Cynewski named first-team All-American, 10th first-teamer in program history

WACO, Texas - Salisbury University senior defensive end Paul Cynewski (Moorestown, N.J.) was named an American Football Coaches Association first-team All-American this week. The first-team honor now brings the SU football program total to 10 first-team All-Americans, and 14 overall All-American recipients in program history.  

This marks the second year in a row the Sea Gulls have had a defensive end named to the All-American first team, as former Gull Jarrell Chandler (Salisbury, Md.) received the accolade in 2008.

Cynewski was one of the most feared defensive players in the country in 2009, as he was highly ranked in several defensive categories nationwide. The Moorestown, N.J., native finished the season ranked fifth in all of Division III football in tackles for a loss per game at 2.14, and tied for 41st in sacks per game at .82. Cynewski capped off his career with a stellar senior season, as he put up career-highs in tackles (62), tackles for a loss (23.5), and forced fumbles (2). The 6-foot-3 defensive end sacked opposing quarterbacks nine times this season for a loss of 70 combined yards. Cynewski was a major factor in teammates getting to the quarterback as well, as the Sea Gulls finished the season ranked fourth in the nation in sacks per game (3.55).

The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. The AFCA currently selects only a first team.