2008 Football Notes
1/7/2009 5:22:00 AM | Football
STATESBORO, Ga. ? Georgia Southern Football registered its 25th winning seasons in 27 years since the program was restarted thanks to a 6-5 record in 2008. The Eagles played five of their 11 games against nationally-ranked opponents.
It was also a record-setting season for the Eagles, having played in four overtime games (3-1 record). That set a NCAA Football Championship Subdivision record. The Eagles also staged the largest fourth-quarter comeback in FCS history. Down 31-3 at Western Carolina with 11 minutes remaining, Georgia Southern staged an improbable rally and won 38-31 in overtime.
The Eagles led the Southern Conference and finished 20th nationally throwing for 247 yards per game. The offense ranked 37th in total offense (383.6 ypg) and 22nd in scoring (31.8 ppg). GS ranked 14th in punt returns (14.0), and on defense was 22nd in tackles for a loss (SoCon best 7.0 p/g) and 26th in sacks (2.4).
Five players earned All-Southern Conference honors, led by ?Defensive Player of the Year' Chris Covington (Sports Media Association). Georgia Southern also led the way having seven freshmen named to the inaugural All-Freshman Team.
Covington and Dakota Walker also earned All-America honors. Covington was a Second Team linebacker by the Associated Press and an Honorable Mention selection by The Sports Network. Walker was also an Honorable Mention pick by The Sports Network. Their honor extends the program's streak of having at least one All-America selection every year since 1985.
Preparing for spring drills in March, the Eagles return 17 starters (seven on offense, seven on defense and three special teams) and 48 letterwinners.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN RECORDS SET IN 2008
TEAM SINGLE GAME:
Most Pass Completions: 40 at Furman
Most Pass Completions ? Combined: 59 (Georgia Southern 40/Furman 19)
Most First Downs Passing ? Combined: 31 (Georgia Southern 13/The Citadel 18)
Most Pass Attempts: 57 at Furman
INDIVIDUAL SINGLE GAME:
Most Pass Completions: 39 by Lee Chapple at Furman
Most Pass Attempts: 56 by Lee Chapple at Furman
Most Receptions: 10 by Raja Andrews (at The Citadel, vs. Samford)
Most Punt Returns for Touchdown: 1 by Raja Andrews (Appalachian State); 1 by David Arnold (at Chattanooga)
Most Kickoff Returns for Touchdown: 1 by Samair Baker vs. Elon
TEAM SEASON:
Most Overtime Games (GSU, SoCon, NCAA FCS Record): 4
Largest 4th Quarter Comeback: 28 points in 11 minutes (38-31 OT win at Western Carolina)
Most Passing Attempts: 408
Most Pass Completions: 236
Most Passing Yards/Per Game: 2,721/247.4 p/g
Most Passing Touchdowns: 20
Most First Downs Passing: 117
Most Kickoff Returns/Yards: 51/1,087
INDIVIDUAL SEASON:
Most Pass Completions: 156 by Antonio Henton
Most Passing Yards: 1,852 by Antonio Henton
Most Passing Touchdowns: 18 by Antonio Henton
Most 200-yard Passing Games: 5 by Antonio Henton
Most Total Offensive Plays: 438 by Antonio Henton
Highest Passing Completion Percentage: 64.5 by Lee Chapple
Most Pass Receptions: 64 by Raja Andrews
Most Receiving Yards: 873 by Raja Andrews
Most 100-Yard Receiving Games: 5 by Raja Andrews
Most Punt Returns for Touchdown: 1 by Raja Andrews and David Arnold (tied)
Most Kickoff Returns for Touchdown: 1 by Samair Baker (tied)
CAREER:
Most Receptions: 127 by Raja Andrews
Most 100-Yard Receiving Games: 5 by Raja Andrews
Most Punt Returns for Touchdown: 2 by Raja Andrews (tied)
Most Kickoff Returns for Touchdown: 1 by Samair Baker (tied)
THE FOLLOWING IS A LISTING OF INDIVIDUAL ACCOMPLISHMENT BY HOMETOWN (HIGH SCHOOL):
OFFENSE
HOLLYWOOD, FL (Hollywood Christian) ? Dio Herrera, Senior, Offensive Guard. Second Team All-Southern Conference... started in all 11 games at left guard... helped the offense set numerous passing records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally)... played in 20 games during his three-year career... voted team captain.
