Dec. 8, 2007

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Two Maryland players were selected to The Sporting News Freshman All-America Football Team, the magazine announced Friday.

Linebacker Adrian Moten and punter Travis Baltz both received honorable mention nods from the publication.

Moten, a redshirt freshman out of Gwynn Park High School in Suitland, Md., has proven to be a versatile player in his first season on the field. He has seen time as a reserve at all three linebacker spots and at defensive end in pass-rushing situations.

Moten ranks ninth on the team with 45 tackles, including 5 1/2 tackles for loss and 3 1/2 sacks. He has also forced two fumbles and picked off one pass.

Baltz had some big shoes to fill after he took over for All-ACC performer Adam Podlesh, but the true freshman from Whitehouse, Ohio, responded well.

He ranks seventh in the ACC and 45th in the nation with an average of 41.3 yards per punt. Baltz has elevated his game during conference play with a 43.1-yard average, second-best in the league.

Baltz and Moten both earned a spot on The Sporting News Freshman All-ACC Team and were selected to the Rivals.com freshman all-league squad.

The Terps also had a freshman All-American last season. Darrius Heyward-Bey was a first-team selection by The Sporting News.