Rourke, Ramirez, McNulty, Bangura top MAC special awards
Albin named Coach of the Year; All-MAC honorees listed
CLEVELAND, OH -- Today the Mid-American Conference announced the All-MAC Teams & Specialty Award selections for the 2022 football season. All of the awards were voted on by the league's 12 head coaches.
Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke was tabbed the winner of the 40th Vern Smith Leadership Award as the top player in the MAC. Ohio Head Coach Tim Albin was . . .
Ohio quarterback Kurtis Rourke was tabbed the winner of the 40th Vern Smith Leadership Award as the top player in the MAC. Ohio Head Coach Tim Albin was . . .
Kevin Rourke was named Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner and MAC Offensive Player of the Year. (MVSmith/MRO files) . . . selected as the Head Coach of the Year, while Rourke also earned Offensive Player of the Year honors. Eastern Michigan defensive end Jose Ramirez was tabbed as the Defensive Player of the Year, while Buffalo's Alex McNulty was selected as the Special Teams Player of the Year. Ohio running back Sieh Bangura earned Freshman of the Year honors, rounding out the specialty award selections.
Albin is in his second year as the Bobcats' head coach and 17th year with the program. After a 3-9 2021 season, Albin led the Bobcats to a 9-3 finish in the 2022 regular season. Under his guidance, the Bobcats finished the nonconference schedule 2-2, with an opening night victory over Florida Atlantic (Sept. 3) and a record-setting offensive game against Fordham (Sept. 24). After falling in overtime against Kent, the Bobcats bounced back to go on a seven-game winning streak, finishing conference play 7-1. The team is undefeated on the newly-named Frank Solich Field, boasting a 6-0 home record after their 38-14 victory over Bowling Green.
Rourke went 244-for-353 on 3,256 passing yards, throwing 25 total touchdowns in 11 games. The redshirt junior made program history against Fordham (Sept. 24), going for 527 yards in the air, breaking a record that was set in 1983. He is also second in program history in passing yards in a season as well as passing touchdowns in a season. On the ground, Rourke net 249 yards on 74 carries and scored four touchdowns. He was named one of the Manning Award "Stars of the Week" twice and was a Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist. Rourke was named MAC Offensive Player of the Week three times and earned MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week honors once.
Bangura is leading the Bobcats on the ground with 11 touchdowns in 177 attempts and 884 rushing yards. Against Akron (Oct. 8), the redshirt freshman scored four touchdowns, three of which were rushing. In the air, Bangura has scored two touchdowns on 195 yards. He earned MAC Offensive Player of the Week honors in back-to-back weeks after his performances against Akron and Western Michigan (Oct. 15).
One of the most dominant pass rushers in college football, Ramirez finished the 2022 regular season slate on numerous national leaderboards. He was first in the nation with 1.09 sacks per game, tied for first in total sacks (12.0), and finished second nationally with 1.8 tackles for loss per contest. He also owns the nation's second-best single-game performance (in terms of sacks) this season. He collected a program-record 4.0 in Eastern's game at Western Michigan University, Oct. 8. That game was one of three multiple-sack performances he issued for EMU this season. He is Eastern Michigan's third-leading tackler this season with 63 stops, and leads the Eagles in both quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (2). Ramirez's 12 sacks is an all-time single-season record at EMU. He now has 20.5 sacks in his career, which places him second all-time in program history.
McNulty is the first UB player ever named MAC Special Teams Player of the Year. He is having the finest season of any kicker in school history. The Caledonia, NY native has made a single-season school-record 20 field goals on the year. An All-MAC Third Team selection in 2020, McNulty currently ranks second in program history in career field goals (45) and first in extra points (159) and career points scored by a kicker (294). This season he was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.
The All-MAC First, Second & Third Teams were also announced and are listed below.
Ohio will meet Toledo in the 2022 MAC Football Championship Game, scheduled for Saturday, December 3 at Ford Field in Detroit. The game will kickoff at Noon EST on ESPN.
