FCS Awards

By JOSH BUCHANAN

FCS POSTSEASON AWARDS
National Champion Richmond and Big Sky Auto Bid Weber State led with five selections to the teams while SoCon Auto Bid App State and CAA Auto Bid James Madison had four selections each.

Richmond also led in the national awards with two winners while ASU, EWU, and TSU each had one selection.

Below are the selections for each major award and complete All-America teams.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State, Jr.- The junior signal-caller won the Walter Payton award in one of the most lopsided victories in the history of the award after rushing for 941 yards and 11 scores while passing for 2,902 yards and 30 touchdowns on the season. He ranked second nationally in passing efficiency, seventh in total offense (296 yards per game, 3,843 total yards) and 11th in passing yards as well.
Others Considered: QB Rodney Landers, James Madison, Sr.; RB Herb Donaldson, Western Illinois, Sr.; QB Cameron Higgins, Weber State, Soph.; WR Ramses Barden, Cal Poly, Sr.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DE Greg Peach, Eastern Washington, Sr.- Peach also took home the coveted 2008 Buck Buchanan Award in the largest margin in the history of the award after posting 18 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss, and recording six multi-sack games throughout the season. His final year also included a four-sack game against National Runner-Up Montana on October 11.
Others Considered: DE Jovan Belcher, Maine, Sr.; LB Nathan Williams, Murray State, Sr.; S Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Soph.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
OT Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee State, Sr.- Lewis, a former Florida State transfer, earned All-OVC honors for the second straight year on his way to All-America honors by the AP and is considered a prime NFL prospect rated anywhere from the 3rd-6th round by NFL insiders. Lewis has also been invited to participate in the prestigious 2009 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
Others Considered: OT Nick Hennessey, Colgate, Sr.; OG Matthew McCracken, Richmond, Jr.; OG Colin Dow, Montana, Sr.; C Stephen Field, Cal Poly, Sr.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME MVP
RB Josh Vaughan, Richmond, Sr.- Vaughan did as he had over the course of the year and led the Spiders in rushing with 162 yards and one touchdown on 23 attempts in their 24-7 win over Montana in the FCS National Championship game. He also had one catch for four yards in the contest. Vaughan finished his senior campaign with 1,884 yards and 20 touchdowns on 355 carries through 16 games.
Others Considered: None.

COACH OF THE YEAR
Mike London, Richmond- After Richmond entered the playoffs as the #3 CAA team they went on a tear to defeat four straight ranked teams, including the three-time defending champion Appalachian State Mountaineers in Boone, NC and then defeated Northern Iowa on the road and Montana in the championship game. London led the Spiders to a 13-3 record and a unanimous #1 ranking.
Others Considered: None.

Photo Credit: ASU Sports Information/Keith Cline

FCS All-American Teams

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

WR Ramses Barden, Cal Poly, Sr.

WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel, Jr.

TE Marquez Branson, Central Arkansas, Sr.

OT Cornelius Lewis, Tennessee State, Sr.

OT Nick Hennessey, Colgate, Sr.

OG Matthew McCracken, Richmond, Jr.

OG Colin Dow, Montana, Sr.

C Stephen Field, Cal Poly, Sr.

QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State, Jr.

RB Herb Donaldson, Western Illinois, Sr.

RB Rashad Jennings, Liberty, Sr.

FB Dane Romero, Wofford, Sr.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

DE Greg Peach, Eastern Washington, Sr.

DE Jovan Belcher, Maine, Sr.

DT John Faletoese, UC Davis, Sr.

LB Jason Williams, Western Illinois Sr.

LB Andy Romans, Lafayette, Sr.

LB Andrew Schantz, Portland State, Sr.

LB Nathan Williams, Murray State, Sr.

CB William Middleton, Furman, Sr.

CB K.J. Gerard, Northern Arizona, Sr.

S Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, Soph.

S Colt Anderson, Montana, Sr.

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS

K Andrew Wilcox, Elon, Sr.

P Robbie Dehaze, Northern Arizona, Sr.

KR Leroy Vann, Florida A&M, Jr.

PR Andre Roberts, The Citadel, Jr.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

WR John Matthews, San Diego, Sr.

WR Cameron Luke, Texas State, Sr.

TE Scott Sicko, New Hampshire, Jr.

OT Joel Bell, Furman, Sr.

OT Paul Carpenter, Weber State, Sr.

OG Jonathan Compas, UC Davis, Sr.

OG Aaron Lockwood, Southern Illinois, Sr.

C Scott Lemn, James Madison, Sr.

QB Rodney Landers, James Madison, Sr.

RB Will Ford, South Carolina State, Jr.

RB Josh Vaughan, Richmond, Sr.

FB John Crone, Richmond, Sr.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

DE Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond, Sr.

DE Larry Hart, Central Arkansas, Jr.

DT Chris Baker, Hampton, Jr.

LB Chris Covington, Georgia Southern, Sr.

LB Cyrus Mulitalo, Sacramento State, Sr.

LB Cristian Sarmento, Northern Colorado, Sr.

LB Bobby Abare, Yale, Sr.

CB Domonique Johnson, Jackson State, Sr.

CB Justin Rogers, Richmond, Soph.

S Marcus Haywood, James Madison, Sr.

S Lardarius Webb, Nicholls State, Sr.

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS

K Robbie Dehaze, Northern Arizona, Sr.

P Doug Spada, Southeast Missouri State, Jr.

KR Larry Warner, Southern Illinois, Sr.

PR Scotty McGee, James Madison, Jr.

THIRD TEAM OFFENSE

WR Marc Mariani, Montana, Jr.

WR Dominique Edison, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.

TE Clay Harbor, Missouri State, Jr.

OT James Williams, Harvard, Jr.

OT Derek Hardman, Eastern Kentucky, Jr.

OG Brad Samsa, Youngstown State, Sr.

