3 Matadors named preseason All-Americans

Three members of the Arizona Western College football team have been named to the 2008 NJCAA Preseason All-American teams.

Defensive lineman Pauli Latu and defensive back Marcus Benjamin were named to the NJCAA first team, while offensive lineman Travis Nua earned second team honors.

"Having these three student-athletes honored in this way gives us a great foundation in which to begin building a championship team," said first-year coach Tom Minnick. "While we know this is a preseason honor, I have little doubt that all three of these guys will make good on this promise."

Latu didn't begin the season as a starter but finished it that way after AWC was hit by a rash of injuries. He was a first-team WSFL and all-ACCAC after recording 49 tackles - six for a loss - and a half a sack.

Benjamin started eight of 10 games at cornerback and finished second on the team with 40 solo tackles and had 67 total tackles. He also had two interceptions and led the team in punt returns and yards on special teams. Benjamin caught they attention of UA, ASU and Wyoming because of his knack for performing well in big games.

Nua was the one constant on an ever-changing offensive line last year. He started the first eight games at left tackle before a dislocated shoulder ended his season.

The Matadors begin their season at home on Sept. 6, against American Sports University in a non-league game.