Shepherd University Athletics

FIVE RAMS EARN FOOTBALL GAZETTE ALL-REGION HONORS

CLARION, Pa. -- Five members of the Shepherd University football team were named to the 2005 NCAA Division II All-Northeast Region Team by Don Hansen's Football Gazette. Junior free safety Dan Peters (Cresson, PA/Penn Cambria HS) was a first team selection, while senior offensive lineman Jimmy Violand (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills HS), sophomore running back Dervon Wallace (Lusby, MD/Calvert HS), junior kicker/punter Ricky Schmitt (Virginia Beach, VA/Salem HS) and senior cornerback Dustin Dudinski (Sterling, VA/Park View HS) gained second team accolades.

Peters set a new Shepherd and WVIAC single season mark for interceptions with 12 on the year. He also led the nation in interceptions. Peters recorded 57 tackles with 30 solo stops. He also added two tackles-for-loss (-3 yards) and a pair of fumble recoveries.

Violand anchored a Ram offensive line that helped pave the way for Wallace to set numerous records. The Shepherd offensive line also yielded a league low 10 sacks in 12 games.

Wallace rushed for 1,389 yards and set new Shepherd single season marks for most points (162), most touchdowns (27) and most rushing touchdowns (26). His 162 points set also set a new WVIAC single season record. Wallace did not become a starter until midway through the season.

Schmitt connected on 10-of-14 field goals and 50-of-54 extra points to score 80 points. Schmitt's 80 points, 50 extra points, and 54 extra point attempts are all new Shepherd single season marks. He also punted 62 times for a 37.8 average with 25 downed inside the 20-yard line. Only 22 of his punts were returned.

Dudinski capped a brilliant career at Shepherd. He recorded 44 tackles (24 solo) with two tackles-for-loss. Dudinski had a team-best 12 pass breakups to go along with four interceptions. He completed his career as the all-time leader at Shepherd in punt returns (101) and punt return yards (1,373). Dudinski also led the Rams in career kickoff returns (56) and kickoff return yards (1,370).