OG Eman Naghavi, McNeese State, Sr.

C Cecil Newton, Tennessee State, Sr.

QB Nathan Brown, Central Arkansas, Sr.

RB Toddrick Pendland, McNeese State, Jr.

RB David McCarty, Albany, Jr.

FB Marcus Mailei, Weber State, Sr.

THIRD TEAM DEFENSE

DE Kevin Linehan, Weber State, Jr.

DE Greg Miller, Villanova, Sr.

DT Everette Pedescleaux, Northern Iowa, Sr.

LB Lee Robinson, Alcorn State, Sr.

LB Zach East, Prairie View A&M, Sr.

LB Jacque Roman, Appalachian State, Jr.

LB Marcellus Speaks, Jackson State, Sr.

CB Courtney Robinson, UMASS, Sr.

CB Cortez Gilbert, Appalachian State, Jr.

S Jeromy Miles, UMASS, Jr.

S Brandon Gathof, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.

THIRD TEAM SPECIALISTS

K Taylor Long, Eastern Kentucky, Sr.

P Brett Arnold, UMASS, Sr.

KR Kevin Teel, Hampton, Sr.

PR Leroy Vann, Florida A&M, Jr.

FOURTH TEAM OFFENSE

WR Terrell Hudgins, Elon, Jr.

WR Tony Washington, Sacramento State, Sr.

TE Abner Brown, Mississippi Valley State, Sr.

OT Vladimir Ducasse, UMASS, Jr.

OT Derek Wooten, Wofford, Sr.

OG Chaz Millard, Eastern Illinois, Jr.

OG Dennis Conley, Hampton, Sr.

C Raymond Harrison, South Carolina State, Sr.

QB Cameron Higgins, Weber State, Soph.

RB David Sinisi, Monmouth, Jr.

RB Larry Warner, Southern Illinois, Sr.

FB Dre Gibbs, Western Illinois, Jr.

FOURTH TEAM DEFENSE

DE Austen Lane, Murray State, Jr.

DE James Ruffin, Northern Iowa, Jr.

DT Melvin Matthews, Grambling State, Sr.

LB Jeffrey Williams, Gardner-Webb, Soph.

LB Jarrell Guyton, Morgan State, Sr.

LB Nick Stauffer, Southeast Missouri State, Sr.

LB Endor Cooper, Howard, Sr.

CB Darren McKhan, Morgan State, Soph.

CB Josh Morris, Weber State, Jr.

S Terrell Whitehead, Norfolk State, Jr.

S Tommy Connors, Southeastern Louisiana, Jr.

FOURTH TEAM SPECIALISTS

K Andrew Samson, Penn, Soph.

P Jahmal Blanchard, Hampton, Jr.

KR Lardarius Webb, Nicholls State, Sr.

PR Jeremy Gilchrist, Hampton, Sr.

Photo Credit: Matt Brown Photography

Walter Payton Watch

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

PAYTON TOP 5

In this week’s edition several changes have been made in the top five of each award with some great performances over the last few weeks. It appears that Appalachian State QB Armanti Edwards has indeed put his stamp on the season and sealed the school’s first Walter Payton Award winner ever. Western Illinois RB Herb Donaldson has risen up after taking over the lead in scoring and rushing for FCS. Edwards becomes the front runner to earn an unprecedented second Payton Award next year with stiff competition likely to come from Cameron Higgins next season.

1. QB ARMANTI EDWARDS, APPALACHIAN STATE, JR.
Stats- 141 comp, 224 att, 2146, 25 TDs, 2 INT, 62.9%, 178.5 pass eff., 195.1 yards per game, 166 carries, 890 yards, 5.4avg, 9 TDs in 11 games.

2. QB RODNEY LANDERS, JAMES MADISON, SR.
Stats- 80 comp, 126 att, 1,150 yards, 14 TDs, 3 INT, 63.5%, 172.06 pass eff., 115.0 yards per game, 187 carries, 1,260 yards, 11 TDs, 6.7avg in 10 games.

3. RB HERB DONALDSON, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 284 carries, 1,549 yards, 5.5ypg, 20 TDs, 154.9 yards per game, 13 catches, 76 yards, 5.8avg, 1 TD in 10 games.

4. QB CAMERON HIGGINS, WEBER STATE, SOPH.
Stats- 240 comp, 350 att, 3,479 yards, 33 TDs, 8 INT, 68.6%, 178.61 pass eff., 312.7 yards per game, 43 carries, -72 yards, -1.7avg, 1 TD in 11 games.

5. WR RAMSES BARDEN, CAL POLY, SR.
Stats- 55 catches, 1,066 yards, 15 TDs, 19.4avg, 118.4 yards per game in 9 games.

BEST OF THE REST

QB COLE BERGQUIST, MONTANA, SR.
Stats- 164 comp, 255 att, 2,310 yards, 23 TDs, 5 INT, 64.3%, 166.25 pass eff., 210.0 yards per game, 113 carries, 194 yards, 1.7avg, 6 TDs in 11 games.

QB RHETT BOMAR, SAM HOUSTON STATE, SR.
Stats- 212 comp, 381 att, 3,018 yards, 24 TDs, 11 INT, 55.6%, 137.19 pass eff., 335.3 yards per game, 73 carries, 152 yards, 2.1avg, 3 TDs in 9 games.

QB NATHAN BROWN, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, SR.
Stats- 235 comp, 346 att, 2,953 yards, 29 TDs, 3 INT, 67.9%, 165.54 pass eff., 268.5 yards per game, 61 carries, 144 yards, 2.4avg in 11 games.

WR TERRELL HUDGINS, ELON, JR.
Stats- 79 catches, 1,066 yards, 10 TDs, 13.5avg, 96.9 yards per game in 11 games.

