Willis Honored with All American Status

NEW YORK – Patrick Willis tacked on two more prestigious All-America honors to his ever-growing list on Tuesday, this time receiving first-team recognition from the Associated Press and The Sporting News.

The Ole Miss senior, who won the Butkus Award last week as the nation’s top linebacker, is the first Rebel to earn AP or Sporting News All-America status since tight end Rufus French in 1998.

Willis has already been tabbed a first team All-America selection this year by the Football Writers’ Association of America, the Walter Camp Football Foundation, The Gridiron Gazette, SI.com, CBSSportsline.com, Rivals.com and Scout.com.

The Bruceton, Tenn., native was previously honored as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year by both the AP and the league coaches.