Ali Villanueva, OT

12/04/2009 - A 6-foot-10, 286-pound tight end in the NFL? Army senior Alejandro Villanueva could definitely see himself playing at the next level. Villanueva will get his chance to impress NFL scouts at the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 23 at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando. He was picked to play tight end for the East team. There's one problem. Army's current policy doesn't allow cadets to pursue professional sports right after graduation. Cadets must serve two years of active duty before applying for a release to play professionally. "Two years after being deployed for 18 months, having to go to Ranger school and (basic officer infantry training) if they still want me, sure I would do it," Villanueva said. Villanueva, a converted offensive tackle, has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. He leads Army in catches (29), receiving yards (460) and has caught all five of its touchdowns in his first season ever playing wide receiver. "I can definitely play as a tight end or a tackle and put the weight back on," Villanueva said. - Sal Interdonato, HudsonValley.com

11/14/2009 - Patrick Mealy ran 16 times for 136 yards and a touchdown to lead Army to a 22-17 victory over Virginia Military Institute on Saturday. Alejandro Villanueva caught seven passes for 119 yards and a TD in front of 32,109 at Michie Stadium. Army lost four of its five fumbles, including one when Trent Steelman mishandled a snap on the VMI 27-yard line with 2:47 remaining and the Black Knights clinging to their 22-17 lead. The Keydets drove to the Army 34 with less than 25 seconds remaining, but couldn't get any closer. The Black Knights (4-6) ended a three-game skid and reached four wins in a season for the first time since they went 4-7 in 2005. Howard Abegesah led VMI (2-8), a Football Championship Subdivision squad, with 24 carries for 111 yards and a score. - AP Sports

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