Portland State running back DJ Adams, punter Kyle Loomis and offensive tackle Mitchell Van Dyk earned first team All-Big Sky Conference today in the post-season selections done by league coaches. Adams was the Big Sky's top rusher, while Loomis led the nation in punting. Van Dyk powered a PSU line that led the third-most productive offense in the nation. Those three highlighted a group of 16 Viking players that earned Big Sky honors this season.

Also getting Big Sky honors was wide receiver Kasey Closs, offensive guard Cornelius Edison and safety David Edgerson, who were named third team All-Conference.

Adams, a 5-10, 210-pound senior from Atlanta, GA, rushed for 1,600 yards and 19 touchdowns on 256 carries this season. His rushing total ranks fourth all-time for a season in PSU history. The touchdown total ranks third all-time. Adams led the Big Sky Conference in rushing and touchdowns and ranked fourth in the nation in rushing and sixth in touchdowns. Adams rushed for more than 100 yards in a game nine times and 200 yards three times.

Van Dyk, a 6-9, 290-pound right tackle from Paso Robles, CA, was a three-year starter on the Viking offensive line. He was part of a unit that led the Viking offense to school records of 6,486 total yards, 3,330 rushing yards, a 277.7 rushing average, 540.5 total offense average and 36 rushing touchdowns. Van Dyk and his mates have also been among the nation's leaders in fewest sacks allowed over the last three seasons.

Loomis, a 6-2, 210-pounder from Roseburg, OR, burst onto the scene with a school-record and national-leading 46.5 punting average. Loomis had spent nearly seven years away from college football, including a nearly four-year stint in the Army. Loomis had 18 punts over 50 yards on the season. There were two punts of 67 yards and one of 66 yards. PSU led the nation in net punting with a 41.7 yard average.

Named to the third team, Kasey Closs had a big year for the Vikings. Closs, a 6-3, 200-pounder from Lake Oswego, led the Vikings with 63 catches for 1,167 yards and eight touchdowns. His receiving total was the third-most in school history.

Edgerson, a 5-11, 205-pound safety from New Orleans, led the Big Sky Conference with five interceptions this season. Edgerson also had one fumble return for a touchdown and made 70 tackles on the season. 

Edison started every game at offensive guard for the second straight year. He is a 6-3, 285-pounder from University Place, WA, and teamed with Van Dyk to lead the Viking offensive line.

The Vikings had several players that earned honorable mention recognition in the 13-team league. They include: Kyle Smith (FR OT), Mitch Gaulke (SR C), Joe Lopez (JR DT, 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss), Junior Alexis (SO DT, 27 tackles, 4.5 sacks), Jeremy Boone (SR DE, 31 tackles, 4.5 sacks), Jaycob Shoemaker (SR LB, 102 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss), Dean Faddis (SR S, 88 tackles, 2 interceptions, 11 pass breakups), Aaron Sibley (SO CB, 42 tackles, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery), Nate Tago (FR Returner, 24.2 avg) and Hayden Plinke (SO Special Teams, 5 tackles).

It was no surprise that Eastern Washington quarterback Vernon Adams was named the Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year after tossing a league-record 46 touchdowns and setting another record with 4,550 yards of total offense. Montana State defensive end Brad Daly and Cal Poly defensive tackle Sullivan Grosz shared the Defensive Player of the Year honor. Daly led the nation with 14 sacks, while Grosz had 71 tackles and eight sacks.

Eastern Washington wide receiver Cooper Kupp was picked as the Freshman of the Year after making 77 receptions for a national freshman record of 1,378 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Gabe Manzanares, a running back from UC Davis, earned Newcomer of the Year honors after rushing for 1,285 yards and 12 touchdowns.

BIG SKY CONFERENCE AWARD WINNERS
Offensive Player of the Year – Vernon Adams, QB, Eastern Washington
Co-Defensive Player of the Year – Brad Daly, DE, Montana State & Sullivan Grosz, DT, Cal Poly
Freshman of the Year – Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
Newcomer of the Year – Gabe Manzanares, RB, UC Davis

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
Wide Receivers: *Cooper Kupp, Fr., Eastern Washington; $Greg Hardin, Sr., North Dakota; DeAndre Carter, Jr., Sacramento State

Tackles: Mitchell Van Dyk, Sr., Portland State; $Danny Kistler, Sr., Montana

Guards: Tyler Worthley, Sr., Sacramento State; Lefi Letuligasenoa, Sr., Cal Poly

Center: Ashton Miller, Sr., Eastern Washington

Tight End: RJ Rickert, Jr., Northern Arizona

Quarterback: *Vernon Adams, So., Eastern Washington

Running Back: !Zach Bauman, Sr., Northern Arizona; DJ Adams, Sr., Portland State

Fullback: Akaninyene Umoh, Sr., Cal Poly

Kicker: Colton Cook, Sr., Southern Utah

Return Specialist: Shawn Johnson, Jr., Montana State

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
Tackles: Sullivan Grosz, Sr., Cal Poly; Tim Wilkinson, Sr., Northern Arizona