RB RASHAD JENNINGS, LIBERTY, SR.
Stats- 241 carries, 1,391 yards, 5.8avg, 16 TDs, 139.1 yards per game, 23 catches, 178 yards, 7.7avg, 2 TDs, 1 TT in 10 games.

QB BRYANT LEE, SOUTHERN, JR.
Stats- 205 comp, 335 att, 2,498 yards, 19 TDs, 7 INT, 61.2%, 138.4 pass eff., 249.8 yards per game, 133 carries, 510 yards, 3.8avg, 6 TDs in 10 games.

WR JOHN MATTHEWS, SAN DIEGO, SR.
Stats- 89 catches, 1,317 yards, 14.8avg, 20 TDs, 131.7 yards per game, 7 carries, 8 yards, 1.1avg, 1 KR, 22 yards, 22.0avg in 10 games.

QB CHRIS PIZZOTTI, HARVARD, SR.
Stats- 181 comp, 287 att, 2,381 yards, 17 TDs, 4 INT, 63.1%, 149.51 pass eff., 264.6 yards per game, 71 carries, 112 yards, 1.6ypg, 5 TDs in 9 games.

QB DOMINIC RANDOLPH, HOLY CROSS, SR.
Stats- 324 comp, 493 att, 3,522 yards, 31 TDs, 16 INT, 65.7%, 139.99 pass eff., 61 carries, 85 yards, 1.4avg, 4 TDs in 10 games.

WR ANDRE ROBERTS, THE CITADEL, JR.
Stats- 90 catches, 1,268 yards, 14.1avg, 14 TDs, 115.3 yards per game, 18 carries, 88 yards, 4.9avg, 1 TD, 1 att, 1 comp, 15 yards, 100%, 226.0 pass eff., 21 PR, 393 yards, 18.7avg, 2 TDs, 64 long, 2 TT in 9 games.

RB DAVID SINISI, MONMOUTH, JR.
Stats- 286 carries, 1,674 yards, 5.9avg, 22 TDs, 152.2 yards per game, 14 catches, 103 yards, 7.4avg in 11 games.

Photo Credit: Western Illinois Media Relations

FCS Players of the Week

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian St.: Edwards put together an impressive show Friday night, leading ASU to a 70-24 thrashing of Wofford. He completed 17-of 19-passes for 367 yards and five touchdowns while adding 73 yards on 14 carries for another score to give him six on the night. His final tally came from one-yard out, one minute into the fourth quarter and he was pulled after that, as the win was a certainty. With his 440 total yards, Edwards became the SoCon’s all-time leader in total offense. That single-game total was the fourth-best in ASU history and moved Edwards as the SoCon’s career leader in that category with 9,397. He has stretched his streak of consecutive passes without an interception to 140.

DEFENSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

FS Mark LeGree, Appalachian St.: For the first time this year one school has completed a sweep of the awards on both sides of the ball after LeGree finished the night with three interceptions in the Mountaineers' victory. He now leads the nation with seven picks and is just one shy of Larry Harbin’s school record of eight, set in 1963. LeGree also finished the game with eight tackles, including one for a loss, and a forced fumble.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

KR Dwight Fluker-Berry, Norfolk State: Fluker-Berry didn’t have many chances to return the football, but made the most of the two he had. His two returns for touchdowns were key to the Spartans' victory over Howard this past weekend. His 84-yard return for a score in the second quarter and 50-yard punt return in the third quarter were the sparks that Norfolk State needed to thwart a comeback by Howard. He finished the game with 134 return yards in just two attempts.

WALTER PAYTON WATCH

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

WEEKLY TOP 5

1. QB ARMANTI EDWARDS, APPALACHIAN STATE, JR.
Stats- 120 comp, 193 att, 1823, 20 TDs, 2 INT, 62.2%, 173.64 pass eff., 202.6 yards per game, 145 carries, 634 yards, 4.4avg, 9 TDs in 9 games.


2. QB CAMERON HIGGINS, WEBER STATE, SOPH.
Stats- 223 comp, 328 att, 3127 yards, 30 TDs, 9 INT, 180.15 pass eff., 68.0%, 312.7 yards per game, 39 carries, -82 yards, -2.1avg, 1 TD in 10 games.

3. QB RODNEY LANDERS, JAMES MADISON, SR.
Stats- 66 comp, 107 att, 938 yards, 11 TDs, 3 INT, 163.64 pass eff., 61.7%, 104.2 yards per game, 169 carries, 1,115 yards, 10 TDs, 6.6avg in 9 games.

4. QB NATHAN BROWN, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, SR.
Stats- 185 comp, 271 att, 2270 yards, 23 TDs, 1 INT, 68.3%, 165.90 pass eff., 252.2 yards per game, 49 carries, 84 yards, 1.7avg in 9 games.

5. WR RAMSES BARDEN, CAL POLY, SR.
Stats- 46 catches, 960 yards, 11 TDs, 20.9avg, 137.1 yards per game in 7 games.

THE BEST OF THE REST

QB COLE BERGQUIST, MONTANA, SR.
Stats- 138 comp, 211 att, 2115 yards, 22 TDs, 4 INT, 65.4%, 180.22 pass eff., 235.0 yards per game, 89 carries, 95 yards, 1.1avg, 4 TDs in 9 games.

QB RHETT BOMAR, SAM HOUSTON STATE, SR.
Stats- 152 comp, 264 att, 2118 yards, 20 TDs, 7 INT, 57.6%, 144.66 pass eff., 302.6 yards per game, 51 carries, 116 yards, 2.3avg, 3 TDs in 7 games.

QB LIAM COEN, UMASS, SR.
Stats- 156 comp, 242 att, 2259 yards, 19 TDs, 6 INT, 163.82 pass eff., 64.5%, 251.0 yards per game, 24 carries, -7 yards, -0.3avg, 2 TDs in 9 games.

