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Rice University Athletics
Football: Three Owls Named Academic All-District
11/9/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Defensive end Jake Jackson, linebacker Joe Bob Thompson and strong safety Travis Ortega were named to the team and will be on the ballot for the Academic All-America team this month.
Jackson, a senior from New London, has started all nine games this season for the Owls at end, registering 20 total tackles, including five for 15 yards in losses. He has two sacks this year. Jackson carries a 3.27 cumulative grade point average at Rice, majoring in kinesiology.
Thompson, a junior from Daingerfield, was 34 tackles this year, four for 11 yards in losses. He also has four pass deflections and one blocked kick. He started the Owls' first seven games, but has not played since injuring an ankle in the 38-13 win over Hawaii on Oct. 21. Thompson carries a 3.24 GPA in managerial studies, economics and kinesiology.
Ortega, a senior from Rockdale, has started all nine games this year and 40 in his Rice career. He has been credited with 60 tackles this season and five pass deflections. He was the Bronko Nagurski national defensive player of the week against Houston in the season opener after returning a pass interception for 64 yards and a touchdown, and being in on 15 tackles. Ortega is a 3.44 student in political science and kinesiology.
Rice, 3-6 on the season, plays UT-El Paso Saturday night in the Sun Bowl (8:05 pm CST).
