Bell, Whitehead among 9 Spartans on All-MEAC teams

Staff Report

Nine Norfolk State football players were named Wednesday to the All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference teams, second-most in program history.

Leading the way were first-team picks Chris Bell, a junior receiver out of Granby High, and senior safety Terrell Whitehead, who starred at Kempsville. Joining them on the first team were sophomore defensive lineman Josh Turner and junior center William Falakiseni.

The nine All-MEAC selections trail only the 2007 team's 10 picks. NSU tied with Morgan State for the second-most all-conference performers this season, behind MEAC champ South Carolina State's 13.

George Howard of Morgan State, who starred at Deep Creek, was named as the Defensive Player of the Year.

"It's definitely a deserving honor for a dedicated player," Bears coach Donald Hill-Ely said of Howard, a senior linebacker who ranked fourth nationally in tackles per game.

"He added excitement to the conference and a presence to our defensive unit. The young man worked hard ever since joining our program."

Florida A&M quarterback Curtis Pulley was the Offensive Player of the Year, and South Carolina State's Buddy Pough was Coach of the Year.

Three of Norfolk State's second-team choices are from South Hampton Roads: junior running back DeAngelo Branche (Maury), junior offensive lineman Calton Ford (Indian River) and junior linebacker Anthony Taylor (Landstown). Joining them were junior tight end Sherron Childress and sophomore offensive lineman Kendall Noble.

NSU coach Pete Adrian said the postseason awards provided a nice close to a 7-4 season for his team.

"We're pleased to have nine All-MEAC players this year," Adrian said. "It's a good reward for the year our team had, both as individuals and as a team. What's even more exciting is that eight of these players have eligibility remaining."

Bell paced the MEAC in receiving yards (958), receiving yards per game (87.1) and total touchdowns (13).

He ranks 13th in the nation in receiving yards.

Whitehead became NSU's first three-time All-MEAC pick, all being first-team designations. He was second on the team with 70 total tackles and tied for the MEAC lead with five interceptions.