Scroll down the release to view 2018 GLIAC Football All-Conference Teams
The 2018 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Football postseason awards have been announced after voting conducted by the league's coaches.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jayru Campbell - Ferris State
Ferris State University junior quarterback Jayru Campbell has made the most of his first season as FSU's starting quarterback, leading the Bulldogs to their first unbeaten regular-season and conference title since 2015. A Harlon Hill Trophy candidate, Campbell leads all quarterbacks nationally in rushing yardage and is among the nation's leaders in points responsible for, passing effiency, scoring and total offense. The standout QB has completed nearly 60% of his passes for 2,368 yards while running for a team-best 1,162 yards and 19 TD's in regular-season action. Behind his play, FSU has earned a fifth-straight NCAA Division II Playoff appearance as one of the region's top two teams. Campbell has accounted for 42 touchdowns while helping FSU rank among the national leaders in total offense, rushing and scoring this season.
OFFENSIVE BACK OF THE YEAR
Jake Mayon - Northern Michigan
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
Devon Johnson - Ferris State
Ferris State University senior offensive tackle Devon Johnson has played a key role in helping the Bulldogs earn a fifth-straight NCAA Division II Playoff appearance. As the squad's starting left tackle, the NFL prospect has made 51 consecutive starts for the Bulldogs, which represents a school all-time mark and is believed to be the longest streak by a Division II player in the past decade. Johnson has played a pivotal role for a Bulldog offense that ranks among the national leaders in scoring, rushing and total offense. As the backside protector for Harlon Hill Trophy candidate Jayru Campbell, Johnson earned All-GLIAC recognition for the third consecutive campaign as one of the squad's leaders up front. His play helped FSU notch its third unbeaten regular-season and GLIAC Championship in the past five seasons.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR
James Prater Jr. - Ashland
Ashland senior defensive end James Prater Jr. is the 2018 GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year. Prater Jr. joins former Cleveland Brown Jamie Meder (2012-13) as Ashland's GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year winners. In 2018, Prater Jr. was second in the GLIAC in sacks (9½) and tied for third in tackles for loss (15), and finished runner-up on the team with 65 total tackles (27 solo). Prater Jr. also broke up four passes. Prater Jr. is Ashland's all-time leader in tackles for loss (46), and is tied for ninth all-time on the Eagles' sack list (22½). In his final two seasons alone, Prater Jr. racked up 19½ sacks, 38½ tackles for loss, 128 total stops and 12 pass breakups.
DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE YEAR
Brian Williams - Davenport
Davenport senior defensive back Brian Williams has been a major reason for Davenport's increased win total this season. He has emerged as someone with a nose for the football as evidenced by leading the GLIAC in interceptions for the second straight season. He picked off six passes and returned them 89 yards this season while also being credited with six pass breakups. He recorded an interception in four of the final five games of the season. He is also known as a physical player in helping to stop the run with 43 tackles including 31 of the solo variety. He played some of his best games against the top teams in the GLIAC. He recorded a season-high eight tackles with a forced fumble and fumble recovery against Ashland. He also had six tackles and a tackle for loss against Ferris State. Williams will leave DU with 139 career tackles and 13 career interceptions.
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Austin Brenner - Ashland
Ashland redshirt freshman quarterback Austin Brenner joins former Cleveland Brown Jamie Meder (2012-13) as Ashland Freshman of the Year recipients. Starting seven games at quarterback, Brenner had a 5-2 record, and led the GLIAC in completion percentage at 61.3. He threw for 1,225 yards, five touchdowns and a GLIAC-starting-QB-low two interceptions. As a punter, Brenner averaged a GLIAC-best 41.3 yards per punt, and he was third on the team in both rushing yards (241) and rushing touchdowns (tied, three).
COACH OF THE YEAR
Tony Annese - Ferris State
Ferris State University head coach Tony Annese led the Bulldogs to their third unbeaten regular-season and league championship in the past five years this season. As the nation's winningest active head coach, he guided FSU to a perfect 11-0 mark, including an 8-0 run in the GLIAC. Annese also directed the Bulldogs to their fifth consecutive NCAA Division II Playoff appearance, which matches FSU's 1990's run for the longest streak in school history. The Bulldogs notched their fifth-straight year with 11 or more wins and are one of only two Division II schools to reach the postseason each of the past five seasons. Under Annese, the Bulldogs also ranked among the national leaders in virtually every offensive category while the defense overcame the loss of 10 starters from a year ago.