JACKSONVILLE, FL (First Coast) ? Michael McIntosh, Senior, Wide Receiver. Played in all 11 games and started eight times... excelled during October and November... finished third on the team with 23 receptions for 270 yards and tied for second with four touchdowns... two of his three catches at Chattanooga went for a touchdown... caught two passes for 55 yards against Appalachian State, including a 15-yard touchdown reception... four catches for season-high 71 yards at The Citadel... career-high six catches totaling 36 yards and a touchdown against Samford... two catches for 22 yards at Furman... five of his receptions were 20-plus yards... played in 31 games throughout his three-year career... 46 receptions for 641 yards and six TDs.
PALM HARBOR, FL (East Lake) ? Josh Petkovich, Redshirt-Freshman, Offensive Tackle. Played in eight games... started at left tackle against Chattanooga and Appalachian State... helped the offense set numerous passing records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally).
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (Gibbs) ? Marcus Russ, Freshman, Wide Receiver. Played in 10 games... started consecutive games against Wofford and Chattanooga... finished the year with 15 catches totaling 154 yards... season-highs of four catches for 59 yards in the opener at Georgia... three catches for 43 yards at Chattanooga, including a season-long 36-yard catch... three receptions totaling 24 yards versus Appalachian State... two catches in the season-finale win at Furman.
ATLANTA (Lovett) ? Kyle Collins, Sophomore, Quarterback. Played in the Samford game... completed 1-of-3 passes for 37 yards with an interception.
BONAIRE (Warner Robins) ? Adam Scott, Sophomore, Offensive Line. Saw action in 10 games off the bench... helped the offense set numerous passing records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally).
BUFORD (Buford) ? Garryon Taylor, Junior, Wide Receiver. Played in four games... made acrobatic 26-yard catch in the season-finale at Furman... 13-yard catch at Western Carolina... also saw action against Chattanooga and Samford.
CALHOUN (Calhoun) ? Adam Urbano, Freshman, Running Back. SoCon All-Freshman Team... played in the first nine games but missed the last two with an injury... second on the team with 304 rushing yards and seven touchdowns... career-high two touchdowns on six carries at Chattanooga, finishing with 59 yards... season-high 83 rushing yards (on 11 carries) in the record-setting comeback win at Western Carolina... scored on a 25-yard touchdown run during the Eagles' first play in overtime which proved to be the game-winner... 25-yard TD run (also on the first play of overtime) versus Wofford... matched career-high rushing for two touchdowns in the triple-overtime win at The Citadel... recorded 37 yards on eight carries, including a 3-yard TD run which won the game in the third OT... rushed for 41 yards and a TD against Austin Peay... overall caught five passes for 28 yards.
CARTERSVILLE (Woodland) ? Cole Fountain, Junior, Offensive Tackle. Fountain started in all 11 games... started every game at right tackle... helped the offense set numerous passing records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally).
COCHRAN (Bleckley County) ? Zeke Rozier, Redshirt-Freshman, Running Back. Played in nine games and started the final six... 135 rushing yards (4.0 ypc)... 11 catches for 57 yards out of the backfield... season-high 40 rushing yards on just four carries, including a 29-yard TD run, in the win at Chattanooga... seven carries for 34 yards at Western Carolina... 13-yard TD reception in a triple-overtime win at The Citadel... career-highs of six receptions for 32 yards in the finale win at Furman.
COVINGTON (Newton) ? Joe Behrmann, Redshirt-Freshman, Offensive Line. Played in all 11 games... saw action on the line for special teams and played guard on the O-Line.
DOERUN (Lee County) ? Lewis Brooks, Senior, Center. Brooks saw action in five games... made his first collegiate start at center at The Citadel... would start the final three games of the year... helped the Eagles set passing records in the win during the season-finale at 14th-ranked Furman... helped the offense set numerous records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally)... played in eight career games.
