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Rice University Athletics
Three Rice Freshmen Named to C-USA Squad
12/9/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 9, 2008
The Rice Owls, who tied Tulsa for the 2008 C-USA West Division title and who take a 9-3 record into a Texas Bowl showdown with Western Michigan, have placed three players on the 2008 Conference USA Football All-Freshmen team in voting by the league's coaches.
Defensive back Travis Bradshaw and defensive end Arnaud Gascon-Nadon were joined by punter Kyle Martens on the team. .
Bradshaw began the year on special teams, but moved into a starting role after Andrew Sendejo was injured vs. Tulsa and he remained in the lineup after Sendejo returned. Bradshaw finished second on the team with 81 tackles, and topped double-figures in tackles in each of his five starts. He was named the C-USA Defensive Player of the Week after recording 11 tackles, breaking up a pass and recovering a fumble vs. Marshall.
Gascon-Nadon became a valuable member of the Owls's defensive rotation during the year. After battling an ankle injury early in the season, he finished the year with 11 tackles, including one sack, and one fumble recovery. He also returned his first career interception for a 13-yard touchdown against North Texas.
Martens was the Owls punter all season and finished the year with a 38.6 average. He averaged 41.4 on 16 punts over his last four games (663 yards) and had three punts of at least 50 yards during that stretch. He also placed seven of his last 16 punts inside the 20 yard-line.
The Owls will meet Western Michigan on December 30 in the Texas Bowl at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Tickets are currently on sale through the Owls Athletics Ticket Office (713) 522-Owls, or on-line at www.riceowls.com.
