Dec. 16, 2011

(San Diego, CA) - Sophomore defensive end Blake Oliaro (Folsom, CA) received some additional post-season accolades when he was named to the 2011 Associated Press FCS All-American Second Team. Oliaro, who was named the Pioneer Football League Defensive Player of the Year, and USD's Defensive Most Valuable Player, was the lone PFL player among the three AP teams.

Oliaro ranked 4th in the FCS in sacks (1.36) and 10th in tackles for loss (1.77). For the season he finished with 57 tackles (35 solo), 15 quarterback sacks (-99 yards), 19.5 tackles for loss (-125), 6 quarterback hurries, 2 fumble recoveries (1 returned for a TD), 1 forced fumble, 1 interception and 1 blocked kick.

In addition to these outstanding athletic achievements, Oliaro also excels in the classroom where he carries a 3.62 grade-point average as a Mechanical Engineering major. He was named to the PFL All-Academic First Team. The Toreros finished the season 9-2 overall and were co-PFL Champions, along with Drake, with their 7-1 record.