July 25, 2005

HOT SPRINGS, Va. - The Atlantic Coast Conference completed its final day of player and coach interviews today at the annual ACC Kickoff, and the University of Maryland football team was picked to finish fifth in the Atlantic Division in this year's preseason media poll. This year's poll, selected by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA), is the first in which teams from the conference have been split into two, six-team divisions.

This year's ACC Kickoff, held at Hot Springs, Va.'s The Homestead resort, featured two days of interviews with media from around the country spending time with players and head coaches from each conference school. In addition to head coach Ralph Friedgen, the Terps brought OT Stephon Heyer and preseason All-American LB D'Qwell Jackson to this year's outing, one which included the league's newest member, Boston College.

In this year's media poll, Maryland finished fifth in the Atlantic Division, trailing Florida State, BC, NC State and Clemson while ranking ahead of Wake Forest. Last year's league champion, Virginia Tech, was picked to win the Coastal Division. Of the league's 12 teams, the Terrapins' 222 votes were ninth-most.

Friedgen did not place much concern in the media's preseason opinion.

"I am pleased with the way our kids have worked in the offseason," said Friedgen. "I think we are very talented and very young, but if we get through this year alright, I think we have a chance to be real good for years to come."

Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson -- who was the lone Terp selected to the league's official preseason All-ACC team today -- spoke in much the same tone as Friedgen a day earlier.

"Last season is one we have to learn from and use for personal growth," said Jackson. "Coach Friedgen has done a great job at making sure that it is that way for us. We are holding each other accountable and we are all looking forward to this year."

2005 ACC Preseason Media Poll

Atlantic Division

Pl. School (1st Pl. Votes)	Pts.

1.  Florida State (65)	522

2.  Boston College (24)	458

3.  NC State (2)	346

4.  Clemson (1)	265

5.  Maryland	222

6.  Wake Forest	119

Coastal

1.  Virginia Tech (62)	517

2.  Miami (29)	487

3.  Virginia (1)	356

4.  Georgia Tech	281

5. North Carolina	197

6. Duke	94