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'Bruiser' Rimpf sets stage for more honors
Linebacker Williamson also attracts notice
From staff and ECU Media Relations reports
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Brian Rimpf
(Photo: ECU SID) |
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GREENVILLE — Brian Rimpf, East Carolina's prime bruiser of opposing
defensive linemen, accumulated some significant awards during his freshman
and sophomore seasons. Now, the junior offensive tackle is setting the stage
for bigger potential accolades.
The Raleigh junior, who was tabbed recently for the 2002 Lombardi Award
Watch List, has been named a Preseason All-American by Football News,
the publication announced Monday.
A product of Leesville Road High School, Rimpf is a third-team selection
and is one of just two collegiate players from the Carolinas to receive the
preseason honor. N.C. State defensive back Terrence Holt is also a
third-team pick.
The 6-5, 314-pounder was a powerful force in an ECU offensive line that
helped the Pirates' rushing offense rank among the nation's top 25 in 2001.
His blocking helped All-America running back Leonard Henry rush for 1,432
yards, sixth best in the nation.
Rimpf has been listed as one of the top 20 offensive linemen in the
nation by The Sporting News after earning first-team All-Conference
USA honors last season. Two years ago, Rimpf earned a spot on C-USA's
All-Freshman Team.
Last season, Rimpf posted a blocking grade of 80 percent with five or
more knockdowns in seven games. Among his performances were eye-catching
outings against some top-flight defenders, including first-round NFL draft
picks Julius Peppers (UNC-Chapel Hill) and Dwight Freeney (Syracuse).
Rimpf, Williamson both projected as
All-C-USA performers
Rimpf and senior outside linebacker John Williamson were also named
Preseason All-C-USA by Football News.
Williamson, a native of Chadbourn, ranked No. 8 in the conference in
tackles for losses (14) and No. 6 in sacks (6.5) in 2001. He was the team's
third-leading tackler last season en route to Football News
All-Conference USA honors.
The Pirates open their
2002 season on August 31 at Duke.
Visit ECUPirates.com.
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