Dec. 2, 2008

GREENSBORO, N.C. - University of Miami freshman linebacker Sean Spence has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year announced by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association and Atlantic Coast Conference Tuesday.

Spence finished third on the team during the regular season with 62 total tackles and led all Miami linebackers with 7.5 tackles for loss. He started eight of the 12 games he played in. Spence returned his first career interception for a touchdown against Florida State and forced a fumble in the final minutes of regulation at Virginia which helped the Hurricanes to an overtime win. He posted a career-high 10 tackles against Florida State and had five or more tackles in eight games.

"I really wasn't expecting it, but it's a tremendous honor to win the award," Spence said. "Coach [Randy] Shannon and coach [Micheal] Barrow gave me an opportunity to get on the field, and all the hard work paid off."