Five Hokies Selected Preseason All-ACC

The 2007 Preseason All-ACC selections were announced yesterday, and Virginia
Tech led the way with five players on the list. The Hokies placed two offensive
starters on the team, while three defenders made the cut.

Although the Hokies aren’t known for their offense, two of their offensive
starters are expected to have big seasons. Running back Branden Ore was selected
to the Preseason All-ACC team, as well as senior offensive tackle Duane Brown.
Ore ran for 1,137 yards last year, despite missing almost two full games with an
ankle injury. Brown is generally regarded as Tech’s best offensive lineman, and
he will protect Sean Glennon’s blindside this season.

Here is a look at the Preseason All-ACC offensive team.

2007
Preseason All-ACC Offense
Position Name Year School

QB

Matt Ryan

Sr.

Boston College

RB

Branden Ore

Jr.

Virginia Tech

RB

Tashard Choice

Sr.

Georgia Tech

WR

Greg Carr

Jr.

Florida State

WR

Darrius Heyward-Bey

So.

Maryland

TE

Tom Santi

Sr.

Virginia

OT

Duane Brown

Sr.

Virginia Tech

OT

Barry Richardson

Sr.

Clemson

OG

Andrew Crummey

Sr.

Maryland

OG

Derrick Morse

Sr.

Miami

C

Steve Justice

Sr.

Wake Forest

Eight of the 11 players who made the list are seniors, including all five
offensive linemen. Matt Ryan was chosen as the Preseason ACC Player of the Year.
He received 31 votes. Tech running back Branden Ore was second with 21 votes.

Defensively, three Hokies made the list. Vince Hall and Xavier Adibi are the
most hyped linebacker duo in the nation, and they were shoe-ins to be selected.
Cornerback Brandon Flowers was also chosen after his 2006 campaign saw him named
First Team All-ACC and Third Team All-American.

2007
Preseason All-ACC Defense
Position Name Year School

DE

Calais Campbell

Jr.

Miami

DT

Andre Fluellen

Sr.

Florida State

DT

DeMario Pressley

Sr.

NC State

DE

Chris Long

Sr.

Virginia

LB

Xavier Adibi

Sr.

Virginia Tech

LB

Vince Hall

Sr.

Virginia Tech

LB

Phillip Wheeler

Sr.

Georgia Tech

CB

Brandon Flowers

Jr.

Virginia Tech

CB

DeJuan Tribble

Sr.

Boston College

S

Kenny Phillips

Jr.

Miami

S

Myron Rolle

So.

Florida State

The media also voted on the top specialists in the conference. Wake Forest’s
Sam Swank was Preseason All-ACC at both placekicker and punter. He’s a big
reason why the Demon Deacons were able to win so many close games last season.
NC State’s Darrell Blackman was chosen Preseason All-ACC return specialist.

Munson Officially Gone

After weeks of speculation, Seth Greenberg recently informed the media that
point guard Nigel Munson has been given a conditional release from his
scholarship. Munson averaged three points and 11 minutes per game as a freshman
in 2006-07, backing up guards Jamon Gordon and Zabian Dowdell. He was expected
to be the Hokies’ starting point guard this season.

With Munson gone, the Hokies have two options at point guard for this coming
season, and both are freshmen. 5-9 point guard Hank Thorns is one, and 6-3 combo
guard Malcolm Delaney is the other.

Although Greenberg did not specify what conditions were included in Munson’s
release, it has been rumored that he will not be allowed to transfer to George
Washington. The Hokies are hosting the Colonials in an out-of-conference matchup
this coming season.