Not only has Ted Karamanos earned the respect of opposing lineman but also of the Associated Press.

The senior offesive guard who knocked 34 defenders on their backs in what are called domination blocks this past season, made the wire service’s Honorable Mention All-America football team.

Karamonos, a product of Marist High School in Chicago, was the leader of the offensive line that paved the way for the Huskies to rank No. 6 in rushing offense and No. 22 in scoring.

offensive line coach and offensive coordinator Pat Ruel watched Karamanos develop the past three years, and said the 6-foot-2-inch guard’s intensity is his greatest asset.

“The best way I can describe Ted is based on my years as a player and coach,” offensive line coach Pat Ruel said. “It’s not often you come across a guy who keeps his intensiy throughout practice as well as games.

“That stuck out so much he was named co-captain by the players before the year started and then MVP after the season.”

Ruel went on to compare Karamanos to 1986 third-team All-Americaselecion Todd Peat, who now plays for the St. Louis Cardinals.

“Todd was a heavier-set individual,” Ruel said. “Todd was a 295-pound football player, a little bit thick. There’s not an inch of fal on Ted.”

Ruel said the main adjustment f Karamanos will be improving his pass-blocking technique, which NIU does not use extensively in its wishbone offense.

Head coach Jerry Pettibone praised Karamanos’ adaptability in working under several different offensive schemes while at NIU.

“Ted will be sorely missed. He really grew into the role of the wishbone guard. He graded in the 90s every game,” Pettibone said at the season’s final Huskie Luncheon. “We’re trying to get Ted into some sort of bowl game.”