Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair Named USA Today Freshman All-American

Dec. 12, 2015

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Florida Atlantic University linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been named to the USA Today Freshman All-American team.

"We are excited about the way Azeez works to get better every week," said Charlie Partridge, FAU's head football coach. "He has a bright future in our program."

Al-Shaair, who was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team earlier this week, led the Owls with 94 tackles and 7.5 tackles for a loss and earned the Owls Co-Newcomer of the Year award last Sunday. The true freshman from Tampa, Fla (Hillsborough High School) played in every game with 11 starts. He led the team in tackles in seven games and recorded double-digit tackles in three games. His career high 16 tackles was set versus Rice. Al-Shaair's season totals also includes 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a quarterback hurry and two pass breakups.

He ended the regular-season ranked No. 11 in total tackles among C-USA schools and No. 100 nationally.

Al-Shaair is the fourth player in FAU's history to earn Freshman All-American honors and the first to earn USA Today recognition. Tavious Polo, a defensive back, was recognized in 2007 by the Football Writers Association, Mickey Groody, a punter, was named Honorable Mention in 2010 by CollegeFootballNews.com and current offensive lineman Reggie Bain earned his honors in 2014 by 24/7 Sports.

The Owls will return 11 players who earned all-conference honors in 2016 and will begin spring drills Tuesday, Mar. 15. The 2016 Spring Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 16. Deposits for 2016 season tickets can be made by calling 1-866-FAU-Owls.

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