NEW YORK, N.Y. - Gardner-Webb defensive end Shaquille Riddick was named to the Associated Press 2013 FCS All-America Team Wednesday, earning a spot on the first-team defense.

Riddick (Akron, Ohio / Buchtel HS) is the first Runnin' Bulldog to earn first-team Associated Press All-America honors since 2007 - when defensive end Brian Johnston was chosen. Linebacker Jeffery Williams earned third-team Associated Press FCS All-America honors in 2008.

The 6-foot-7, 240-pound junior was a key cog in a defensive renaissance for Gardner-Webb in 2013, as the Runnin' Bulldogs improved 96 spots in just one season nationally in total defense.

Gardner-Webb allowed just 296.8 yards per game in 2013, which ranks No. 5 nationally among FCS programs, and is the top mark in Big South Conference history.

The Runnin' Bulldogs also ranked in the top-25 nationally in fourth down conversion defense (2nd), first downs allowed defense (8th), passing yardage defense (10th), third down defense (11th), rushing defense (17th), tackles for loss (18th) and pass efficiency defense (22nd).

Riddick finished his third season in a Gardner-Webb uniform in style, setting a new Big South Conference single-season record with 8.5 sacks, and recording career-high totals several categories. He finished 2013 with 67 total tackles, 19.0 tackles for loss (minus-109), 8.5 sacks (minus-71), two pass break ups and 17 quarterback pressures.

He ranked second nationally and led the Big South in tackles for loss per game and his 109 negative yards recorded was the top mark in the nation during the regular season. Riddick's stat line against top-25 opponents in 2013 was notable. GWU went 3-1 in those four games and Riddick recorded 28 total tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and nine pressures against ranked opponents.

Riddick's efforts also helped him finish fifth in balloting Monday for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award - given annually by The Sports Network to the top defensive player in FCS. It marked the highest finish ever for a Gardner-Webb player in that award's final vote. Riddick was also named to the 2013 Ted Hendricks Award Mid-Season Watch List.

Riddick is one of 18 starters expected back for Gardner-Webb, which posted a 7-5 mark this past season - its top mark in the win column since 2003. All-Big South Conference nose guard O.J. Le'iatua Mau (6-2, 302) returns alongside Riddick on the defensive front, as do All-Big South linebackers Tanner Burch (6-3, 241) and Chad Geter (6-2, 233).

Gardner-Webb's 2014 defense will likely begin the season with nine juniors and seniors in the starting lineup.

2013 ASSOCIATED PRESS FCS ALL-AMERICA FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE
QB - Jimmy Garopplo, Sr., Eastern Illinois
RB - Terrance West, Jr., Towson
RB - Zach Zenner, Jr., South Dakota State
OL - Billy Turner, Sr., North Dakota State
OL - Eric Pike, Sr., Towson
OL - Dakota Dozier, Sr., Furman
OL - Ashton Miller, Sr., Eastern Washington
OL - Danny Kistler, Sr., Montana
WR - Erik Lora, Sr., Eastern Illinois
WR - Cooper Kupp, RFr., Eastern Washington
TE - MyCole Pruitt, Jr., Southern Illinois
AP - Fabian Truss, Sr., Samford
PK - Seth Sebastien, Sr., Southeastern Louisiana

DEFENSE
DL - Brad Daly, Sr., Montana State
DL - Shaquille Riddick, Jr., Gardner-Webb
DL - Davis Tull, Jr., Chattanooga
DL - Sullivan Grosz, Sr., Cal Poly
LB - Stephon Robertson, James Madison
LB - Justin Shade, Samford
LB - Jordan Tripp, Sr., Montana
DB - Daniel Fitzpatrick, Jr., Tennessee State
DB - Marcus Williams - Sr., North Dakota State
DB - Caleb Schaffitzel, Jr., Missouri State
DB - Jerome Couplin, Sr., William & Mary
P - Kyle Loomis, Jr., Portland State