CHARLOTTESVILLE – Brenton Nelson went from track runner, to football walk-on on starting safety. Now, the Virginia freshman safety has been named the ACC’s defensive rookie of the year.
Nelson started all 12 games this season, recording 58 tackles and 4 interceptions. Nelson received 29 of the 59 votes from a panel of the league’s 14 coaches and select media members.
He is the second Cavaliers player to win the award, joining teammate Quin Blanding – also a safety – who won it 2014.
Boston College freshman tailback A.J. Dillon was named the offensive and overall rookie of the year, receiving 47 votes.