FAIRBURN (Creekside) ? Joe Haynie, Senior, Wide Receiver. Saw action in all 11 games, started twice... made nine catches for 39 yards... season-high three receptions against Samford... two catches at Western Carolina and at Furman... made nine tackles on special teams, including a season-high three at Chattanooga... actually finished second for special teams tackles... first recipient of the Erk Russell Scholarship... former walk-on played in all 22 games of his final two years.
FAYETTEVILLE (Fayette County) ? Jonathan Loving, Junior, Offensive Line. Loving started in the first 10 games and played in all 11... every start came at right guard... moved back to the offensive line (where he played when first recruited to the program) during fall camp... helped the offense set numerous passing records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally).
FORSYTH (Mary Persons) ? Brandavious Mann, Redshirt-Freshman, Offensive Line. Mann played in five games (Elon, Chattanooga, The Citadel, Samford and Furman)... helped the offense set numerous passing records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally).
FORT VALLEY (Peach County) ? Antonio Henton, Sophomore, Quarterback. SoCon ?Offensive Player of the Week (9/15)... Joined the program in the summer after transferring from Ohio State... set program season records for completions (156), yards (1,852), touchdowns (15), 200-yard passing games (5) and total offensive plays (438)... also led the Eagles with 628 rushing yards... threw for 102 yards, including a 34-yard TD pass, in the season-opener at Georgia... rushed for a team season-high 103 yards and two touchdowns while throwing for 68 yards and another score against Austin Peay... earned the league's weekly offensive award following his performance against Northeastern... rushed for three touchdowns, including the eventual game-winner from 25 yards out in overtime, while completing 16-of-27 passes for 298 yards and two TDs... threw a game-tying 65-yard TD strike late in the fourth quarter... threw for 232 yards and a TD against Elon... 88 rushing yards while throwing for 177 yards and two TDs in the win at Chattanooga... rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns while completing 16-of-38 passes for 292 yards and another TD against Appalachian State... two passing TDs helping the Eagles set a FCS record for largest fourth quarter comeback in 38-31 overtime win at Western Carolina... rushed for 43 yards and a TD while completing 21-of-35 passes for 261 yards and season-high three TDs in the triple-overtime win at The Citadel... two TD passes, 202 passing yards and 69 rushing yards against Samford... engineered four fourth-quarter comebacks during the season.
HARLEM (Harlem) ? Tim Camp, Senior, Wide Receiver. Started in 10 of the 11 games played... second on the team with 36 receptions for 531 yards and four touchdowns... ended his senior year fifth among the season receptions leaders and tied for ninth in touchdown receptions... two catches for 77 yards and career-high two touchdown, including a game-tying 65-yard TD reception, against Northeastern... also had a 25-yard kickoff return that game... four catches for 60 yards against Wofford, including a 35-yard TD... three receptions for 99 yards against Appalachian State, including a career-long 67 yard catch in the fourth quarter... three catches for 40 yards at Western Carolina... came up with a game-tying TD catch late in the fourth quarter that helped the Eagles stage a FCS record for largest fourth-quarter comeback (28-point deficit in 11 minutes)... finished his career with 59 catches for 772 yards and four TDs in 44 career games played.
HINESVILLE (Bradwell Institute/GMC) ? Jarrell Crawford, Junior, Running Back. Saw action in all 11 games... rushed for 25 yards on 11 carries and caught seven passes for 40 yards... 1-yard TD run during the fourth quarter comeback at Western Carolina... season-high five receptions for 18 yards in the win at Furman... 14-yard catch in the season-opener at Georgia... season-high 14 rushing yards in the win at Chattanooga.
LILLY (Hawkinsville) ? Trey Dunmon, Junior, Center. Joined the team in the summer following his transfer from Georgia Tech... moved to center during fall camp... started the first eight games before suffering an injury during the Western Carolina game... missed the next two games then started at guard in the season-finale at Furman... helped the offense set numerous records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally).
