Collins and Greer Honored by the Sporting News

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Sporting News released its All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football teams on Thursday and the list included Virginia defensive tackle Nate Collins and linebacker Steve Greer. Collins was named to the publication’s All-ACC first-team, while Greer picked up mention on the All-ACC Freshman squad.

Collins adds his award to a long list of postseason award, including a first-team nod from Phil Steele’s Postseason All-ACC football team. He emerged on the scene during his senior campaign by earning ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors following stellar career outings against then-No. 11 Georgia Tech and at Maryland. The Port Chester, N.Y., native finished the season ranked No. 5 in the ACC with 6.0 sacks, on his way to earning All-ACC first team honors and being named the Touchdown Club of Richmond’s Defensive Lineman of the Year. A part-time starter a season ago, Collins started all 12 games and set a career high with 16 tackles against then-No. 11 Georgia Tech. Collins also snared his first career interception and returned it 32 yards for the go-ahead touchdown at Maryland. On the season Collins finished second on the team with 77 tackles.

Greer’s mention is another impressive notch on his postseason award belt, adding to his two freshman All-America accolades, nabbing second team Freshman All-America honors from Phil Steele’s postseason list and CollegeFootballNews.com, while also grabbing third team All-ACC recognition by the Phil Steele publication. He led UVa and all ACC freshmen in tackles with 92, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. The Solon, Ohio native also ranked No. 5 among the nation’s freshmen with his 92 stops, which included a career-high 14 tackles at Miami.