Thirteen Football Players Earn USCAA National All-Academic Team Honors
After making big news with the post-season Seaboard Conference awards, the Williamson football program is making big news on the national front, as thirteen players were named to the 2023 United States Collegiate Athletic Association's 2023 Fall National All-Academic team for their play on the field, combined with their work in the classroom. Those earning the tremendous distinction were seniors Seamus Dougherty, Darren Garcia, Kaleb Glynn, Cole Hunter, Joe Kelly, Chris Meiklejohn, Nazaire Miller, Chris Sheffer, Garrett Watkins and James Williams. Joining them were juniors Cooper Conroy, Kevin Mayoros and Gabe Walsh.
In order to be considered for the squad, a student-athlete must either be a starter and/or a significant contributor to his team's success, as well as maintain a cumulative overall Grade Point Average of 3.50 or higher. Freshmen are not eligible for consideration for the award.
"I'm extremely proud of our players and the tremendous work they did in the classroom to earn this incredible honor," shared head football coach Dan Drake.
"It is one thing to be a great player on the field, which all thirteen are. It is an even greater thing to combine that with academic excellence like each has. For that we could not be prouder of them for," closed Drake.
-An outstanding lacrosse player, Dougherty was the team's starting tight end and a key special teams player.
-Garcia missed all of all of last year before returning this season and earning a starting guard position right out of the gate.
-Glynn was a second team all-league punter, as well as fourth on the team in rushing and third in receptions.
-A first team all-conference selection, Hunter was a dominant force at defensive end, where he finished second in sacks and fourth in tackles.
-Kelly leaves Williamson as the most decorated football player in school history. He was a 3-time first team all-conference selection, a three-time Seaboard Conference defensive MVP and was co-league MVP this past Fall.
-A three-year starter at linebacker, Meiklejohn was a catalyst on defense, where he finished second in tackles and fifth in sacks.
-Miller leaves as the most decorated offensive player in school history. He was twice named the conference Special Teams Player of the Year, and this past Fall was named co-Offensive MVP for the Seaboard Conference.
-A three-time first team all-conference player, Sheffer constantly made his presence felt, figurately and literally, as he was third on the team in tackles and was known for hits that put opponents out for commission.
-The finest wide receiver in school history, Watkins led the team in receptions, yards and touchdown catches all three years. He also is the starting point guard for the basketball team and a lacrosse standout as well.
-One of the fastest players in the league, when not hurt, Williams added another dimension to the running and kick-off return games.
-Conroy had a breakout year, as he led the conference in receptions with seven. He also is an outstanding lacrosse player.
-Mayoros, who was a first team all-conference player, was the captain of the secondary and had a huge impact on the team's success in the defensive backfield.
-Walsh was a disruptive force to be reckoned with at defensive tackle. He too, was a first team all-conference player, while finishing fifth on the team in tackles.