Coach of the Year: Tim Albin, Ohio
Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Ohio
Offensive Player of the Year: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Ohio
Defensive Player of the Year: Jose Ramirez, DL, Eastern Michigan
Special Teams Player of the Year: Alex McNulty, PK, Buffalo
Freshman of the Year: Sieh Bangura, RB, Ohio
2022 All-MAC First Team Offense
Quarterback – Kurtis Rourke, Ohio
Offensive Lineman – Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Marcellus Marshall, Kent State
Offensive Lineman – Nolan Potter, Northern Illinois
Offensive Lineman – Hagen Meservy, Ohio
Offensive Lineman – Nick Rosi, Toledo
Tight End – Brady Hunt, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Alex Adams, Akron
Wide Receiver – Devontez Walker, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Dante Cephas, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Sam Wiglusz, Ohio
Running Back – Carson Steele, Ball State
Running Back – Marquez Cooper, Kent State
Placekicker – Alex McNulty, Buffalo
2022 All-MAC First Team Defense
Down Lineman – Karl Brooks, Bowling Green
Down Lineman – Thomas Incoom, Central Michigan
Down Lineman – Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
Down Lineman – Desjuan Johnson, Toledo
Linebacker – Bubba Arslanian, Akron
Linebacker – Shaun Dolac, Buffalo
Linebacker – Dallas Gant, Toledo
Linebacker – Zaire Barnes, Western Michigan
Defensive Back – Marcus Fuqua, Buffalo
Defensive Back – Donte Kent, Central Michigan
Defensive Back – Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Defensive Back – Maxen Hook, Toledo
Punter – Mitchell Tomasek, Eastern Michigan
2022 All-MAC First Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jaylon Jackson, Eastern Michigan
Kickoff Return Specialist – Keegan Wilburn, Ohio
2022 All-MAC Second Team Offense
Quarterback – Dequan Finn, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Ethan Crowe, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Jamezz Kimbrough, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Brian Dooley, Eastern Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Rusty Feth, Miami
Offensive Lineman – Sam Allan, Kent State
Tight End – Christian Sims, Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Jayshon Jackson, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Odieu Hiliare, Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Mac Hippenhammer, Miami
Wide Receiver – Jerjuan Newton, Toledo
Wide Receiver – Corey Crooms, Western Michigan
Running Back – Samson Evans, Eastern Michigan
Running Back – Sean Tyler, Western Michigan
Placekicker – Nathanial Vakos, Ohio
2022 All-MAC Second Team Defense
Down Lineman – DeVonte O’Malley, Northern Illinois
Down Lineman – Jamal Hines, Toledo
Down Lineman – Andre Carter, Western Michigan
Down Lineman – Braden Fiske, Western Michigan
Linebacker – Clayton Coll, Ball State
Linebacker – James Patterson, Buffalo
Linebacker – Ryan McWood, Miami
Linebacker – Dyontae Johnson, Toledo
Defensive Back – Amechi Uzodinma, Ball State
Defensive Back – Nic Jones, Ball State
Defensive Back – Nico Bolden, Kent State
Defensive Back – C.J. Brown, Northern Illinois
Defensive Back – Nate Bauer, Toledo
Punter – Dom Dzioban, Miami
2022 All-MAC Second Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Ta’ron Keith, Bowling Green
Kickoff Return Specialist – Ja’Shaun Poke, Kent State
2022 All-MAC Third Team Offense
Quarterback – DJ Irons, Akron
Quarterback – Collin Schlee, Kent State
Offensive Lineman – Anthony Whigan, Akron
Offensive Lineman – Gabe Wallace, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Desmond Bessent, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Deiyantei Powell-Woods, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Logan Zschernitz, Northern Illinois
Tight End – Joel Wilson, Central Michigan
Wide Receiver – Shocky Jacques-Louis, Akron
Wide Receiver – Quian Williams, Buffalo
Wide Receiver – Tanner Knue, Eastern Michigan
Wide Receiver – Hassan Beydoun, Eastern Michigan
Running Back – Harrison Waylee, Northern Illinois
Running Back – Sieh Bangura, Ohio
Placekicker – Jesus Gomez, Eastern Michigan
2022 All-MAC Third Team Defense
Down Lineman – Zay West, Kent State
Down Lineman – Michael Kennedy, Northern Illinois
Down Lineman – James Ester, Northern Illinois
Down Lineman – Jack McCrory, Ohio
Linebacker – Kyle Moretti, Central Michigan
Linebacker – Matthew Salopek, Miami
Linebacker – Keye Thompson, Ohio
Linebacker – Corvin Moment, Western Michigan
Defensive Back – Jordan Riley, Ball State
Defensive Back – John Saunders Jr., Miami
Defensive Back – Tariq Drake, Ohio
Defensive Back – Keni-H Lovely, Western Michigan
Punter – Luke Elzinga, Central Michigan
2022 All-MAC Third Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jalen Walker, Miami
Kickoff Return Specialist – De’Javion Stepney, Central Michigan
Albin is in his second year as the Bobcats' head coach and 17th year with the program. After a 3-9 2021 season, Albin led the Bobcats to a 9-3 finish in the 2022 regular season. Under his guidance, the Bobcats finished the nonconference schedule 2-2, with an opening night victory over Florida Atlantic (Sept. 3) and a record-setting offensive game against Fordham (Sept. 24). After falling in overtime against Kent, the Bobcats bounced back to go on a seven-game winning streak, finishing conference play 7-1. The team is undefeated on the newly-named Frank Solich Field, boasting a 6-0 home record after their 38-14 victory over Bowling Green.
