PISCATAWAY, NJ – Nine members of the Rutgers football team have been named to the 2002 BIG EAST All-Academic Football Team, it was announced today.

Members of the Scarlet Knights named to the BIG EAST’s All-Academic Team include sophomore wide receiver Jerry Andre (Miami, FL); junior running back Jereme Baker (Jacksonville, FL); sophomore offensive lineman Mike Clancy (Dover Township, N.J.); junior defensive back Nate Jones (Scotch Plains, N.J.); sophomore tight end Chris Loomis (Maple Shade, N.J.); junior fullback Ray Pilch (Piscataway, N.J.); sophomore offensive lineman Mark Segaloff (Toms Rivers, N.J.); sophomore defensive end Alfred Peterson (Opa-Locka, FL); and senior center Marty Pyszczymuka (Newton, N.J.).

It was the third consecutive year that Pyszczymuka has been named to the BIG EAST’s All-Academic team. Baker, Jones and Pilch are all repeat honorees.

Jones, who was named BIG EAST Co-Special Teams Player of the Year and was also chosen to the All-BIG EAST squad as a first-team kickoff return specialist for his efforts in the 2002 season, was named to the Verizon Academic All-America Team in December. Jones (first team) and Pilch (second team) were Verizon All-Academic District 2 selections.

The BIG EAST named a total of 69 student-athletes to its All-Academic Football Team. The All-Academic Team recognizes student athletes who have posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, and have completed a minimum of two semesters of academic work. It is the 11th consecutive season the BIG EAST has honored its student-athletes with an academic team.