OGDEN, Utah (December 20, 2016) - The postseason honors just keep rolling in for the Big Sky Conference, as STATS recognized ten different #BigSkyFB players with All-America honors Tuesday.
STATS recognized four different Big Sky players on its annual FCS All-America team, with Eastern Washington receiver Cooper Kupp adding another All-America honor to his already overflowing awards haul this offseason. Joining Kupp on the first team was Cal Poly fullback Joe Protheroe, and North Dakota safety Cole Reyes, who has earned a variety of postseason honors, including being named as the Big Sky's Defensive Player of the Year.
Eastern Washington quarterback Gage Gubrud and Sam Houston State quarterback Jeremiah Briscoe will split the first and second team quarterback positions, depending on how the STATS FCS Walter Payton Award ballot turns out. Gubrud, Briscoe and Kupp are all finalists for the Payton Award.
For the second consecutive season, Montana State University placed an offensive lineman on the All-America lists, as senior J.P. Flynn made the second team. Also, Southern Utah punter Tate Lewis made the second team, as did North Dakota kick returner John Santiago.
The Big Sky placed three players on the third team, with Weber State tight end Andrew Vollert earning All-America honors, after winning the Big Sky's Newcomer of the Year award. Also, #BigSkyFB placed a duo of defensive linemen on the third team, with Northern Arizona's Siupeli Anau joining Eastern Washington's Samson Ebukam.
All-America honors will continue to be awarded throughout the week, with daily coverage of #BigSkyFB honorees coming on www.bigskyconf.com.
The STATS FCS Awards banquet will take place on Friday, Jan. 7, 2017, in Frisco, Texas.