RB HERB DONALDSON, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 215 carries, 1207 yards, 5.6ypg, 16 TDs, 150.9 yards per game, 11 catches, 72 yards, 6.5avg, 1 TD in 8 games.

WR TERRELL HUDGINS, ELON, JR.
Stats- 69 catches, 923 yards, 8 TDs, 13.4avg, 102.6 yards per game in 9 games.

RB RASHAD JENNINGS, LIBERTY, SR.
Stats- 203 carries, 1188 yards, 5.9avg, 13 TDs, 148.5 yards per game, 21 catches, 124 yards, 5.9avg, 2 TDs, 1 TT in 8 games.

QB CHRIS PIZZOTTI, HARVARD, SR.
Stats- 140 comp, 224 att, 1849 yards, 11 TDs, 3 INT, 145.36 pass eff., 62.5%, 264.1 yards per game, 50 carries, 113 yards, 2.3ypg, 5 TDs in 7 games.

QB DOMINIC RANDOLPH, HOLY CROSS, SR.
Stats- 261 comp, 385 att, 2693 yards, 23 TDs, 11 INT, 140.55 pass eff., 67.8%, 50 carries, 73 yards, 1.5avg, 4 TDs in 8 games.

WR ANDRE ROBERTS, THE CITADEL, JR.
Stats- 67 catches, 962 yards, 14.4avg, 11 TDs, 106.9 yards per game, 9 carries, 25 yards, 2.8avg, 21 PR, 393 yards, 18.7avg, 2 TDs, 64 long, 2 TT in 9 games.

RB JORDAN SCOTT, COLGATE, SR.
Stats- 172 carries, 972 yards, 5.7avg, 11 TDs, 138.9 yards per game, 4 catches, 26 yards, 6.5ypg in 7 games.

RB DAVID SINISI, MONMOUTH, JR.
Stats- 234 carries, 1413 yards, 6.0avg, 17 TDs, 157.0 yards per game, 11 catches, 80 yards, 7.3avg in 9 games.

Photo Credit: ASU Sports Information/Keith Cline

Small School Top 10 - Week Eight

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

1. James Madison Dukes 6-1 (1)
JMU squares off against ‘Nova with the winner labeled as a frontrunner for the national title.

2. Villanova Wildcats 5-1 (3)
The Rams have been dominant the entire year, except against WVU, and their 44-7 win Saturday was another impressive performance.

3. Appalachian St. Mountaineers 5-2 (2)
Armanti Edwards was spectacular in their thrilling win over Georgia Southern to set up a key match-up against Furman this weekend.

4. Wofford Terriers 5-1 (4)
With seven senior starters on both sides of the ball, Wofford has proven to be a sound team. Don’t count them out of the national title race.

5. Richmond Spiders 5-3 (9)
Richmond could be the best three-loss team in the nation with a victory over Elon and losses to Virginia, James Madison, and Villanova.

6. Elon Phoenix 7-1 (5)
The Phoenix face Wofford this weekend to possibly set up a SoCon title match with Appalachian State down the road.

7. Montana Grizzlies 6-1 (6)
Montana finally played a complete game, with a great performance on both sides of the ball and a stellar game by Marc Mariani on special teams.

8. Cal-Poly Mustangs 4-1 (7)
The Mustangs won despite All-American and East-West Shrine invite Ramses Barden being held to just two catches.

9. Northern Iowa 5-2 (8)
A very impressive win over South Dakota State last week showed why they are a top tier team. They face a struggling Youngstown State team this week in what should be an easy win.

10. Central Arkansas Bears 6-1 (NR)
Nathan Brown (18-1 ratio) has been phenomenal this year. UCA could be a national title sleeper.

Out: Massachusetts (10)

Photo Credit: JMU Athletics

Small School Award Watch

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

WEEKLY WALTER PAYTON WATCH

WR RAMSES BARDEN, CAL POLY, SR.
Stats- 30 catches, 666 yards, 8 TDs, 22.2avg, 133.2 yards per game in 5 games.

QB RHETT BOMAR, SAM HOUSTON STATE, SR.
Stats- 109 comp, 183 att, 1476 yards, 15 TDs, 5 INT, 59.6%, 148.90 pass eff., 295.3 yards per game, 39 carries, 107 yards, 2.7avg, 3 TDs in 5 games.

QB NATHAN BROWN, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, SR.
Stats- 149 comp, 206 attempts, 1890 yards, 18 TDs, 1 INT, 72.3%, 178.86 pass eff., 270.0 yards per game, 41 carries, 64 yards, 1.6avg in 7 games.

QB LIAM COEN, UMASS, SR.
Stats- 130 comp, 207 att, 1629 yards, 11 TDs, 6 INT, 140.65 pass eff., 62.8%, 232.7 yards per game, 24 carries, -7 yards, -0.3avg, 2 TDs in 7 games.

RB HERB DONALDSON, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 192 carries, 1091 yards, 5.7ypg, 16 TDs, 155.9 yards per game, 10 catches, 72 yards, 7.2avg, 1 TD in 7 games.

QB ARMANTI EDWARDS, APPALACHIAN STATE, JR.
Stats- 87 comp, 150 att, 1270, 13 TDs, 2 INT, 58.0%, 155.1 pass eff., 181.4 yards per game, 115 carries, 545 yards, 4.7avg, 5 TDs in 7 games.

QB CAMERON HIGGINS, WEBER STATE, SOPH.
Stats- 181 comp, 264 att, 2551 yards, 25 TDs, 6 INT, 176.43 pass eff., 68.6%, 318.9 yards per game, 29 carries, -66 yards, -1.5avg, 1 TD in 8 games.

RB RASHAD JENNINGS, LIBERTY, SR.
Stats- 148 carries, 873 yards, 5.9avg, 9 TDs, 145.5 yards per game, 17 catches, 101 yards, 5.9avg, 2 TDs in 7 games.

