Saturday, January 31, 2004

TUSCULUM'S RICARDO COLCLOUGH FEATURED IN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

NEW YORK --- Tusculum College cornerback Ricardo Colclough is featured in an article in the Feb. 2 issue of Sports Illustrated announced College officials.

The article, written by Sports Illustrated columnist Frank Lidz, is about how Colclough caught the eye of NFL scouts at this year's Senior Bowl. Colclough, the only NCAA Division II player at the Senior Bowl, was named the Defensive Most Valuable Player for the North Team. Colclough was credited with five tackles (2 solos) and pair of pass break-ups. Colclough also returned three kickoffs for 62 yards, including a long of 23.

Colclough garnered All-American honors from six organizations and publications this season, making him the most decorated football player in Tusculum history. He was recognized by AFCA, Associated Press, Dopke.com, D2Football.com, Daktronics and Football Gazette. He was also named the National Defensive Back of the Year by Football Gazette.

He recorded 59 tackles (37 solo) with 24 passes defended including 11 interceptions. Colclough's passes defended and interception totals this season are new school records and ranks third in NCAA Division II. In addition, he averaged 29.1 yards per kick return with two touchdowns and 14.2 yards per punt return with one touchdown en route to first team All-South Atlantic Conference and All-South Region First Team honors at both positions. For his efforts, he was named SAC Defensive Player of the Year and was a national finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which honors the Division II National Player of the Year.

Tusculum recorded its best season in gridiron history going 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the South Atlantic Conference, claiming its first-ever league football title.