Nov. 21, 2006
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - After winning its final four games to post a winning record on the season, Villanova (6-5) had four players honored on the Atlantic 10 All-Conference teams, the league announced today. Senior defensive back Allyn Bacchus (Hampton, Va.) and senior offensive lineman Christian Gaddis (North Miami Beach, Fla.) each were named to the first team, while senior running back DeQuese May (Shelbyville, Ky.) earned second team accolades and senior offensive lineman Michael Costanzo (Pittsburgh, Pa.) was honored on the third team.
Bacchus and Gaddis each received All-League mention for the second straight year. Bacchus earned second team honors last season. In 2006, the senior led the team with 103 tackles, including 62 solo tackles and 41 unassisted stops. He completed his perfect streak of 44 consecutive starts for his entire collegiate career. Bacchus had 2.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions for 20 yards, two fumble recoveries and four pass breakups this season.
After earning third team accolades in 2005, Gaddis was cited on the first team this season. The Wildcats center started every game for the third straight season and helped Villanova average 337.8 yards of total offense per game. The Wildcats scored 22.5 points per game and averaged 143.3 rushing yards and 194.5 passing yards for the season.
May was the team's leading rusher and receiver for the season, amassing 1,158 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns. As a running back, he carried the ball for 538 yards and five scores with an average of 5.3 yards per carry. He also tallied 40 receptions for 479 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, May returned seven kickoffs for a total of 141 yards (20.1 yards per attempt). He received All-Conference accolades for the first time in his career.
Costanzo earned All-Conference recognition for the first time in his career as well. Like Gaddis, he was an important part of Villanova's strong offensive line. Costanzo started all 11 games and was a pivotal part of an offensive line that gave up just 21 sacks all season.
Despite a 2-5 start to the season, Villanova finished with a winning record after running off four straight wins to end the season. That streak included home victories over ranked opponents Richmond (#15) and James Madison (#4), as well as road wins against William & Mary and rival Delaware. In the season finale, the Wildcats rallied from a 20-0 deficit on the road to beat the Blue Hens for the first time in four seasons.
