Offensive Performer-of-the-Year

Jayson Foster, Sr., WR/QB, Georgia Southern

Our offensive performer-of-the-year is Georgia Southern senior quarterback Georgia Southern. Foster’s 1,844 yards (second nationally in rushing yards per game) set a NCAA Division I record for most rushing yards by a quarterback. He completed 109-of-170 passes for 1,203 yards and six TDs to four interceptions. Foster did not throw an interception over the final six games. His 3,047 total offense yards and 431 plays were just two of the multiple records he set this year.

Defensive Performer-of-the-Year

Bryan Smith, Sr., DE, McNeese State

Our defensive POY is McNeese State's Bryan Smith. This past season the 6-3, 230 pound defensive end ranked among the nation's leaders in sacks with 10.5 and in tackles for a loss with 22.5. He led the conference in both categories and also was a team leader with 23 quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles. He recovered two fumbles and had a total of 60 tackles.

During his career he set school records for sacks in a single game (five vs. West Virginia Tech in 2006), season (13.5 in 2006) and career (31).

Special Teams Performer-of-the-Year

Dan Carpenter, Sr., K, Montana

This past season Carpenter made 19-of-23 field goals (he was three-of-three from 50 yards out with a career-long of 54 yards at Sacramento State) made 44-of-45 PAT attempts this season, and was a first team All-Big Sky selection.

The 6-2, 207-pound Carpenter set FCS and Griz records by scoring 413 career points (for kickers) and kicking 75 career field goals.

Head Coach-of-the-Year

Tom Masella, Fordham

Masella led Fordham to its first Patriot League title and postseason berth since 2002, and its first-ever outright Patriot League Championship. The Rams finished the year with an 8-4 overall mark and 5-1 Patriot League record after going 3-8 overall and 1-5 in the Patriot League last year. They were picked to finish sixth in the League's preseason poll. The Rams recorded a six-game winning streak that is their longest on the Division I level. They captured the first outright title for any Patriot League team since 2003.