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<?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Charlottesville, Va. Eugene Monroe and Clint Sintim have been selected to the Preseason All-ACC football team in voting by media attending the annual ACC Football Kickoff earlier this week at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga.
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Monroe, a senior from Plainfield, N.J., enters his third year as Virginia’s starting left tackle. Last season he did not allow a sack during the regular season and finished with 20 knockdown blocks despite missing two games due to an injury. He was named the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his dominating performance in the Cavaliers’ win over North Carolina when he made a season-high six knockdown blocks. Monroe has been named to the Preseason Outland Trophy Watch List as the nation’s best interior lineman.
Sintim, a senior outside linebacker from Woodbridge, Va., has started the last 37 games, the longest active streak on the team. He led the nation in sacks by a linebacker with nine last year, while finishing third on the team with 77 tackles. Sintim also was also credited with 17 quarterback pressures and shared the team lead with two caused fumbles. He had three sacks vs. Virginia Tech and another for a safety against Texas Tech in the Gator Bowl. He has also been named to the Bronko Nagurski Watch List this preseason as the nation’s best defensive player.
Clemson, picked to win the league crown this season, led the way with four preseason selections, including QB Cullen Harper who was chosen as the conference’s preseason Player of the Year. FloridaState and WakeForest also had four players on the preseason all-league team as nine of the 12 schools were represented in the 25-player group.
Virginia opens its season at home on Aug. 30 against Southern California. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm.
The complete preseason All-ACC team is listed below.
2008 Preseason All-ACC Football Team
(Offense)
QB Cullen Harper, Clemson
RB Josh Adams, WakeForest
RB James Davis, Clemson
WR Aaron Kelly, Clemson
WR Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
TE Ryan Purvis, BostonCollege
T Andrew Gardner, Georgia Tech
T Eugene Monroe, Virginia
G Rodney Hudson, Florida State
G Sergio Render, Virginia Tech
C Edwin Williams, Maryland
(Defense)
DE Everette Brown, Florida State
DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
DT Ron Brace, BostonCollege
DT Vance Walker, Georgia Tech
LB Aaron Curry, WakeForest
LB Clint Sintim, Virginia
LB Brian Toal, BostonCollege
CB Victor Harris, Virginia Tech
CB Alphonso Smith, WakeForest
S Michael Hamlin, Clemson
S Myron Rolle, Florida State
(Specialists)
PK Sam Swank, WakeForest
P Graham Gano, Florida State
RET Brandon Tate, North Carolina
PLAYER OF THE YEAR (64)
Cullen Harper 34
James Davis 16
C.J. Spiller 4
Josh Adams – 2
Sean Glennon 2
Riley Skinner – 2
Drew Weatherford 2
Aaron Curry 1
Victor Harris – 1