Rourke went 244-for-353 on 3,256 passing yards, throwing 25 total touchdowns in 11 games. The redshirt junior made program history against Fordham (Sept. 24), going for 527 yards in the air, breaking a record that was set in 1983. He is also second in program history in passing yards in a season as well as passing touchdowns in a season. On the ground, Rourke net 249 yards on 74 carries and scored four touchdowns. He was named one of the Manning Award "Stars of the Week" twice and was a Davey O'Brien Award semifinalist. Rourke was named MAC Offensive Player of the Week three times and earned MAC Scholar Athlete of the Week honors once.
Bangura is leading the Bobcats on the ground with 11 touchdowns in 177 attempts and 884 rushing yards. Against Akron (Oct. 8), the redshirt freshman scored four touchdowns, three of which were rushing. In the air, Bangura has scored two touchdowns on 195 yards. He earned MAC Offensive Player of the Week honors in back-to-back weeks after his performances against Akron and Western Michigan (Oct. 15).
One of the most dominant pass rushers in college football, Ramirez finished the 2022 regular season slate on numerous national leaderboards. He was first in the nation with 1.09 sacks per game, tied for first in total sacks (12.0), and finished second nationally with 1.8 tackles for loss per contest. He also owns the nation's second-best single-game performance (in terms of sacks) this season. He collected a program-record 4.0 in Eastern's game at Western Michigan University, Oct. 8. That game was one of three multiple-sack performances he issued for EMU this season. He is Eastern Michigan's third-leading tackler this season with 63 stops, and leads the Eagles in both quarterback hurries (10) and forced fumbles (2). Ramirez's 12 sacks is an all-time single-season record at EMU. He now has 20.5 sacks in his career, which places him second all-time in program history.
McNulty is the first UB player ever named MAC Special Teams Player of the Year. He is having the finest season of any kicker in school history. The Caledonia, NY native has made a single-season school-record 20 field goals on the year. An All-MAC Third Team selection in 2020, McNulty currently ranks second in program history in career field goals (45) and first in extra points (159) and career points scored by a kicker (294). This season he was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Award.
The All-MAC First, Second & Third Teams were also announced and are listed below.
Ohio will meet Toledo in the 2022 MAC Football Championship Game, scheduled for Saturday, December 3 at Ford Field in Detroit. The game will kickoff at Noon EST on ESPN.
