2019 SoCon Coaches/Media Awards

[smallcollegefbfan]

http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=21895&SPID=1781&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211816541&DB_OEM_ID=4000

http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=21895&SPID=1781&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=211816540&DB_OEM_ID=4000

2019 Coaches All-Southern Conference Football Team
Offensive Player of the Year - Joe Newman, Sr., QB, Wofford
Defensive Player of the Year - Willie Eubanks III, Jr., LB, The Citadel
Freshman of the Year - Ailym Ford, RB, Chattanooga
Jacob Blocking Award - Blake Jeresaty, Jr., OL, Wofford
Coach of the Year - Scott Wachenheim, VMI

First team offense
QB Joe Newman, Wofford
RB Ailym Ford, Chattanooga
RB Alex Ramsey, VMI
OL Ben Blackmon, ETSU
OL Bo Layton, Furman
OL Nick Nixon, Samford
OL Justus Basinger, Wofford
OL Blake Jeresaty, Wofford
TE Nate Adkins, ETSU
WR Raleigh Webb, The Citadel
WR Bryce Nunnelly, Chattanooga
WR Jakob Herres, VMI

First team defense
DL Joseph Randolph II, The Citadel
DL Nasir Player, ETSU
DL Adrian Hope, Furman
DL Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga
LB Willie Eubanks III, The Citadel
LB John Staton, Samford
LB Jireh Wilson, Wofford
DB Artevius Smith, ETSU
DB Bryan Okeh, Furman
DB Brandon Dowdell, Chattanooga
DB A.J. Smith, VMI

First team special teams
PK Grayson Atkins, Furman
P Matt Campbell, The Citadel
RS David Durden, Mercer

Second team offense
QB Reece Udinski, VMI
RB Quay Holmes, ETSU
RB Devin Wynn, Furman
OL Drew McEntyre, The Citadel
OL Tre’mond Shorts, ETSU
OL Jordan Harris, Furman
OL Austin Sanders, Mercer
OL Cole Strange, Chattanooga
OL Michael Ralph, Wofford
TE Chris Ellington, Mercer
WR Thomas Gordon, Furman
WR David Durden, Mercer

Second team defense
DL Dorian Kithcart, Mercer
DL Khayyan Edwards, Chattanooga
DL Telvin Jones, Chattanooga
DL Michael Mason, Wofford
LB Jordan Willis, Furman
LB Sidney Otiwu, Mercer
LB Marshall Cooper, Chattanooga
DB Chris Beverly, The Citadel
DB Eric Jackson, Mercer
DB John Brannon III, Western Carolina
DB George Gbesee, Wofford

Second team special teams
PK Mitchell Fineran, Samford
P Grayson Atkins, Furman
RS Montrell Washington, Samford

All-freshman offense
Will Huzzie, ETSU
Devin Abrams, Furman
Wayne Anderson, Furman
Darren Grainger, Furman
Evan Jumper, Furman
Yahsyn McKee, Mercer
Jay Stanton, Samford
A.J. Toney, Samford
Ailym Ford, Chattanooga
Leroy Thomas, VMI
Jacquez Allen, Wofford

All-freshman defense
Hasan Black, The Citadel
Donovan Manuel, ETSU
Josh Agbenou, Furman
Travis Blackshear, Furman
Braden Gilby, Furman
Richie Coffey, Mercer
TriMarcus Cheeks, Samford
Kameron Brown, Chattanooga
Aljareek Malry, VMI
Keyvaun Cobb, Wofford
Michael Mason, Wofford

All-freshman special teams
Tyler Keltner, ETSU
Caleb Dowden, Mercer
Zach Lassiter, Mercer
Julian Pletz, Western Carolina

2019 Media All-Southern Conference Football Team
Roy M. “Legs” Hawley Offensive Player of the Year - Joe Newman, Sr., QB, Wofford
Defensive Player of the Year - Willie Eubanks III, Jr., LB, The Citadel
Freshman of the Year - Ailym Ford, RB, Chattanooga
Wallace Wade Coach of the Year - Josh Conklin, Wofford

First team offense
QB Joe Newman, Wofford
RB Devin Wynn, Furman
RB Alex Ramsey, VMI
OL Drew McEntyre, The Citadel
OL Bo Layton, Furman
OL Nick Nixon, Samford
OL Justus Basinger, Wofford
OL Michael Ralph, Wofford
TE Chris James, Chattanooga
WR Bryce Nunnelly, Chattanooga
WR Jakob Herres, VMI

