Nixon named First Team Academic All-Pac-10

Arizona State senior linebacker Mike Nixon has been named First Team Academic All-Pac-10 for the third straight season, the Pac-10 announced today. Nixon, who was named an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American in November, is the only three-time First Team honoree. Junior kicker Thomas Weber, sophomore offensive lineman Matt Hustad and quarterback Samson Szakacsy all earned Honorable Mention honors.

Nixon (Phoenix, Ariz.) carries a 4.07 GPA as a political science major. He led the Sun Devils in tackles for the second straight season, totaling 73 with six for loss. He also added three interceptions, four pass break-ups and three forced fumbles. Earlier this year Nixon earned ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All-District VIII honors for the third straight year, the first Sun Devil to ever earn three First Team selections.

Weber (Downey, Calif.) earned Academic All-Pac-10 honors for the third time in his career. The junior kicker was a First Team choice in 2007 and Second Team pick last season. He carries a 3.17 GPA with a double major in Kinesiology and Business.

Hustad (Helena, Mont.) carries a 3.36 GP in Kinesiology. He saw action in five games this season along the offensive line. Szakacsy (Camarillo, Calif.) is majoring in Sustainability and has a 3.04 GPA. Szakacsy threw for 362 yards and four touchdowns in five games. He also ran for a touchdown.

A student-athlete must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average, be in their second year at a university and be a starter or significant contributor to be eligible for selection.