University of Idaho senior punter T.J. Conley was voted to the 2008 Walter Camp All-American Football Team –the nation’s oldest elite team.

Conley wraps up the 2008 season with the nation’s best punting average at 47.43 yards per kick.

“T.J. is a first-class kid who’s done a tremendous job for us this season on the field, in the classroom and in the community,” coach Robb Akey said. “He had a tremendous senior year. He paid attention to the things he needed to do to improve and he did them.

“We’re very proud of him. This is a tremendous honor.”

In addition to leading the NCAA in punting this season, Conley (Walla Walla, Wash.) was a first-team all-Western Athletic Conference choice as well as a member of Phil Steele’s all-WAC first team. This season he had five games with averages of more than 50 yards.

Conley, Idaho’s first all-American since the Vandals became a member of the FBS (Division I-A), broke the single-game punting average against Western Michigan then broke it again with a 52.8 average at Louisiana Tech. he set single-season records for punting average (47.43) and punting yards (2,751). He also is Idaho’s career punting yardage leader with 9,242.

His performance in the classroom also earned him recognition as a second team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American.

This is the 119th edition of the Walter Camp All-America team – the nation’s oldest All-America team. Twenty-five players are selected to the first team by the 119 Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors.

The Walter Camp All-American Awards Weekend is Jan. 15-17 at New Haven, Conn.