Jan. 21, 2009

Mobile, Ala. (courtesy of SeniorBowl.com)- The ACC will once again be well represented in the Under Armour Senior Bowl. The league is sending 18 players to the senior showcase event, bowl officials announced Monday. Kickoff for the January 24th game is set for 6 pm (CT) and the game will be televised by the NFL Network.

New players named to the roster on Monday include Virginia Tech defensive back Macho Harris and University of Virginia All-American Eugene Monroe. They join previously announced players such as Wake Forest All-American's Aaron Curry and Alphonso Smith. Other new players named today include Virginia running back Cedric Peerman, tight end John Phillips and linebacker Clint Sintim, North Carolina State tight end Anthony Hill and running back Andre Brown, and Boston College defensive lineman Ron Brace.

Harris was a first-team Sporting News All-American and first-team All-ACC pick in 2008. He finished the season tied for eighth in the nation with six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. His 15 career interceptions ranks third all-time in Virginia Tech history. Harris is also an accomplished punt returner, ranking second in the ACC in punt return average this season (9.8 yards per return).

Monroe was named a second-team All-American by Walter Camp, Sporting News and the Associated Press. The 6-5, 310 pound left tackle was also the recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, given annually to the ACC's best blocking lineman. Monroe was a two-year starter at left tackle for the Cavaliers and helped anchor an offensive line that gave up an ACC best 16 sacks this season.

Peerman rushed for 774 yards and seven touchdowns for the Cavaliers this season. He went over the 100-yard mark in three games this year, including a 173 yard, two touchdown effort in a win over East Carolina. Peerman finished his career with 1,749 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Phillips was a first-team All-ACC selection after leading the league's tight ends with 48 catches for 385 yards and three total touchdowns. His 48 receptions are ninth most by a tight end in conference history. He finished his career with 67 catches for 643 yards and five total touchdowns.

Sintim finished tied for ninth in the country with 11 sacks on the season, which was tops among all linebackers. He also totaled 70 tackles and 13 tackles for loss in 2008. A second-team All-ACC selection this season, Sintim ranked second in the league in sacks this season and ninth in tackles for a loss.

Hill capped off his senior season at N.C. State with three catches for 51 yards and a touchdown in the Papajohns.com Bowl against Rutgers. The Houston, Texas native finished his career with 80 receptions for 848 yards and five touchdowns.

Brown ranks in the top ten in N.C. State history in rushing yards (2,539), carries (513) and rushing touchdowns (21). He finished the season with 767 rushing yards, which was tops on the team and his most prolific season yet. His best game of the year came in the Wolfpack's season opener against South Carolina. Despite the loss, he rushed for 101 yards on 21 carries.

Brace will join teammate and fellow Boston College defensive lineman B.J. Raji in Mobile. Brace finished the season with 26 total tackles, including 18 solo stops, and two sacks. He leaves Boston College with 82 career tackles.

Tickets for the 2009 Under Armour Senior Bowl are currently available for purchase at the Senior Bowl ticket office (151 Dauphin Street), select Regions Bank locations, online at www.seniorbowl.com or by calling (251) 432-4109.

ACC Players in 2009 Under Armour Senior Bowl
Boston College: B.J. Raji, DL; Ron Brace, DL
Clemson: Cullen Harper, QB; James Davis, RB; Michael Hamlin, DB
Georgia Tech: Vance Walker, DL; Michael Johnson, DL
North Carolina: Brooks Foster, WR 
NC State: Anthony Hill, TE; Andre Brown, RB
Virginia: Eugene Monroe, OL; Cedric Peerman, RB; John Phillips, TE; Clint Sintim, LB
Virginia Tech: Macho Harris, DB
Wake Forest: Aaron Curry, LB; Alphonso Smith, DB; Chip Vaughn, DB