TOWSON, Md. - Susquehanna University headlined the first-ever Landmark Conference Football awards with Kyle Howes and Keith Green III earning Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year respectively, and the River Hawks coaching staff being selected Coaching Staff of the Year. JayJay Jordan of Wilkes University was tabbed Rookie of the Year.
Offensive Player of the Year: Kyle Howes (Susquehanna University)
Defensive Player of the Year: Keith Green III (Susquehanna University)
Rookie of the Year: JayJay Jordan (Wilkes University)
Coaching Staff of the Year: Susquehanna University
Howes, a junior wide receiver for the River Hawks, put together an impressive campaign. An offensive threat, Howes ranked first in punt return yards (269), second in the Landmark in all-purpose yards (1,387), and third in receiving yards (819). The First Team selection as a receiver tied for second with 11 touchdowns (two rushing, nine receiving) and averaged 12.80 yards per reception. Also a threat on kickoffs, Howes was named to the Second Team as a return specialist after accumulating 226 yards on kick returns and 269 yards off of punt returns.
Green, a senior defensive back for SU, led the conference in fumbles recovered (4), and fumbles returned (3). He also ranked in the top 10 in passes defended with seven and added one interception. In the opening round of the NCAA Tournament against Grove City, Green ran back a 72-yard touchdown on a blocked field goal. Earlier this season, he was named to D3football.com's Team of the Week after recovering two fumbles against Wilkes and added one sack and four tackles.
Jordan made an immediate impact for Wilkes this season. The first-year ranked second in the conference in kick return yardage (748), tied fourth in total rushing touchdowns (7), and ranked 10th in rushing yards with 536. He averaged 8.8 yards per carry, which ranks first among players with at least 50 attempts and third overall.
The Susquehanna coaching staff, led by head coach Tom Perkovich and assisted by Pat Ruley, Mike Wiand, Cole Dixon, Tom Haughey, Tate Schorr, Dante Waugh, Tim Kologrivov, and Todd Tilford, led the River Hawks to a perfect regular season to capture the first-ever Landmark title, and a second straight appearance in the NCAA Tournament. SU, who ranks No. 9 in the country, led the league in scoring with 57 touchdowns and points per game (39.3). Additionally, the River Hawks limited its opponents to just 13.6 points per game and allowed just 19 touchdowns.