Last year, this award was almost impossible to give out. So many freshmen made so much of a major impact on the 2016 Lions that it was very tough to choose just one.
This year, the nominees for Rookie of the Year are:
1) Will Allen KR/S
Allen put some life into the long moribund Columbia kickoff return game in 2017. Allen took 21 kicks back for 507 total yards and an impressive 24.1 yards per return average. His long was a 48 yard return, but he was often just a step or two away from breaking free for a TD.
Elsewhere on special teams, Allen blocked two kicks.
2) Emerson Kabus WR
It was a crowded field of talented Columbia wide receivers in 2017, but Kabus found a way to make his mark with his speed. He played in all 10 games and hauled in 21 receptions for 245 yards and TD. His best game was at Marist, where he went for 65 yards on a nifty screen and made a nice catch on a bullet of a pass from Anders Hill for a score.
3) Justin Woodley LB
Woodley made several key plays all season, making the most of his playing time as a 3rd down specialist in the deep CU linebacking corps.
He finished with 19 total tackles, two key interceptions in the win over Penn, a blocked punt recovery in the end zone for a TD vs. Brown, and three passes defensed.
4) Josh Bean QB
Bean was asked to step into the high pressure situation of scoring TD's when everyone in the stadium knew he was getting the ball. He never disappointed. His speed and strength were an eye-opener in addition to the cool way he handled the pressure.
4) Josh Bean QB
Bean was asked to step into the high pressure situation of scoring TD's when everyone in the stadium knew he was getting the ball. He never disappointed. His speed and strength were an eye-opener in addition to the cool way he handled the pressure.
And the winner is...
Justin Woodley. He was the biggest impact freshman in a season where sophomores and seniors otherwise dominated. His future is bright and don't be surprised if he's a starter next season.
4 comments:
Wildcatter Josh Bean should have made list. Although his playing time was extremely llimited, he came through time and time again under extremely stressful situations--- all those 1st and goal situations.
Also worth mentioning is Ben Mathiasmeier (25). He made some great tackles on the kickoff team and had a great nose for getting downfield and getting to the ball carrier. It will be interesting to see if he can break into the lineup as a DB next year.
Does Woodley move to DE assuming he gains some weight?
Peter Stevens.....not to mention some 4th and goal runs for tds! Clutch situations
Pete is absolutely right. Updating...
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