2020 C-USA All-Freshman Team Announced

DALLAS – Conference USA has announced its 2020 All-Freshman football team, as selected by the league’s head football coaches.

Louisiana Tech and Middle Tennessee each produced a league-high five players on the team, while North Texas and UTSA both had four players selected to the squad. All told, 11 C-USA teams were represented on the all-freshman squad.

Louisiana Tech had an offensive lineman, two linebackers, a defensive back and a kicker selected. Left tackle Dakota White represents the OL, while LB’s Tyler Grubbs (league-leading 9.7 tackles per game) and Maki Carabin are joined by CB Cedric Woods (29 tackles, two interceptions) as defensive players on the unit. Jacob Barnes, who also punted, made the squad as a placekicker after going 11-of-13 on field goals while making all 33 of his PATs.

Middle Tennessee’s selections feature a pair of offensive lineman, one defensive player and two special teams standouts. Left guard Dorian Hinton made six starts, while LT Steven Losoya made three, as both saw significant action throughout the campaign. DB Quincy Riley was second on the team in interceptions and passes defended, including a two-INT outing vs. North Texas. Jaylin Lane, who was also a contributor as a wide receiver, led the team in kickoff returns (21.1 avg.) and is listed along with long snapper Brody Butler on the special teams squad.

One offensive and three defensive standouts represent North Texas on the All-Freshman team. Tight end Jake Roberts is joined by defensive ends Gabriel and Grayson Murphy and DB Upton Stout. Roberts has been utilized more as a blocking tight end, though he does average 12.2 yards per reception. Fitting for twin brothers, the Murphy’s have similar stats, with Gabriel posting 18 tackles, 5.5 TFL’s and a team-high 4.5 sacks, while Grayson has 18 stops, 4.0 TFL’s and 3.0 sacks. Stout has 31 total tackles and two pass breakups.

UTSA lists OL Demetris Allen, along with three defensive contributors. Allen drew a pair of starts in five appearances, helping pave the way for the nation’s second-leading rusher. DT Christian Clayton has registered 20 tackles, 7.5 TFL’s, 2.0 sacks and two fumble recoveries, LB Jamal Ligon has posted 72 tackles, 7.5 TFL’s, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries and CB Ken Robinson became a start in the final five games, posting 27 tackles, two TFL’s and a forced fumble.

Charlotte, Marshall and UTEP each placed a pair of performers on the rookie squad. Tight end Taylor Thompson (12 catches for 190 yards) and LS Colby Garfield represent the 49ers, QB Grant Wells (league-bests of 1,877 passing yards and 18 passing touchdowns) and DT Immanuel Bush are the Thundering Herd’s selections and RB Derek Hankins (84.6 yards per game, 9 rushing TDs) and OL Jeremy Byers were chosen for the Miners.

Four schools, FIU, Florida Atlantic, Rice and Southern Miss placed one player on the All-Freshman unit. The Panthers are represented by WR Nate Jefferson (6 catches in 5 games, 1 TD) while the FAU Owls list LaJohntay Wester as both a receiver (14 receptions) and a kick returner (21.7 yards per return). The Rice Owls have P Charlie Mendes (42.3 avg.) on the squad, with Southern Miss listing RB Frank Gore, Jr. (708 yards, 2 TDs).

The league’s individual awards, including the Freshman of the Year, will be released Tuesday, December 22. Conference USA will conclude the 2020 season by sending seven teams to bowl games.

2020 C-USA FOOTBALL ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM

OFFENSE
QB- Grant Wells, Marshall
RB- Frank Gore, Jr., Southern Miss
RB- Deion Hankins, UTEP
OL- Dakota White, Louisiana Tech
OL- Dorian Hinton, Middle Tennessee
OL- Steven Losoya, Middle Tennessee
OL- Jeremy Byers, UTEP
OL- Demetris Allen, UTSA
TE- Taylor Thompson, Charlotte
TE- Jake Roberts, North Texas
WR- LaJohntay Wester, Florida Atlantic
WR- Nate Jefferson, FIU

DEFENSE
DT- Immanuel Bush, Marshall
DT- Christian Clayton, UTSA
DE- Gabriel Murphy, North Texas
DE- Grayson Murphy, North Texas
LB- Maki Carabin, Louisiana Tech
LB- Tyler Grubbs, Louisiana Tech
LB- Jamal Ligon, UTSA
DB- Cedric Woods, Louisiana Tech
DB- Quincy Riley, Middle Tennessee
DB- Upton Stout, North Texas
DB- Ken Robinson, UTSA

SPECIAL TEAMS
K- Jacob Barnes, Louisiana Tech
P- Charlie Mendes, Rice
KR- Jaylin Lane, Middle Tennessee
PR- LaJohntay Wester, Florida Atlantic
LS- Colby Garfield, Charlotte
LS- Brody Butler, Middle Tennessee