July 28, 1999
Texas A&M senior punter Shane Lechler was named pre-season All-American punter by Sport magazine in the issue that will be released August 10.
Lechler, a native of East Bernard, Texas, has a career punting average of 44.2 yards. A two time All-Big 12 selection, he currently holds A&M records for season and career punting average as well as season and career net punting average.
Last season, Lechler punted 80 times for a average of 43.6 yards per boot to help the Aggies win the Big 12 Football Championship and receive a invitation to the Nokia Sugar Bowl. For his accomplishments in 1998, Lechler was named to numerous All-American teams including the Sporting News, Gannett News Service, and CollegeSportsNews.
Lechler is the leading returning punter in the Big 12 Conference and one of the leading returning punters in the nation. A versitile athlete, Lechler is utilized as the holder for extra points and field goals, emergency quarterback and handles the kickoff duties.
Sport also released their preseason top 30. Texas A&M is the highest ranked Big 12 school at the #8 spot. A&M is followed by Nebraska (#12), Colorado (#21), Texas (#22), Kansas State (#26) and Missouri (#30).
The Aggies' game at Nebraska on November 6 was picked as the best Big 12 game by Sport.
A&M will begin two-a-day workouts on August 14 in preparation for the season opener in Shreveport, La., against Louisiana Tech on September 4.