5. Malik Cunningham, Louisville
A dynamic talent, Malik Cunningham returns to Louisville as someone that could absolutely contend for ACC Player of the Year in 2022. During his time with the Cardinals, Cunningham has collected 8,092 passing yards and 62 passing touchdowns, while completing 62.6 percent of his passes (9.1 yards per attempt). This speaks to Cunningham’s blend as a passer: efficiency and explosiveness.
Cunningham finished the 2021 season with 20 rushing touchdowns, which led the ACC and was a Top 4 number in the FBS. That’s only one rushing touchdown shy of the 21 Lamar Jackson scored during his 2016 Heisman Trophy season.
For his career, Cunningham has a ridiculous 38 rushing touchdowns. There’s a decent chance Cunningham eclipses Jackson’s career mark of 50 rushing touchdowns this season.
Cunningham threw for 2,941 yards, 19 touchdowns and only six interceptions in the 2021 campaign. Late in the season, he put together a masterpiece as Louisville demolished Duke in Durham: 303 passing yards, 224 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns. In doing so, he became just the second FBS player to throw for 300 yards and rush for 200 in the same game.