Charleston, S.C. Three players from The Citadel's 2006 football squad was named to the Don Hansen's Football Gazette All-Region Team, announced Wednesday. Junior running back Tory Cooper was named to the second team offense, while junior defensive back Joshua Lawson and defensive end Trevar Broughton received third team defensive accolades.
“We are really excited that three of our players were selected to the Don Hansen Football Gazette All-Region team,” said head coach Kevin Higgins. “Not only are they good football players, but they are excellent representatives of the school. We expect all three to have outstanding senior years as well as provide the necessary leadership to take our program to the next level.”
Cooper, a 5-7 running back from Effingham, S.C., was listed on the second team for his all-purpose performance during the 2006 football season. Cooper concluded the year with 40 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He netted 807 rushing yards on 160 carries and eight touchdowns. He also had seven punt returns for 89 yards and 16 punt returns for 305 yards. Cooper led the Bulldogs with a total of 10 touchdowns on the season and second in total offense.
Lawson led The Citadel defensively in 2006 with 95 total tackles recorded in 11 games. He totaled 44 solo tackles, while 51 were assisted. The junior from Summerton, S.C. tallied 4.5 tackles for a total loss of five yards while returning two interceptions for 21 yards. Lawson broke-up three opponents' passes and recorded two quarterback hurries while recovering one fumble on the year.
Broughton, a 6-2, 219-pounder from Hampton, Va., was another force behind The Citadel defense, recording 47 tackles on the season (17 solo, 30 assisted) with nine for a total loss of 39 yards. Broughton recorded 2.5 sacks on the season as opponent quarterbacks were stopped behind the line of scrimmage for a total loss of 14 yards. Broughton was credited with one QB hurry and recovered one fumble. Broughton also forced three fumbles during the season.
All three players will be returning for the 2007 season, which kicks-off on Sept. 1 against Charleston Southern at Johnson Hagood Stadium. For more information on Bulldog Football or The Citadel Athletics, go to www.CitadelSports.com.
