Dukes rake in All-NEC awards; Schmitt co-coach of the year

Northeast Conference champion Duquesne had 12 players and a coach selected for all-league honors and special awards.

The NEC announced the awards Wednesday.

Dukes junior running back A.J. Hines was named NEC offensive player of the year and head coach Jerry Schmitt was selected as NEC co-coach of the year.

Hines, was recently named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, posted his third consecutive 1,000yard rushing season, racking up 1,324 rushing yards to go with 15 touchdowns.

Schmitt, in his 14th season, guided Duquesne to its fifth NEC title and second FCS playoff berth. Duquesne was 8-3 this season, its fourth consecutive season with at least seven victories.

The Dukes placed a league-high six players on the All-NEC first team, including Hines, defensive lineman Kam Carter, offensive linemen Alex Conley and Matt Fitzpatrick, wide receiver Nehari Crawford and defensive back Jonathant Istache.

Three Robert Morris players were recognized by the NEC, including first-team defensive lineman Amir Fenwick and first-team tight end Matthew Gonzalez.

Arkansas

Defensive backs Ryan Pulley and Kamren Curl have been suspended for the season finale against Missouri for socializing with members of Mississippi State’s spirit squad. Arkansas coach Chad Morris announced the decision earlier this week. Pulley and Curl were seen with the Mississippi State students before last Saturday’s loss in Starkville. Morris called the actions “unacceptable” during his postgame remarks.