QB RODNEY LANDERS, JAMES MADISON, SR.
Stats- 52 comp, 83 att, 692 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INT, 157.26 pass eff., 62.7%, 98.9 yards per game, 121 carries, 797 yards, 8 TDs, 6.6avg in 7 games.

WR MARC MARIANI, MONTANA, JR.
Stats- 40 catches, 825 yards, 20.6avg, 11 TDs, 117.9 yards per game, 12 PR, 129 yards, 10.8avg, 34 long, 15 KR, 342 yards, 22.8avg, 38 long in 7 games.

QB CHRIS PIZZOTTI, HARVARD, SR.Stats- 111 comp, 180 att, 1504 yards, 9 TDs, 3 INT, 145.02 pass eff., 61.7%, 300.8 yards per game, 32 carries, 40 yards, 1.2ypg, 2 TDs in 5 games.

RB DOMINIC RANDOLPH, HOLY CROSS, SR.
Stats- 195 comp, 297 att, 1965 yards, 16 TDs, 8 INT, 133.62 pass eff., 66.7%, 37 carries, 35 yards, 0.9avg, 4 TDs in 6 games.

QB SCOTT RIDDLE, ELON, SOPH.
Stats- 169 comp, 274 att, 1998 yards, 18 TDs, 10 INT, 61.7%, 137.3 pass eff., 249.8 yards per game, 49 carries, -12 yards, -1.3 yards per carry in 8 games.

WR ANDRE ROBERTS, THE CITADEL, JR.
Stats- 50 catches, 697 yards, 13.9avg, 9 TDs, 99.6 yards per game, 4 carries, 19 yards, 4.8avg, 16 PR, 334 yards, 20.9avg, 2 TDs, 64 long, 2 TT in 7 games.

RB JORDAN SCOTT, COLGATE, SR.
Stats- 1670 carries, 971 yards, 5.7avg, 11 TDs, 161.8 yards per game, 3 catches, 23 yards, 7.7ypg in 6 games.

RB DAVID SINISI, MONMOUTH, JR.
Stats- 178 carries, 1101 yards, 6.2avg, 13 TDs, 157.3 yards per game, 9 catches, 77 yards, 8.6avg in 7 games.

TOP 5

1. QB CAMERON HIGGINS, WEBER STATE, SOPH.
Stats- 181 comp, 264 att, 2551 yards, 25 TDs, 6 INT, 176.43 pass eff., 68.6%, 318.9 yards per game, 29 carries, -66 yards, -1.5avg, 1 TD in 8 games.

2. QB ARMANTI EDWARDS, APPALACHIAN STATE, JR.
Stats- 87 comp, 150 att, 1270, 13 TDs, 2 INT, 58.0%, 155.1 pass eff., 181.4 yards per game, 115 carries, 545 yards, 4.7avg, 5 TDs in 7 games.

3. QB RODNEY LANDERS, JAMES MADISON, SR.
Stats- 52 comp, 83 att, 692 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INT, 157.26 pass eff., 62.7%, 98.9 yards per game, 121 carries, 797 yards, 8 TDs, 6.6avg in 7 games.

4. WR RAMSES BARDEN, CAL POLY, SR.
Stats- 30 catches, 666 yards, 8 TDs, 22.2avg, 133.2 yards per game in 5 games.

5. RB HERB DONALDSON, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 192 carries, 1091 yards, 5.7ypg, 16 TDs, 155.9 yards per game, 10 catches, 72 yards, 7.2avg, 1 TD in 7 games.

WEEKLY BUCK BUCHANAN BATTLE

LB BOBBY ABARE, YALE, SR.
Stats- 48 TT, 5.5 TFL, 3 INT/returned one for TD, 1 FR for TD in 5 games.

DE JOVAN BELCHER, MAINE, SR.
Stats- 68 TT, 8 TFL, 4 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF in 7 games.

DT JOHN FALETOESE, UC DAVIS, SR.
Stats- 18 TT, 4.5 TFL, 3.5 SCK, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 3 BLK in 8 games.

CB K.J. GERARD, NORTHERN ARIZONA, SR.
Stats- 22 TT, 3 TFL, 5 INT, 6 PBU, 1 FF, 1 blocked kick in 7 games.

DE LARRY HART, CENTRAL ARKANSAS, JR.
Stats- 23 TT, 15 TFL, 10 SCK, 2 PBU, 1 FF in 7 games.

S MARCUS HAYWOOD, JAMES MADISON, SR.
Stats- 55 TT, 2.5 TFL, 4 INT, 4 PBU, FF in 7 games.

DE GREG MILLER, VILLANOVA, SR.
Stats- 32 TT, 11.5 TFL, 5.5 SCK, 2 FF in 6 games.

LB CYRUS MULITALO, SACRAMENTO STATE, SR.
Stats- 58 TT, 4.5 TFL, 1 SCK, 4 PBU in 7 games.

DE GREG PEACH, EASTERN WASHINGTON, SR.
Stats- 43 TT, 16.5 TFL, 14 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 QBH in 7 games.

LB ANDY ROMANS, LAFAYETTE, SR.
Stats- 66 TT, 4 TFL, 1.5 SCK, 2 PBU, 4 QBH, 1 FR, 1 BLK in 6 games.

DE JAMES RUFFIN, NORTHERN IOWA, JR.
Stats- 40 TT, 10.5 TFL, 7 SCK, 1 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF, 1 BLK in 7 games.

LB ANDY SCHANTZ, PORTLAND STATE, SR.
Stats- 50 TT, 7 TFL, 5 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF in 6 games.

DE ADRIAN TRACY, WILLIAM & MARY, JR.
Stats- 40 TT, 11 TFL, 6.5 SCK, 1 PBU, 4 QBH, 1 BLK in 6 games.

