Two Football Players Named All-American by D3football.com

NORWALK, CT - Two Christopher Newport football players were named to d3football.com's All-American squad, the site announced during the pre-game show of the 2006 Stagg Bowl on Saturday.

Senior defensive back Rob Rodriguez claimed his second First Team All-American selection. Rodriguez was a First Team All-USA South choice, a Second Team All-Conference return specialist, and a First Team All-State pick.

He was also named First Team All-South by d3football.com and a First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. He was chosen to play in the 2006 Aztec Bowl.

Rodriguez finished 2006 with 25 solo tackles and totaled 36 for the year. He led the Captains in interceptions with three, pass break-ups with nine and blocked kicks with four. Rodriguez also returned 17 punts for 149 yards, averaging 8.8 yards per return. He also returned 9 kick-offs for 218 yards, averaging 24.2 yards per return.

He finished his career as the school's all-time leader in interceptions with nine and blocked kicks with 10.

Rodriguez became the first CNU player to be named First Team All-American by d3football.com.

Roland Hilliard was named Honorable Mention All-American. Hilliard was a First Team All-South pick by d3football.com and was a First Team All-State choice. Hilliard was also a First Team All-USA South choice.

He finished the year with 1,215 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 136 yards. Hilliard also returned 13 kick-offs for 295 yards, averaging 22.7 yards per return. He also returned one kick 95 yards for a touchdown.

Hilliard concluded his career as the school's all-time leading rusher with 3,149 yards. He is also the school's all-time leader in rushing touchdowns with 28 and total touchdowns with 32. He also finishes as the school's all-time leader in total points with 194.

Rodriguez and Hilliard became just the second and third CNU players to be named All-American by d3football.com. Tommy Fitzgerald was the first in 2004 when he was named to the second team.

Complete Team