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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Patrick Willis Named To Associated Press All-SEC First Team
12/5/2005 | Football
Dec. 5, 2005
OXFORD, Miss. - Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Willis was named to the Associated Press All-SEC first team defense, as announced Monday. Defensive lineman Michael Bozeman earned Honorable Mention honors.
Willis, a 6-2, 230-pound junior from Bruceton, Tenn., finished the regular season as the nation's leader in solo tackles (9.00) and ranked No. 5 in the nation in total tackles (12.80). He also led the Southeastern Conference in tackles (12.8).
A finalist for the Cellular South Conerly Trophy (awarded to Mississippi's top player), Willis was also selected as a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which goes to the nation's Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year.
As for the 2005 season, Willis' defensive totals included 128 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss (-42), three QB sacks (-28), two caused fumbles, one fumble recovery, three passes defensed, two QB pressures and one pass interception.
Willis played this season with a broken middle finger on his right hand, a sprained left knee, a right mid-foot sprain and a partial AC joint separation of his right shoulder.
Bozeman, a 6-2, 290-pound senior from Hawkinsville, Ga., finished the 2005 season with 51 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss (-16), one sack (-6), one pass break-up, four QB hurries and a fumble recovery.