July 17, 2009

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Four Villanova Wildcats were named to the Sports Network pre-season All-American teams. Senior linebacker Osayi Osunde (Bloomsburg, Pa.) and junior offensive lineman Ben Ijalana (Hainesport, N.J.) were first team selections, while senior defensive end Tim Kukucka (Wall, N.J.) and senior offensive lineman Brian Brannigan (Clementon, N.J.) were third team honorees.

Osunde has led the Wildcats in tackles the last two seasons. Last year, he registered a team-best 75 total tackles to go with five tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, one sack and a blocked kick. He was a first team All-CAA selection last year, after earning third team All-League honors in 2007.

Ijalana has started all 24 games of his Villanova career. He garnered first team All-CAA accolades last year as a sophomore after anchoring an offensive line that helped Villanova average 29.4 points per game and 391.3 yards of total offense per contest, including 216.9 rushing yards per game.

Kukucka has earned second team All-CAA honors the last two seasons. Last year as a junior, he tallied 39 total tackles, a team-high tying 15 tackles for loss, 7.5 quarterback sacks, one forced fumble and a blocked kick.

Brannigan has played both guard and center throughout his Villanova career. He is expected to be the team's starting center in 2009. He is one of three players to be named a team captain for this season.