2018 All-GLIAC Football First Team | ||||
Name | School | Yr. | Pos. | Hometown |
Jayru Campbell | Ferris State | Jr. | QB | Detroit, Mich. |
Jake Mayon | Northern Michigan | Sr. | RB | Plainfield, Ill. |
Andrew Vaughn | Ashland | Sr. | RB | West Salem, Ohio |
Chawntez Moss | Grand Valley State | Jr. | RB | Cleveland, Ohio |
Pete Cender | Grand Valley State | Sr. | TE | Howell, Mich. |
Chad Gailliard | Saginaw Valley | So. | WR | Dearborn, Mich. |
Nick Dodson | Grand Valley State | Sr. | WR | Aurora, Ill. |
Jacob Wenzlick | Michigan Tech | Jr. | WR | Meridian, Mich. |
Sy Barnett | Ferris State | R-Fr. | WR | Williamston, Mich. |
Ben Walling | Grand Valley State | Sr. | OL | Independence, Ky. |
Nic Sawyer | Ferris State | Sr. | OL | Ann Arbor, Mich. |
Devon Johnson | Ferris State | Sr. | OL | Aurora, Ill. |
Tommy Richardson | Wayne State | Gr. | OL | Troy, Mich. |
Ethan Culberson | Grand Valley State | So. | OL | Shelby Township, Mich. |
Israel Helms | Wayne State | R-Sr. | OL | Southfield, Mich. |
James Prater Jr. | Ashland | Sr. | DL | Columbus, Ohio |
Austin Edwards | Ferris State | Jr. | DL | Lansing, Mich. |
Derrick Calloway | Davenport | Sr. | DL | Bradenton, Fla. |
Heath Williams | Saginaw Valley | Jr. | DL | East Lansing, Mich. |
Mike Pettis | Grand Valley State | Jr. | DL | Battle Creek, Mich. |
Delon Stephenson | Ferris State | Jr. | DB | Sayreville, N.J. |
Brian Williams | Davenport | R-Sr. | DB | Detroit, Mich. |
Jacob Studdard | Grand Valley State | Sr. | DB | Southfield, Mich. |
Tyler Bradfield | Grand Valley State | So. | DB | Rockford, Mich. |
Isaiah Stiverson | Ashland | Sr. | DB | Blanchester, Ohio |
Clay Shreve | Ashland | Jr. | LB | Mogadore, Ohio |
Sam Heyboer | Ferris State | So. | LB | Grand Rapids, Mich. |
Michael Alexander | Saginaw Valley | Sr. | LB | Midland, Mich. |
Brendan McMahon | Grand Valley State | Sr. | LB | Rochester Hills, Mich. |
Anthony Pittman | Wayne State | R-Sr. | LB | Birmingham, Mich. |
J.J. McGrath | Grand Valley State | Sr. | PK | Macomb, Mich. |
Michael James | Michigan Tech | Jr. | P | Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. |
Nate Couturier | Davenport | R-Jr. | KR | Allendale, Mich. |
2018 All-GLIAC Football Second Team | ||||
Name | School | Year | Pos. | Hometown |
Bart Williams | Grand Valley State | Sr. | QB | Grand Blanc, Mich. |
James Hill | Wayne State | R-Jr. | RB | Livonia, Mich. |
Nate McCrary | Saginaw Valley | So. | RB | Muskegon, Mich. |
Marvin Campbell | Ferris State | So. | RB | Detroit, Mich. |
Preston Pelham | Wayne State | Gr. | TE | Tecumseh, Mich. |
Austin Paritee | Grand Valley State | Jr. | WR | Birmingham, Mich. |
Kamaron Green | Ashland | Sr. | WR | Columbus, Ohio |
Darece Roberson Jr. | Wayne State | Jr. | WR | Muskegon, Mich. |
Gary Landless | Northwood | Sr. | WR | New Baltimore, Mich. |
Trevor Curle | Saginaw Valley | Jr. | OL | Macomb, Mich. |
Vince Propson | Northern Michigan | Sr. | OL | Chilton, Wis. |
Damon Sutton | Northwood | So. | OL | Sterling Heights, Mich. |
Tyler Allison | Ferris State | Jr. | OL | Clinton Township, Mich. |
Zyggy Arledge | Northern Michigan | Sr. | OL | Hoover, Ala. |
Deonte Reynolds | Davenport | R-Jr. | OL | Richmond, Calif. |
Jamil Pollard | Ferris State | Sr. | DL | West Deptford, N.J. |
Dylan Carroll | Grand Valley State | Sr. | DL | Portland, Mich. |
Tristan Reichelderfer | Ashland | Jr. | DL | Kenton, Ohio |
Abram Cook | Northern Michigan | Sr. | DL | Surprise, Ariz. |
Garrett Ross | Michigan Tech | Sr. | DL | Waterford, Mich. |