S LARDARIUS WEBB, NICHOLLS STATE, SR.
Stats- 18 TT, 1 INT, 4 PR, 120 yards, 30.0avg, 1 TD, 75 long, 9 KR, 330 yards, 36.7avg, 1 TD, 78 long in 4 games.

LB JASON WILLIAMS, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 45 TT, 10 TFL, 4 SCK, 4 PBU, 2 QBH, 3 FF in 7 games.

LB NATHAN WILLIAMS, MURRAY STATE, SR.
Stats- 120 TT, 10 TFL, 5.5 SCK, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.

WEEKLY TOP 5

1. DE GREG PEACH, EASTERN WASHINGTON, SR.
Stats- 43 TT, 16.5 TFL, 14 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 QBH in 7 games.

2. LB JASON WILLIAMS, WESTERN ILLINOIS, SR.
Stats- 45 TT, 10 TFL, 4 SCK, 4 PBU, 2 QBH, 3 FF in 7 games.

3. DE JOVAN BELCHER, MAINE, SR.
Stats- 68 TT, 8 TFL, 4 SCK, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 2 FF in 7 games.

4. DE GREG MILLER, VILLANOVA, SR.
Stats- 32 TT, 11.5 TFL, 5.5 SCK, 2 FF in 6 games.

5. LB NATHAN WILLIAMS, MURRAY STATE, SR.
Stats- 120 TT, 10 TFL, 5.5 SCK, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 1 QBH, 2 FR, 1 FF in 8 games.

Photo Credit: Matt Brown Photography

Small School Top 10

1. James Madison Dukes 5-1 (1)
JMU remains hot this season with a 56-0 thrashing of Hofstra this past weekend.

2. Appalachian St. Mountaineers 3-2 (2)
Armanti Edwards finally did what most expected and showed his ability to dominate with 305 yards of total offense as App State now appears to be coming together after a shaky start.

3. McNeese State Cowboys 3-1 (4)
Their thrilling triple-overtime win over South Dakota State tells us a little more about the Cowboys. They could be for real; a legit contender for the FCS title.

4. New Hampshire Wildcats 4-0 (6)
UNH comes off a bye week and is the only undefeated team in the top 10.

5. Villanova Wildcats 4-1 (7)
Villanova is coming off another solid win as they defeated W&M 38-28 and look to be ready to enter the national stage after a hot start.

6. Richmond Spiders 4-2 (8)
VMI was not much of a test as the Spiders won by 40 over the Sparky Woods-led Keydets.

7. Elon Phoenix 5-1 (9)
Many were skeptical of Elon heading into this past weekend, but the doubters were silenced by the Phoenix’ solid victory over nationally-ranked Furman.

8. Wofford Terriers 3-1 (NR)
Wofford, like UNH, had their bye week as well.

9. Montana Grizzlies 4-1 (3)
Their loss to Weber State was not shocking as most felt the Grizz were overrated, and it had been pointed out here before that they were holding onto their top 3 vote by a thread.

10. Cal-Poly Mustangs 3-1 (10)
Wide receiver Ramses Barden has cemented himself as one of the best receivers in the nation, regardless of division.

Out: Eastern Washington (5)

FCS Players of the Week

By JOSH BUCHANAN - SMALL SCHOOL INSIDER

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State
Edwards showed why many felt he was a frontrunner for the Payton Award with a monster day in the Mountaineers’ 47-21 victory over The Citadel. He was responsible for six touchdowns on the day with four through the air and two on the ground. He had 224 yards passing and 80 yards on the ground.

DEFENSE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

LB Bobby Abare, Yale
Abare picked off two passes and returned one for a touchdown in Yale’s victory over Holy Cross. He also had 10 tackles, including nine solos, to show why he is a candidate for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award. The two interceptions brought his career total to eight and his touchdown was the third in his career.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

K/P Robbie Dehaze, Northern Arizona
Dehaze was stellar in the Lumberjacks’ 42-10 thrashing of Sacramento State this past weekend with three field goals, four extra points, and a 51.2 yard average on four punts for 205 yards. Among his four punts was a 61-yard bomb and among his FGs was a 48-yarder.

Photo Credit: Keith Cline/ASU Athletics

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW PART V

UP CLOSE: APPALACHIAN STATE

By Josh Buchanan - Small School Insider


RETURNING STARTERS
Offense: 5
Defense: 7
Special Teams: 2
Total: 14


KEY RETURNEES

QB Armanti Edwards, Jr., RB Devon Moore, Jr., WR James Hill, Sr., WR TJ Courman, Sr., WR Tavaris Washington, Jr., WR/RS CoCo Hillary, Soph., WR Brian Quick, Fr., WR Josh Johnson, Jr., OT Brad Coley, Sr., OT Jonathan Bieschke, Sr., OG Daniel Kilgore, Soph., OG Mario Acitelli, Jr., C Brett Irvin, Soph., DE Tony Robertson, Jr., DT Anthony Williams, Jr., DT Gordy Whitte, Fr., DT Daniel Finnerty, Jr., LB Pierre Banks, Sr., LB DJ Smith, Soph., LB Jacque Roman, Jr., CB Cortez Gilbert, Jr., CB Jared Reine, Soph., S Leonard Love, Sr., S Mark LeGree, Soph., P Neil Young, Sr.

KEY LOSSES

QB Trey Elder, RB Kevin Richardson, WR Dexter Jackson, WR Hans Batichon, TE Nic Cardwell, OG Kerry Brown, OG John Holt, C Scott Suttle, DE Gary Tharrington (academics), CB Jerome Touchstone, CB Justin Woazeah, FS Corey Lynch, SS Titus Howard, K Julian Rauch, LS Russell Wilson

KEY NEWCOMERS

RB Rod Chisholm (HS), RB Devin Radford (Virginia Tech), TE Jordan Gary (HS), DE Quavian Lewis (Vanderbilt), DE Lanston Tanyi (HS), DT Malcolm Bennett (JUCO), LB Terrence McLean (HS), CB Ed Gainey (HS), CB Ingram Bell (HS), S Justin Lloyd (HS), and S DeMorris Brooks (JUCO).

