EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette football program recently handed out its season awards to finish off the 2019 campaign in which the Leopards battled their way to a second-place finish in the Patriot League standings and won four of their last five games.

Sophomore defensive lineman Malik Hamm secured the biggest honor, the Hugh L. "Stoney" Jones '27 Award given annually since 1971 to the team's most valuable player. Hamm, who was the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year a season removed from conference Rookie of the Year honors, made 43 tackles and led the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.

Senior safety Yasir Thomas was selected as the team Defensive MVP, and like Hamm, achieved All-Patriot League First-Team status. The team co-captain finished the season with 62 tackles, an interception and six pass break ups. He also recovered three fumbles and forced another.

The Offensive MVP was freshman quarterback Keegan Shoemaker who was also the Patriot League Rookie of the Year. Shoemaker set a Lafayette freshman single-season record for passing yards, accumulating 2,540, a mark that also ranks him fourth in a season for all class years. He led the Patriot League in total offense (241.1 ypg), while finishing second in passing yards (212.1 ypg) and touchdown passes (14) with a pass efficiency rating of 124.4. A dual threat, he finished second on the team in rushing with 141 carries for 347 yards and three scores.

The Special Teams MVP honors was given to kicker Jeffrey Kordenbrock who was an All-Patriot League Second-Team selection and one of three Leopards tagged for Academic All-Patriot League honors. Kordenbrock converted 11-of-14 field goals in 2019 and made all 24 PAT tries. Against Lehigh, the junior booted the game-winning 28-yard field goal with 47 seconds left to garner game MVP honors and Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week recognition.

Senior cornerback Eric Mitchell took home the Dave Nelson '06 Award of Valor, given to a player who displays an exceptional amount of heart and courage. Mitchell played through multiple injuries, including three shoulder surgeries and multiple dislocations, during his career yet always managed to contribute at a high level on game day. He played in 45 games with 33 starts during his career and was an All-Patriot League Second-Team honoree in 2017 as a sophomore.

The Leopard Awards went to seniors Jake Marotti and Ryan Barnett. Marotti, who served with Thomas as a co-captain, collected All-Patriot League First-Team honors for his second straight season, helping the offense finish second in the Patriot League with 137.7 rushing yards per game in conference play. Marotti was a consistent worker and set the attitude for the offensive line and the offensive unit as a whole.

Barnett spent time in all three spots across the defensive line, serving as an integral part of that unit and on special teams. He saw time in all 12 games, with five starts on his way to 34 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Barnett joined Kordenbrock in achieving Academic All-Patriot League status accompanying CoSIDA Academic All-District II honors.

Playing a level behind Barnett was the team's Most Improved Player, linebacker Billy Shaeffer. In his sophomore season, he made 66 tackles, with six for loss, and forced three fumbles. Schaeffer was selected by the conference coaches to the All-Patriot League Second Team.

The 2019 Scout Team awards went to freshman linebacker Brian Reilly on defense and sophomore Devin On for offense. The duo was cited by head coach John Garrett for playing a vital role in helping the team prepare for each week's opponent. Reilly played in 12 games, seeing time primarily on special teams.  

The endowed George L. McGaughey Award, given annually to a player from both teams in the Lafayette-Bucknell game, was presented to junior running back Selwyn Simspon. The All-Patriot League Second-Team honoree carried nine times for 68 yards in that game, including the game-winning 22-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter in a 21-17 Leopard victory.

Join the award winners, Coach Garrett and current and former members of the Lafayette football program for Virtual Tailgate on Saturday, May 2. You must be registered to participate.