SAU’s Scales earns GAC award; All-GAC teams released
Southern Arkansas University running back Jariq Scales was named the Great American Conference’s Freshman of the Year on Tuesday.
Scales became the second Mulerider to win Freshman of the Year, joining Barrett Renner, who won in 2015. The Osceola native rushed for 1,477 yards and 9 touchdowns this season for SAU.
Also on Tuesday, the GAC released its all-conference teams.
Ouachita Baptist University led the GAC with a school-record 19 All-GAC selections, followed by Harding University with 14 and Henderson State University with 13.
Harding, which will host Washburn in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs Saturday in Searcy, put nine players on the first team. They were fullback Cole
Chancey, offensive lineman Sam Wilson, defensive end
Nate Wallace, defensive tackle Isaako Faagal, inside linebacker Dylan Hendricks, outside linebacker Shedrick Robinson, cornerback Cory Batie, safety Cade Pugh and long snapper Enoch Williams.
TJ Cole (running back), Peyton Stafford (offensive lineman), Anthony Freeman (defensive end), Gregory Junior (cornerback) and Xaylon Falls (return specialist) were OBU’s first-team selections.
Wide receiver L’liott Curry was Henderson State’s only first-team selection and earned unanimous honors for the second consecutive season after recording 91 receptions for 1,297 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2021.
The University of Arkansas at Monticello and Southern Arkansas each had one first-team selection. Tight end De’Andre Washington was UAM’s first-teamer and SAU’s Brock Floyd made the first-team defense.
Arkansas Tech University did not have a first-team selection, but had a selection on the second team and honorable mention apiece.
In addition to his award, Scales was a second-team selection at running back.
Oklahoma Baptist quarterback Preston Haire was named the GAC’s Offensive Player of the Year. Southeastern Oklahoma State outside linebacker Maalik Hall was the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. Tyler Fenwick of Southeastern Oklahoma State earned Coach of the Year honors.