When Andrew Ike came to Fort Lewis College, he was a wide receiver. Five years later, he’s leaving a decorated linebacker.
The football team’s decision to convert Ike, a native of Frisco, to linebacker paid off in a big way the last two seasons. Tuesday, he earned his second consecutive All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference First Team Defense selection by a vote of the conference’s coaches.
Ike was the lone first teamer on the FLC roster this season. He had 87 tackles and three sacks.
Second Team All-RMAC Offense awards went to running back Drake Griffin, who set the school’s single-season rushing record with 1,309 yards and came up two touchdowns shy of the team record with nine, as well as tight end AJ Shaw and offensive lineman Andy Cannizzaro.
Joseph Cavale was also a Second Team All-RMAC selection at punter.
Griffin finished third in the RMAC in rushing yards and started the season behind PJ Hall on the depth chart. He put up impressive numbers while splitting carries with Hall and sophomore quarterback Bo Coleman.
Shaw was honored more for his skills as a blocker than receiver, though he caught 13 passes for 114 yards and one touchdown.
Cannizzaro was a steady force on the offensive line that paved the way for the conference’s leading rushing attack.
Cavale averaged 41.9 yards per punt while placing 11 inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. As a kicker, he made 5-of-10 field goals and 34-of-38 extra points.
Five more Skyhawks earned honorable mention awards. Coleman was recognized after throwing for 1,509 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also ran for 650 yards and nine more TDs and has a bright future behind center for FLC.
Wide receiver Jordan Gillen, a Durango High School alum, ended his career with an honorable mention selection after hauling in 40 passes for 556 yards as well as six touchdowns.
Sophomore defensive back Dre Cortez had a huge season to land on the honorable mention list. He had three interceptions and forced and recovered one fumble. He also had six pass breakups and was routinely in tight coverage against opposing wide receivers. He also had 38 tackles.
Sophomore defensive lineman Maomao Niko had 1½ sacks and 48 tackles. He was a force in pass rushing and run defense.
Kenny Shinley, a preseason All-RMAC selection, earned an honorable mention on the offensive line. He was injured throughout the year but fought through pain to play in nine of the team’s 11 games.
FLC went 4-7 overall and 3-7 in the RMAC to finish eighth out of 11 teams in the conference.
Harlon Hill Trophy contender Justin Dvorak of Colorado Mines was named the RMAC Offensive Player of the Year. The Harlon Hill Trophy goes to the player of the year in Division II, and the Mines quarterback belongs in that category for a second consecutive year. He averaged 390.5 yards of total offense per game and led Division II in passing yards with 4,012. His 48 TD passes also led the nation.
Drew Hebel of Black Hills State won Defensive Player of the Year after intercepting a nation-high nine passes and leading the RMAC with 17 pass breakups. Black Hills State coach John Reiners was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Yellow Jackets to a surprising 7-4 record one year after going 0-11.
Colorado Mesa kicker Ryan Sheehan was the RMAC Special teams Player of the Year. He tied a conference record with 22 field goals and was perfect on 51 extra point attempts.
Dixie State players swept freshman of the year awards, with running back Clifford Simms earning it on offense after rushing for 823 yards. Jaylen Moore took the freshman award thanks to one interception and eight pass breakups.
CSU-Pueblo, Colorado Mesa and Colorado Mines split the conference title with matching 8-2 records in the conference. Colorado Mesa and Mines both reached the NCAA Division II Championship playoffs, but CSU-Pueblo did not.
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
