Akindele Named to FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team

Charleston, S.C. - Junior linebacker Tolu Akindele was one of 52 winners of the 13th annual Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team, announced by the association on Tuesday. Akindele was one of 92 athletes nominated for the 13th annual recognition.

"The FCS ADA looks forward to honoring the accomplishments of its football student-athletes each year with the announcement of the Academic All-Star Team," said FCS ADA President Greg Burke, chair of the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team Selection Committee and athletics director at Northwestern State University. "The dedication by these young men to perform successfully both on the field of competition and in the classroom epitomizes the definition of a Division I student-athlete."

Football players from all Football Championship Subdivision institutions are eligible for these prestigious awards. Each of the nominees was required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. He must have reached his second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. He must also have participated in 50 percent of the games played at his designated position.

Akindele finished the 2010 season as the Bulldogs' leader in total tackles with 80 (41 solo, 39 assisted), ranking ninth overall in the Southern Conference with an average of 7.3 tackles per game. He also added 4.0 tackles for a loss of five yards, three forced fumbles, three quarterback hurries, one pass breakup, one interception and one recovered fumble on the season.

"We are all very proud that Tolu was chosen to the Athletics Directors Academic All-Star Team," said Bulldog Head Coach Kevin Higgins. "He is a focused, passionate individual that strives for success in the classroom, on the field and in The Corps. I look forward to his leadership as we begin our off season conditioning program and prepare for spring practice".

A 2010 team captain, Akindele will graduate in May 2011, completing his undergraduate degree in three years. He will return for a fourth year of eligibility while pursuing a master's degree in the fall of 2011.

For more information on Bulldog Football, visit the official website of The Citadel Athletics at www.Citadelsports.com.