RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University defensive end Noah Spence (pictured) was named to the 2015 Associated Press Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-America Team, the organization announced on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Spence was one of four defensive lineman chosen to the first team.

The AP is the second organization in as many days to choose Spence as a first team All-American. STATS released its FCS All-America Team on Tuesday.

Spence announced last week that he will forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility and enter the 2016 National Football League (NFL) draft. He finished fourth in voting for the STATS FCS Defensive Player of the Year Award, was chosen as the 2015 Ohio Valley Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year and selected to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl in January.

The 6-foot-3 defensive end made an immediate impact after transferring from Ohio State. He finished the season ranked fourth nationally in tackles for a loss (2.0/game), fifth in sacks (1.05/game) and 22nd in forced fumbles per game (0.27). Overall the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native had 22.5 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks, the fourth-most in EKU single-season history. He also contributed 63 tackles (31 solo), 15 quarterback hurries, forced three fumbles and recovered two fumbles. He had at least one sack in nine of 11 games including 2.5 combined in two games against FBS opponents. His play up front, which included seeing numerous double teams, helped EKU rank 15th nationally in rush defense (111.8 yards per game allowed).

Spence is Eastern Kentucky’s first, first team All-American since offensive lineman Derek Hardman was chosen first team by the Associated Press in 2009.

Spence, a redshirt junior, earned his degree this past weekend.

EKU Athletics Photo