FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - The USA South Athletic Conference has announced its 2012 All-Conference awards for football. LaGrange College's Andre Carter was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Carter, a junior linebacker from Villa Rica, Ga., broke his own school record for tackles in a season with 86. He was third in the conference with 53 solo tackles and second in tackles for loss with 16. Carter tied for the team lead with four quarterback sacks and two interceptions. He also forced three fumbles and recovered two fumbles.
In a 17-13 win at Maryville, Carter became the first LaGrange player to record two safeties in a game. For his play in the game, Carter was the USA South Defensive Player of the Week and named to the D3football.com Team of the Week.
Joining Carter on the first team was junior offensive tackle Matt James and sophomore kicker Will Jeffcoat. James helped the Panthers lead the USA South in rushing, while Jeffcoat set several team records for field goals and handled the kickoff duties.
Senior Kent Gibson was a second team selection at running back and honorable mention as a return specialist. Gibson is currently fourth in NCAA Division III in all-purpose yards. Sophomore offensive tackle Stephen Stinchcomb, senior defensive lineman Daniel Garrett and senior defensive back Anthony Cochran were also awarded second team honors.
Garrett was also selected as LaGrange's representative on the conference All-Sportsmanship team.
"I'm excited and proud for all of these outstanding young men," Head Coach Todd Mooney said. "They have all worked extremely hard and are well deserving of these honors. I'm also grateful to my fellow USA South football coaches for recognizing these player's achievements."
Andre Carter Anthony Cochran Daniel Garrett Kent Gibson
Matt James Will Jeffcoat Stephen Stinchcomb