The University of Toledo

Toledo sophomore Eric Page was named first-team All-America as a kickoff returner by Sporting News, the magazine announced Dec. 15.

This is the fourth All-America team that Page has been named to this year, and the second of the five major All-America teams recognized by the NCAA (AP, Sporting News, Football Writers, American Football Coaches Association and Walter Camp). Players who make at least three of the five teams are considered to be “consensus” All-Americans. All five of the teams now have been announced for 2010.

Defensive lineman Mel Long (1969-71) is the only Rocket and first-ever player from the Mid-American Conference to be considered a consensus All-American.

Previously, Page was named first-team All-America by Walter Camp and Phil Steele Publications, and second-team by SportsIllustrated.com. He is the only MAC player to be named to any major 2010 All-America team. He is the first Rocket to make first team on any All-America team since quarterback Gene Swick was named first team by UPI in 1975.

“We’re just very proud of Eric and everything he has accomplished this season,” said UT Head Coach Tim Beckman. “To make two major All-America teams in one season is a rare achievement. This says a lot about Eric and the work he has put in, as well as the efforts of our kick return team and coaching staff. Eric is a humble young man, so I know he sees this as a team award.”

Page, who plays wide receiver as well as returning kickoffs and punts for the Rockets, ranks fourth in the nation in kickoff returns (31.8 avg.) and is the only player in the Football Bowl Series to have returned three kickoffs for touchdowns this season. As a receiver, he is tied for fifth in the nation with 94 receptions, and ranks 18th in the country with 1,081 receiving yards.

He was named the MAC’s special teams player of the year, and made first team All-MAC as both a kickoff returner and wide receiver.

Page will lead the Rockets vs. Florida International in the 2010 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl at Ford Field in Detroit Sunday, Dec. 26.

This entry was posted  on  Thursday, December 16th, 2010 at  9:25 am and is filed under  News, UToday.
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