Fresno State Athletics
Three Bulldog Football Players Selected Freshman All-Americans
12/24/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 24, 2002
FRESNO, Calif. -- - Fresno State's outstanding freshman class received some national recognition today as three players were selected Freshman All-Americans by The Sporting News. The national publication annually selects this prestigious team.
James Sanders, a hard-hitting safety from Porterville, Calif., was named to the third team. Sanders had 77 tackles, second most on the team. He finished the season with six tackles for losses, two sacks and one interception. He had a team-high nine pass deflections.
Two Bulldogs, quarterback Paul Pinegar and receiver Jermaine Jamison, were selected to the fourth-team. Pinegar, the WAC Freshman of the Year, was the nation's top freshman quarterback throwing for 2,741 yards and 20 touchdowns. Jamison was the NCAA's third-ranked freshman receiver with 589 yard on 34 receptions. He caught four touchdown passes and averaged 17.3 yards per reception. He had seven receptions for 30 or more yards this season, including three over 40 yards.
Only one other WAC player was honored. Boise State offensive lineman Darren Colledge was selected third-team freshman All-America.
"It's a great honor for these young guys," said head coach Pat Hill. "We had a lot of young players step up because of injuries and they were productive against the toughest schedule in school history. It is a great sign of the future of Bulldog football."
Seven freshmen Bulldogs were honored by The Sporting News on the Freshman All-WAC team, two more selections than any other team in the league. In addition to Pinegar and Jamison, the first-team offense included offensive linemen Dartagnon Shack and Matt Stevenson. Sanders was joined on the defensive first-team by true freshman walk-on Garrett McIntyre. Adam Jennings was selected as the return specialist. Pinegar was selected the WAC Offensive Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News.
The Bulldogs continue to prepare for Georgia Tech and the Silicon Valley Football Classic. Tickets for the game can be purchased through the Fresno State athletics ticket office, online at www.gobulldogs.com or via phone at (559) 278-DOGS.
