Murray State University Athletics
Four Racers Named Freshman All-Americans
1/13/2022 7:07:00 PM | Football
Phil Steele taps four Racers for national honors
Four Murray State football players have been named as Freshman All-Americans by football writer Phil Steele and his website Phil Steele.com
Tight end Jake Saathoff was named to the second team, while offensive lineman DJ Jones, linebacker Lawaun Powell and running back Damonta Witherspoon were named to the third team.
Saathoff caught 16 passes for 125 yards for Murray State this season, while also scoring two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Witherspoon racked up 910 yards and eight rushing touchdowns on the season and averaged 82.7 yards per game and 4.31 yards per carry.
Jones was a member of one of the best offensive lines in the nation, as the Racers finished 23rd in the FCS in rushing yards per game with 184.4. Powell, on the other hand, was part of a backfield that allowed just 183.3 passing yards per game, the 18th best total in the nation. Individually, Powell finished with the second-most tackles on the team at 54, to go along with 5.0 tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sacks, three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
In addition to the four Freshman All-America honors, Steele also named his own All-OVC team that featured multiple Racers.
Offensive lineman Levi Nesler and long snapper Chandler Moody were both named to the first team, while offensive lineman Jacob Vance, linebacker Eric Samuta and punt returner Malik Honeycutt were named to the second team.
Tight end Jake Saathoff, running back Damonta Witherspoon, defensive lineman Ethan Edmondson, kicker Aaron Baum and kick returner Dameon Gomes were featured on the third team, with defensive lineman CJ Barnes, linebacker Darnel Victor, defensive back Quinaz Turner and all-purpose returner Malik Honeycutt rounding out the honors on the fourth team.
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