Jan. 11, 2008

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University's Tavious Polo, a defensive back from Fort Lauderdale, has been named to the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and AON Insurance Freshman All-America Team.

"Congratulations to Tavious on this most prestigious award. Only a handful of all the players I have coached at the college level have been so honored," said Howard Schnellenberger, FAU's head football coach. "His arrival on the team and his teaming with Corey Small gave us a major athletic talent and toughness infusion. Both rank high nationally on the positive side of the turnover ratio which has to be regarded as one of the main reasons for our year long improvement. We are happy both will return in 2008."

The seventh annual team was announced at the FWAA annual awards breakfast. With 104 players nominated, the team featured players from programs such as Arizona State University, Florida State University and Texas Tech University, as well as the University of Georgia, University of Oklahoma and University of Missouri. The Big East led the conference with five players on the squad, while the ACC, Big 12 and Pac-10 each boasted four members.

Polo garnered the award after leading the nation in interceptions for much of the season. He snagged three interceptions in FAU's victory over the University of Minnesota, a game where he earned the National Defensive Player of the Week honor. Polo concluded his redshirt freshman campaign, a season he played in every contest, with 53 tackles, seven interceptions, one forced fumble and one recovery. He teamed with junior Corey Small to lead all cornerback duos with 12 interceptions. FAU's team consecutive-game streak of 20 interceptions was broken at the New Orleans Bowl. The honors continued for the Owls, who concluded the 2007 season when they captured the 2007 New Orleans Bowl on December 21, with a 44-27 victory over the University of Memphis.

Cergile Sincere will represent FAU on Saturday, January 12 at the 61st annual Hula Bowl played in Honolulu, Hawaii. Sincere is scheduled to wear No. 45 for the game that will be nationally televised at 6 p.m. EST on Versus. To check channel listings, visit www.versus.com.

Quarterback Rusty Smith garnered New Orleans Bowl MVP honors for his performance that was recognized by Scout.com. Scout.com compiled "The 100 Stars of the 2007-2008 Bowl Season" and listed Smith's performance at No. 40. The list stated that "the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year helped carry the Owls to a New Orleans Bowl win in their postseason debut, going 25-of-32 for 336 yards and touchdown passes to five different receivers."

Smith was listed ahead of quarterbacks Kodi Burns (Auburn), Cody Hawkins (Colorado), Mike Teel (Rutgers), John David Booty (USC), John Parker Wilson (Alabama), Matt Ryan (Boston College), Ben Mauk (Cincinnati), Graham Harrell (Texas Tech), Erik Ainge (Tennessee) and Andre Woodson (Kentucky).

Schnellenberger also received mention and was listed at No. 36 on Scout.com, which stated that "under the steady hand of the 73-year-old Schnellenberger, the youngest program to ever play in a bowl game became the youngest program to ever win a bowl game. The Owls blew past Memphis, 44-27, in the second-half of the New Orleans Bowl, pushing Schnellenberger's postseason record to a nifty 5-0."

FAU will honor the team and its accomplishments at a celebration scheduled for Saturday, January 19 at 3:30 p.m. at the FAU Arena, 777 Glades Road, Boca campus. The event is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 3 p.m., and fans will have the opportunity to obtain autographs, receive a commemorative poster and New Orleans Bowl Ticket autographed by Schnellenberger. It also will provide an opportunity to purchase merchandise and team photos taken at the Louisiana Superdome.

Tickets for the seventh annual Football Banquet also are available. The event is scheduled for Sunday, January 27 at 1 p.m., with a preceding reception at noon at the Embassy Suites of Boca Raton. For tickets, call 561-297-1042.