Averett’s Huffman named USA South Defensive Rookie of the Year

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett University junior Mario Huffman was selected as the USA South Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year on Wednesday. Huffman was one of 10 Cougars to receive recognition from the conference.

Huffman, a Tunstall High graduate playing his first season of collegiate football, was also selected as a first team all-conference linebacker. He compiled 80 total tackles, including 5.5 for loss, and tallied three forced fumbles, one sack and one safety.

Averett senior defensive lineman Andre Garvin and freshman punter Nathan Davis made the all-conference second team. Garvin made 48 total tackles, including seven for a loss and three for sacks. He also had four pass breakups and blocked one kick. Davis, meanwhile, averaged 37.7 yards per punt, which surpassed the old school record of 37.11 set by James Thurnes in 2005.

Seven Cougars earned all-conference honorable mention status. Senior wide receiver Anthony Squillini caught 45 passes for 462 yards and eight touchdowns, while senior tight end Nathan Woodruff had eight receptions for 95 yards. Senior Shannon Robinson and freshman Alex Mayo helped anchor an offensive line that allowed Averett to rush for 1,677 yards and 17 touchdowns and pass for 1,664 yards and 12 scores.

Sophomore linebacker Logan Smyth, a Chatham High grad, and sophomore cornerback Jeremy Clifton received recognition on defense. Smyth made 67 total tackles, including eight for a loss and 3.5 sacks, and he returned an interception 39 yards. He also had five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. Clifton finished with three interceptions, including one for a 46-yard touchdown, and had 29 total tackles and five pass breakups.

Sophomore Jeremy Dixon was honored as a return specialist. The wide receiver returned 15 punts for an average of 10.9 yards, including one for a 50-yard touchdown. He also returned 13 kickoffs for an average of 13.6 yards per return.

Woodruff was also selected to the all-sportsmanship team.

Christopher Newport’s Tunde Ogun was named the USA South Offensive Player of the Year and Maryville’s Kyle Chewning was the Defensive Player of the Year. N.C. Wesleyan’s Stedman Mathis was the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Christopher Newport’s Matt Kelchner was named Coach of the Year.