RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University junior defensive end Shorty Combs has been chosen to the 1999 first-team GTE District IV Academic All-America Football Team as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Combs, 6-2, 240-pound native of Jackson and a graduate of Breathitt County High School, has compiled a 3.30 grade point average at EKU in technology education.

He has started every game this season for Eastern at right defensive end, although playing the last two contests with bruised ribs. On the season, he has 26 solo tackles, 13 assists, six tackles for loss (-38 yards), 3.5 quarterback sacks (-27 yards), eight quarterback hurries, one pass deflection, two caused fumbles and two recovered fumbles.

"We're proud of Shorty and what he has done not only on the football field, but in the classroom," said EKU head coach Roy Kidd. "Shorty is a hard worker and gives you everything he's got. This is a nice honor for him and our football team."

A total of 26 athletes from 18 Division I schools in five different states comprise the '99 team. District IV includes all schools within the states of Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Michigan.

Combs' name will now appear on the GTE Academic All-America national ballot. The GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-America Football Team will be announced on December 7.