Dec. 13, 2005

BEVERLY, MA - D3Football.com announced Tuesday that Endicott College sophomore defensive back Pego Jean-Paul (Stamford, CT/Stamford) was named to D3Football.com second team All-Region for 2005.

Jean-Paul, who has a 3.80 GPA, led the Gulls with five interceptions and 14 passes defended. The sophomore made 40.5 tackles and ranked fifth in the New England Football Conference in passes intercepted and fourth in passes defended.

"Pego is a defensive leader," said EC defensive coordinator Kyle Sweeney. "He made some spectacular plays during the year and became a leader for us on defense. He's only a sophomore, but he knows every assignment and knows where to be at all times. He's gotten better every day and I really think we're just scratching surface of his ability."

Endicott enjoyed its best season in 2005, finishing 7-3 (5-1 NEFC Boyd Division). Jean-Paul quarterbacked a defense that led the nation (all divisions) with 30 interceptions. That helped the Gulls give up the fewest points in the NEFC (13.6) - 12th overall in the NCAA - on a conference-low eight touchdown passes.

The third-year program was also tops in the country in turnover margin (+23) and ranked third in pass efficiency defense. EC's total defense finished 23rd in the NCAA.

"Pego is the best example of a student-athlete that you can hope to have at your school," said Endicott football coach JB Wells. "He's a well-rounded person who is a great student, a campus leader that is involved in the community, and a great football player.

"Pego is very deserving of this award. As a football player, he has the ability to defend the pass and make tackles. He's a tremendous tackler."