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GREENSBORO, N.C. - Several members Virginia Tech defense have been rewarded on the individual level as three Hokies earned second-team All-ACC honors in balloting conducted by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association (ACSMA).

Junior defensive end James Gayle, junior linebacker Jack Tyler and junior cornerback Antone Exum were all named to the second team. For Gayle, it's his second All-ACC second-team honor and Exum was named honorable mention last year. For Tyler, it's his first conference honor.

Gayle, from Hampton, Va., has started 11 games, recording 40 tackles, including 10.0 for loss and 5.0 sacks, to go along with 27 quarterback hurries. Tyler, from Oakton, Va., is the team's leader in tackles with 112. Included in that total are 11.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He also has 13 quarterback hurries and two passes broken up. Exum, from Glen Allen, Va., was among the league leaders in pass breakups with 15 and led the team with four interceptions. He also had 47 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Four Hokies: cornerback Kyle Fuller, defensive tackle Antoine Hopkins, defensive tackle Derrick Hopkins and linebacker Bruce Taylor were named to the honorable mention squad.

For the complete release and full teams, go to www.TheACC.com.

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