University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Eight Panthers Named to All-Big East Academic Team
2/13/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
Feb. 13, 2007
PITTSBURGH-Eight University of Pittsburgh football players have been named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team.
The Big East All-Academic Team recognizes letterwinners who have posted a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better. Student-athletes who have completed a minimum of two semesters of academic work and earned a letter are eligible.
Linebacker Brian Bennett (Delanco, N.J./Holy Cross) was honored for the third time in the last four years. He previously was named to the Big East All-Academic Football Team in 2003 and 2004. Two of Pitt's other honorees were repeat selections from last year, including quarterback Tyler Palko (Imperial, Pa./West Allegheny) and long snapper Mark Estermyer (Chippewa, Pa./Blackhawk).
The Panthers' other honorees were linebacker Adam Gunn (Vandergrift, Pa./Kiski Area), running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (Johnstown, Pa./Greater Johnstown), placekicker Conor Lee (Upper St. Clair, Pa./Upper St. Clair/Fork Union Military Academy), defensive lineman Gus Mustakas (Cooper City, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna Prep) and center Joe Villani (Wantagh, N.Y./St. Anthony's).
Name (Class, Pos., Major)
Brian Bennett@ (SR*, LB, Administration of Justice/Legal Studies)
Mark Estermyer# (SO*, LS, Information Science)
Adam Gunn (SO*, LB, Communication and Rhetoric)
LaRod Stephens-Howling (SO, RB, Undecided)
Conor Lee (SO*, PK, Business)
Gus Mustakas (SO, DL, Undecided)
Tyler Palko# (SR*, QB, Communication and Rhetoric)
Joe Villani (SR*, C, History & Communication and Rhetoric)
@ after name denotes three-time Big East All-Academic selection
# after name denotes repeat Big East All-Academic selection
* after class denotes redshirt season
