Nine Tigers Selected to 2016 All-GSC Football Team

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Wide receiver Donta Armstrong and defensive end Darius Ellis lead a list of nine University of West Alabama players named by league coaches to the 2016 All-Gulf South Conference football team.

Armstrong and Ellis were first-team choices by the coaches. Quarterback Austin Grammer, running back Lakendric Thomas, receiver Corey Davis, center Call Dyer, cornerback Dee Virgin, kicker Jordan Bennett and utility man Robert Myers were named to the second team.

"I am very excited for our guys to get the recognition that I feel is well deserved," UWA head coach Brett Gilliland said. "As with all awards in football, these guys are representing our entire football team."

A junior from Pittsboro, Mississippi, Armstrong led the GSC with 91 total receptions and 8.3 receptions per game. He had four games with at least 10 receptions, while also leading the league in punt returns at 17.1 yards per return and two returns for touchdowns. Armstrong is a candidate for the Harlon Hill Trophy, which goes to the top player in NCAA Division II football.

Ellis, a sophomore from Northport, Alabama, recorded a team-high 52 tackles, 20 of those for loss, including 10.5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles and had three quarterback hurries. Ellis' tied with GSC most valuable defensive player Dylan Donahue of West Georgia to lead the conference in tackles for loss and his sack totals were second in the GSC.

A senior from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Grammer led the league in passing (294 ypg), completions (273) and total offense (308.5 ypg). Thomas, a junior from West Point, Mississippi, rushed for 783 yards and five touchdowns on 164 carries.

Myers, a junior from Grand Bay, Alabama, made 10 tackles and forced a fumble on kick coverages to be UWA's only player to repeat as an all-conference performer. He also had eight carries for 48 yards as a reserve running back.

Davis, a junior from Meridian, Mississippi, caught 47 passes for 538 yards and eight touchdowns despite battling nagging injuries for most of the season. Dyer graded almost 90 percent while playing virtually every snap this season as a redshirt freshman from Gordo, Alabama.

A senior from Donalsonville, Georgia, Virgin recorded three interceptions, including a pick six, and recorded 43 tackles, including 5.5 for loss. He broke up seven passes. Bennett, a sophomore from Tallahassee, Florida, made 10-of-14 field goal attempts to tie for second in the GSC in that category. He led the Tigers in scoring with 62 points.

To view the entire 2016 All-GSC Team click HERE.

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Players Mentioned

#39 Jordan Bennett: K/P; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#67 Call Dyer: OL; 6' 4"; Redshirt Freshman

#19 Darius Ellis: B; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#21 Robert Myers: RB; 5' 11"; Junior

#17 Donta Armstrong: WR; 5' 10"; Junior

#11 Corey Davis: WR; 6' 2"; Junior

#1 Austin Grammer: QB; 6' 2"; Senior

#8 Dee Virgin: DB; 5' 10"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#39 Jordan Bennett
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: K/P

#67 Call Dyer
: 6' 4"; Redshirt Freshman
: OL

#19 Darius Ellis
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: B

#21 Robert Myers
: 5' 11"; Junior
: RB

#17 Donta Armstrong
: 5' 10"; Junior
: WR

#11 Corey Davis
: 6' 2"; Junior
: WR

#1 Austin Grammer
: 6' 2"; Senior
: QB

#8 Dee Virgin
: 5' 10"; Senior
: DB