Dec. 18, 2001

PITTSBURGH - Junior cornerback Leigh Bodden (Hyattsville, Md./Northwestern), Duquesne University's all-time interception leader, made history by becoming the first player from DU to earn a spot on the American Football Coaches Association 2001 Division I-AA All-America Team it was announced today.

The 6-1, 180-pounder, who tied his own school record with nine interceptions this past season, was one of six underclassmen named to the 25-man squad. He was also one of just two players named to the team that compete at the NCAA Division I-AA Mid-Major level.

Bodden finished the season with 34 tackles (27 solo) and two forced fumbles to go along with his nine interceptions. His 0.9 interceptions per game average ranked tied for second nationally. Duquesne, who won its fifth Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Football League title in the last seven years this season, finished 8-3. The Dukes ranked eighth nationally in total defense and fourth in pass efficiency defense.

Bodden will enter his senior season as the DU career record holder for interceptions (21) and interception return yards (226). Bodden, who has picked off nine passes in each of the last two years, has a shot at breaking the national I-AA record for career interceptions of 28 set by Holy Cross's Dave Murphy from 1986-89.

Earlier this month, Bodden was named a Sports Network First Team All-American and to the All-MAAC First Team. He also received All-American honors from the Associated Press today; Bodden was named to the AP's third team.

The I-AA AFCA All-America team, which is the only All-America squad chosen by the nation's coaches, has been in existence since 1979.