Bryant is League’s Defensive Player of the Year, Eight Saints Honored

by: 

Tara Freeman

Co-captain Gerard Bryant was named the Liberty League's Defensive Player of the Year.

Nov. 17: St. Lawrence University senior co-captain Gerard Bryant was named the 2009 Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year on Tuesday by the conference.  Bryant, a 2008 First Team All-America, was joined by seven other Saints in earning All-Conference honors as well.

Bryant lived up to his Pre-Season All-America honors with a stellar 2009 campaign. The White Plains, NY native led St. Lawrence's defense with 91 total tackles at the defensive tackle position. His 23.0 tackles for a loss led the conference and finished in the top-5 in the nation. He also logged three forced fumbles, 10.5 sacks and his first career interception in his senior season. He was a five-time selection as Liberty League Defensive Player of the Week.

"Gerard (Bryant) has been a defensive force for us throughout his time in a St. Lawrence uniform, and this award continues to show what a respected and well-rounded player he is," said Saints' head coach Chris Phelps.  "To have eight players earn All-Conference honors is a credit to our team's hard work as we continue to challenge some of the best football teams in the Northeast."

Bryant was a First Team All-Conference selection for the third straight campaign, and was joined by classmate Eric Jones, who was named the league's First Team fullback.  Jones was both a sound blocker and offensive threat out of the backfield in 2009, averaging 6.7 yards per rush, totaling 375 yards and two touchdowns.  The Watertown, NY native had a career-best game against WPI, rushing for 179 yards on 14 carries and a TD.

Three Saints were awarded Liberty League Second Team accolades, including senior co-captain Connor Hackett, classmate Justin Wacenske and sophomore defensive back Trevor Saunders. 

Hackett continued to be a dual-threat out of the backfield as he rushed the ball for 509 total yards and five scores while also leading the Saints in receptions with 32, totaling 201 yards through the air and a pair of scores.  The Bronxville, NY became St. Lawrence's all-time leader in career touchdowns with 27 in 2009 as well.

Wacenske, the team's center, was a reliable blocking scheme-caller and starter for the last four seasons.  During his tenure, the offensive line blocked for three University record-breakers including Hackett.  The All-Conference honors are the first for the Rochester, NY native.

Saunders showed his talents on the Saints' defense at the safety position.  The Mount Vernon, NY native, who was used primary as a special teams player last season, led the Saints and was second in the Liberty League with four interceptions.  Saunders also accounted for 51 tackles including 2.0 for a loss and a pair of pass break-ups.

Finally, juniors Tim Robinson, linebacker Ben Cryts and Louis Jenkins were all awarded Honorable Mention All-Conference status.  Robinson created match-up problems for opposing defenses throughout the season at tight end, as he served as both a solid blocker and consistent receiver.  The Voorheesville, NY native averaged over 10 yards per catch, logging career-highs with 204 yards and 20 receptions, and made his first collegiate touchdown reception against Susquehanna.

Cryts was a consistent threat at linebacker in his first full season as a starter.  The Derry, NH native chipped in 59 total tackles including 7.5 for a loss and two sacks.  Cryts also helped account for four turnovers, including three interceptions and a forced fumble.

Jenkins was the Saints' top corner in his third season with the Scarlet and Brown.  The Sunrise, FL native led the Saints and was third overall in the Liberty League in passes defended.  Jenkins, who added 14 tackles and blocked a kick, had nine pass break-ups and was tied for 6th in the conference with three interceptions.

Susquehanna University, which earned the conference's automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament, won four of the league's major awards.   Steve Briggs and his staff were named "Coaching Staff of the Year, while senior running back was named the "Offensive Player of the Year."  Crusader kicker Bobby Eppleman earned "Special Teams Player of the Year" honors while Jalon Scott was a unanimous selection as the league's "Rookie of the Year."