NORCROSS (Greater Atlanta Christian) ? Lee Chapple, Redshirt-Freshman, Quarterback. SoCon ?Offensive Player of the Week' (11/17)... set a program season record for pass completion percentage (.645)... started twice in seven games played... ended the year 78-of-121 for 787 yards and five touchdowns to four interceptions... set GS records for pass completions (39) and attempts (56) in the 17-10 win at 14th-ranked Furman... completed 39-of-56 passes for 323 yards (fourth-highest single-game total) and two TDs against the Paladins to earn him the SoCon weekly offensive award... completed 15-of-22 passes for 202 yards and two scores against Wofford... helped the Eagles march 99 yards on the game's final drive to send the game into overtime... at Western Carolina completed 10-of-14 passes for 140 yards and a TD helping the Eagles stage a FCS record (largest fourth quarter comeback) in the 38-31 overtime win... missed two games with an injury late in the season... completed 9-of-18 passes for 86 yards in first collegiate game at Georgia (started game at QB).
OGLETHORPE (Macon County/Mesabi Range JC) ? Darrian Felton, Senior, Wide Receiver. Walk-on senior played at The Citadel this season.
ROSWELL (Roswell) ? Steve Cundari, Sophomore, Wide Receiver. Saw action in eight games... career-high of three catches for 45 yards and two touchdowns in the season-finale win at Furman... two catches for six yards against Austin Peay.
SWAINSBORO (Swainsboro) ? Raja Andrews, Senior, Wide Receiver. Second Team All-Southern Conference... SoCon Special Teams Player of the Week (10/20)... set GS career record for receptions (127), 100-yard receiving games (5) and punt returns for touchdown (tied, 2)... broke season record for catches (64), yards (873) and punt returns for touchdown (tied, 1)... broke single-game record for receptions (10 versus Samford and at The Citadel)... ranks fifth with 280 punt return yards in a season (12th nationally with 12.0 average)... ranked 15th nationally in receptions per game (6.4) and 20th in yards (87.3 ypg)... 143 receiving yards against Elon fifth-highest single-game total... 123 yards the previous week against Northeastern... 121 yards and two touchdowns at Western Carolina... again matched career-high with two TD receptions the next week at The Citadel... set single-game receptions record with 10 catches for 102 yards at The Citadel... followed with 10 receptions for 114 yards and a TD against Samford... closed out career with 82 yards on eight catches in win at Furman... 84-yard punt return for a TD against Appalachian State... finished second all-time with 1,538 receiving yards... nine career TDs puts him sixth all-time... started 17 times in 43 career appearances... voted team captain.
QUITMAN (Brooks County) ? William Maxwell, Redshirt-Freshman, Offensive Line. Maxwell played in all 11 games and started nine times at left tackle... helped the offense set numerous passing records during the season... team finished 22nd nationally in scoring offense and led the league averaging 247 passing yards per game (20th nationally).
IRMO, S.C. (Irmo) ? Leander Barney, Freshman, RB/WR. Started five times while playing in all 11 games... caught 22 passes for 209 yards and a TD... rushed 23 times for 53 yards... season-high six catches at Furman (20 yards) and led the team with 25 rushing yards... two catches for 39 yards in season-opener at Georgia, including a 34-yard TD... caught four passes for 26 yards and completed a 45-yard pass against Wofford... three receptions totaling 61 yards against Northeastern... two catches against Georgia, Elon and The Citadel... rushing TD in the win over Austin Peay.
DEFENSE
OPELIKA, AL (Opelika) ? K.R. Snipes, Freshman, Defensive Back. SoCon All-Freshman Team... played in 10 games... started three of the final four games at bandit... his first collegiate interception came during regular-season finale at Furman... intercepted a pass on fourth down in GS territory to end drive and secure the Eagles' 17-10 win over the 14th-ranked Paladins... had five solo tackles as well that game and broke up two passes... season-high eight tackles at The Citadel... five tackles against Samford, including 1.5 for a loss... five stops against Western Carolina... 23 of his 25 tackles, 2.0 TFL, three PBU and interception all came during the final four games of the season.
ANTIOCH, CA (Deervalley/Coll. of San Francisco) ? Brandon Lee Williams, Senior, Defensive Line. Saw action in seven games... assisted on a tackle against Elon.