First team defense
DL Joseph Randolph II, The Citadel
DL Nasir Player, ETSU
DL Devonnsha Maxwell, Chattanooga
DL Michael Mason, Wofford
LB Willie Eubanks III, The Citadel
LB John Staton, Samford
LB Marshall Cooper, Chattanooga
LB Jireh Wilson, Wofford
DB Artevius Smith, ETSU
DB Eric Jackson, Mercer
DB Brandon Dowdell, Chattanooga
DB A.J. Smith, VMI
DB JerMichael White, Western Carolina

First team special teams
PK Grayson Atkins, Furman
P Matt Campbell, The Citadel
RS David Durden, Mercer

Second team offense
QB Reece Udinski, VMI
RB Ailym Ford, Chattanooga
RB Quay Holmes, ETSU
OL Jordan Harris, Furman
OL Austin Sanders, Mercer
OL Cole Strange, Chattanooga
OL Josh Andre, VMI
OL Blake Jeresaty, Wofford
TE Chris Ellington, Mercer
WR Raleigh Webb, The Citadel
WR Thomas Gordon, Furman

Second team defense
DL Adrian Hope, Furman
DL Armond Lloyd, Samford
DL Khayyan Edwards, Chattanooga
DL Jarrod Richmond, VMI
LB Ty Boeck, Chattanooga
LB Ty Harris, Western Carolina
LB Jayden Pauling, Western Carolina
DB Chris Beverly, The Citadel
DB Bryan Okeh, Furman
DB John Brannon III, Western Carolina
DB George Gbesee, Wofford

Second team special teams
PK Mitchell Fineran, Samford
P Grayson Atkins, Furman
RS Montrell Washington, Samford

[Mocs123]

The coaches left Ty Boeck off their list completely?
Jordan Jones not on the list? - He lead the league in passes defended.

[Reign of Terrier]

I don't think Wofford has ever had a first team all conference quarterback. Congrats to Joe!

[PaladinFan]

​We'll be a minute.

All-freshman offense

Devin Abrams, Furman
Wayne Anderson, Furman
Darren Grainger, Furman
Evan Jumper, Furman


All-freshman defense

Josh Agbenou, Furman
Travis Blackshear, Furman
Braden Gilby, Furman

[Mocs123]

That's a lot on the all-freshman list for the Paladins. I really think Hendrix is doing a great job at Furman.

[PaladinFan]

That's a lot on the all-freshman list for the Paladins. I really think Hendrix is doing a great job at Furman.

HERO has Furman as, I think, the #7 draft class in the FCS right now. May not be worth much.

I noted this on our forum, but I am impressed that Furman's offense has run as smoothly as it has with a freshmen center, two freshmen QBs, and three freshmen RBs.

[walliver]

I was a little surprised at Josh Conklin getting coach of the year by the media.
He has done a very good job with the defense, and helped the team recover from the horrible start ... but he was also part of the horrible start.

[kdinva]

I don't think Wofford has ever had a first team all conference quarterback. Congrats to Joe!

yes, his running and option skills won the voters over Udinski. Congrats, Joe.

[kdinva]

I was a little surprised at Josh Conklin getting coach of the year by the media.
He has done a very good job with the defense, and helped the team recover from the horrible start ... but he was also part of the horrible start.

me, too. I think most knew in August Woffy would win 8 games....

[kdinva]

One HUGE snub: VMI Linebacker Elliot Brewster, top 3 or 4 in all stats for Linebackers. xflamemadx xcrazyx

Just ask SoCon QBs and running backs what a pain it was to play against him.....

and VMI's Korey Bridy had to be close for the Kick Returner.....but his forte was Kickoffs.....

[PaladinNation]

​We'll be a minute.

All-freshman offense

Devin Abrams, Furman
Wayne Anderson, Furman
Darren Grainger, Furman
Evan Jumper, Furman


All-freshman defense

Josh Agbenou, Furman
Travis Blackshear, Furman
Braden Gilby, Furman



coming on like a rocket is another freshman for Furman - Cally Chizik as a corner and punt returner. The good news we've been able to redshirt two probable starters on the o-line next season (Toomey and Johanning) another linebacker McCormick, and the most offered of the 2019 class Jack Barton a DE.

More good news on the 2020 class Furman flipped Ivan Yates (ranked #48 in the HeroSports 50) from Bucknell to Purple. Gives Furman a wicked defensive backfield class two big athletic safeties and two lockdown physical corners. Time will tell but this appears to be a heck of a class.

BTW…love how Blackshear plays…

[Libertine]

FCS football will always have a special place in my heart so I still lurk here a bit though I think it best not to weigh in...usually.

