Dec. 8, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. - UCF cornerback Josh Robinson (Sunrise, Fla.) was named to the Freshman All-America first team today by both CollegeFootballNews.com and Phil Steele's College Football Preview. His teammate, safety Kemal Ishmael (Miami, Fla.) was named to CFN's honorable mention list in the secondary as well.
Robinson is the nation's leader in both interceptions (six) and passes defended (14) by a true freshman. In fact, he is the only true freshman ranked in the Top 100 nationally in passes defended. Robinson's six interceptions, a UCF freshman record, tie for the most nationally this year by any freshman, true or redshirt.
Earlier today, Robinson became the first freshman since 2005 (fellow Knight Joe Burnett) to be named to the All-Conference USA team on defense. He was also named to C-USA's all-freshman team. In addition to his six interceptions which tie for the C-USA lead, Robinson has made 65 tackles on the year, 56 of which were solos, including one tackle for loss. Robinson also recovered a fumble on perhaps UCF's most crucial play of the entire season as Bruce Miller stripped Marshall quarterback Brian Anderson with 2:12 to play in regulation, setting up the game-winning touchdown drive in a 21-20 UCF win.
Also a true freshman, Ishmael played the first four games as a nickel back and then started each of the final eight at safety. He is just one stop behind Robinson with his 64 tackles on the season, fueled by his career-high 11 in UCF's win at Rice on Oct. 24.
The two have helped the Knights post an 8-4 record this year (6-2 C-USA) and earn a berth in the St. Petersburg Bowl on Dec. 19 against BIG EAST foe Rutgers. Tickets for the game can be purchased at UCFBowl.com. For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.