Cape Cod, MA --- Senior linebacker Tyler Russell was named one of four linebackers to the ECAC Division III North All-Star team in a vote by the regions head coaches. Russell was also one of 11 from the New England Football Conference to be honored on the squad.
Russell, who hails from Princeton, MA, had a standout season for the Lancers. Russell finished the 2010 season first in the NCAA Division III in solo tackles (92) while his total tackles and average tackles (16.70) were tied for second nationally. Russell also posted totals of 12.5 tackles for a loss, three pass breakups, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
With 167 stops this season, Russell shattered the single-season record of 130 that was previously held by Lancer Hall of Famer Scott Holland. Russell posted a four-year total of 398 tackles (231 solo) – 378 which came in the last three seasons combined.
The honor for Russell marks the fourth time he has been distinguished with an award for his efforts for WSU this past season. Russell has been tabbed the Co-NEFC Bogan Division Defensive Player of the Year, the Worcester Area Association Defensive Player of the Year and to the Third-Team of the D3football.com All-East Team.
Russell was also chosen to represent Worcester State and the NEFC at the Division III North-South All-Star Game in Salem, VA and at the Division II/III All-American Bowl in Minneapolis, MN.
Russell is the first player to be placed to the ECAC squad since defensive lineman Steve Melville was honored in 2008.
The Blue and Gold finished the season with a 5-5 mark, an improvement of four wins from a season ago under 28th year head coach Brien Cullen.
From the NEFC, running back Jim Bower (S. Paris, ME) of Maine Maritime and Kevin Egan (W. Hartford, CT) of Endicott were both selected the ECAC Division III North Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year, respectively.