Williams highlights five Razorbacks on AP All-SEC teams

FAYETTEVILLE – Sophomore D.J. Williams was one of five members of the Razorback Football team to be named to the Associated Press’ (AP) All-SEC Football Teams on Monday. Williams was the first-team tight end and the only Razorback to earn first-team honors by the AP.

Along with Williams’ honor, center Jonathan Luigs and running back Michael Smith were each named to the second-team offense while defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard and punter Jeremy Davis were placed on the second-team defense.

Williams’ first-team selection is a first for the Little Rock, Ark., native. Last week he was named to Phil Steele’s First-Team All-SEC lineup and earlier this season was a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award which goes to the nation’s top tight end. Williams ended the 2008 season as Arkansas’ number one receiver with 61 catches for 723 yards; both are single-season Razorback records for a tight end.

The 2007 Rimington Trophy winner and 2008 finalist, Luigs took second-team AP All-SEC honors in 2008. He consistently graded out over 90 percent on his assignments throughout the season and was instrumental in fellow second-team player Smith’s 1,000-yard rushing season. Smith became the ninth Razorback to rush for more than the century mark and led the SEC in rushing for a good portion of the season before dropping to number two late in the year.

On the defensive side of the ball, Sheppard and Davis each took second-team honors for the first time in their careers. Sheppard led Arkansas in four statistical categories from his tackle position including tackles for loss, sacks, forced fumbles and quarterback hurries. He was named to Phil Steele’s All-SEC Third Team Defense last week.

Davis rounds out the Razorback quintet of all-SEC players with his first AP accolade. After taking Second-Team Phil Steele All-SEC honors last week, Davis earned the same distinction by the media. Davis was a Draddy Award semifinalist and ranked 17th in the nation in punting when Arkansas completed its season on November 28.

The post-season accolades continue on Tuesday when the SEC Coaches release their all-conference teams. For more information regarding Razorback football or University of Arkansas athletics please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.