a back-to-back year for Maryland? Stay tuned.

No. 3: Wake Forest

The Demon Deacons were a lot of people’s pick to win it all a year ago as coach Jay Vidovich had a special group of talent.

But gone are Sam Cronin, Marcus Tracy, Michael Lahoud and Lyle Adams, to name a few. Insert Crossfire Premier’s Anthony Arena, a big-time talent who has loads of potential. Arena is a big, strong and dependable defender with special technical skill.

William Mayhew is a gifted striker from North Meck SC who brings a fast attacking style.  Midfielder Luciano Delbono has strong raw talent and should bring excitement to the program. In goalkeeper Michael Lisch, the Demon Deacons get a solid product from Lonestar Soccer Club who could be a dependable contributor down the line.  

Midfielder Ben Newman is the last member of a group that hopes to help guide Wake Forest back to the College Cup.

No. 4: Boston College

The Eagles should be particularly excited about Kevin Mejia, a versatile athlete who is only going to get better. Mejia can play multiple positions on the field and shines at striker where he uses his height and physical strength to his advantage. He should be well suited for the college game.

Sacir Hot is another good defensive acquisition out of New York Red Bulls. He can be rugged, has very good feet and a willingness to build from the back.

The Eagles are looking to build on last year’s early exit from the NCAA tourney. But first, they’ll have to contend with the most competitive conference in the country.