Trio of Terps Earn ACC Honors for Play in Final Week
11/29/2004 7:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 29, 2004
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Three University of Maryland football players were named ACC Players of the Week at their respective positions for their play in last weekend's season-ending win over Wake Forest. Center Kyle Schmitt, defensive end Shawne Merriman and safety Chris Kelley were all recognized for their efforts in the Terps' 13-7 victory.
Schmitt helped lead the Terps to their best rushing performance in seven weeks as he had a season-high five pancake blocks and was the team's highest-graded lineman while giving up no sacks and having no missed assignments.
Merriman finished the season with one of his best performances, posting a team-high tying 12 tackles (seven solo) to go along with 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. The Upper Marlboro, Md., junior ended his season ranked in the top 10 of four ACC defensive categories - sacks (tied for 2nd, 8.5), tackles for loss (tied for 2nd, 17), fumbles forced (1st, 3) and tackles (tied for 8th, 85).
Kelley tied for the team lead with 12 tackles (six solo) while posting 2.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and forcing a fumble in the win. The Germantown, Md., senior forced fumble at the one-yard line with 3:02 remaining was one of the keys to the Terps' victory.
Below are the other players who earned ACC Player of the Week honors for this week:
OFFENSIVE BACK
Virginia Tech quarterback Bryan Randall became the school's all-time leader in passing yardage as the Hokies beat No. 16 Virginia 24-10 Saturday, clinching at least a share of the ACC title. Randall connected on 16 of 22 passes for 200 yards and rushed for another 30 yards on 11 carries. The Wiliamsburg, Va., senior had touchdown passes of 45 and 32 yards.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Virginia Tech punter Vinnie Burns punted six times for an average of 43.0 yards and had two kicks downed inside the 20-yard line in Saturday's 24-10 win over Virginia. In addition, the New Orleans, La.,, senior had three punts of over 50 yards and four over 46 yards, including a long of 53 yards.
ROOKIE
Virginia Tech wide receiver Josh Hyman caught four passes for a career-high 93 yards in Saturday's 24-10 win over Virginia. The Chesapeake, Va., freshman gave the Hokies a 10-7 lead in the third quarter with a 45-yard touchdown catch and then gave Virginia Tech the lead for good with a 32-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter.
