North Texas QB Mason Fine (Cherokee Nation) named to 2016 Conference-USA All-Freshmen Football Team

Irving, Texas – Conference USA has announced its 2016 All-Freshman football team, as selected by the league’s 13 head football coaches.  Marshall, Old Dominion and UTEP produced a league-high four players on the team, while Florida Atlantic and C-USA West Division champ Louisiana Tech each had three players selected to the league’s freshman team. All told, 12 C-USA teams were represented on the all-freshman squad.

2016 All-Freshman Team Release

Charlotte and North Texas each had two players votes to the team, with linebacker Tyriq Harris and defensive back Ben DeLuca (third on the team with 68 tackles) representing the 49ers, and quarterback Mason Fine (1,572 passing yards, 6 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs) and defensive lineman LaDarius Hamilton being named from the Mean Green.

Marshall’s four selections were spread across all three phases, with one offensive, two defensive and one special teams player named to the team.  Offensive lineman Levi Brown, defensive lineman Ty Tyler (7 TFL’s, 2.5 sacks. 2 fumble recoveries), defensive back Chris Jackson and deep snapper Matt Beardall are the four Thundering Herd standouts named to the squad.Three of Old Dominion’s four selections came on special teams.  Placekicker Brad Davis (9-of-10 in field goal attempts),  punter Bailey Cate and punt returner Darrell Brown represent the Monarchs, along with offensive lineman Devin Hannan.

UTEP placed three defensive players on the rookie squad, along with one offensive lineman.  The Miners are represented by defensive lineman Chris Richardson, linebacker Jayson VanHook (36 tackles, 5.5 TFL’s) and defensive back Justin Rogers, along with offensive lineman Greg Long.

Two skill position players and a special teams member represent Florida Atlantic on the team.  Running back Devin Singletary (1,021 yards, 12 touchdowns) and tight end Harrison Bryant are joined by Owls kick returner Kerrith Whyte.

Louisiana Tech is represented by offensive lineman Ethan Reed, defensive lineman Eric Kendzior and defensive back Ephraim Kitchen (31 tackles and 4 pass breakups in eight games).

Middle Tennessee defensive lineman Tyshun Render, Southern Miss offensive lineman Ty Pollard, UTSA linebacker Josiah Tauaefa (team-leading 104 tackles, 5 sacks) and WKU running back Quinton Baker (533 yards, 4 TDs) round out the All-Freshman selections.

The league’s individual awards will be released Wednesday, December 7.  Conference USA will conclude the 2016 season by sending a record seven teams to bowl games.

2016 C-USA FOOTBALL ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM

OFFENSE
QB – Mason Fine, North Texas
RB – Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic
RB – Quinton Baker, WKU
OL – Ethan Reed, Louisiana Tech
OL – Levi Brown, Marshall
OL – Devin Hannan, Old Dominion
OL – Ty Pollard, Southern Miss
OL – Greg Long, UTEP
TE – Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
WR – Stantley Thomas, FIU
WR – Ty Lee, Middle Tennessee

DEFENSE
DL – Eric Kendzior, Louisiana Tech
DL – Ty Tyler, Marshall
DL – Tyshun Render, Middle Tennessee
DL – LaDarius Hamilton, North Texas
DL – Chris Richardson, UTEP
LB – Tyriq Harris, Charlotte
LB – Jayson VanHook, UTEP
LB – Josiah Tauaefa, UTSA
DB – Ben DeLuca, Charlotte
DB – Ephraim Kitchen, Louisiana Tech
DB – Chris Jackson, Marshall
DB – Justin Rogers, UTEP

SPECIAL TEAMS
K – Brad Davis, Old Dominion
P – Bailey Cate, Old Dominion
KR – Kerrith Whyte, Florida Atlantic
PR – Darrell Brown, Old Dominion
LS – Matt Beardall, Marshall