Clemson, QB Watson headline ACC's preseason picks for 2016

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Clemson and quarterback Deshaun Watson are the preseason picks for Atlantic Coast Conference favorite and player of the year.

The reigning champion Tigers were picked on 144 of 191 votes released Monday from media members attending last week's league media days. Atlantic Division rival Florida State was second with 39 votes, while Coastal Division favorite North Carolina was picked on seven.

The Tigers earned 148 votes as Atlantic favorite over the Seminoles, followed by Louisville, NC State, Boston College, Syracuse and Wake Forest.

The Tar Heels earned 121 votes as Coastal favorite over Miami, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Duke, Georgia Tech and Virginia.

Watson, who led Clemson to the College Football Playoff title game, earned 164 votes as player of the year. Florida State running back Dalvin Cook was second with 18.