BUFFALO, NY - University at Buffalo freshman punter Ben Woods (Hermitage, PA/Hickory) has earned recognition by The Sporting News on its annual All-Freshman teams, announced by TSN college football writer Tom Dienhart.

Ben Woods

Woods earned a berth on the third team after nearly breaking the all-time UB single-season record for punting average as a true freshman. Woods finished the season with an average of 41.2 yards per punt - on 72 total punts - just missing the school record of 41.7 yards per kick. Woods, who finished sixth among punters in the Mid-American Conference in average, had the longest punt in the conference this season with his 68-yarder at Akron. In addition, Woods had 12 of his punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

"Ben came into camp extremely ready to contribute right away and he certainly did that," said Buffalo head coach Jim Hofher. "That preparation certainly played itself out on the field as he had an extremely productive season. We are excited about the continued improvement for Ben and how that will impact the future of our program."

Woods was one of six players from the MAC honored on TSN's All-Freshmen teams: Ball State's Adell Givens (second team), Central Michigan's Thomas Keith (third team), Western Michigan's Robbie Krutilla (third team), Toledo's Nigel Morris (third team) and Northern Illinois' Chris Nendick (third team).