June 2, 2009

Arizona State University senior linebacker Mike Nixon is featured on the cover of Athlon Sports' 2009 Pac-10 College Football magazine. The magazine will be available at bookstores and newsstands beginning on Tuesday.

Athlon also selected junior kicker Thomas Weber, the 2007 Lou Groza Award winner, as a preseason first-team All-American.

Eight Sun Devils earned preseason All-Pac-10 honors, including Nixon, Weber, senior offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao and sophomore defensive lineman Lawrence Guy on the first team. Senior defensive end Dexter Davis, senior wide receiver Kyle Williams (as a punt returner) and sophomore offensive lineman Zach Schlink were named to the second team, while senior wide receiver Chris McGaha was selected to the third team.

In addition, linebacker Vontaze Burfict was named one of the top 12 Impact Freshmen in 2009.