Ends: Brad Daly, Sr., Montana State; $Zack Wagenmann, Jr., Montana

Outside LBs: $Jordan Tripp, Sr., Montana; JP Kanongata'a, Sr., Montana

Inside LBs: Todd Davis, Sr., Sacramento State; Zak Browning, So., Southern Utah

Cornerbacks: $Anders Battle, Sr., Northern Arizona; !TJ Lee III, Sr., Eastern Washington

Safeties: $Lucky Dozier, Sr., Northern Arizona; Alex Hubbard, Sr., Cal Poly

Punter: Kyle Loomis, Jr., Portland State

Special Teams: Bo Schutzle, Sr., Eastern Washington

*Unanimous Selection
!Three-Time First Team Selection
$Two-Time First Team Selection

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
Wide Receiver: Ellis Henderson, So., Montana; Luke Austin, Sr., Idaho State ;Ashton Clark, Sr., Eastern Washington

Tackles: Clay DeBord, So., Eastern Washington; Giovanni Sani, Sr., Cal Poly

Guards: William Poehls, Sr., Montana; Steven Forgette, Sr., Eastern Washington

Center: Roy Garcia, Jr., Northern Arizona; Kjelby Oiland, Sr., Montana

Tight End: Tiai Salanoa, Jr., Montana State

Quarterback: Garrett Safron, Jr., Sacramento State

Running Back: Cody Kirk, Sr., Montana State; Kristaan Ivory, Jr., Cal Poly

Fullback: Nick Butier, So., Northern Arizona

Kicker: Brendon Garcia, Sr., Idaho State

Return Specialist: Ellis Henderson, So., Montana

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

Tackles: Andru Pulu, Sr., Eastern Washington; Alex Bienemann, Sr., Montana

Ends: James Cowser, So., Southern Utah; Nick King, Sr., UC Davis

Outside LBs: Ronnie Hamlin, Sr., Eastern Washington; Johnny Millard, Sr., Cal Poly

Inside LBs: Brock Coyle, Sr., Montana; Clarence Bumpas, Sr., Northern Colorado

Cornerbacks: Anthony Goodwin, Sr., Montana; Deonte Flowers, Jr., Montana State

Safeties: Matt Hermanson, Jr., Montana; Tommy Collet, Jr., Sr., Southern Utah

Punter: Justin Weldon, Sr., Sacramento State

Special Teams: Chad Newell, Fr., Montana State

THIRD TEAM OFFENSE 
Wide Receivers: Tanner Bleskin, Sr., Montana State; Morris Norrise, Sr., Sacramento State; Kasey Closs, Jr., Portland State

Tackles: Cody Burgess, Sr., Southern Utah; Jacob Julian, Fr., Northern Arizona

Guards: Cornelius Edison, Jr., Portland State; JP Flynn, Fr., Montana State; Trevor Poole, Jr., Montana

Center: Gavin Farr, Sr., Southern Utah

Tight End: Zack Gehring, Sr., Eastern Washington

Quarterback: Jordan Johnson, Jr., Montana

Running Backs: Gabe Manzanares, Jr., UC Davis; Quincy Forte, Jr., Eastern Washington

Fullback: Jamal Wilson, So., Montana

Kicker: Brady Stuart, So., UC Davis

Return Specialist : Greg Hardin, Sr., North Dakota

THIRD TEAM DEFENSE
Tackles: Tonga Takai, Jr., Montana; Chima Ike, Sr., Northern Arizona

Ends: Anthony Larry, Sr., Eastern Washington; Jake Irwin, Jr., Cal Poly

Outside LBs: Matt Holley, Jr., Southern Utah; Mike Dosen, Sr., Northern Arizona

Inside LBS: Nick Dzubnar, Jr., Cal Poly; Austin Hasquet, Jr., Northern Arizona; Anthony Morales, Sr., Weber State

Cornerbacks: Tyree Mills, Sr., Southern Utah; Jonathan Perkins, Sr., UC Davis

Safeties: Tevin McDonald, Jr., Eastern Washington; David Edgerson, Sr., Portland State

Punter: Andy Wilder, Sr., Northern Arizona

Special Teams: Ellis Henderson, So., Montana

HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE
Wide Receivers – Cole Stanford, Sr., Cal Poly; Cory Mitchell, Jr., Eastern Washington; Shaq Hill, So., Eastern Washington; Chad Hansen, Fr., Idaho State; Cam Warren, WR, Montana; Brian Flotkoetter, Jr., Montana State; Kenny Golladay, So., North Dakota; Jesse Brantley, Sr., Northern Arizona; Nick Cole, Sr., Northern Arizona; Dimitri Stimphill, Jr., Northern Colorado; Will Jefferson, Jr., Northern Colorado; Shane Harrison, So., Sacramento State; Fatu Moala, Sr., Southern Utah; Tom Hemmingsen, Sr., UC Davis; Erik Walker, Sr., Weber State.

