Dec. 14, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford senior free safety Cortland Finnegan was named third-team All-American by the Associated Press on Wednesday.

Finnegan has now been named to three All-America teams so far this year. Earlier, he was named to the American Football Coaches Association All-America Team, and he was named third-team All-American by the Sports Network. In addition to his All-America honors, Finnegan was also named first-team All-Conference as both a defensive back and as a return specialist.

As a senior, Finnegan led the team in tackles for the third-straight season with 98 total tackles. Finnegan also broke up seven passes and intercepted one.

Finnegan also made his mark on special teams for Samford this season. He led the Ohio Valley Conference in punt return average (15.1 ypr.), and he ranked second in the conference in kickoff return average (25.1 ypr.).

Finnegan has made an impact throughout his career at Samford. He was named the OVC's Defensive Player of the Year, and an All-American in 2003. Last season, he was named first-team All-Conference despite missing two games with a broken arm.