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RICHMOND, Ky. – Four Eastern Kentucky University football players were recently named to the 2011 All-Commonwealth Collegiate team – Anthony Brown, Matt Denham, Patrick McClellan and Ichiro Vance.

The awards, which are presented by the Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame, recognize the state’s top players from the 2011 season. Team members will be honored on June 15 in Louisville.

Brown, a defensive lineman from Cincinnati, Ohio earned first team All-OVC honors after finishing among the team leaders in both sacks (3.5) and tackles for loss (10.5). He recorded a 71-yard fumble recovery and return for score in the 52-48 win at Jacksonville State on Nov. 5.

Denham, a running back from Rineyville, Ky., ranked third nationally (FCS) in rushing yards per game on the way to earning third team AP All-American accolades. He posted 100 yards rushing in eight straight games and piled up 1,570 rushing yards on the season which ranks fourth in the EKU annals.

McClellan, a defensive back from Maineville, Ohio led the team in tackles (93) as a senior and registered a career-high 16 stops in the opening round FCS playoff game against James Madison.

Vance, a linebacker from LaGrange, Ky., finished second on the team in total tackles (86) and led the team in tackles for loss (10.5). A first team All-OVC pick, Vance recorded a season-high 19 tackles in the win over Missouri State on Sept. 10.

Brown, Denham and Vance are all returning to the EKU roster in 2012.

The Colonels are slated to return 17 of 22 starters (10 – offense, seven defense) in 2012 including eight first team all-conference players. EKU kicks off the 2012 schedule at Purdue on Sept. 1. Fans can reserve 2012 season tickets by contacting the EKU athletics ticket office at 859-622-2122.