HOWEVER...

I met Scott Wachenheim twelve years ago through a mutual friend and I got to see him operate up close when he was at Liberty. I know his background, I know his coaching acumen, I know his style and I know the love and sympathy that he has for the military academy experience. When VMI hired him in 2014, I told a friend that Wach was the best coach for their unique situation that Virginia Mil could possibly hope to hire and, sitting here in 2019, I would imagine that Keydet players and supporters are happy with the choice.

Here's the thing, though: back in 2014, Wachenheim signed a five-year contract and has never been extended. Given the results of the two previous seasons, that's understandable; however, it also means that the win over Chattanooga was, contractually-speaking, Wach's last game as head coach of VMI. AD David Diles has made positive comments toward a contract extension but that hasn't officially and/or publicly happened yet. VMI posters can certainly speak to this far more objectively and effectively than I can but if the Keydets want to keep this snowball rolling, then their Board of Visitors needs to get behind it and push.

[gofurman]

FCS football will always have a special place in my heart so I still lurk here a bit though I think it best not to weigh in...usually.

HOWEVER...

I met Scott Wachenheim twelve years ago through a mutual friend and I got to see him operate up close when he was at Liberty. I know his background, I know his coaching acumen, I know his style and I know the love and sympathy that he has for the military academy experience. When VMI hired him in 2014, I told a friend that Wach was the best coach for their unique situation that Virginia Mil could possibly hope to hire and, sitting here in 2019, I would imagine that Keydet players and supporters are happy with the choice.

Here's the thing, though: back in 2014, Wachenheim signed a five-year contract and has never been extended. Given the results of the two previous seasons, that's understandable; however, it also means that the win over Chattanooga was, contractually-speaking, Wach's last game as head coach of VMI. AD David Diles has made positive comments toward a contract extension but that hasn't officially and/or publicly happened yet. VMI posters can certainly speak to this far more objectively and effectively than I can but if the Keydets want to keep this snowball rolling, then their Board of Visitors needs to get behind it and push.

Interesting - as a Furman fan i hope they keep him because it is good for the SoCon nationally. Sign that man VMI

[gofurman]

coming on like a rocket is another freshman for Furman - Cally Chizik as a corner and punt returner. The good news we've been able to redshirt two probable starters on the o-line next season (Toomey and Johanning) another linebacker McCormick, and the most offered of the 2019 class Jack Barton a DE.

More good news on the 2020 class Furman flipped Ivan Yates (ranked #48 in the HeroSports 50) from Bucknell to Purple. Gives Furman a wicked defensive backfield class two big athletic safeties and two lockdown physical corners. Time will tell but this appears to be a heck of a class.

BTW…love how Blackshear plays…

Yep - all great signs for Paladins. Lots of great stuff. Because I agree Blackshear.. Agbenou... OL are great - I was truly impressed w Jumper.. The one place we need a little more help as we don't see any post-season accolades or freshman listed is DL. (Yes, I see Hope there and he is great(!) but I consider him a LB) .. Hoping we got some great interior DL in last class or two.

PaladinNation PaladinFan - Did we sign any that you feel are truly special on interior DL / NG in this class or last ? Thanks in advance for your response. I realize I can see the recruiting lists for past two years but I trust you all and am asking do any of the DL in past two classes particularly excite you???

[PaladinNation]

GoFu… you know this - Furman is rotating three players at nose guard. Hodge (5-9 255) SO, Stokes (6-1 278) JR and coming on strong Cameron Coleman (6-3 296) RSFR. I think Coleman is our future anchor.

More great news - London Lewis is getting a lot of PT after being cleared medically to play at 6-4 282, Lewis physically is a rare player for Furman. We will have to just see how he develops. I also like Matt Sochovka (6-4 265) SO - the problem I guess is that we have a lot of long players on the defensive line. Next season Jack Barton another 6-4 player will figure in the rotation and take Tibbs spot.

The bad news I guess - you'd say is losing a high-level NG freshman - when he decided not to play football anymore.The DINS have two DL commits and counting Seth Johnson 6-2 265 and Jeremiah Jackson 6-0 250 >< I'm just not sure under CCH you will ever see 300 pound defensive linemen CCH and Duane Vaughn want an athletic defense - with a lot of rotational depth. We're getting there - we're young and somewhat inexperienced on the defensive front - I have faith we will get there physically.

[Mocs123]

FCS football will always have a special place in my heart so I still lurk here a bit though I think it best not to weigh in...usually.

HOWEVER...

