UCO's Birmingham named to All-Region team

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (Dec. 1) – Central Oklahoma running back Josh Birmingham has been named a first-team selection on the 2010 NCAA Division II Daktronics All-Super Region 4 Football Team, it was announced Wednesday.

The redshirt freshman from Luther is one of two running backs on the first-team all-region unit and remains in the running for All-America honors.  Four all-region teams are selected from around the country in voting of Division II sports information directors, with all first-team players going on the All-America ballot.

Birmingham put together a sensational season this fall and was one of 24 candidates nominated for the Harlon Hill Trophy that goes to the NCAA Division II Player of the Year.  He rushed for 1,250 yards and 18 touchdowns on 243 carries while also catching a team-high 49 passes for 384 yards and three more TDs.

Birmingham finished in the top 10 in five single-season statistical categories at UCO – second in all-purpose yards (1,645), third in both touchdowns (21) and points (126), seventh in receptions (49) and eighth in rushing yards (1,250).  He ranked third in the NCAA Division II scoring race this season, averaging 11.45 points a game.

The rookie standout also set a school career record for touchdown runs of 50-plus yards in his first year with the Bronchos, ripping of TD runs of 58, 60, 66 and 81 yards.