Western Washington University running back Randall Eldridge (Jr., Lynnwood) was a second-team pick as an all-purpose runner on the 2008 Don Hansen's Football Gazette NCAA Division II Super Region Four all-star squad announced today.
Eldridge was one of three Vikings honored. Linebacker Caleb Jessup (Jr., Kenmore/Inglemoor), wide receiver Pat McCann (Sr., Olympia) and offensive center Dan Trask (Sr., Aberdeen) were all named to the third team.
Western finished 6-5, winning 25-10 over Colorado Mines in the Dixie Rotary Bowl on Dec. 6. It was the school's first post-season appearance since 1999.
Eldridge, who was the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year, led the league in rushing, averaging 89.4 yards per game. He ran for 805 yards on 198 carries, a 4.1 per carry average, and four touchdowns, and also caught 35 passes for 410 yards and three touchdowns.
Eldridge ran for 100 or more yards in four games with a high of 134 in the bowl victory over Colorado Mines.
Jessup ranked third nationally and led the GNAC in tackles with 128 (11.6 avg.), including 66 solos. He had double-figure tackles in nine games, posting a career-high 15 twice. Jessup was credited with 14 stops in the bowl triumph.
McCann caught 58 passes for 1,057 yards, both being the seventh highest totals in school history, and 11 touchdowns. He ranked No.14 nationally and led the GNAC in receiving yards per game with a 96.1 average.
McCann tied a school game record with three touchdown catches against Dixie State, making eight receptions for 232 yards in that contest, the second most yards in school history. His 96-yard touchdown grab was a GNAC record and the second longest in school history.
Trask, who was voted the team's best offensive lineman for the second straight year, anchored an offensive line that helped Western average 29.4 points and 404.1 total yards per game. The Vikings ranked No.9 nationally in passing offense (301.6 avg.) and No.15 in pass efficiency (156.2).