APOPKA, FL (Apopka) ? Quentin Taylor, Senior, Linebacker. Saw action in 10 games... started eight times... led the Southern Conference averaging 9.8 tackles per game, 24th nationally... also ranked 10th in the SoCon with 9.0 TFL... five consecutive games recording double-digit tackles... career-high 18 tackles against Wofford... 13 stops against Northeastern, followed by 12 against Elon... made 11 tackles, including 2.0 TFL and a fumble recovery at Chattanooga... 12 tackles, including 1.5 for a loss against Appalachian State... nine tackles and 1.5 TFL at The Citadel... had eight tackles and another 1.5 TFL versus Samford... 2-yard sack and five tackles in all during the season-opener at Georgia... seven tackles against Austin Peay... during his two-year career (20 games) finished with 157 tackles, 12 TFL, two sacks and two pass break-ups.
CLEARWATER, FL (Countryside/GMC) - Darrel Pasco, Junior, Defensive Back. Played in all 11 games, started eight times... season-high six tackles against Northeastern (fumble recovery and pass break-up) and Wofford... five tackles and season-high three pass break-ups at Chattanooga... finished third in the SoCon and 59th nationally averaging 22.7 yards per kickoff return... 20 kickoff returns were sixth-most by an Eagle... averaged 22 yards on four returns, including a season-long 45-yarder, at Georgia... 59 yards on two returns against Wofford... 44-yard return at Western Carolina... 60 yards on three returns at The Citadel... 98 yards on three returns against Samford... 25-yard return in the finale at Furman.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (Lincoln) ? Kerry Bonds, Junior, Defensive Line. Bonds saw action in the first two games of the year before an injury forced him to miss the remainder of the season... had an 8-yard tackle for loss against Austin Peay.
TAMPA, FL (Hillsborough) ? Marc Thomas, Freshman, Linebacker. Played in all 11 games... led the special teams with 10 tackles... season-high six stops and broke up a pass at Chattanooga... two tackles versus Georgia, Austin Peay, Elon and The Citadel.
ACWORTH (Etowah) ? Casey Wingard, Senior, Defensive Line. Played in all 11 games... made his first collegiate start at Chattanooga... also started in the Western Carolina game... recorded a tackle against Wofford and at Western... played in 23 career games throughout his four-year career.
ASHBURN (Turner County) ? Lennie Richardson, Redshirt-Freshman, Linebacker. Transferred to the team from UAB during fall camp... played in all 11 games... started at rover against Appalachian State... season-high four tackles and recovered a fumble in the win over Austin Peay... three tackles against Georgia, Northeastern, Chattanooga and The Citadel... broke up a pass at UGA.
ATHENS (Athens Academy) ? Chris Rogers, Junior, Defensive Back. Rogers played in 10 games, starting four times... matched career-high of nine tackles in win over Northeastern... forced a key fumble late in the fourth quarter to help the Eagles rally for an overtime win... seven stops and broke up a pass against Elon... seven tackles against Appalachian State... six stops and forced a fumble versus Austin Peay... five tackles and a pass break-up at Chattanooga and The Citadel.
ATLANTA (Marist) ? Derek Heyden, Freshman, Defensive Back. SoCon All-Freshman Team... started six times while playing in all 11 games... finished the year with 36 tackles, second-most among the freshmen... made a career-high eight tackles in the Wofford game... followed with seven stops against Chattanooga... five tackles against Appalachian State and at The Citadel... made four tackles and broke up a pass against Austin Peay.
BOWMAN (Madison County) ? Brent Russell, Freshman, Defensive Line. Started in the season-opener at Georgia but suffered a season-ending knee injury... should receive a medical redshirt... did make a tackle in the game.
CONYERS (Heritage) ? Terrione Benefield, Junior, Linebacker. Started three times in 10 games played... third on the team with 57 tackles... then season-high 11 tackles against Elon and followed with a career-high 13 stops against Wofford... seven tackles against Appalachian State and at The Citadel... six stops versus Northeastern... recorded a TFL against Citadel and at Furman... broke up three passes... surpassed 100 career tackles (109 in 32 games played).
