Husson University football players John Smith and Bryant Wade received top awards from the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference Monday when Smith was named offensive player of the year and Wade was named the defensive player of the year.
Smith, a sophomore running back, led the conference in rushes (296), yards (1,733), yards per rush (5.9), and touchdowns (20). He averaged better than 170 yards per contest, surpassing the 100-yard mark in all but two contests, and surpassing the 200-yard mark twice.
Wade, a senior linebacker, anchored an Eagle defensive unit that allowed the fewest points (17.6), yards (226.1), and rushing yards (60.4) per game. He led the conference with three fumble recoveries while collecting 69 tackles.
Smith and Wade helped lead Husson to a 7-3 overall record and a share of the ECFC title with Norwich, but the Eagles of Bangor didn’t earn the NCAA Division III tourney berth because they lost to Norwich during the regular season. Husson played in an ECAC bowl game Friday, losing to Salve Regina 42-39.
Smith also earned a spot on the ECFC first-team offense along with teammate Matt Archer, a senior left tackle. Husson wide receivers Robenson Saintard, a sophomore, and junior Deon Wiggins were named to the second team.
Teammate Matt Pellerin, a senior nose guard, joined Wade on the league’s first team defense while Husson sophomore tackle Luke Washburn, junior linebacker Ellis Throckmorton and junior cornerback Marquis Jiminez also gained second-team honors.
Husson players earning honorable mentions were junior safety Alonzo Connor, senior defensive end Ian Palmer, senior quarterback Joe Seccareccia and Wiggins as a return specialist.
The awards were based on votes from the conference coaches.
Becker College’s Mike Lichten was named the league’s coach of the year while other player of the year awards included: special teams, Norwich kicker/punter Wesley Medeiros; offensive lineman, Castleton University’s Eric Decker; and top rookie, Castleton running back Moe Harris.