Merriman and Podlesh Named ACC Players of the Week
10/6/2003 8:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 6, 2003
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland football players Shawne Merriman and Adam Podlesh have been named conference players of the week the Atlantic Coast Conference announced today. Merriman was named the ACC's Defensive Lineman of the Week and Podlesh the Specialist of the Week for their play against Clemson. It is each players first time earning the award this season.
Merriman (Marlboro, Md.) registered six tackles (four solo), two sacks (for minus 20 yards) and four quarterback hurries in the Terps' 21-7 win over Clemson. The 6-3, 246-pound linebacker was part of a defensive effort that held Clemson to 10 rushing yards and currently leads the team with five sacks and ranks second in the league in that category.
Podlesh (Pittsford, N.Y.) was key in the field position battle, averaging 41.0 yards per punt on seven attempts against the Tigers. The 5-10, 208-pound freshman had three punts land inside the 15 and is currently ninth in the NCAA with a 45.0 yards per punt average.
Below are the other players who earned mention from the conference:
Offensive Back
Georgia Tech wide receiver Jonathan Smith (Argyle, Ga.) caught nine passes for 155 yards with a 42-yard touchdown reception to help Georgia Tech to a 29-21 victory over NC State. The 5-10, 189-pound senior equaled his career-high with nine catches, while his 155 yards receiving represents the second-highest total of his career and his third 100-yard game of the season.
Offensive Line
Virginia's D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Freeport, N.Y.) graded out at 90 percent in Virginia's 38-13 win at North Carolina. The 6-5, 265-tackle helped the Cavaliers rush for 229 yards, making the third time Virginia has rushed for more than 200 yards this season. The sophomore also did not allow a sack, as Cavalier quarterbacks completed 20-of-23 passing for 286 yards.
Defensive Back
Virginia's linebacker Darryl Blackstock (Newport News, Va.) had six tackles (four solos) and two sacks in the Cavaliers' 38-13 win over North Carolina. Blackstock also recovered a fumble and recorded three quarterback hurries.
Rookie
Georgia Tech's Reggie Ball (Stone Mountain, Ga.) passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another score to lead the Yellow Jackets to a 29-21 victory over NC State.