HONORS CANDIDATES

QB Armanti Edwards, Jr., RB Devon Moore, Jr., WR TJ Courman, Sr., WR/RS CoCo Hillary, Soph., OT Brad Coley, Sr., OG Mario Acitelli, Jr., DE Tony Robertson, Jr., DT Anthony Williams, Jr., DT Malcolm Bennett, Jr., LB Pierre Banks, Sr., LB DJ Smith, Soph., LB Jacque Roman, Jr., CB Cortez Gilbert, Jr., S Leonard Love, Sr.

TOP 5 PLAYERS

1. QB Armanti Edwards, Jr.
2. LB Pierre Banks, Sr.
3. DT Anthony Williams, Jr.
4. LB DJ Smith, Soph.
5. WR/RS CoCo Hillary, Soph.

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW PART IV

By Josh Buchanan - Small School Insider

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE OUTLOOK

Appalachian State aims for their fourth straight SoCon crown, but will have plenty of competition from Elon, The Citadel, and Wofford. Elon and The Citadel are expected to boast pass-happy offenses with strong-armed QBs, and both have plenty of receivers returning. Furman and Wofford both lost a lot of talent to graduation but are always in the hunt. Georgia Southern will break in a new QB, but the Eagles return solid DL and LB corps which will help take some pressure off of the offense. Chattanooga returns some quality players on both sides of the ball. The Mocs must win, and quickly, or coach Rodney Allison’s job could be in jeopardy. Western Carolina will be led by first year head coach Dennis Wagner who brings high hopes for Catamount faithful. The conference expands to nine teams this year with Samford jumping ship from the OVC. Expect them to take their lumps in their first year.

PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH

1. Appalachian State: Payton Award frontrunner QB Armanti Edwards, LB Pierre Banks headline the offense and defense respectively; losses include 2nd round pick WR Dexter Jackson, 6th round pick FS Corey Lynch, and 2-time All-American OG Kerry Brown.

2. Elon: Payton Watch duo QB Scott Riddle and WR Terrell Hudgins are back; All-SoCon LB Corey Weaver anchors the defense along with preseason All-SoCon DB tandem, Cameron McGlenn and Karlos Sullivan.

3. The Citadel: 1st year starter QB Bart Blanchard has returning WR Andre Roberts and most experience line in the SoCon to lean on; the defense is anchored by DL tandem Terrence Reese and Kevin McCaskill.

4. Wofford: The Terriers return a solid OL. They, and TE Fenn Allen, headline the offense; just 4 starters return on defense, including LB Seth Goldwire.

5. Georgia Southern: Payton Award winner QB Jayson Foster and much of the offensive line graduated; S Chris Covington and the LB corps lead the defense.

6. Furman: Just 5 starters back on offense, including All-American OT Joel Bell; even fewer starters return on defense--just 4, anchored by S Thomas Twitty.

7. Chattanooga: QB Antonio Miller graduated but the Mocs return a solid RB duo and good receiving corps; LB Joseph Thornton headlines just 3 returning starters on defense.

8. Western Carolina: Dennis Wagner takes over as head coach; defense boasts two All-SoCon performers in DT Jeff Bradley and LB Quinton Phillips.

9. Samford: The first year will likely be tough for the Bulldogs despite 15 starters returning; RB Chris Evans and LB Rodney Shepherd headline the ‘08 squad.

Tomorrow: Appalachian St. Up Close; Photo Credit: ASU Sports Information/Keith Cline

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW PART III

By Josh Buchanan

PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State, Jr.: The junior amassed 1,948 passing yards and 17 touchdowns while rushing for 1,588 yards and 21 more touchdowns last year. He did that missing 4 _ games and led the Mountaineers to their 3rd straight national title. Injuries left him off the All-SoCon team but his playoff performance earned him 2nd team All-America plaudits by The Sports Network and the distinction of the preseason #1 QB, also by The Sports Network. Phil Steele Magazine has Edwards as a preseason 1st team All-American, and the QB has been selected as the preseason SoCon Offensive Player of the Year by the league’s coaches.

Others Considered: WR Terrell Hudgins, Elon, Jr.; QB Scott Riddle, Elon, Soph.; WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel, Jr.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

LB Pierre Banks, Appalachian State, Sr.: This selection could easily change by season’s end but nobody enters the season with the career consistency of Banks. He earned 1st team All-America honors by The Sports Network last year with 108 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 7 passes defended. Phil Steele Magazine also named him a preseason 1st team All-American while the SoCon coaches tabbed him the SoCon preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Others Considered: LB Seth Goldwire, Wofford, Sr.; LB Corey Weaver, Elon, Sr.; LB Joseph Thornton, Chattanooga, Jr.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR

OT Joel Bell, Furman, Sr.: Bell earned 1st team All-SoCon honors as a junior and 2nd team plaudits as a sophomore. The Sports Network also named him honorable mention All-America last year and Bell earned preseason 1st team All-SoCon honors from both the league’s coaches and Phil Steele Magazine. The magazine also named him a 1st team preseason All-American.

Others Considered: OT Derek Wooten, Wofford, Sr.; OG Mario Acitelli, Appalachian State, Jr.; OG/OT William Giles, UTC, Sr. OT Brad Coley, Appalachian State, Sr.

TOP NFL PROSPECT

OT Joel Bell, Furman: Bell’s mammoth size (6’7, 315) and good footwork make him a potential mid-round left tackle prospect. Consistency and technique are his main weaknesses but they can be improved with experience and coaching. Expect him to earn mid-round grades from most teams with a solid senior campaign.

Others Considered: OG William Giles, UTC; WR TJ Courman, Appalachian State, P Brandon Lane, Elon.

