SALEM, OR Willamette University football players Kevin Dean (Sr., FB, 59, 204 lbs., Weed, CA/ Weed HS) and Ben Weyerhaeuser (Sr., SS, 62, 223 lbs., Eatonville, CA/Charles Wright Academy) have been named First Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VIII, as selected by member of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). A total of 23 student-athletes received Academic All-District VIII honors. Only a First Team was selected. All of the players named to the team are now eligible for the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Team, which will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 30.

Dean was named Academic All-District VIII for the second consecutive season. He has achieved a 3.63 grade point average and is majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Classical Studies. On the field, he has carried the ball 45 times for 303 yards and five touchdowns this season. He is averaging 6.7 yards per carry. Dean was chosen NWC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 25, after rushing for 168 yards and three touchdowns on just 11 carries in Willamettes 41-35 win at Menlo College.

During his career, Dean has gained 552 yards on 93 rushing attempts (5.9 avg.). He has scored eight touchdowns and has provide many important blocks from his fullback position, while playing in all 39 games the past four seasons. He was named Honorable Mention All-Northwest Conference in 2005. He serves on the WU Football Leadership Council and is a member of the Willamette Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Weyerhaeuser was chosen Academic All-District VIII for the first time. He ranks third on the 2006 Willamette team with 44 total tackles, including 23 unassisted tackles. He has recorded six tackles for losses, broken up three passes and recovered one fumble this season. Weyerhaeuser earned a career-high 10 tackles against Linfield College on Sept. 30.

In four seasons at Willamette, Weyerhaeuser has accumulated 69 total tackles, with 38 solo tackles and 31 assists. His career totals also include 10 tackles for losses and 2.0 quarterback sacks. He has played in 25 games during his career.

CoSIDA District VIII includes colleges and universities in the western United States. Players nominated for the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team were starters or key reserves with cumulative grade point averages of 3.2 or higher (4.0 scale). Each player was at his current college or university for at least one academic year.

The College Division includes players in NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and the NAIA. The Bearcats compete in NCAA Division III and the Northwest Conference.