Offensive Player of the Year
Albert Wilson led the CAA in all-purpose yards.
Junior Albert Wilson was Georgia State’s most dynamic and explosive playmaker this season.
The wide receiver from Port St. Lucie, Fl. made big plays in the passing game, as well as in the return for the Panthers, and was responsible for the two longest plays of the season.
In a Nov. 3 loss to Old Dominion, Wilson hauled in a 93-yard touchdown reception and returned a kickoff 100 yards for another score. Wilson produced a total of 296 yards that afternoon, which broke the school’s record that he had set a few weeks earlier. He also led the CAA in all-purpose yards with over 164 yards per game.
Wilson finished the season with 947 yards receiving on 48 receptions while hauling in seven touchdown receptions. He also amassed 751 kickoff return yards, including one touchdown return.
Wilson’s playmaking abilities, experience and leadership will be counted on next season.
Honorable Mention: Running back Donald Russell was having the best season of his career before he suffered a season ending injury in the Homecoming game versus Villanova. He finished the season with 747 rushing yards on 120 carries. He also produced three rushing touchdowns and one receiving touchdown.
Defensive Player of the Year
Junior Terrance Woodard played big this season.
Not only is the nose tackle from Ocilia, Ga. six foot four inches tall and 320 pounds, but he was the team’s most reliable defender.
Woodard did his fair share of block eating, yet he still managed to finish second on the team in tackles (59) and near the top of the team lead in tackles (2.5) for a loss and sacks (1).
Woodard, like Wilson, will be back next season.
Honorable Mention: Freshman Joseph Peterson was forced into action initially due to a lack of depth at inside linebacker. The Dothan, AL native proved he was ready for the challenge of college football by leading the team in total tackles with 65.
Best Moment of the Year
The 41-7 beatdown of Rhode Island on Oct. 13 was the team’s first win of the season and only the second road victory in the program’s history.
Senior running back Donald Russell had a career day with 201 yards rushing and three touchdowns, both new school records.
Quarterback Ben McLane also had a nice day passing for over 200 yards with a pair of touchdown strikes.
Honorable Mention: Bill Curry had the practice facility locker room named in his honor during a pre-game ceremony prior to his last home game against Old Dominion.
