Arizona defensive tackle Justin Washington of Cypress, Texas, was named to the first-team Freshman All-America team by CollegeFootballNews today, one of four Pac-10 players cited.
Washington joined first-team receivers Robert Woods of USC and Marquess Wilson of Washington State, along with defensive end Junior Onyeali of ASU in earning first-team distinction.
Punter Keenyn Crier and tight end Rob Gronkowski were the last first-team frosh All-American at UA in 2007. Running back Keola Antolin was an honorable mention pick in 2008.
Washington, a redshirt freshman, took over a starting role on the inside in UA's second game this year and started nine of the 12 games, missing two other starts later with an injury. He finished with an inside-best 45 tackles including 10.5 for losses and six sacks, plus blocked a kick.
Washington and his teammates will travel to San Antonio at the end of next week for final preparations for the Valero Alamo Bowl Dec. 29 in the Alamodome. The Wildcats (7-5) will be the home team in the bowl against Oklahoma State (10-2) in a match of high-powered offenses.
Arizona enters the bowl season with the nation's No. 23 total offense, while the Cowboys rank first in the FBS. UA's defense is rated No. 37, while Oklahoma State brings the 90th-rated unit to the contest.
In other UA football news, junior receiver Juron Criner was named a second-team All-American by SI.com, his third citation to go with second-team honors from cbssports.com and a third-team citation from rivals.com.
