Dec. 7, 2004
ATLANTA–Six Georgia Tech football players earned all-Atlantic Coast Conference recognition, including first-team all-ACC selections James Butler and Calvin Johnson.
Defensive end Eric Henderson, linebacker Gerris Wilkinson and placekicker Travis Bell were named to the second-team, while linebacker Chris Reis earned honorable mention recognition.
Butler, the free safety from Climax, Ga., earned first-team all-ACC honors for the second straight year. The only senior on a Tech defense that ranks 14th nationally, he is the Jackets’ second-leading tackler with 85, along with two interceptions. He is also a two-time semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back.
Johnson, the sensational freshman wide receiver, leads the Jackets with 46 catches for 776 yards and six touchdowns. He ranks second in the league in receiving yards per game, third in receptions per game and second in touchdown receptions.
The 6-4, 225-pounder from Tyrone, Ga., is just the second Tech true freshman to be named first-team all-conference, joining Nat Dorsey.
Henderson, a junior from New Orleans, also earned all-ACC honors for the second straight year after first-team honors in 2003. He has 39 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and three sacks, helping the Jackets ranks 19th nationally in rushing defense.
Wilkinson, a junior from Oakland, Calif., is Tech’s leading tackler with 113, ranking second in the ACC and 15th nationally with 10.3 tackles per game. He has 14.5 tackles for loss.
Bell, a redshirt freshman from Roswell, Ga., has made a school-record 15 consecutive field goals. After missing his first attempt of the season, he has been perfect since, going 15-for-16 on the season. He ranks third in the nation in field goal percentage (.938). The Lou Groza Award semifinalist is also perfect on extra points and is Tech’s leading scorer with 69 points.
Reis, a junior from Roswell, Ga., leads Tech with eight sacks and six pass breakups, along with 67 tackles.
For the complete all-Atlantic Coast Conference team, as selected by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, visit www.theacc.com.
–30–
