Johnson, Price named to preseason All-ACC team

Pitt seniors Dorian Johnson and Ejuan Price were named to the 2016 All-ACC Preseason Football Team Wednesday after media voting at last week’s ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte.

An offensive guard from Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania, Johnson has started 27 straight games dating back to his first season as a Panther. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound senior has helped clear paths for two of the last three ACC Offensive Rookies of the Year –– junior running back James Conner and sophomore running back Qadree Ollison.

Johnson, who is set to start at left guard, led all offensive guards in the ACC with 107 votes in the selection process. He is also on the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s top interior lineman.

Meanwhile, Price racked up 102 votes from the media to finish second among all ACC defensive ends.

A native of Rankin, Pennsylvania, Price started every game in 2015 after missing nearly two full seasons due to injuries. The senior showed what he is capable of when fully healthy, recording 48 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble, a 32-yard fumble recovery touchdown and a blocked kick.

Price led the ACC in sacks per game in 2015 on his way to making the All-ACC First Team. He is also a preseason candidate for the Chuck Bednarik Award, presented annually to college football’s best defensive player.