Aggie News

Update 12/13/06

BARSI NAMED TO ASSOCIATED PRESS I-AA ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM

DAVIS, Calif. --- Free safety Jonathan Barsi, whose six interceptions this season were tied for the second-most in I-AA football, was named to the Associated Press I-AA All-America first team, it was announced on Wednesday afternoon.

Barsi is the first Aggie to be named to one of A.P.'s first teams since offensive tackle Troy Larkin was honored on the Division II squad in 1999. He is also the second straight Associated Press I-AA All-America honoree for UC Davis following receiver Tony Kays who was named to the second team last season.

"J.J. was kind of our hidden nugget we knew that we had," said Aggie head coach Bob Biggs. "For him to be honored is well-deserved and we couldn't be happier for him."

Barsi, a senior from Los Altos, Calif., led the Aggies with six picks this season, including intercepting three passes against rival Sacramento State during UC Davis' 30-16 win during the 53rd annual Causeway Classic on Nov. 18. Barsi returned one of them 44 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, tying the game 13-13 and helping swing momentum toward the Aggies. He also had a key 72-yard kickoff return, helping set up UC Davis' first score. For his efforts, he was named the Great West Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Barsi led the team with 61 total tackles in 2006, including 34 solo, while also breaking up three passes and recovering a fumble. Besides Sacramento State, he posted interceptions in the Aggies' two prior games against South Dakota State and North Dakota State. Barsi also had a pick in the season opener at Northern Colorado. His interception return yardage totaled 102 yards for the season.

Barsi finished his career with 11 interceptions, tying him for fourth all-time at UC Davis. His season total ties him for fifth. He was named to the All-GWFC first team in November for the second straight year.

UC Davis finished 6-5 overall this season, securing its 37th straight winning season.

Information courtesy UC Davis ICA/Media Relations