Rimpf Named to Preseason All-America List
July 08, 2002 | Football
Rimpf, a 6-5, 314-pound product of Raleigh's Leesville Road High School, is a third team selection and is one of just two collegiate players from the Carolinas to receive the preseason honor. NC State defensive back Terrence Holt is also a third team pick.
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 designation last season. A leader of ECU's offensive line that helped the Pirates' rushing offense rank among the top 25 nationally all year in 2001, Rimpf was outstanding in blocking assignments against eventual NFL first-round draft picks Julius Peppers (North Carolina) and Dwight Freeney (Syracuse). For the season, he posted a blocking grade of 80 percent with five or more knockdowns in seven games.
In addition, Rimpf and senior outside linebacker John Williamson were both named Preseason All-Conference USA by Football News.
Williamson, a native of Chadbourn, N.C., 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 FN All-Conference USA honors.
The Pirates open their 2002 season on August 31 at Duke.