DACULA (Norcross) ? Dion Dubose, Freshman, Linebacker. SoCon All-Freshman Team... SoCon ?Defensive Player of the Week' (11/17)... saw action in all 11 games and started four times... finished with 32 tackles, 4.0 TFL and 2.0 sacks... earned start in season finale at 14th-ranked Furman and responded with career-high 10 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 2.0 TFL... that performance earned him the league's weekly defensive award... eight tackles in his first collegiate start at middle linebacker during the Eagles' record-setting 38-31 overtime win at Western Carolina... three stops at The Citadel.
DECATUR (St. Pius) ? Brandon Echols, Junior, Defensive Back. Played in all 11 games... sixth on the team with 46 tackles... season-high seven tackles against Austin Peay, Northeastern, Western Carolina and The Citadel... six tackles against Elon... made four stops versus Georgia, Wofford and Appalachian State.
FAIRBURN (Creekside) ? David Lewis, Junior, Linebacker. Played in all 11 games... season-high two solo tackles in the win at Chattanooga... assisted on a tackle in the season-opener at Georgia.
FAIRBURN (Sandy Creek) ? Larry Beard, Senior, Defensive Line. Started nine times his senior year, 32 in all throughout his career... season-high four tackles against Austin Peay, Northeastern, Appalachian State and The Citadel... 1.5 TFL against APSU... blocked three kicks on the year (Austin Peay, Western Carolina and Samford)... recorded a safety against App State... hit the Chattanooga quarterback in the endzone which led to an interception for a touchdown... recorded 103 tackles in 43 career games played... 17 career TFL, 5.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 11 pass break-ups... voted team captain.
HAHIRA (Lowndes County) ? Tavaris Williams, Freshman, Linebacker. Saw action in seven games... season-high three tackles in the opener at Georgia... recorded a tackle against Austin Peay, Western Carolina, The Citadel and Furman... six of his seven tackles came on special teams.
LAWRENCEVILLE (Brookwood) ? Chris Covington, Senior, Lineabcker. Second Team All-America (Associated Press)... SoCon ?Defensive Player of the Year'... First Team All-SoCon... Honorable Mention All-America (The Sports Network)... Honorable Mention ?Fabulous Fifty' (College Sporting News)... second on the team in tackles (95), sacks (6.5) and tackles for a loss (14)... fifth in the SoCon and 52nd nationally in tackles... third in the SoCon and 38th nationally in sacks... second in the league and 40th nationally in tackles for a loss... earned All-America honors at linebacker after moving to the position in week five... responded in his first start at linebacker with a career- and team season-high 19 tackles against Wofford... 12 tackles and career-highs of 4.5 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks against Appalachian State... the week before at Chattanooga had 11 tackles, 2.0 TFL and 1.5 sacks... 12 tackles, 3.0 TFL in the triple-overtime win at The Citadel... 11 tackles and forced a fumble against Austin Peay... seven stops against Northeastern... six tackles against Samford and closed out his career with five stops at Furman... five tackles, including a 9-yard sack, at Western Carolina... in two years on defense earned All-America honors both seasons, finishing with 162 tackles, 18 TFL, 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, four interceptions and seven pass break-ups... voted team captain.
LILBURN (Parkview) ? Matt Rucker, Redshirt-Freshman, Linebacker. Played in all 11 games... earned his first collegiate start against Austin Peay... two solo tackles at Georgia.
LITHONIA (Southwest DeKalb) ? Damon Suggs, Senior, Defensive Line. Played in 10 games and started eight times at both defensive end and nose tackle... career-high 10 tackles against Wofford and Samford... seven tackles (including 1.5 for a loss) against Appalachian State... opened his senior year recording five tackles in consecutive games (Austin Peay, Northeastern and Elon)... first collegiate touchdown came when he caught an interception in the endzone at Chattanooga... played in 41 career games recording 100 tackles, 12 TFL, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three PBU.
