BGSU defensive lineman Chris Jones named to Football Writers Association of America All-American team

Bowling Green State University player Chris Jones, 91, celebrates after scoring a touchdown after recovering a fumble during the third quarter against Eastern Michigan University at Doyt Perry Stadium in Bowling Green on October 27, 2012.

BOWLING GREEN -- Bowling Green State University defensive lineman Chris Jones was named to the Football Writers Association of America All-American first team today.

Jones, who on Tuesday was named to the Associated Press All-American third team, is just the 22nd Falcon to ever earn All-American status, and the third Falcon under head coach Dave Clawson to be named an All-American.

The senior from Brownsburg, Ind., is just the second Falcon to be named to the FWAA team. The other was Freddie Barnes, who was selected as a wide receiver in 2009. He is the first BG player to earn berths on multiple All-American teams since 1994, when kicker Brian Leaver was chosen first team All-American by Football News magazine and the Associated Press.

Jones, who was named to the All-Mid-American Conference first team and MAC defensive player of the year, currently ranks third in the nation with 12.5 sacks and is tied for seventh with 19.0 tackles for loss, both career bests. This season he also has 41 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, five quarterback hurries and a pass break-up. He had a sack in 8-of-12 games and recorded a tackle for loss in 10 contests.

Jones is part of a Falcons defensive unit that ranks seventh in the nation in total defense (289.7), seventh in pass defense (173.0), ninth in scoring defense (15.8) and 15th in rush defense (116.7). BG also ranks sixth on third downs (28.5%) and ninth in sacks (37.0).