Crouch, Grossman lead AP All-America team

Quarterbacks Eric Crouch and Rex Grossman added a new twist to the AP All-America team -- the Heisman Trophy winner and runner-up are both on it.

Crouch, Nebraska's option whiz, was selected as the all-purpose player, while Grossman, Florida's sensational passer, won the quarterback spot on the team announced Tuesday.

Miami's Ken Dorsey was the second-team quarterback and Fresno State's David Carr made third team.

Crouch directed the Huskers to an 11-1 record and into the BCS' national title game against Miami in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 3. He was the choice in a category that replaced return specialist 10 years ago. The change was made to recognize college football's more versatile players.

Crouch ran for 1,115 yards and 18 TDs, passed for 1,510 yards and seven scores and also caught a 63-yard TD pass. Indiana quarterback Antwaan Randle El was the second-team all-purpose pick.

Grossman, who topped the nation in passing with 3,896 yards and 34 touchdowns, led four Florida players -- the most of any school -- chosen for the 26-player AP team. He guided the Gators to a 9-2 record, an Orange Bowl berth, and was selected AP player of the year last week.

Wide receiver Jabar Gaffney, offensive tackle Mike Pearson and defensive end Alex Brown are the other Gators on the team. It also includes two players from No. 1 Miami -- Outland Trophy winning offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie and free safety Edward Reed, one of three repeat All-Americans.

BYU's Luke Staley and Tennessee's Travis Stephens are the running backs, with LSU's Josh Reed joining Gaffney at wide receiver.

Staley, the Doak Walker Award winner who ran for 1,673 yards, led the nation in scoring with 28 touchdowns. Stephens ran for 1,464 yards and 10 TDs.

Josh Reed caught 94 passes for 1,740 yards and seven TDs in helping LSU win the Southeastern Conference title and a spot in the Sugar Bowl. Gaffney had 67 catches for 1,191 yards and 13 TDs.

The rest of the offense includes Colorado tight end Dan Graham, Ohio State center LeCharles Bentley, and two more beefy linemen -- Nebraska's Toniu Fonoti and Colorado's Andre Gurode.

The first team has 15 seniors, nine juniors and two sophomores -- Grossman and Gaffney.

The SEC was the top conference with eight All-Americans, with the Big 12 next at seven, followed by the ACC and Big East with three each, the Big Ten and Pac-10 with two each and the Mountain West with one.

The complete AP All-America team can be found in Scoreboard on 2B.