DAMON THOMPSON NAMED OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR FOR THE SECOND SEASON
THOMAS WASHINGTON CLAIMS DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR HONORS
Darrell Nesbitt named CIAA Rookie of the Year
November 16, 1999
The CIAA Football Coaches Association met yesterday to select the 1999 CIAA Football Team in Durham, NC. The CIAA All-Rookie Team was chosen by the CIAA Sports Information Director's Association.
For the second consecutive season, Virginia State University's Damon Thompson was named the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year. The junior, wide receiver put up amazing numbers this season as the leading receiver in the conference. He ended the season with 1517 yards on 90 receptions and 10 TDs in 10 games. He recently set a new CIAA single game reception yards record with 261yards breaking his past record of 254 yards set earlier this season. He also currently holds the record for receptions in a single season. Thompson earned First Team All-CIAA Receiver and Punt Returner honors and was named to the All-CIAA Second Team as a Kick Returner. He is a 1999 Harlon Hill Trophy South Region Finalist, and is a candidate for the 1999 Spirit Award, Eddie Robinson Award and the Dudley Award.
Thomas Washington, Winston-Salem State's defensive line standout, was picked as the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year. The senior completed the regular season with 58 tackles (34 UT, 24 AT), 18 for a loss of 94 yards and 10 sacks for 60 yards. Thomas and the Rams will represent the CIAA at the 3rd Annual Pioneer Bowl in Atlanta, GA on December 18, 1999. He is a candidate for the Daktronics Div. II All-America Team and the Spirit Award.
Darrell Nesbitt, N.C. Central quarterback, was chosen as the 1999 CIAA Rookie of the Year. Nesbitt connected on 11 of 40 passes for 255 yards in 8 games. He is a two-time rookie of the week performer and was named offensive back of the week after running for 156 yards and 4 Tds against Benedict College on September 25, 1999, a record for rookies at the University. He is ranked forth in the CIAA for scoring with 50 points, including 8 rushing Tds and 2 extra points.