McKissic heads pack on All-Sun Belt team

J.D. McKissic did a little bit of everything for Arkansas State this year, and the Sun Belt Conference recognized that when postseason awards were released Wednesday by the league office.

McKissic, a sophomore wide receiver, was named to the All-Sun Belt first team as a wide receiver, was a first-team all-purpose player and was the second-team kick returner after compiling 1,472 all-purpose for the Red Wolves this season.

McKissic, the Freshman of the Year in 2012, caught 73 passes for 590 yards with 4 touchdowns, but also returned 21 kickoffs for 629 yards with a 98-yard return for a touchdown against Idaho on Oct. 12. He also returned 16 punts for 135 yards and averaged 7.4 yards per rush for the Red Wolves.

McKissic was one of four first-team selections and 12 total selections for ASU, which had the most players recognizes by the conference.

Other first- team selections were defensive tackle Ryan Carrethers, linebacker Qushaun Lee and kicker Brian Davis.

Running back Michael Gordon, tight end Darion Griswold, center Bryce Giddens, guard Steven Haunga, cornerback Rocky Hayes and safety Sterling Young were named to the second team.

Quarterback Adam Kennedy and defensive end Chris Stone earned honorable mention.

Western Kentucky running back Antonio Andrews was the Sun Belt Player of the Year and offensive player of the year after leading the FBS with 1,730 all-purpose yards and a Sun Belt-best 16 touchdowns.

Western Kentucky linebacker Xavius Boyd was the defensive player of the year, and Louisiana-Lafayette running back Elijah McGuire was named freshman of the year.

South Alabama’s Joey Jones was the coach of the year, after leading the Jaguars to a 6-6 finish.