RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas at Monticello football player Demilon Brown earned Great American Conference Freshman of the Year honors, while seven other Weevils earned All-GAC selections of their own. DeAndre Washington, Jaden Salley, Brandon Young, Gabe Brace and Christian Jefferson were all named to the second team, while Devontae Dean and Justin Legier garnered honorable mention selections, the league office announced on Wednesday.
 
Brown had an outstanding first year in the Kelly Green and White. After taking over the starting quarterback role in week five, the Luxora, Arkansas native combined for 1,860 yards of offense rushing for 803 yards and throwing for 1,057. He earned a GAC Player of the Week accolade and a Division II Notable Performer honor. He had a combined 14 touchdowns and registered a quarterback efficiency rating of 149.6, and many of his numbers were highlighted by some big plays throughout the season including both of UAM's longest plays from the scrimmage in 2019; an 88-yard touchdown pass, and a 74-yard rushing touchdown.
 
For Brown, he becomes UAM's first GAC Freshman of the Year since the league's inception in 2011. The last Weevil conference freshman of the year was earned by Scott Buisson in 2007 back when UAM was a member of the Gulf South Conference.
 
Joining Brown on the all-league teams for UAM was Washington who earned All-GAC recognition for the second consecutive year. Washington proved to be one of the team's main targets snagging 39 receptions for 626 yards and a team-high seven reception touchdowns. He also averaged 62.6 yards per game and 16.1 yards per reception.
 
Along with Washington, offensive lineman Salley recorded second team honors after helping one of the better rushing offenses in the conference. Salley helped push the rushing attack to third in the GAC averaging 223.3 yards per contest. He proved to be the outlier on UAM offensive line that was filled with seniors. Salley still has another season left with the Weevils and will be regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in the GAC following an all-star season.
 
On the defensive side, Young, Brace and Jefferson round out UAM's second team honorees.
 
Young turned in a historic season at defensive end for the Weevils leading the league in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (15.0). Young's total yardage of tackles for loss was -67 yards, which was also tops in the league. His performance this year helped him become UAM's all-time tackles for loss leader tallying 29.0 for his career. Young also managed nine quarterback hurries, a blocked kick and was an expert in getting the ball carrier anywhere on the field ranking fourth on the team in total tackles at 43.
 
At linebacker, Brace had an outstanding year of his own. The senior was all over the field leading the team in total tackles at 67. He also registered 1.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry. Brace recorded just one game all season in which he had fewer than five tackles.
 
As for Jefferson, the safety was tied for second on the team in total tackles posting 65 of his own and 4.5 tackles for loss. He proved to be one of the most feared defensive players in the league tallying a sack off the edge, two interceptions, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Earlier in the season, he earned GAC Defensive Player of the Week honors after a stellar performance against Southwestern Oklahoma State.
 
Joining Brown and the second team honorees were the honorable mention selections Dean and Legier.
 
Dean gets an honorable mention accolade after being the main cog on the third-best rushing attack in the GAC. The sophomore was sixth behind Brown in the conference in rushing yards per game at 79.9. He recorded three 100-yard games and had three touchdowns along with 107 yards in arguably his best game against Southern Nazarene. For the year, he rushed for 799 yards averaging 4.5 yards per carry and totaling nine TD's.
 
On the other side of the ball, Legier was one of the most feared linebackers in the conference ranking fourth in the league in tackles for loss with 11.5 adding one sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He was also second on the team in total tackles with 65 right behind Brace.
 
The Weevils doubled their All-GAC honorees from a season ago and earned an individual honor in Brown. UAM's eight total conference accolades this season are the most since they totaled nine All-GAC players in 2011.