GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman defensive end Joshua Stoneking has been named a first team All-American by the FCS Football Central, it was announced today.

Stoneking, a 6-foot-4, 264-pound redshirt sophomore, posted FCS highs in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (23.0), and tackle yards for loss (132) this fall.  He had at least one TFL in 11 of 12 games, and he matched his season high of 10 tackles out of 79 overall in the other game. He also totaled nine quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, two pass breakups, and one blocked kick.

His 14.5 sacks accounted for 56 percent of Furman's 26 total sacks, and his 23 tackles for loss represented 33.3 percent of the Paladins' tackles for loss this season — by far the highest percentages among SoCon defenders.

The Raleigh, N.C., was named Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Week a league best three times this fall and was accorded first team all-conference honors in voting by league head coaches.

Stoneking was recently announced among three finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented annually by Stats Perform to the top defensive player in the FCS.  This year's winner will be announced on Jan. 3 in Nashville, Tenn.

Click here for the FCS Football Central release.