Shepherd University Athletics

FIVE RAMS EARN FOOTBALL ALL-REGION HONORS

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W. Va. -- Five members of the Shepherd University football team were named to the 2005 Daktronics Division II Football All-Northeast Region Team. Junior free safety Dan Peters (Cresson, PA/Penn Cambria HS) and senior offensive lineman Jimmy Violand (Columbia, MD/Oakland Mills HS) were first team selections, while sophomore running back Dervon Wallace (Lusby, MD/Calvert HS), junior kicker 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 solos 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.

Dudinski, a first team Daktronics All-Region selection in 2004, 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 topped the Rams in career kickoff returns (56) and kickoff return yards (1,370).