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TOWSON, MD. -- BYU defensive back Scott Johnson, linebacker Matt Bauman and Utah offensive lineman Zane Beadles were named Academic All-Americans Tuesday by ESPN the Magazine.
Johnson, a three-time Academic All-MWC selection and two-time MWC Scholar Athlete was named to the first team.
Bauman and Beadles were second-team selections.
This is the second Academic All-America award for Bauman who was a first-team selection in 2008.
"Matt and Scott are very worthy of consideration for Academic All-America honors," said BYU football academic coach Jim Hamblin. "Their work on the field and in the classroom is exactly the type you would want from true student-athletes."
Johnson, a team captain and exercise science major, has started 10 games this season to go along with the nine he started in 2008. He leads the team with three interceptions, including two in the Cougars' 59-21 win over UNLV. He is currently third on the team with 59 tackles, 39 of those solo takedowns.
"This is a great honor," said Johnson. "I feel like there are other people on my team, much less around the country, who also deserve an award like this."
Majoring in finance, Bauman has a 3.91 GPA, the second-highest on the team. A team captain, he has started 10 of BYU's 11 games this season after starting all 13 in 2008. The native of Salt Lake City is a three-time Academic All-Mountain West Conference selection and a two-time MWC Scholar Athlete.
Bauman has already been named a 2009 National Scholar Athlete by the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame.
"I'm feel honored to be recognized," said Bauman. "I'm thankful for this great university and the quality education it's provided me."
The players are selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.
Quarterback Tim Tebow, University of Florida, was named the Academic All-America of the Year.
