Somerset, NJ -- (Sports Network) - Monmouth running back David Sinisi and defensive lineman Kevin Walsh highlight the 2008 Northeast All-Conference teams.

Sinisi, a Walter Payton Award candidate, rushed for 1,674 yards and 22 scores, averaging a whopping 5.9 yards per carry, as he led the Hawks to a 7-4 record. Sinisi broke the 100-yard barrier nine times, including a season-high 247 yards against St. Francis (PA). The senior running back from Cedar Grove, N.J., added 14 receptions for 103 yards. Sinisi finished tied for first in the country in scoring while breaking every Monmouth single-season and career rushing record.

Walsh, a senior defensive tackle, became the fourth Monmouth player to earn NEC Defensive Player of the Year after wrapping up his final season with impressive numbers. The Mt. Laurel, N.J., native finished with 38 total tackles, including 12 tackles for a loss, despite missing two games due to injury. Walsh, who earned defensive player of the week three times, finished with six sacks, which was second in the league. The captain also menaced offenses with three pass breakups, seven quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Monmouth placed seven players on the All-Conference First Teams and nine overall.

Albany head coach Bob Ford, an Eddie Robinson Award finalist, was named coach of the year. Ford guided the Great Danes into the Gridiron Classic for the second consecutive season with an 8-3 mark.

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE:

QB - Dale Fink, Sacred Heart; RB - David McCarty, Albany; RB - Dave Sinisi, Monmouth; WR - Tim Bush, Albany; WR - Steve Tedesco, Sacred Heart; TE - John Nalbone, Monmouth; OL - Cody Kekipi, Saint Francis (PA); OL - Nick LoCastro, Monmouth; OL - Raphael Nguti, Albany; OL - Kevin Sterling, Monmouth; OL - Shawn Wright, Monmouth.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE:

DL - Robert Brown, Wagner; DL - Tom Pandolf, Albany; DL - Ray Saunders, Central Conn. St.; DL - Kevin Walsh, Monmouth; LB - Justin Brancaccio, Albany; LB - Scott Lewis, Saint Francis (PA); LB - Nathan Totino, Duquesne; DB - Dave Casale, Albany; DB - Michael Landers, Robert Morris; DB - Alondre Rush, Central Conn. St.; DB - Dave West, Albany.

FIRST TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS:

K - Fred Weingart, Monmouth; P - Chris Lynch, Albany; RS - Garry Coles, Sacred Heart.

(Courtesy of Northeast Conference Media Relations)