Spokane, Wash. -- Whitworth seniors Jay Tully and Casey Clifton have been named preseason All-Americans heading into the 2007 football season.
Tully (Sr., SS, Spokane, Wash. - Mead) has been named a preseason Second Team All-America by both D3football.com and Lindy's Magazine. Tully tied for the Northwest Conference lead in interceptions (7) and total passes defended (14) last season with teammate Ryan Marshall. He was second on the Pirate team with 43 solo tackles. In the final regular season game of the year he blocked a punt against Puget Sound that he recovered for the go-ahead touchdown. He was a First Team All-NWC selection last fall and was selected to the D3football.com All-West Region team. Clifton (Sr., LB, Spokane, Wash. - University) is a preseason Second Team All-America choice by Lindy's. He led Whitworth in solo tackles (49), total tackles (102), tackles for loss (10.5 - 65 yards), and sacks (5.0 - 56 yards) and was Whitworth's leading tackler in eight of 12 games last fall. He had 17 tackles in Whitworth's first ever win at Linfield, and also forced a fumble that he returned for a touchdown in the game. Clifton was named Northwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 and was also a D3football.com All-West Region honoree. Clifton will serve as one of three Pirate team captains in 2007. The pair helped lead Whitworth to an 11-1 record last season. The 2006 Pirate defense led the NWC in points allowed, yards allowed and takeaways. The Bucs are rated in the top 25 of three preseason publications this fall: 10th by Street and Smith's, 16th by D3football.com and 24th by Lindy's Magazine. The 2007 season will open on September 8th when Whitworth hosts Redlands in the Pine Bowl. Go to Athletics Home Page > Football > Sports Releases > |
