Albert named first team Academic All-America®

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University senior linebacker A.J. Albert (Franklin Park, N.J.) has been selected as a member of the 2011 Capital One Academic All-America® Division III Football Team, chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). 

"It's truly an honor," says Albert. "Four years ago, I never imagined I'd be in this position, being selected to an Academic All-America® team.  I just want to thank my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for such a great experience here at Salve Regina."

Albert i s the fourth player in program history to earn the honor, joining Luke Arnold (2000), Mark DeBiasio (1998, 1999), and Justin Hackley (1996). He currently holds a 3.86 grade-point average and is earning his bachelor's degree in Finance.

Albert heads the 2011 linebacker corps as a member of the first team. He played in all 11 games for the Seahawks this year, leading the team with 104 tackles, 8.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, while ranking second in the entire nation with 23.5 tackles for loss on the season. As a result, Albert was selected as a member of the 2011 New England Football Conference (NEFC) All-Boyd Division first team.

The senior linebacker helped lead the Seahawks to their most successful season since 1998, including their first Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Bowl victory in 13 years. The Seahawks finished this year with an 8-3 record, closing the season with six consecutive wins, including a 26-6 victory over Worcester State University during the ECAC North-West Bowl.

Click here for the official 2011 Capital One Academic All-America® release.