Preseason picks show Atlantic reigns

For most of the summer, experts including N&O columnist Caulton Tudor have been explaining that the ACC’s Atlantic Division is superior to the Coastal Division.

The release of the media’s preseason All-ACC team reinforces the idea that the Atlantic will reign in 2008.

Sixteen of the preseason All-ACC selections were from the Atlantic Division, led by four each from preseason team favorite Clemson, Wake Forest and Florida State, and three from Boston College.

Just nine preseason All-ACC selections play for Coastal Division schools, led by Georgia Tech’s three selections.

Three schools didn’t have any preseason All-ACC selections. It’s not surprising that Duke and N.C. State were shut out – they were picked last in their respective divisions.

But considering Miami’s history and tradition, it’s stunning that no Hurricanes were on the All-ACC list.

Second-year coach Randy Shannon obviously still has a lot of recruiting to do to restore Miami’s national prominence.

Here’s the complete All-ACC list, led by the player of the year selection, Clemson quarterback Cullen Harper:

Offense:

• QB: Cullen Harper, Clemson
• RB: Josh Adams, Wake Forest
• RB: James Davis, Clemson
• WR: Aaron Kelly, Clemson
• WR: Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
• TE: Ryan Purvis, Boston College
• 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, Boston College
• DT: Vance Walker, Georgia Tech
• LB: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
• LB: Clint Sintim, Virginia
• LB: Brian Toal, Boston College
• CB: Victor Harris, Virginia Tech
• CB: Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest
• S: Michael Hamlin, Clemson
• S: Myron Rolle, Florida State

Specialists:

• PK - Sam Swank, Wake Forest
• P - Graham Gano, Florida State
• KR - Brandon Tate, North Carolina