I met Scott Wachenheim twelve years ago through a mutual friend and I got to see him operate up close when he was at Liberty. I know his background, I know his coaching acumen, I know his style and I know the love and sympathy that he has for the military academy experience. When VMI hired him in 2014, I told a friend that Wach was the best coach for their unique situation that Virginia Mil could possibly hope to hire and, sitting here in 2019, I would imagine that Keydet players and supporters are happy with the choice.

Here's the thing, though: back in 2014, Wachenheim signed a five-year contract and has never been extended. Given the results of the two previous seasons, that's understandable; however, it also means that the win over Chattanooga was, contractually-speaking, Wach's last game as head coach of VMI. AD David Diles has made positive comments toward a contract extension but that hasn't officially and/or publicly happened yet. VMI posters can certainly speak to this far more objectively and effectively than I can but if the Keydets want to keep this snowball rolling, then their Board of Visitors needs to get behind it and push.

VMI would be CRAZY to let him go. They just had the best season of football they have had in 40 years and have a lot of pieces returning.

- - - Updated - - -

On a seperate note, Cole Strange not being on the first team was a serious snub. I don't believe he isn't one of the top 5 lineman in the league.

[PaladinFan]

GoFu… you know this - Furman is rotating three players at nose guard. Hodge (5-9 255) SO, Stokes (6-1 278) JR and coming on strong Cameron Coleman (6-3 296) RSFR. I think Coleman is our future anchor.

More great news - London Lewis is getting a lot of PT after being cleared medically to play at 6-4 282, Lewis physically is a rare player for Furman. We will have to just see how he develops. I also like Matt Sochovka (6-4 265) SO - the problem I guess is that we have a lot of long players on the defensive line. Next season Jack Barton another 6-4 player will figure in the rotation and take Tibbs spot.

The bad news I guess - you'd say is losing a high-level NG freshman - when he decided not to play football anymore.The DINS have two DL commits and counting Seth Johnson 6-2 265 and Jeremiah Jackson 6-0 250 >< I'm just not sure under CCH you will ever see 300 pound defensive linemen CCH and Duane Vaughn want an athletic defense - with a lot of rotational depth. We're getting there - we're young and somewhat inexperienced on the defensive front - I have faith we will get there physically.

I think it is fairly evident that Clay Hendrix has little interest in a team with a bunch of 300+ pounders. Most guys in that range are asked to slim down.

Lewis could be a real wild card. His size alone makes him sort of a unique player in the FCS world. I've been encouraged to see him continue to get more meaningful snaps over the season, including some key series against Wofford, and then a start against Point. He could be a real game changer if he continues to develop.

[kdinva]

Here is an all SoCon awards list I can live with.... :D ;)

http://www.southernpigskin.com/socon/2019-all-socon-team/

[PaladinNation]

Here is an all SoCon awards list I can live with.... :D ;)

http://www.southernpigskin.com/socon/2019-all-socon-team/

I can see why ;-) but seriously no Grayson Atkins??? Also I love Hope - this was a transition year from him - IMO the defensive player of the year for the DINS is hands down Jordan Willis.

[Libertine]

FCS football will always have a special place in my heart so I still lurk here a bit though I think it best not to weigh in...usually.

HOWEVER...

I met Scott Wachenheim twelve years ago through a mutual friend and I got to see him operate up close when he was at Liberty. I know his background, I know his coaching acumen, I know his style and I know the love and sympathy that he has for the military academy experience. When VMI hired him in 2014, I told a friend that Wach was the best coach for their unique situation that Virginia Mil could possibly hope to hire and, sitting here in 2019, I would imagine that Keydet players and supporters are happy with the choice.

Here's the thing, though: back in 2014, Wachenheim signed a five-year contract and has never been extended. Given the results of the two previous seasons, that's understandable; however, it also means that the win over Chattanooga was, contractually-speaking, Wach's last game as head coach of VMI. AD David Diles has made positive comments toward a contract extension but that hasn't officially and/or publicly happened yet. VMI posters can certainly speak to this far more objectively and effectively than I can but if the Keydets want to keep this snowball rolling, then their Board of Visitors needs to get behind it and push.


To follow up, VMI leadership eventually came through on this. Announced today, a three-year contract extension for Scott Wachenheim running through December 2022.


"Karla and I feel extremely blessed to be able to continue as a part of the VMI family," said Wachenheim. "Last season was truly exciting and indicative of what VMI's future holds. The best is yet to come."

https://vmikeydets.com/news/2019/12/17/vmi-football-coach-scott-wachenheim-receives-contract-extension.aspx?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter