Athletics

Shipley, Maybin named FWAA All-Americans

University Park, Pa. — Penn State standout linemen Aaron Maybin (Ellicott City, Md.) and A.Q. Shipley (Coraopolis) have been selected to the 65th Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) All-America Team.

The All-America honors are the second in the last three days for Maybin and Shipley, who also were selected to the Walter Camp Football Foundation All-America first team. Senior wide receiver/kick returner Derrick Williams (Greenbelt, Md,) was selected a second team All-American by Walter Camp. The FWAA selects just one team.

Sixth-ranked Penn State was one of only five schools to have a pair of FWAA All-Americans, joining Alabama, Florida, USC and Texas.

Shipley was announced as Penn State's first recipient of the Rimington Trophy last Thursday at the ESPNU/Home Depot College Football Awards Show in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The 2008 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, the tough and physical Shipley has been instrumental in anchoring Penn State's best offensive line in more than a decade.

A co-captain and the leader of the O-line, Shipley and his linemates lead one of the nation's most potent offenses, as Penn State ranks 11th nationally in scoring offense (40.2 ppg) and No. 15 in the nation in rushing (211.6 ypg) and total offense (452.2 ypg). The Lions lead the Big Ten in total and scoring offense and are second in rushing.

A three-year starter and first team All-Big Ten selection in 2007 and '08, Shipley has played a major role in helping Penn State have a 1,000-yard rusher the four seasons (three different players). Behind the former Moon Area High School standout, the Lions lead the Big Ten and are No. 9 in the nation in fewest sacks allowed this season with 12.

A first team All-Big Ten honoree in 2008, Maybin emerged as one of the college football's premier pass rushers and playmakers, ranking fourth in the nation with 12 sacks and sixth with 19 tackles for loss. A tenacious and athletic defender, Maybin was a finalist for the Bednarik Award and the Ted Hendricks Defensve End Award

The former Mount Hebron High School standout has recorded at least one tackle for loss in all 12 games. Maybin has also forced a team-high three fumbles, including two that resulted in Penn State touchdowns, and recorded two pass break-ups.has helped Penn State lead the Big Ten in all four primary defensive categories and earn Top 10 national rankings in rushing, pass efficiency, scoring and total defense

In the Nittany Lions' 48-7 win at Wisconsin, Maybin grabbed the national spotlight with a dominant performance, recording six tackles (five solo), a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack for minus-12 yards, two forced fumbles and a pass break-up. Maybin earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week accolades for his outstanding performance.

Coach Joe Paterno's Big Ten Champion Nittany Lions (11-1) are preparing for their New Year's Day clash with No. 5/4 USC (11-1), the Pac-10 champions, in the 95th Rose Bowl presented by Citi in Pasadena, Calif. The ninth meeting between the traditional powers will kick off at 2:10 p.m. PT/5:10 p.m. ET and air on ABC, ESPN Radio and the Penn State Sports Network.

Penn State will be playing in its 35th bowl game under Paterno (23rd New Year's bowl), who is the all-time leader in bowl appearances and wins (23-10-1 record).

Aaron Maybin (59) joined A.Q. Shipley as FWAA All-Americans. Credit: Penn State Sports InformationAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated November 18, 2010

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