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.
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