Two Tulane Freshmen Earn All-America Mentions

Tulane University freshman Chris Beckman and Billy Harrison have been named honorable mention Freshman All-Americans by two different internet websites at punter and defensive end, respectively, for their play in 2003.

Beckman, a redshirt freshman from Grenada, Miss., picked up recognition from Rivals.com, after ranking second in Conference USA, and 19th in the country, in punting average with a 43.52 average. He recorded 16 punts of 50 yards or longer, including a Superdome record 73-yard boot in the season finale against East Carolina. Beckman had 17 punts inside the 20-yard line while only 28 of his 65 kicks were returned. He was also named second team All-Conference USA last week in voting by league coaches and media.

Harrison, who started the final seven games of the season for Tulane at defensive end, led the Green Wave in tackles for loss with 7.5 and tied for the team lead in sacks. A true freshman from Pensacola, Fla., he was the top tackler among all Conference USA freshmen with 65, including 40 solo stops. Harrison grabbed his first career interception versus UAB to set up a Tulane touchdown. He was one of four Tulane players named to the league’s All-Freshman squad last week.

The Green Wave finished 5-7 on the season after winning two of their last three games. In all 13 freshmen, including nine on defense, started games for Tulane in 2003. All seven of the team’s losses came to 2003 bowl teams.

-- THINK GREEN! --