University of Richmond Athletics
McCracken, Rogers Become First Three-Time All-Americas In School History
Dec. 17, 2009
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Senior offensive lineman Matt McCracken and junior defensive back Justin Rogers have become the first three-time All-America honorees in school history. McCracken was named to the Walter Camp Team, while each earned mention on both the American Football Coaches Association and Associated Press FCS Teams.
Earning a spot on the AP First Team, McCracken is just the fourth AP first-teamer in school history and the first since linebacker Eric Johnson in 1992. Wide receiver Walker Gillette was on the AP First Team in 1969 and defensive back Jeff Nixon followed in 1978. Rogers was picked to the Third Team.
McCracken capped his career as one of the most decorated offensive linemen in school history. The left guard, who started the final 50 games of his career, was named the state's top Division-I offensive linemen by the Touchdown Club of Richmond. He is a three-time All-CAA Football performer, including a First Team selection in 2008 and 2009.
With McCracken anchoring the senior-laden line, Richmond averaged 158.8 yards rushing this season and allowed just 18 sacks in 13 games - the second-fewest in CAA Football.
Rogers enters his senior season in 2010 as a three-time First Team All-CAA Football selection. One of the league's best cover corners, Rogers has 10 career interceptions (three in 2009), which ties for seventh all-time at Richmond.
Also an accomplished return specialist, Rogers is the Spiders' career leader in kickoff return yardage and needs just 332 more yards to break the CAA Football career record.
On the AFCA Team, Richmond, Appalachian State and Eastern Washington were the only schools were multiple honorees, while CAA Football led all conferences with seven picks. Rogers was one of just five juniors on the 25-man AFCA team (the other 20 were seniors).
All-America Teams from the Sports Network and College Sporting News have yet to be announced.
Under the direction of new head coach Latrell Scott, who was introduced December 15, 2009 as the youngest head coach in Division-I football, the 2009 CAA Football Champion Spiders enter the off-season on the heels of an 11-2 campaign that ended last-second loss to Appalachian State in the NCAA Quarterfinals.
