Oct. 17, 2008
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; - Three Nittany Lions who have played instrumental roles in Penn State's undefeated start this season have earned Mid-season All-America recognition from a trio of national outlets.
Offensive lineman A.Q. Shipley (Coraopolis, Pa.), kick/punt returner Derrick Williams (Greenbelt, Md.), and defensive end Aaron Maybin (Ellicott City, Md.) were honored by SI.com and CollegeFootballNews.com. Maybin and Williams also were named to the CBSsports.com Mid-season All-America team.
Penn State was the only school with three players named to the SI.com and CollegeFootballNews.com first teams.
Shipley, a senior co-captain, anchors one of the nation's most dominant offensive lines from his center position. The 2007 first team All-Big Ten selection has started 33 consecutive games and played in every game over the last three seasons. He paves the way for one of only two offenses in the nation averaging more than 230 rushing yards per game and more than 240 passing yards per contest (Tulsa is the other). Shipley is on the 2008 Rimington, Rotary Lombardi, and Outland Award watch lists.
Williams has verified his status as one of the nation's most explosive game-changing forces through the first seven games of the season. The senior co-captain has returned two kickoffs and one punt for a touchdown, giving him five combined for his career, the most by a player in the Joe Paterno-era. He is the only player in the nation that has returned a combined three kicks for scores in 2008.
A.Q. Shipley |
In the 38-24 win over Illinois, Williams racked up 241 all-purpose yards, earning Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He ranks second in the nation in kickoff returns, averaging 33.4 yards. The talented wideout leads the team in receptions with 23 and ranks third all-time in career receptions (140) and 11th in career receiving yards (1,524).
Maybin has emerged as highly-effective pass rusher for one of the nation's best defensive units. The sophomore is tied for first in the nation with nine solo sacks and 12.5 minus-yardage plays. He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his part in last week's 48-7 drubbing of Wisconsin. Maybin was unstoppable versus the Badgers, recording six tackles (five solo), a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks for minus-13 yards, two forced fumbles and a pass break-up.
The No. 3 Nittany Lions (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) host Michigan in Beaver Stadium on Saturday in Penn State's 89th Homecoming game. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. The clash of Big Ten rivals will be broadcast on ESPN, the Penn State Sports Network and GoPSUsports.com, the official website of Penn State Athletics.