LIVINGSTON – D2Football.com announced today that University of West Alabama place kicker Ryne Smith and defensive end Ridge Wilson have been named as first team All-America selections and that cornerback Malcolm Butler has been given an honorable mention tap to the 2012 team.

“To say that these players had great seasons for us is an understatement,” UWA head coach Will Hall said. “Their selection as D2Football All-Americans is an honor they deserve and one that they earned with outstanding contributions to an outstanding conference championship season for us.”

Smith, a senior from Madison, Miss., led the Gulf South Conference in scoring with 98 points. He converted 16-of-17 field goal attempts and 50-of-53 extra point tries on the way to setting the NCAA Division II record for consecutive career field goals made with 24. He also owns the GSC record for consecutive extra points made with 80.

Wilson, a senior from Louisville, Ky., was named the GSC defensive player of the year after recording 67 tackles, 11 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries and forcing two fumbles. Wilson will play in the Raycom Football All-Star Classic Saturday in Montgomery.

Butler, a junior from Vicksburg, Miss., was a first team All-GSC selection after making 49 tackles, 43 solo, from his cornerback spot. He led the league in passes defended with 15, including five interceptions and 10 passes broken up.

Coming off the first outright GSC championship in school history, the Tigers are scheduled to open spring training on March 8.