Kansas Cornerback Aqib Talib Named A Preseason All-America

May 21, 2007

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Kansas football cornerback Aqib Talib has been named a Playboy Magazine Preseason All-America and recently spent a weekend in Phoenix, Ariz. for a gathering of the team.

Last year Talib, a junior-to-be, was a second-team All-America by SI.com and a first-team all-Big 12 selection after leading the nation with 2.80 passes defended per game. The Richardson, Texas product led the conference in interceptions with six and passes broken up with 22 in 1996.

“It surprised me,” Talib said of the recognition. “I didn’t realize how big of an honor this was until I was out there and saw those guys. It is a big accomplishment even though it is preseason.”

Kansas players who have been named to the magazine’s preseason All-America team in the past, include John Riggins (1969), Willie Pless (1985), Dana Stubblefield (1992), Dan Eichloff (1992 and 1993), and John Jones (1994).

Talib and the other All-Americans enjoyed a weekend which included a welcoming dinner, fun sports-related games, time at the pool, a photo shoot, and an awards dinner for the 51st addition of the team. The dinner took place in Hidden Valley and players spotted coyotes in the surrounding hills. The players also tried their luck at quick draw, roping a mechanical calf and riding a mechanical bull according to Gary Cole of the magazine.

“It was a fun weekend,” Talib said. “It was real nice. It was the first vacation I have ever been on and it was just cool to be out there with those players.”

Talib said the photo shoot was the best part of the weekend. “It was fun because it took about 45 minutes and they took a lot more photos than I thought they would,” he said. “It was fun just being around those guys.”

Talib said he enjoyed meeting the players and is still keeping in touch with Antoine Cason from Arizona, the other cornerback selected to the team.

The Jayhawks will open the 2007 season at home against Central Michigan on Sept. 1. Season tickets are available via the internet at www.kuathletics.com, at Allen Fieldhouse, or by calling (785) 864-3141 or toll free at 1-800-34 HAWKS.