Shepherd University Athletics

THREE RAMS GAIN PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA HONORS

PITTSBURG, KS -- Three members of the Shepherd University football team are among a talented list of 148 players who have been named to the 2006 NCAA Division II Preseason All-America Team by Don Hansen's Football Gazette.

Senior free safety Dan Peters (Cresson, PA/Penn Cambria), senior kicker Ricky Schmitt (Virginia Beach, VA/Salem), and junior running back Dervon Wallace (Lusby, MD/Calvert) represented the Rams on the All-America list.

Peters, a consensus first team All-American last year, led Division II with 12 interceptions in 2005. His efforts led the Rams to an 11-1 record and helped the Shepherd defense lead NCAA II in pass efficiency defense with an 85.0 mark. The 2005 WVIAC Defensive Player of the Year recorded 57 tackles (30 solo), three pass breakups, and a pair of fumble recoveries.

Schmitt, a first team All-WVIAC choice as both a kicker and punter in 2005, 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 set new Shepherd single season marks.

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.

This marks the 19th year Don Hansen's Football Gazette, a recognized authority on small college football, has selected NCAA II All-America and Preseason All-America teams.