Nov. 12, 2004
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Two Northwestern University football players were named to the District V Academic All-District first team, announced today by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Earning first-team honors were senior Luis Castillo (Garfield, N.J./Garfield) and junior Jeff Backes (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington). Castillo and Backes are now eligible for CoSIDA's Academic All-America team, which will be announced Monday, Nov. 29.
To be nominated, the student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his career. No athlete is eligible until he reaches sophomore athletic and academic standing at his institution.
Castillo, who earned second-team academic all-district honors in 2002 and first-team honors in 2003, has been a mainstay on Northwestern's defensive line the past three years. This year, he ranks fourth on the team with 56 tackles. He 6.5 tackles for loss and three quarterback hurries. Castillo, who has been named the Wildcats' defensive player of the week three times this season, notched a career-high 11 tackles earlier this season in a win over Indiana. He carries a 3.53 cumulative GPA in economics.
Backes, who is trying to become a repeat Academic All-American after earning second-team honors last year, has recorded 32 tackles, an interception and six pass breakups. His first career interception came against Ohio State late in the fourth quarter of the Wildcats' overtime win. He also ranks fifth nationally with a 30.3 yards per kickoff return average. Backes returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown earlier this season against Minnesota. He carries a 3.80 cumulative GPA in psychology (pre-medicine).