Coach of the Year: Tim Albin, Ohio
Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Ohio
Offensive Player of the Year: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Ohio
Defensive Player of the Year: Jose Ramirez, DL, Eastern Michigan
Special Teams Player of the Year: Alex McNulty, PK, Buffalo
Freshman of the Year: Sieh Bangura, RB, Ohio
2022 All-MAC First Team Offense
Quarterback – Kurtis Rourke, Ohio
Offensive Lineman – Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Marcellus Marshall, Kent State
Offensive Lineman – Nolan Potter, Northern Illinois
Offensive Lineman – Hagen Meservy, Ohio
Offensive Lineman – Nick Rosi, Toledo
Tight End – Brady Hunt, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Alex Adams, Akron
Wide Receiver – Devontez Walker, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Dante Cephas, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Sam Wiglusz, Ohio
Running Back – Carson Steele, Ball State
Running Back – Marquez Cooper, Kent State
Placekicker – Alex McNulty, Buffalo
2022 All-MAC First Team Defense
Down Lineman – Karl Brooks, Bowling Green
Down Lineman – Thomas Incoom, Central Michigan
Down Lineman – Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
Down Lineman – Desjuan Johnson, Toledo
Linebacker – Bubba Arslanian, Akron
Linebacker – Shaun Dolac, Buffalo
Linebacker – Dallas Gant, Toledo
Linebacker – Zaire Barnes, Western Michigan
Defensive Back – Marcus Fuqua, Buffalo
Defensive Back – Donte Kent, Central Michigan
Defensive Back – Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Defensive Back – Maxen Hook, Toledo
Punter – Mitchell Tomasek, Eastern Michigan
2022 All-MAC First Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jaylon Jackson, Eastern Michigan
Kickoff Return Specialist – Keegan Wilburn, Ohio
2022 All-MAC Second Team Offense
Quarterback – Dequan Finn, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Ethan Crowe, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Jamezz Kimbrough, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Brian Dooley, Eastern Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Rusty Feth, Miami
Offensive Lineman – Sam Allan, Kent State
Tight End – Christian Sims, Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Jayshon Jackson, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Odieu Hiliare, Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Mac Hippenhammer, Miami
Wide Receiver – Jerjuan Newton, Toledo
Wide Receiver – Corey Crooms, Western Michigan
Running Back – Samson Evans, Eastern Michigan
Running Back – Sean Tyler, Western Michigan
Placekicker – Nathanial Vakos, Ohio
2022 All-MAC Second Team Defense
Down Lineman – DeVonte O’Malley, Northern Illinois
Down Lineman – Jamal Hines, Toledo
Down Lineman – Andre Carter, Western Michigan
Down Lineman – Braden Fiske, Western Michigan
Linebacker – Clayton Coll, Ball State
Linebacker – James Patterson, Buffalo
Linebacker – Ryan McWood, Miami
Linebacker – Dyontae Johnson, Toledo
Defensive Back – Amechi Uzodinma, Ball State
Defensive Back – Nic Jones, Ball State
Defensive Back – Nico Bolden, Kent State
Defensive Back – C.J. Brown, Northern Illinois
Defensive Back – Nate Bauer, Toledo
Punter – Dom Dzioban, Miami
2022 All-MAC Second Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Ta’ron Keith, Bowling Green
Kickoff Return Specialist – Ja’Shaun Poke, Kent State
2022 All-MAC Third Team Offense
Quarterback – DJ Irons, Akron
Quarterback – Collin Schlee, Kent State
Offensive Lineman – Anthony Whigan, Akron
Offensive Lineman – Gabe Wallace, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Desmond Bessent, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Deiyantei Powell-Woods, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Logan Zschernitz, Northern Illinois
Tight End – Joel Wilson, Central Michigan
Wide Receiver – Shocky Jacques-Louis, Akron
Wide Receiver – Quian Williams, Buffalo
Wide Receiver – Tanner Knue, Eastern Michigan
Wide Receiver – Hassan Beydoun, Eastern Michigan
Running Back – Harrison Waylee, Northern Illinois
Running Back – Sieh Bangura, Ohio
Placekicker – Jesus Gomez, Eastern Michigan
2022 All-MAC Third Team Defense
Down Lineman – Zay West, Kent State
Down Lineman – Michael Kennedy, Northern Illinois
Down Lineman – James Ester, Northern Illinois
Down Lineman – Jack McCrory, Ohio
Linebacker – Kyle Moretti, Central Michigan
Linebacker – Matthew Salopek, Miami
Linebacker – Keye Thompson, Ohio
Linebacker – Corvin Moment, Western Michigan
Defensive Back – Jordan Riley, Ball State
Defensive Back – John Saunders Jr., Miami
Defensive Back – Tariq Drake, Ohio
Defensive Back – Keni-H Lovely, Western Michigan
Punter – Luke Elzinga, Central Michigan
2022 All-MAC Third Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Jalen Walker, Miami
Kickoff Return Specialist – De’Javion Stepney, Central Michigan
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