NEWS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – In addition to placing six on the 2022 All-Pioneer Football League Second Team, Davidson had nine scholar-athletes selected honorable mention as announced by the conference Tuesday afternoon.

“I am excited for our players that were recognized on one of the All-PFL teams and would like to congratulate them – they are each so deserving,” commented head coach Scott Abell. “I also want to congratulate their teammates who may not have been recognized, but had huge impactful seasons and careers for our Davidson Football program.”

Four of the six representing the Wildcats on the second team were from the offensive side of the ball – Coy Williams (Sr. / FB), Lucas Raber (Sr. / TE), Gilbert Deglau (Jr. / OL) and Beck Kipperman (Jr. / OL). Also, defensive end Jonathan Hammond (Jr. / DL) earned his third all-conference nod and Caden Bonoffski (Sr. PK) was selected for a second time.

Williams, Davidson’s sixth all-time leading ball carrier with 2,312 yards, finished his redshirt senior campaign ranked among PFL leaders in rushing yards (4th), yards per game (6th), yards per carry (2nd) and rushing touchdowns (2nd).

Like Williams, Raber enjoyed his best season in a Wildcat uniform this season, averaging 18.8 yards per catch and highlighted by three catches for 89 yards and a score in Davidson’s double-overtime win over Stetson.

Deglau and Kipperman started every game, anchoring an offensive line that helped the Wildcats to the nation’s top-rushing attack for the third consecutive season and fourth time in Abell’s five-year tenure.

Named PFL Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2020-21 and first-team all-conference as a sophomore, Hammond finished the season with 10 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, moving into seventh (32.5) and fifth (19.0) in school history, respectively. In the Wildcats’ 48-14 win at Drake, Hammond tied a single-game school record with five tackles for a loss and picked up three sacks, earning PFL Defensive Player of the Week.

A local product from nearby Huntersville, Bonoffski converted 48-of-51 extra points and seven of his eight field goal attempts, including four from 40 yards or longer this year. His 146 career PATs are the most ever by a Davidson kicker.

Along with making its third straight NCAA FCS Playoff appearance, Davidson (8-4) also finished the 2022 campaign with its fifth straight winning season, marking just the fourth time in program history the Wildcats have accomplished that feat.

Davidson’s Daniel Carter (So., DB), Kaedon Jenkins (Sr., DB), Aaron Maione (Jr., RS), Mark McCurdy (Jr., FB), Jaden Pask (Sr., LS), Julian Rawlins (So., DL), Dylan Sparks (Sr., RB), Yusef Thomas (Sr., LB) and Aaron Warren (Jr., DL) were all voted honorable mention.

The PFL’s All-Academic teams will be announced Wednesday afternoon.