MACON (Tattnall Square Academy) ? Brett Layson, Redshirt-Freshman, Defensive Back. Saw action in all 11 games... played on punt and kickoff teams... blocked a punt during the second half at Western Carolina that helped set up a touchdown during the Eagles' record-setting 38-31 come-from-behind overtime win.
MARIETTA (Walton) ? Evan Mattingly, Sophomore, Defensive Back. Played in all 11 games but made his first collegiate start in the season-opener at Georgia... career-high seven tackles against Appalachian State... had three stops in the two previous games (Wofford, Chattanooga).
MILLEDGEVILLE (Baldwin County) ? Carson Hill, Junior, Defensive Back. Started eight times while playing in all 11 games... season-high seven tackles against Austin Peay and Elon... six stops in the overtime win over Northeastern... five tackles and a pass break-up against Wofford and Appalachian State... four pass break-ups against APSU... two each in the next two games (Northeastern, Elon)... also recorded a tackle for loss against Elon... has 108 career tackles and 18 pass break-ups in 29 games entering his senior year.
SOPERTON (Tueutlen) ? Roderick Tinsley, Freshman, Defensive Line. Saw action in all 11 games... in his collegiate debut at Georgia made two solo tackles, including a 2-yard TFL, and broke up a pass... also recorded a tackle against Austin Peay, Wofford and The Citadel... blocked a punt which led to a touchdown at Chattanooga.
ST. MARYS (Camden County) ? A.J. McCray, Freshman, Defensive Back. Played in nine games, starting twice (Georgia, Wofford)... season-high three tackles in his collegiate debut against Georgia... two tackles in consecutive games against Wofford and Chattanooga... recorded a tackle at Western Carolina and Furman.
SUMMERVILLE (Chattooga) ? Ronnie Wiggins, Junior, Defensive Back. Saw action in nine games and started the last seven... 30 of his 39 tackles were solo stops... team-leading three interceptions (tied for 61st nationally)... season-high seven tackles in consecutive games against Chattanooga and Appalachian State... four tackles against Elon, Wofford, The Citadel and Furman... career-high two interceptions against Elon... 37-yard interception return on the final play at Chattanooga.
THOMSON (Thomson) ? Justin Callaway, Senior, Linebacker. Played in the season-opener at Georgia... sat out the rest of the season with injury... would move into a student assistant coaching role, helping the defense... played in 19 games throughout his four-year career.
WASHINGTON (Washington-Wilkes/GMC) ? Markeith Wylie, Junior, Defensive Line. Saw action in nine games... started against Austin Peay, Northeastern, Appalachian State and Furman... season-high three tackles in the finale at Furman... two tackles at Chattanooga, Elon and APSU... also finished with 1.5 tackles for a loss, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble against Austin Peay... another tackle against Northeastern, Wofford and Western Carolina.
MAYS LANDING, N.J. (Oakcrest) ? Dakota Walker, Senior, Defensive Line. Honorable Mention All-America (The Sports Network)... Honorable Mention ?Fabulous Fifty' (College Sporting News)... First Team All-Southern Conference... led the SoCon with 8.5 sacks (tied 13th nationally) and 17.5 tackles for a loss (tied 12th nationally)... fourth on the team in tackles... career-high three sacks in the record-setting comeback win at Western Carolina, including two during the Catamounts' drive in overtime... 4.5 TFL in the game (26 yards) and forced a fumble... career-high 5.0 TFL the following week at The Citadel (32 yards), including two sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal... six tackles against Samford, including 2.0 TFL and 1.5 sacks... four tackles against Wofford and returned a fumble 78 yards for a touchdown to start the comeback... six tackles versus Appalachian State... five tackles against Austin Peay... also had four stops against Georgia, Elon, Chattanooga and Furman.
GAFFNEY, S.C. (Gaffney) ? J.B. Shippy, Freshman, Linebacker. SoCon All-Freshman Team... started nine times while playing in all 11 games... his 41 tackles were the most by any freshman on the team... finished third on the team for most tackles on special teams (6)... season-high six tackles in consecutive games against Northeastern and Elon... five stops against Austin Peay and Samford... recorded a sack in back-to-back games against Austin Peay and Northeastern... three quarterback hurries... broke up a pass.