NATIONAL AWARD CANDIDATES

WALTER PAYTON AWARD CANDIDATES
QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State, Jr.
QB Scott Riddle, Elon, Soph.
WR Terrell Hudgins, Elon, Jr.
WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel, Jr.

BUCK BUCHANAN AWARD CANDIDATES
LB Pierre Banks, Appalachian State, Sr.
LB Seth Goldwire, Wofford, Sr.

Tomorrow: Team Predictions

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW PART II

PRESEASON PLAYER RANKINGS

By Josh Buchanan - Small School Insider


TOP 20 PLAYERS

1. QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State
2. WR Terrell Hudgins, Elon
3. LB Pierre Banks, Appalachian State
4. WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel
5. OT Joel Bell, Furman
6. QB Scott Riddle, Elon
7. DT Anthony Williams, Appalachian State
8. LB Seth Goldwire, Wofford
9. OT Derek Wooten, Wofford
10. DT Justin Brown, Furman
11. TE Larry Hedden, Furman
12. LB Corey Weaver, Elon
13. S Chris Covington, Georgia Southern
14. LB Joseph Thornton, Chattanooga
15. LB DJ Smith, Appalachian State
16. OG/OT William Giles, Chattanooga
17. WR/RS CoCo Hillary, Appalachian State
18. LB Jacque Roman, Appalachian State
19. DE Larry Beard, Georgia Southern
20. TE Fenn Allen, Wofford

TOP 10 SENIOR NFL PROSPECTS

1. OT Joel Bell, Furman
2. OG/OT William Giles, Chattanooga
3. WR TJ Courman, Appalachian State
4. DE Brandon Drumgoole, Western Carolina
5. P Brandon Lane, Elon
6. CB William Middleton, Furman
7. DE Jeffrey Bradley, Western Carolina
8. LB/SS Pierre Banks, Appalachian State
9. TE Fenn Allen, Wofford
10. OT Derek Wooten, Wofford

Tomorrow: Award Winners

SOUTHERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW PART I

PRESEASON ALL-SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

By Josh Buchanan - Small School Insider


FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
WR Terrell Hudgins, Elon, Jr.
WR Andre Roberts, The Citadel, Jr.
TE Larry Hedden, Furman, Jr.
OT Joel Bell, Furman, Sr.
OT Derek Wooten, Wofford, Sr.
OG Mario Acitelli, Appalachian State, Jr.
OG William Giles, Chattanooga, Sr.
C Kevin Wiggins, Western Carolina, Sr.
QB Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State, Jr.
RB Devon Moore, Appalachian State, Jr.
RB Mike Brown, Furman, Soph.

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL Terrence Reese, The Citadel, Jr.
DL Anthony Williams, Appalachian State, Jr.
DL Justin Brown, Furman, Jr.
DL Larry Beard, Georgia Southern, Sr.
LB Pierre Banks, Appalachian State, Sr.
LB Seth Goldwire, Wofford, Sr.
LB Corey Weaver, Elon, Sr.
DB Chris Covington, Georgia Southern, Sr.
DB Thomas Twitty, Furman, Sr.
DB Leonard Love, Appalachian State, Sr.
DB Carson Hill, Georgia Southern, Jr.

FIRST TEAM SPECIALISTS
K Jesse Hartley, Georgia Southern, Sr.
P Brandon Lane, Elon, Sr.
RS Sean Lees, Wofford, Soph.

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
WR Bo Williamson, Elon, Sr.
WR CoCo Hillary, Appalachian State, Soph.
TE Fenn Allen, Wofford, Sr.
OT Brad Coley, Appalachian State, Sr.
OT Ben Quick, Wofford, Sr.
OG Tyler Haynes, Furman, Jr.
OG Ben Miller, Wofford, Sr.
C Clay Muirhead, The Citadel, Sr.
QB Scott Riddle, Elon, Soph.
RB Dane Romero, Wofford, Sr.
RB Bryan Fitzgerald, Chattanooga, Sr.

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL Tony Robertson, Appalachian State, Jr.
DL Damon Suggs, Georgia Southern, Sr.
DL Layton Baker, Wofford, Sr.
DL Jeff Bradley, Western Carolina, Sr.
LB Quintin Phillips, Western Carolina, Jr.
LB Joseph Thornton, Chattanooga, Jr.
LB D.J. Smith, Appalachian State, Soph.
DB William Middleton, Furman, Sr.
DB Cameron McGlenn, Elon, Jr.
DB Cortez Gilbert, Appalachian State, Jr.
DB Ryan Jones, The Citadel, Jr.

SECOND TEAM SPECIALISTS
K Patrick Mugan, Wofford, Sr.
P Mark Kaspar, The Citadel, Sr.
RS CoCo Hillary, Appalachian State, Soph.

HONORABLE MENTION
RB Chris Evans, Samford, Soph.
WR Blue Cooper, Chattanooga, Jr.
WR TJ Courman, Appalachian State, Sr.
WR R.J. Webb, Furman, Jr.
WR Marquel Pittman, Western Carolina, Soph.
TE Taylor Cornett, The Citadel, Sr.
OT Thomas Slaughter, Furman, Sr.
OT Daniel DeHaven, The Citadel, Jr.
OT Mitchell Waters, Samford, Sr.
OT Chris Werden, Elon, Sr.
DE Kevin McCaskill, The Citadel, Sr.
DT Malcolm Bennett, Appalachian State, Jr.
DT Neil Brown, Chattanooga, Sr.
LB Jacque Roman, Appalachian State, Jr.
LB Rodney Shepherd, Samford, Sr.
CB Raeshon Ball, Chattanooga, Sr.
CB Karlos Sullivan, Elon, Jr.
K Andrew Wilcox, Elon, Sr.
P Chris Tommie, Wofford, Sr.
RS Mike Brown, Furman, Soph.