CAPE COD, MA -- Union College senior running back Tom Arcidiacono (Castleton, NY/Columbia) has been named the 2006 ECAC Division III Northwest Football Co-Player of the Year, and three of his teammates were also honored on this all-star team. Arcidiacono won this player honor last year, and is joined on the first team with senior defensive lineman Dylan Walton-Yedlin (Seattle, WA/Lakeside) and junior linebacker Vito Pellerito (Pompano Beach, FL/St. Thomas). Junior offensive lineman Dustin Connelly (Ballston Lake, NY/Shenendehowa) received honorable mention honors.
Arcidiacono shares the 2006 honor with Springfield quarterback Chris Sharpe, while Alfred wide receiver Jared Manzer was named the Rookie of the Year. These three players will be recognized at the annual Eastern College Football Awards Banquet presented by FieldTurf Tarkett in February, 2007 at the Meadowlands Complex in East Rutherford, NJ. Walton-Yedlin was also on the first team last year, and Pellerito received honorable mention recognition in 2005.
Arcidiacono averaged 6.4 yards per carry and 149.7 per game during the regular season. He rushed for 1,357 yards and 19 rushing TDs, and ended his career ranked 15th all-time in NCAA Division III career rushing yards with 4,919. He was named an AFCA All-American and the Liberty League Offensive Performer of the Year this season. Arcidiacono played for the AFCA's Division III USA all-star team that defeated the Mexican National Team in the 2006 Aztec Bowl, and led the team in rushing with 53 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown run. Arcidiacono ranked second in scoring and sixth in rushing in NCAA Division III final statistics. He was the East finalist for the 2006 Gagliardi Trophy.
Walton-Yedlin had 48 tackles and led the team with nine tackles for losses of 52 yards. He also led the Dutchmen with six sacks for 47 yards. Pellerito led Union with 91 tackles, and had six for losses, three pass deflections and two interceptions. Connelly was a starter at tackle and led an offensive line that allowed just 11 sacks in 10 games. Union ranked 16th nationally in total offense.
