Kuehly Named Defensive Rookie Of The Year

Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly was named defensive rookie of the year by the ACC this week. His phenomenal freshman season is one of the best ever by a BC defensive player. He is averaging 11.83 total tackles per game. That’s the highest average by any rookie since the NCAA began tracking tackles in 2003.

Boston College freshman linebacker Luke Kuechly has been named Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2009 in voting by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association.

Although Kuechly’s name wasn’t bandied about the water cooler in August – the recruit database and one website suggested he was no better than the 49th-rated linebacker in the Class of 2009 nationwide - the 6-3, 225-pound true freshman from Cincinnati is averaging 11.83 total tackles per game. That’s the highest average by any rookie since the NCAA began tracking tackles in 2003.

Kuechly has led several important defensive stands that have made the difference in another successful BC season.

• In an eventual 28-21 win over Florida State on Oct. 3, Kuechly was in on three straight goal-line stops of the Seminoles’ Lonnie Pryor in a vital second-quarter sequence.

• Protecting a 16-10 lead at Maryland this past Saturday, Kuechly halted Terrapin quarterback Jamarr Robinson on a fourth-and-inches sneak. The Eagles converted the change of possession into a field goal and an ultimately unbeatable nine-point lead.

• Kuechly completed the Eagles’ 31-3 win over Central Michigan on Oct. 31 when he intercepted Dan LeFevour’s pass and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown. BC held LeFevour, who went 33-of-46 for-328 yards in an earlier win over Michigan State, to 152 yards.

In all, Kuechly has made 10 or more tackles in eight straight games. He leads the ACC in tackles per game and is second nationally to New Mexico linebacker Carmen Messina (13.50).

Kuechly, one of seven players receiving votes for Defensive Rookie of the Year, was the choice on 29 of the 40 ballots.

The Eagles, picked to finish last in the ACC’s Atlantic Division, claimed second with a 5-3 league record. Their defense stands 21st nationally in yardage allowed and 20th in points allowed.

BC is the only one of the Atlantic Division’s six programs to win five or more ACC games in all five years of divisional play.

Virginia Tech running back Ryan Williams was named ACC Offensive and overall Rookie of the Year.