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EDINBORO, PA – Edinboro University
linebacker Ben Stroup (Columbus, OH/ Hilliard Davidson)
has joined a select group of Fighting Scots to be named to the
Associated Press Little All-America Football Team first team. The
team was announced today. It is comprised of players from NCAA
Divisions II and III and NAIA teams.
Stroup, a 6’1”, 213 lb. senior, was
previously named a second team Daktronics All-American, and was
recognized as the PSAC West Defensive Player of the Year. He
spearheaded an Edinboro defense which ranked first in the PSAC in
rushing defense and total defense, and third in scoring defense,
along with ranking sixth in Division II in rushing defense, 24th
in scoring defense and 26th in total defense. He led the Fighting
Scots with 105 tackles, the most since 1996. He also paced the
team in tackles for losses (17.5), sacks (5.5), and passes broken
up (7), while intercepting two passes and forcing a pair of
fumbles.
Stroup had a career-high 19 tackles against
California(Pa.), and had 14 tackles with a pair of sacks vs.
Bloomsburg. He led the PSAC in tackles and ranked 18th in Division
II, along with being ranked fourth in the league and 22nd
nationally in tackles for losses. He was a Daktronics
All-Northeast Region and All-PSAC-West first team selection a year
ago, when Edinboro’s defense led Division II in scoring
defense, rushing defense and total defense.
“We’re thrilled for Ben,”
commented head coach Scott Browning. “I think at the same
time, this says a lot for our defense and defensive coordinator
Wayne Bradford and his staff. Ben is the heart and soul of a
defense that has ranked among the best in the country the last two
years. He is a true leader who’s respected by everyone on the
team for the example that he sets on the field and off. This honor
is truly well-deserved.”
This marks the first time that an Edinboro
player has been named a first team AP Little All-America since
offensive lineman Joe Valvoda in 2003. Sean McNicholas was named
the first team punter in 2002. Offensive tackle Greg Bzorek was
named to the elite team the last two years, earning a spot on the
second team a year ago after being named to the third team in
2004.
Edinboro finished its first season under
Browning with a 6-5 record.
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