Nov. 22, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team placed two members on the Ohio Valley Conference's All-Conference team, released by the league on Tuesday.

Senior free safety Cortland Finnegan was named to the first team as both a defensive back and as a return specialist, and senior offensive tackle Kevin Pughsley was named to the second-team All-Conference team.

On defense, Finnegan led the team for the third year in a row, and ranked fourth in the conference with 98 tackles on the season. He also intercepted one pass, broke up seven passes, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble and blocked one kick.

Kevin Pughsley was named to the second-team All-Conference team for the Ohio Valley Conference on Tuesday.

As a return specialist, Finnegan led the league in both kick return average (25.1 ypr.) and punt return average (15.1 ypr.). His punt return average ranks eighth in the nation, and his kick return average was 22nd nationally.

Pughsley, who has been a leader on the offensive line for the last four seasons, allowed no sacks this season. Pughsley had an average grade of 94 percent on assignments and 89 percent on technique.