Running backs named I-AA All-Americans for third time

Adrian Peterson and Brian Westbrook closed out their college careers in impressive fashion -- the running backs became three-time All-Americans.

Peterson, Georgia Southern's record-setting fullback, and Westbrook, Villanova's all-purpose star who led the nation in total yards, headline The Associated Press' I-AA All-America team released Tuesday.

Hofstra's pass-and-catch duo of quarterback Rocky Butler and wide receiver Kahmal Roy also made the 26-player team, along with two players each from Big Sky Conference powers Montana and Eastern Washington.

Montana, 14-1 entering Saturday's I-AA national title game against Furman, saw offensive guard Thatcher Szalay selected for the second year. He is joined by safety Vince Huntsberger.

Eastern Washington's two All-Americans are running back Jesse Chatman and center Chris Polinder.

The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Peterson ran for 1,459 yards and 18 touchdowns in the regular season and another 336 and two TDs in three playoff games. Peterson also made the team in '98 and '99. Last season, he was on the second team.

Westbrook, who ran for 1,603 yards and 22 TDs and also caught six scoring passes and returned a kickoff for a TD, was the all-purpose player for the third time. Westbrook made the team in '98, sat out '99 with a torn knee ligament and was chosen first team again last season.

Chatman led the nation in rushing with 2,096 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. The Big Sky offensive player of the year averaged 7.35 yards per carry.

Butler, who led Hofstra into the playoffs, threw for 3,311 yards and 20 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. The 6-0, 190-pound senior was second nationally in pass efficiency and third in total offense.

The complete offensive and defensive teams can be found in Scoreboard on 2B.