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Two Cavaliers Make First-Team All-America
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November 24, 1998
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – University of Virginia defensive stalwarts Patrick Kerneyand Anthony Poindexter were named first-team All-America today by the Football Writers Association of America. They are the only defensive players from theAtlantic Coast Conference named to the first team.
Kerney, a senior from Newtown, Pa., is a former walk-on at Virginia. He has molded himself into one of the top pass rushers in the nation. He leads the ACC with 14 quarterback sacks, one shy of the school record held by Chris Slade. He has made 59 tackles this season, including 20 for lost yardage. Kerney recorded three sacks this season against Maryland and Florida State to set a career high. He also had a big game against North Carolina with two sacks and a blocked field goal.
“It’s a great honor – the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Four years of hard work has paid off,” said Kerney upon learning of his selection. “I started as a walk-on here at Virginia, so it shows how far a player can go in a career. I’m thankful to my teammates and coaches because it wasn’t just me. I’ve been able to be a part of a great team and I’ve been blessed to be coached by outstanding coaches, including coach Bob Petchel and coach Ty Smith.”
Poindexter, a senior from Forest, Va., is one of the most honored players in school history. He is a first-team All-America for the second consecutive season. He was having an outstanding season until he suffered a season-ending knee injury against N.C. State on October 24. He finished the season with 73 tackles (10.4/g), three interceptions, two fumbles recovered and two fumbles caused. His 342 career tackles rank sixth in ACC history by a defensive back.
“It’s a great honor to be named to the All-American team,” said Poindexter. “I just wish I could have played all season. I felt I was playing well until I was injured and I appreciate the writers voting for me. I enjoyed my career at UVa and I’d like to say thank you to the fans for supporting me.”
The Cavaliers, 8-2 overall this season, conclude their regular season this Saturday at Virginia Tech. They have accepted an invitation to play in the 1998Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Ga., on December 31.