Seven Football Players Named To VaSID's All-State Squad

LEXINGTON, VA - Seven Christopher Newport football players were named to the Virginia Sports Information Director's All-State team, VaSID announced this week.

Earning First Team honors on offense was running back Roland Hilliard. Hilliard finished his career as the school's all-time leading rusher with 3,149 yards and finished as the program's leader in total touchdowns with 32. Hilliard was a 1st Team All-USA South selection in 2006 and was also a First Team All-South choice by d3football.com. In 2006, Hilliard rushed for 1,215 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 136 yards. Hilliard also returned a kick 95 yards for a score. Hilliard was also a Second Team All-State return specialist. Hilliard returned 13 kick-offs for 295 yards, averaging 22.7 yards per return. He also returned one kick 95 yards for a touchdown.

Earning First Team honors on defense was defensive end Nathan Williams, linebacker Maynard Henry and defensive backs Justin Long and Rob Rodriguez.

Williams, a sophomore, finished with 22 solo tackles and finished with 39 for the year. He led the team with 10 tackles for a loss of 50 yards. He also was tied for the top spot on the team with 4.5 sacks that totaled 27 yards for a loss. Williams was a First Team All-USA South choice.

Henry, also a sophomore, led the Captains in total tackles with 86. He finished with 35 solo tackles and assisted on 51 others. He had two tackles for a loss, including one and a half sacks. Henry was a 1st Team All-Conference pick.

Long, a senior from VA Beach, led the Captains in total tackles with 45 and was second in total tackles with 76. He finished with 7 1/2 tackles for a loss of 21 yards, broke up five passes, recovered two fumbles and forced three others. He was a First Team All-USA South pick and a Second Team All-South selection.

Rodriguez, a preseason Second Team All-American by d3football.com, was a First Team All-USA South choice and a First Team All-South pick in 2006. Rodriguez also was a First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and was picked to play in the 2006 Aztec Bowl. Rodriguez was also a First Team All-State return specialist. He returned 17 punts for 149 yards, averaging 8.8 per return. He also returned nine kick-offs for 218 yards, averaging 24.2 yards per return.

Earning Second Team accolades was wide receiver George Jones and Center Matt Boykin.

Jones was a First Team All-USA South selection. He finished with 23 catches for 477 yards and three touchdowns. Jones also rushed for 358 yards on 36 attempts and scored five touchdowns.

Boykin too was a First Team All-USA South pick and was a Second Team All-South choice. He helped anchor an offensive line that rushed for 1,629 yards and passed for another 1,897.