Donnell Alexander | Saginaw Valley | So. | DB | Detroit, Mich. |
Nick Powers | Ashland | Jr. | DB | Hilliard, Ohio |
Dillon Dixon | Saginaw Valley | Sr. | DB | Detroit, Mich. |
Adrian Green | Ferris State | Jr. | DB | Ellenwood, Ga. |
Greg McDade | Wayne State | R-Jr. | DB | Sterling Heights, Mich. |
Tyree Horton | Grand Valley State | Sr. | LB | Homestead, Fla. |
Kye Black | Davenport | R-Jr. | LB | Fort Wayne, Ind. |
Marvin Wright | Michigan Tech | Jr. | LB | Lansing, Mich. |
Ryan Corkrean | Ashland | So. | LB | Columbus, Ohio |
Avonte Bell | Ferris State | Jr. | LB | Lansing, Mich. |
Satchel Denton | Ashland | So. | PK | Centerburg, Ohio |
John Kwiecinski | Northern Michigan | Jr. | P | Plymouth, Mich. |
Dion Earls | Ferris State | Jr. | KR | Chicago, Ill. |
2018 All-GLIAC Football Honorable Mention | |||
Ashland | |||
Name | Yr. | Pos. | Hometown |
Colton Paul | So. | DB | Cincinnati, Ohio |
Logan Bolin | R-So. | WR | Grafton, Ohio |
Austin Brenner | R-Fr. | QB | Copley, Ohio |
Ryan Maguire | R-Jr. | OL | New Albany, Ohio |
Brandon May | R-Sr. | DL | Mount Blanchard, Ohio |
Travis Downing | Sr. | LS | Kenton, Ohio |
Davenport | |||
Daniel Jackson | Sr. | DT | Romeoville, Ill. |
C.J. Thornton | Sr. | LB | Haymarket, Va. |
Seth Acda | R-Jr. | RB | Murrieta, Calif. |
Meckah Lester | R-Fr. | OT | Chicago, Ill. |
Keion Powers | R-Jr. | WR | Fort Wayne, Ind. |
Deshaun Lowery | So. | DB | Lansing, Mich. |
Ferris State | |||
Jake Boonstra | So. | OL | Grand Rapids, Mich. |
Sam Girodat | Jr. | DT | Jackson, Mich. |
Keyondre Craig | Sr. | WR | Muskegon, Mich. |
Cyntell Williams | So. | DB | Battle Creek, Mich. |
Jevon Shaw | Jr. | SL | Farmington Hills, Mich. |
Derrick Portis | Sr. | RB | Lompoc, Calif. |
Grand Valley State | |||
Brandon Wadley | So. | WR | South Bend, Ind. |
DaMario Johnson | Jr. | DB | Hammond, Ind. |
Isaiah Nkansah | Jr. | LB | Mason, Ohio |
James McBride | Jr. | DL | Indianapolis, Ind. |
Dave Dawson | Sr. | OL | Detroit, Mich. |
Kwanii Figueroa | Sr. | DL | Brooklyn, N.Y. |
Michigan Tech | |||
Graham Hubbell | Sr. | DB | Plainwell, Mich. |
Seth Malcolm | Sr. | OL | Sterling, Mich. |
Jordan Ferguson | So. | FB | Alpena, Mich. |
Ben Hartley | Jr. | WR | West Branch, Mich. |
Xavier Ciardo | Sr. | DL | Kenosha, Wis. |
Travis Tidwell | Jr. | DB | Detroit, Mich. |
Northern Michigan | |||
Troy Mayon | Jr. | S | Plainfield, Ill. |
Thompson McWatters | Jr. | OL | Grand Haven, Mich. |
Gabe Baumann | So. | OL | Rockford, Mich. |
Ben Loutsis | R-Fr. | WR | Aurora, Ill. |
Jalen Saunders | Sr. | S | Auburn Hills, Mich. |
Jake Dudeck | R-Fr. | DL | Manhattan, Ill. |
Northwood | |||
Dimitri Abro | Jr. | DB | Macomb, Mich. |
Mykhael Sanford-McCarver | Jr. | DB | Scottsboro, Ala. |
Chris Jacobs | Jr. | OL | Bay City, Mich. |
Travis Wiltjer | Jr. | LB | Maple City, Mich. |
Keenan Williamson | R-Fr. | DB | Grand Rapids, Mich. |
Alex Spicuzzi | Jr. | WR | Macomb, Mich. |
Saginaw Valley | |||
Ryan Conklin | Jr. | QB | Jackson, Mich. |
Austin Egler | Jr. | LB | Clarkston, Mich. |
Patrik Moriarty | Jr. | DT | Lansing, Mich. |
Joe Newman | Jr. | DB | South Lyon, Mich. |
David Still | Jr. | DE | Glassboro, N.J. |
Justin Whitted | Jr. | LB | Farmington Hills, Mich. |
Wayne State | |||
Derrick Coleman | R-Sr. | DE | Beverly Hills, Mich. |
Tieler Houston | Fr. | S | Waterford, Mich. |
Kyle Toth | R-Jr. | S | Hudsonville, Mich. |
Shane Hynes | Gr. | PK/P | Clarkston, Mich. |
Kyle Lewis | R-Jr. | WR/KR | Detroit, Mich. |
Leon Eggleston | R-Jr. | OLB | Sylvania, Ohio |