Football | 11/6/2014 8:48:00 PM
SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Redshirt-sophomore running back
Justin Pyle of the Shippensburg University football team was named Thursday to the 2014-15 Capital One Academic All-District 1 Team.
An integral No. 2 running back for the Red Raiders, Pyle, a marketing major, has accumulated a 3.37 grade-point-average. He has played a major role in the SU offense this season, totaling 333 rushing yards on 69 carries – averaging 4.8 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns.
Pyle has even served as a de facto quarterback for a couple of games this season, leading a wildcat offense when SU was working through injuries to its quarterbacks. He also has 12 catches this season for 124 yards, including a 46-yard reception at Bloomsburg.
Overall, Pyle has played in 24 career games. He has scored four career touchdowns and totaled 378 rushing yards. As a true freshman in 2012, Pyle's primary role of kick returner allowed him to gain experience, averaging 20.2 yards on 19 returns for 384 yards.
Pyle totaled 17 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown vs. No. 10 West Chester and had 26 carries for a career-best 148 yards and one touchdown vs. Cheyney in a game in which he was the primary signal caller.
The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) selects Academic All-America® teams in 12 sports. A first team and second team are selected at the district level for Division I sports while Division II, Division III and the College Division (NAIA, junior colleges and Canadian schools) each receive one all-district squad.
The CoSIDA football districts are aligned with the four NCAA Super Regions, putting Shippensburg in District 1 along with all of the schools from the PSAC, Mountain East, Northeast-10 and CIAA.
To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his current institution and be nominated by his sports information director.
Academic All-District honorees advance to the Capital One Academic All-America Team ballot, where First, Second and Third Team All-America honorees will be selected in December.
