MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - A plethora of Vikings have made their mark on the Southern Athletic Association this season with a total of 23 awards being claimed by Berry.
Brandon Cade and Jake Whitten headline the awards with both SAA Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors, while also both being named First Team All-SAA. Cade has solidified himself as a powerhouse in the backfield again this season and bought Berry it's first SAA Offensive Player of the Year honor in program history. The Duluth, Georgia, native rushed for an SAA-leading 1,066 yards and had a total of 18 touchdowns to fuel the Vikings' impressive offense. Cade also has turned heads nationally, as he ranks top 10 in the country in rushing touchdowns.
Jake Whitten earns SAA Defensive Player of the Year after a showstopping season for the Viking defense. The senior made his presence known in the secondary as a hard-hitting and physical safety with 61 total tackles on the year. The Loganville, Georgia, native also has 3 pass breakups and 1 sack this season.
The Berry Offensive unit had a total of four players named to the All-SAA First Team. Two of the four came from the Vikings' outstanding offensive line. O-linemen, Hayden Cagle and Tonny Garcia, tabbed All-SAA First Team Honors after spearheading an impenetrable line that allowed a conference low, 8 sacks. Rounding out the offensive All-conference performers is standout wide receiver, Brendan Gray. Gray had a breakout year for the Vikings with 36 catches for 680 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Vikings.
The Viking defense also produced five all-conference performers including SAA Defensive Player of the Year, Jake Whitten. Joining him are defensive linemen, Luke Carlton and Dawson Livingston. Livingston lived in the backfield this season for the Vikings with 7 sacks, 27 total tackles, 1 fumble forced, and 1 fumble recovery. Senior, Luke Carlton, had 30 total tackles, 3 sacks, and a forced fumble on his way to another fantastic year. Linebacker Grady Bryant also earned a spot on the First Team after having 55 total tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Rounding out All-SAA First Team defense is 5th year cornerback, Kristofer Thomas. Thomas has been a shutdown corner for the Vikings all year and has added 38 total tackles and an interception to his stats this season.
All-SAA Second Team Offense was dominated by the big boys up front. Tight end Hunter Coleman and O-linemen, McCormack Langford and Reed Richards, earned their way to the list after powering the best offensive line in the Southern Athletic Association.
The defensive unit also earned 3 All-SAA Second Team Honors. Defensive lineman, Michael Clark, earns the honor as a force in the interior of the Vikings' defensive line, with 31 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker Christopher Lewis also earned Second Team honors as a dynamic athlete in the linebacking core with 45 total tackles, 2 interceptions, and 8.5 tackles for loss. Rounding Second Team honors is 5th year cornerback Nick Willis who has been a thorn in the side of SAA offenses with 4 pass breakups, 10 tackles, and an interception.
The Vikings also stormed All-SAA Honorable Mentions with five players getting the nod. Khamari Smith, Bryce Herring, Tyler Martin, Alex Mincey, and Gian Traverzo rounded out the crusade of Vikings that earned recognition from the Southern Athletic Association.
Earning SAA All-Sportsmanship recognition was Offensive Lineman Hayden Cagle who showed great sportsmanship both to teammates and opponents throughout the season.
Catch the Vikings in action TOMORROW at Valhalla for the first round of the NCAA Playoffs at 12:00 PM ET.
