University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Offensive Tackle Ben Curtis Named to Associated Press All-American Team
12/16/2015 2:59:00 PM | Football
NEWARK, Del. -- University of Delaware senior football standout Ben Curtis picked up his third honor of the postseason Wednesday when he was named to the Associated Press All-American second team.
Curtis, a 6-6, 290 lb. offensive tackle from Columbia, Md. (Calvert Hall High School), was previously named first team All-Colonial Athletic Association in November and earned a spot on the College Sports Madness All-American third team last week.
The honor for Curtis marks the second straight year the Blue Hens have had a player honored on the Associated Press team after punter Eric Enderson earned third team honors last season. Delaware has now placed at least one student-athlete on a postseason All-American football team for 14 straight years.
“We are excited for Ben to receive this honor, it is well deserved,” said Delaware head coach Dave Brock. “Ben's been an anchor on our offensive line for a number of years and has consistently played at an exceptionally high level. He is a great teammate and has earned his degree. We couldn't be happier for him.”
Curtis becomes the first Blue Hen offensive lineman honored by the AP since guard and current Atlanta Falcon Gino Gradkowski was a second team pick in 2011 and the first offensive tackle since Mike Byrne was a third team selection in 2007.
A criminal justice major, Curtis was a four-year starter and was the lone Blue Hen selected to the All-CAA first team during the 2015 season. Also a second team All-CAA pick in 2014, Curtis played in 43 career games for Delaware and started each of his final 40 contests. He anchored an offensive front that has helped Delaware rank No. 2 in the CAA and No. 17 nationally in rushing offense at 219.4 yards per game in 2015.
Curtis was one of 12 Colonial Athletic Association players honored by the AP, joining first team picks in Richmond OL Nick Ritcher, Villanova LB Don Cherry, and William & Mary DB DeAndre Houston-Carson; second team picks in Richmond RB Jacobi Green, Maine OL Bruce Johnson, Richmond WR Brian Brown, Stony Brook DL Victor Ochi, and William & Mary K Nick Dorka; and third team selections in James Madison OL Mitch Kirsch, Richmond DB David Jones, and New Hampshire DB Casey DeAndrade.
Among the other organizations expected to announce their All-American teams over the coming weeks are Walter Camp Foundation and the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Scott Selheimer | selheime@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-8007 | Cell: 302-562-5129
