May 23, 2007

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Former Northwestern linebacker Demetrius Eaton (Milwaukee, Wis./Milwaukee Vincent) is one of 45 players chosen from a pool of 2006 college seniors who will represent the United States for Team USA at the 2007 World Championship of American Football in July.

The announcement was made today by USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck and Head Coach John Mackovic.

The six-country tournament will be held July 7-15 in Kawasaki, Japan, and marks the first time that the U.S. is competing in the Championship. This year's event is the third staged by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). Team USA will face Germany and Korea in pool play. The other pool will consist of host and two-time defending champion Japan along with Sweden and France.

"All of our efforts over the last year have been directed toward this announcement," USA Football Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. "Filling out our roster is another important milestone for USA Football. We now know the players who will represent our country and our game at the World Championship. All of us at USA Football are looking forward to seeing this team take the field for the first time."

The 45 players selected represent all levels of college football. NCAA and NAIA schools were asked by USA Football to nominate up to two seniors during the season. That list was pared down by the Team USA coaching staff through film evaluation.

"This team is a complete cross section of U.S. football," Team USA Head Coach John Mackovic said. "We're excited that we are able to blend every level of college football and put together a team of players from schools of every size. We hope to represent our country in the highest fashion and be great ambassadors for football around the world."

Eaton was one of Northwestern's starting linebackers in 2006 and finished the year with 54 tackles. He also was the Wildcats' 2006 Thomas Airth Spirit Award recipient. One of Eaton's career highlights was an 86-yard fumble return in a 49-14 win over Michigan State in 2005.