ROANOKE, VA (Fleming) ? E.J. Webb, Sophomore, Linebacker/Defensive Back. Made the move from outside linebacker to rover... battled injuries throughout the season but still managed to play in all 11 games... started five times, including the final four as rover... season-high five tackles at Furman... four stops in consecutive games at Western Carolina and The Citadel... also recorded one sack and 2.0 TFL at Western... three tackles in the opener at Georgia.
SPECIAL TEAMS
JACKSONVILLE, FL (Fleming Island) ? Chris Burnette, Junior. A walk-on quarterback, Burnette played in seven games on special teams.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (Lincoln) ? Jesse Hartley, Senior, PK. Played in the first three games of the season... 3-for-3 on extra points at Georgia... went 4-for-5 the next two games against Austin Peay and Northeastern... his first miss against APSU ended a streak of 50 consecutive made dating back to his junior year.
ACWORTH (North Cobb) ? Anthony Jones, Redshirt-Freshman, Defensive Back. Appeared in the first four games of the season... made a tackle against Elon.
ADEL (Valdosta) ? David Arnold, Freshman, Defensive Back. Played in nine games... recovered a block punt and ran it back for a 26-yard touchdown at Chattanooga... made two tackles in his collegiate debut against Austin Peay... one tackle against Northeastern, Wofford and Appalachian State... recovered a fumble in the Samford game.
COLUMBUS (Pacelli) ? Nico Hickey, Freshman, Defensive Back. Appeared in seven games, mainly on special teams.
DALTON (Dalton) ? Adrian Mora, Redshirt-Freshman, PK. Second Team All-Southern Conference... SoCon All-Freshman Team... started the final eight games of the season... converted a field goal in every game played (10-of-12 overall)... 31-of-31 in extra points... team-leading 61 points... his first field goal attempt was a 41-yarder against Elon, one of two kicked in the game... 25-yard FG against Wofford with seconds left sent game into overtime... 41-yard kick at Chattanooga and went season-high 7-for-7 on extra points... 2-for-2 versus Appalachian State and converted all four extra points... went 5-for-5 on extra points at Western Carolina (34-yard FG) and The Citadel (37-yard FG that eventually sent game to overtime)... season-long 42-yard FG at Furman... in conference only games ranked: fifth in scoring (7.6 ppg, highest among all freshmen), second in field goals and first in extra point percentage.
GUYTON (South Effingham) ? Patrick Bolen, Senior, PK. SoCon ?Special Teams Player of the Week' (10/27)... saw action in all 11 games... averaged 62.5 yards on kickoffs... SoCon-leading 13 touchbacks... successfully executed an onsides attempt in the record comeback at Western Carolina... helped the Eagles lead the SoCon in kickoff coverage... played in 25 games during four-year career.
KENNESAW (Kennesaw Mountain) ? Justin Krueger, Freshman, Linebacker. Saw action in nine games... played mainly on special teams.
MARIETTA (Pope) ? Michael Veal, Sophomore, Tight End. Played in all 11 games... returned to the playing field after missing the last two years with an injury... played on special teams.
MOULTRIE (Colquitt County) ? Carter Jones, Redshirt-Freshman, Long Snapper. Jones started all 11 games as the team's long snappers for all kicks... assisted on a tackle in the Wofford game... grew out his hair throughout the season in order to donate to ?Locks of Love', a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.
TIFTON (Tift County) ? Charlie Edwards, Redshirt-Freshman, Punter. Edwards finished fifth in the league and 45th nationally averaging 40 yards per punt (48 attempts)... had eight kicks of 50-plus yards... recorded the seventh-highest season average in program history... placed 14 punts inside the 20-yard line, including a season-high five against Furman... season-long 59-yard punt against Elon, finishing with a 46 yard average on six kicks (three of 50-plus yards)... averaged 44 yards on seven kicks in his collegiate debut at Georgia... 43.8 yards on four punts in the win at Chattanooga... 48 yards on two kicks at Western Carolina... led the league for most of the season in punt average... also served as the holder on all place kicks.
