Complete Team (pdf)

TROY, N.Y. – The ECAC has announced its 2009 Division III Northwest Football All-Stars and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) student-athlete Tim Acker has been selected to the defensive team. It is the first All-ECAC recognition in his career.

Acker, a native of Arlington, WA, was second on the team in tackles this season from his safety position with 69 stops, including 44 solos. The senior captain also stood out on special teams, leading the Engineers in punt return average, with 6.5 yards per return, and in kick return average, with 20.3 yards per return.

Acker finished eighth in the Liberty League in tackles and fourth in kick return average. He was tenth in punt return yardage. A management major, he garnered several Liberty League awards, including All-Academic, Defensive Performer of the Week and All-League First Team. He was also an Academic All-America Second Team.

In his career, Acker played in 35 games for the Engineers, setting several school records. He holds the record for punt return yardage in an attempt (85) and in a season (317), as well as interceptions in a game (3). He also ranks third in school history in punt return yardage for a career (382).

As a junior, Acker was named to the Lindy's Sports Annual Pre-Season All-America First Team as a defensive back, and was also named All-Liberty League Second Team. The Engineers went 8-2, culminating with a win over Alfred in the ECAC Championship game.

Acker started all 10 games during his sophomore season, leading the team in interceptions (6) and punt returns yardage (317). He was second in the Liberty League and 22nd in Division III in interceptions, and first in the League and fourth in the nation in punt return average. A versatile player, Acker was named to the All-Liberty League Second Team as a defensive back and as a return specialist. He was also an AFCA National All-America defensive back. The team went 8-2, advancing to the NCAA Tournament.

In his freshman season, Acker was the team's Rookie of the Year. He played in nine games for RPI, recording 34 tackles, an interception with a 40-yard return, a kickoff return for 13 yards, and one recovered fumble.

In high school, Acker was a standout on the football and track teams. A two-time captain in football, he was named to the 4A Associated Press All-State team as a wide receiver and defensive back.

The Engineers went 5-4 during the 2009 season, with a 3-4 conference record and a 4-1 home record at the new East Campus Stadium.