TAMPA - University of South Florida redshirt freshman LB DeDe Lattimore and true freshman punt returner Terrence Mitchell were named Freshman All-Americans on Tuesday. Lattimore earned first-team honors from Phil Steele, while Mitchell was named to the first team by both Phil Steele and Rivals.com.
Mitchell led the nation's rookie punt returners with a 10.2 yards per return average. His 10.2 average ranked 27th nationally and fourth in the BIG EAST. He totaled 194 yards on the season, including a long of 67 yards which came against Western Kentucky. After converting from cornerback to wide receiver, Mitchell scored his first career touchdown on a 45-yard reverse against Pittsburgh.
Complete Rivals.com Freshman All-America Team
Lattimore left fall camp as the starter at weakside linebacker after redshirting in 2009. He played in all 12 games, earning starts in 11 of them. Lattimore was third on the team with 60 tackles, and also added a pair of sacks and four tackles for loss in 2010.
Complete Phil Steele Freshman All-America Teams
Last week, Mitchell and Lattimore, along with DE Ryne Giddins and S Mark Joyce, were named to the All-BIG EAST Freshman team by ESPN.com.
Mitchell is the second USF special teamer to gain postseason kudos this year. Fellow Hillsborough HS product, sophomore Lindsey Lamar was named BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Year following his impressive campaign as the Bulls kickoff returner.
The Bulls are currently taking a break from bowl practices and will return to action on Friday, Dec. 17, when they will continue to prepare for the Meineke Car Care Bowl, where they will face Clemson on Friday, Dec. 31 at Noon.
