SPOKANE, Washington (July 25, 2022) – The Big Sky Conference office has announced its Preseason MVP’s and Preseason All-Conference Team today as part of its 2022 Football Kickoff event. The teams were highlighted by Preseason MVP’s Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. from UC Davis at running back and Patrick O’Connell from Montana at linebacker.
Gilliam Jr. was an absolute force on the ground for the Aggies last season, carrying the ball 201 times for nearly 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 43 passes for 278 yards and one score. The Aggie was also a First Team All-Big Sky running back.
O’Connell was one of three finalists for the 2021 Buck Buchanan Award, honoring the best defensive player in FCS Football. Then a redshirt junior, O’Connell was also a First Team All-American and All-Big Sky linebacker. On top of all the awards, O’Connell also finished last season as the Big Sky’s sack leader.
Earning the nod at quarterback on the Preseason All-Conference Team is Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott, following a massive run through the FCS Playoffs that concluded in a national runner-up finish in Frisco, Texas. The Bobcats led the league with seven selections, followed by preseason favorite Montana who had five honorees.
The full 2022 Big Sky Conference Preseason Football Team can be found below.
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2022 Big Sky Football Preseason MVP’s & All-Conference Team
Offensive MVP – Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. (UC Davis)
Defensive MVP - Patrick O'Connell (Montana)
QB – Tommy Mellott (Montana State)
RB –Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. (UC Davis), Isaiah Ifanse (Montana State)
FB – R. J. Fitzgerald (Montana State)
TE – Marshel Martin (Sacramento State)
WR – Beau Kelly (Portland State), Efton Chism III (EWU), Pierre Williams (Sacramento State)
C – Connor Pettek (UC Davis)
OG – Jake Parks (UC Davis), Brandon Weldon (Sacramento State)
OT – Noah Atagi (Weber State), Jonas Leader (NAU)
DT – Alex Gubner (Montana), Joshua Jerome (EWU)
DE – VJ Malo (Portland State), Brody Grebe (Montana State)
OLB – Patrick O'Connell (Montana), David Hoage (UNC)
ILB – Callahan O'Reilly (Montana State), Fa’Avae Fa’Avae (Idaho)
CB – Justin Ford (Montana), Anthony Adams (Portland State)
S – Robby Hauck (Montana), Morgan Vest (NAU)
AP – Asher O’Hara (Sacramento State)
RS – Malik Flowers (Montana)
K – Kyle Sentkowski (Sacramento State)
P – Bryce Leighton (Montana State)
LS – Tommy Sullivan (Montana State)