University of Richmond Athletics
Richmond's Decorated Defensive Trio Earn All-State Honors
Jan. 21, 2011
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND - Three Richmond football defensive standouts have been selected to the 2010 Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Division I All-State Team released this week. Senior DT Martin Parker and senior LB Eric McBride were named to the First Team, while senior CB Justin Rogers was a Second Team pick.
Parker, headed to the East-West Shrine Game and the NFL Combine, led all CAA Football defensive linemen in tackles (8.7 per game) and was second overall in the league in total sacks (5.5) and total TFL (13.5) this year. He posted five double-digit tackle games, including 13 versus Delaware and 12 versus Towson. The New Haven, Conn. native, who was a First Team All-CAA Football selection and a consensus First Team All-America pick, also blocked a PAT attempt in the Delaware game.
McBride started all 54 games of his career - the longest active streak in CAA Football - and finished 2010 with the league's second-most tackles (119). The Richmond, Va. native was honored as the 2010 CAA Football Defensive Player of the Year. A two-time CAA Football Defensive Player of the Week honoree, he tied for the league-lead in fumble recoveries (three), and finished the year with two forced fumbles, two interceptions, 6.0 tackles for loss and four pass breakups. The big-time playmaker is ranked second all-time at Richmond in tackles (446).
Rogers, also headed to the East-West Shrine Game and the NFL Combine, was a First Team pick at both cornerback and punt returner, leading the league in punt return average (12.4 yards), while collecting 48 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles as the league's premier shutdown corner. A versatile threat, Rogers became the CAA Football career leader in kickoff return yards during the 2010 season and also saw action on offense as he rushed five times, caught three passes and was two-for-two passing.
The VaSID honors are selected by sports information staffs at each university in the Commonwealth.