Complete All-American Teams

Photo Courtesy of Mark Campbell

PHILADELPHIA -- University of Delaware senior defensive back Charles Graves was one of 20 Colonial Athletic Association players selected to The Sports Network Football NCAA Division I Championship Subdivision pre-season All-American team announced Thursday.

Grave (at right), a senior safety from Raleigh, N.C. (Southeast Raleigh High School), earned a spot on the second team. The 20 CAA players selected on the three teams, including eight first team selections, was more than any other conference in the country.

Graves enjoyed an outstanding junior campaign in 2008 when he led a Blue Hen defensive unit that was a highlight in an otherwise disappointing 4-8 season. He led the team with 78 tackles, including 43 solo stops, and ranked among the league leaders with five interceptions. He also ranked second on the team with five pass breakups and also recovered two fumbles, returning one 45 yards for a touchdown vs. Massachusetts.

For his efforts he earned second team All-American honors by the Associated Press, was a first team All-CAA pick, and was selected to the College Sporting News Fabulous Fifty FCS All-American team. In addition, he was named the Blue Hens Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Week three times.

Delaware will begin pre-season practice in early August in preparation for the season-opener on Friday, Sept. 4 vs. West Chester at Delaware Stadium at 7 p.m.

Among the first team selections from the CAA were Maine fullback Jared Turcotte, New Hampshire tight end Scott Sicko, Villanova offensive tackle Ben Ijalana and linebacker Osayi Osunde, Richmond offensive guard Matthew McCracken and cornerback Justin Rogers, and James Madison defensive tackle Sam Daniels and kick returner Scotty McGee.

Second team picks were Graves, Rhode Island fullback Joe Casey, Massachusetts offensive tackle Vladimir Ducasse and safety Jeromy Miles, James Madison offensive guard Dorian Brooks, Richmond linebacker Eric McBride, and Northeastern defensive back Nate Thellen.

Third team selections were Villanova center Brian Branigan and linebacker Tim Kukucka, William & Mary defensive end Adrian Tracy and kicker Brian Pate, and Hofstra linebacker Luke Bonus.