RU Football Well Represented at AAC All-Conference Awards

November 16, 2023

From the AAC:

AAC Football All-Conference Team and Awards Announced

Posted: Nov 15, 2023

WALESKA, Ga. - The Appalachian Athletic Conference announced the 2023 Football All-AAC Team and Awards on Wednesday.

Lee Kirkland of Pikeville is the Offensive Player of the Year, Keon McGhee of Reinhardt is the Defensive Player of the Year, and Alex Hardy of Reinhardt is the Special Teams Player of the Year. Jamari Wilson of Kentucky Christian is the Offensive Freshman of the Year, while Braylon Jones of Reinhardt is the Defensive Freshman of the Year. John Luttrell of Union is the Coach of the Year, and Greg Blue of Reinhardt is the Assistant Coaches of the Year.

The awards were voted on and selected by the football coaches of the AAC.

Kirkland, a quarterback, led the AAC in passing touchdowns with 31 as he completed 61.2 percent (219-of-358 passes) for 2,741 yards. He threw only six interceptions to give him a 5:1 touchdown to interception ratio.

McGhee, a defensive back, ended the regular season tied for the most interceptions in the AAC with four. Appearing in nine games, he recorded 36 total tackles (25 solo), 2.0 tackles for a loss, and five pass breakups. McGhee recovered one fumble as well.

Hardy, a punter and place-kicker, scored 60 points during the regular season to lead the AAC in kick scoring. He made three field goals and went 51-for-53 on PATs. As a punter, Hardy booted the ball 29 times for an average of 36.1 yards per punt, placing 12 inside the 20-yard line.

Wilson, a running back, compiled the second-most rushing yards in the AAC this season as he ran for 771 yards on 251 carries. He averaged 70.1 yards per game and scored four rushing touchdowns.

Jones, a defensive back, made 31 tackles (16 solo). He intercepted one pass and broke up three passes. Jones also recovered a fumble and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown.

Luttrell guided Union to a 3-3 conference record, finishing 4-6 overall, after going winless in 2022.

Blue serves as Reinhardt's defensive coordinator, and the Eagles allowed 15.9 points per game and held opponents to 274.9 yards per game in total offense.

A total of 30 players earned All-AAC First Team honors with 15 on offense and 15 on defense with an additional 30 players making the second team. Several players earned All-Academic Team accolades, while six made the Champions of Character Team.