Tackles – Cassidy Curtis, So., Eastern Washington; John Schmaing, So., Montana; Quinn Catalano, Jr., Montana State; John Weidenaar, So., Montana State; Joe Kleason, Sr., North Dakota; Kyle Smith, Fr., Portland State; Ian Joseph, Jr., UC Davis.

Guards – Matt Fisher, Fr., Cal Poly; Brandon Murphy, Sr., Eastern Washington; Terrance Carey, So., Idaho State; Brandon Anderson, So., North Dakota; Jake Solomon, Sr., Northern Colorado; Tyler Olker, Sr., Northern Colorado; Nick Nissen, Jr., Southern Utah

Center – Stephen Sippel, So., Cal Poly; Mitch Gaulke, Sr., Portland State; Tyson Tiatia, Sr., Weber State; Jay Luchetti, Jr., UC Davis.

Tight Ends – Josh Cook, Fr., Idaho State; Clay Pierson, Sr., Montana; Austin Wilbers, Sr., Northern Colorado; Anthony Norris, So., Southern Utah; Taylor Sloat, Sr., UC Davis.

Quarterbacks – DeNarius McGhee, Sr., Montana State; Seth Lobato, Sr., Northern Colorado.

Running backs – Xavier Finney, So., Idaho State; Jordan Canada, Jr., Montana; Tromaine Dennis, Sr., Northern Colorado.

Fullbacks – Dalton Turay, Jr., UC Davis; Quinn Zamora, Fr., Northern Colorado.

Kicker – Kevin Miller, Sr., Eastern Washington; Ben Worst, Fr., Montana; Zeb Miller, Sr., North Dakota; Andy Wilder, Sr., Northern Arizona.

Return Specialist: Alex Hubbard, Sr., Cal Poly; Lucky Dozier, Sr., Northern Arizona; Nate Tago, Fr., Portland State; Charles Boyett, Jr., UC Davis; AJ Coney, Fr., Weber State

HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE
Tackles – Chris Lawrence, Jr., Cal Poly; Nick Leyden, Sr., Cal Poly; Will Katoa, Sr., Eastern Washington; Dylan Zylstra, Jr., Eastern Washington; Tyler Kuder, So., Idaho State; Taylor Sheridan, So., Montana State; Lexington Smith, Jr., Northern Colorado; Joe Lopez, Jr., Portland State; Junior Alexis, So., Portland State; Robert Torgerson, Fr., Southern Utah; Toi Taufa, So., Southern Utah; James Washington, Jr., Weber State

Ends – Andrew Alcaraz, Sr., Cal Poly; Evan Day, Jr., Eastern Washington; Austin Graves, Jr., Idaho State; Tyrone Holmes, So., Montana; Steven Garcia, Sr., Northern Arizona; Gavin Miller, Sr., Northern Colorado; Jeremy Boone, Sr., Portland State; Darnell Sankey, So., Sacramento State; Andrew Eide, Fr., Southern Utah

Outside Linebackers: Cameron Ontko, Jr., Cal Poly; Cole Moore, Jr., Montana State; Leilon Willingham, Jr., Northern Colorado; Max Flores, Jr., Northern Colorado; Chad Hansen, Sr., Southern Utah

Inside Linebackers: Cody McCarthy, Jr., Eastern Washington; Mitch Beckstead, Jr., Idaho State; Alex Singleton, Jr., Montana State; Ryan Reardon, Sr., Northern Arizona; Garrison Goodman, Sr., North Dakota; Jaycob Shoemaker, Sr., Portland State; Steven Pitts, Jr., UC Davis

Cornerbacks – Bijon Samoodi, Sr., Cal Poly; Vante Smith-Johnson, Sr., Cal Poly; Ronald Baines, Sr., Eastern Washington; Nate Harris, So., Montana; Marcus Alford, So., Northern Arizona; Courtney Hall, Jr., Northern Colorado; Aaron Sibley, So., Portland State; Markell Williams, Sr., Sacramento State; LeShaun Sims, So., Southern Utah; Shamawn Wright, So., UC Davis

Safeties - Allen Brown, Sr., Eastern Washington; Cody Sorensen, So., Idaho State; Bo Tully, Sr., Montana; Steven Bethley, Sr., Montana State; Cam Kuksa, Fr., North Dakota; Blair Wishom, Sr., NorthernArizona; Dean Faddis, Sr., Portland State; Miles Killebrew, So., Southern Utah

Punters – Stephen Shaw, So., Montana; Rory Perez, Sr., Montana State; Brock Miller, Sr., Southern Utah; Colby Wadman, Fr., UC Davis; Tony Epperson, P, Weber State

HONORABLE MENTION SPECIAL TEAMS
Nick Albano, Jr., Idaho State; Anthony Hughes, Sr., Northern Arizona; Dominique Bennett, Sr., North Dakota; Hayden Plinke, So., Portland State