Football Lands 13 on All-GAC Team; 15 on Academic Honor Roll
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Great American Conference recently announced its 2024 football awards and All-Conference selections, with East Central University football earning 13 spots on the All-GAC Team and 15 players named to the Academic Honor Roll.
Brandon Perez leads the Tigers' accolades, receiving All-GAC First Team honors following a standout season as a kicker. Perez earned his first All-Conference recognition after an impressive campaign, going a perfect 10-for-10 on field goals and 19-for-19 on extra points. He was named Special Teams Player of the Week three times and set career highs with a 51-yard field goal against Northwestern Oklahoma State and a 54-yard kick against Southern Nazarene. Perez played a key role in the Tigers' success this season.
Offensive lineman
CeDarrion Crooks and safety
Tavare Smith Jr. were named to the All-GAC Second Team, marking the first such honors of their careers. Crooks anchored the offensive line, starting in all 11 games, while Smith stood out on defense with five interceptions, ranking third in the GAC, along with 45 tackles and 10 pass breakups.
The Tigers had 10 players selected to the All-GAC Third Team for their strong performances this season: running back
Cade Searcy, wide receiver
Deqavius Bowens, tight end
Jackson Allen, offensive lineman
Ty Dodd, defensive end
Prince Umanmielen, defensive tackle
Seth Aguilera, inside linebacker
Chase Faber, outside linebacker
Darian Williams, corner back
Gio Waller, and punter
Reece Conner. Williams, Waller, and Conner earned their second All-Conference awards, while the others received their first.
In addition to on-field accomplishments, several Tigers were also recognized for their academic achievements.
Ben Farrell,
Carson Flanary,
Joshua Graham,
Justin Humphrey,
Tyson Johnson,
Carson Laverty,
Caden Pickens,
Seth Spady,
Jake Tuttle,
Darian Williams,
Karsen Williams,
Jason Witherspoon, and
Tommy Yousey were named to the GAC Academic Honor Roll.
