Simmons also added 2.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, and four pass breakups. The Ashland, Alabama product recorded 38 solo tackles, which ranked seventh in the ASUN. Simmons closed the 2022 season with three-straight double-digit tackles performances, including a career-best 12 tackles in back-to-back games against Kennesaw State and Alabama. Shamari Simmons – Defensive Backĭespite being schemed against by every opposing offense, Shamari Simmons ranked 14th in the ASUN with 63 total tackles and was tied for the APSU team lead and third in the ASUN with three interceptions. The Newcastle, Australia native had just two touchbacks in his 44 punts. Rigney also had eight punts of 50-plus yards and matched his season high with a 57-yard punt in the season finale against Alabama.

Rigney ranked third in the ASUN in punting average and had eight punts downed inside the 20-yard line, which ranked fourth in the conference. Rigney has averaged 40-plus yards per punt in back-to-back seasons and joins Devin Stuart as the second punter in program history to post two seasons with a 40-plus yard average. Matt Rigney, who is on the FCS Punter of the Year Award Watch List, punted 44 times for 1,799 yards and averaged 40.9 yards per kick. He also added 12 rushes for 54 yards and three kick returns for 54 yards. McCray was the Govs’ leading receiver in nine of 11 games. The Tallahassee, Florida native recorded three games with 10 receptions and four games with 100-plus yards – the Govs were 4-0 when he topped the 100-yard mark. McCray’s 6.9 receptions per game ranked 11th in the FCS and his 76 receptions ranked eighth in the country. McCray had 76 receptions – 23 more than the next closest ASUN receiver – and averaged 6.9 receptions per game – 2.1 more than the next closest ASUN receiver. McCray also caught a league-leading nine touchdowns, which ranked 17th in the FCS. McCray finished with 31 more receiving yards than the next closest receiver in the ASUN. The fourth 1,000-yard receiver in Austin Peay history and the first – and only – in ASUN Conference history, Drae McCray led the conference and ranked 10th in the FCS with 1,021 receiving yards this season. The APSU offense was one of two in the ASUN that accumulated 2,000-plus rushing and passing yards this season. Chandler Kirton – Offensive LineĬhandler Kirton started and played in all 11 games for Austin Peay State University at right guard, recording 33 knockdowns.Ī consistent presence on Austin Peay State University’s offensive line, Kirton helped the Governors average 31.5 points per game, which ranked 32nd in the FCS this season.Īn Atlantic Beach, Florida product, Kirton blocked for an offense that passed for 2,580 yards and rushed for 2,082 yards. He was the ASUN Defensive Player of the week after posting two interceptions and three tackles at Kennesaw State. The South Miami, Florida native totaled 37 tackles – including 23 solo stops – to go along with a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Ford also recorded 49 interception return yards on his three picks, which was tied for fourth in the ASUN. Ford also intercepted three passes, which is tied for the Austin Peay State University team lead and third in the ASUN.įord’s 19 total passes defended tied the APSU single-season record, which had stood since 2002. ASUN All-Conference Selections Demetries Ford – Defensive Backĭemetries Ford ranks second in the FCS with 1.7 passes defended per game with 19 total passes defended and 16 pass breakups – he leads the ASUN in all three categories. However, Ford – the lone senior – is eligible to return for another season at Austin Peay State University in 2023. Of the seven Govs selected, three are sophomores, two are juniors, one is a freshman, and just one is a senior. “These guys are more than deserving of their all-conference recognition! Hard work pays off!” “I am beyond proud of these guys and our team for all they accomplished this year,” said head coach Scotty Walden.

Asun conference football