Seven Blue Devils Earn All-NEC Honors
Seven Blue Devils earned All-NEC honors on Wednesday, including Taylor Fuller and Antwione Reese on the first team.
Seven Central Connecticut football players earned post season honors from the Northeast Conference on Wednesday afternoon. Seniors Antwione Reese (DB) and Taylor Fuller (OL) earned first team honors. Senior Chris Linares (DB), juniors Rob Hollomon, Tyrell Holmes, Blaise Rosati and Josh Alaeze were recognized on the second team.
Reese led the Blue Devils in tackles from his safety position each of the last two seasons. He finished the 2013 season with 88 total tackles, including 38 solo stops. Reese's 7.3 tackles per game ranked him fourth in the NEC. He also had an interception, fumble recovery and three force fumbles during his senior season.
Fuller was a cornerstone on the CCSU offensive line that set a school record for total offense in a season with 4,826 yards. Fuller and his fellow linemen allowed just five sacks all season. Through the conclusion of the regular season, CCSU's 0.42 sacks allowed per game is the best in the nation.
Another key member of CCSU's line was Rosati who earns second team honors. Rosati contributed to CCSU's total offense record and 2,000+ yard rushing attack. From his center position, Rosati also helped provide the protection for sophomore quarterback Nick SanGiacomo's school record 20 touchdown passes this season.
Hollomon was named to the second team at both running back and kick returner. Hollomon had an exceptional second season with the Blue Devils as he rushed for 1,452 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. His 19 touchdowns were one shy of matching the school record of 20 set by Justise Hairston (2006) and Stan House (1996). Hollomon also moved into third on CCSU's career rushing list during the season as he finishes the season with 2,556 rushing yards as a Blue Devil.
Holmes moved from defensive back to receiver for the 2013 season and now he is a second team honoree. He caught 42 passes for 774 yards and seven touchdowns. Holmes averaged 18.4 yards per catch and was always a threat to break a long scoring play. He had a pair of 60+ yard touchdowns on the season and added another from 59 yards out.
Linares claims a place on the second team after leading CCSU's with five interceptions this season. Linares also contributed 43 tackles, including 24 solo stops. In addition to his five picks, he broke up nine passes and had a sack. Linares also blocked a field goal against Wagner, which earned him NEC Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Nov. 4.
Defensive end Josh Alaeze also found a place on the second team defense after another standout season. Alaeze posted 55 tackles, including 24 solo stops. He seven tackles for a loss, including a pair of sacks on the season. He also broke up a pair of passes and had a fumble recovery. In the season finale, Alaeze blocked a punt, which se up a CCSU field goal.