spacer
Eastern New Mexico University Error processing SSI file
News Release
spacer
ENMU arrow Athletics arrow News arrow Press Releases arrow 2005 Archive arrow 11/9 Football All-LSC South 2005
spacer
spacer


arrow2005 Archive

spacer

 

ENMU Football Players Hemphill, Hunter, Ojeda and White Selected First Team All-LSC South
Acuna and Pilgrim Named to Second Team; Six Greyhounds Receive Honorable Mention

PORTALES, N.M. — Four Eastern New Mexico University football players have been named First Team All-Lone Star Conference South Division in voting by the LSC South head coaches. Eastern placed two players on the Second Team, and a total of six Greyhounds received Honorable Mention. A total of 12 ENMU players were selected for one of the All-LSC South teams.

The Greyhounds chosen for First Team All-LSC South honors were senior wide receiver Derrick Hunter (6’0”, 180 lbs., Lamesa, TX/Lamesa HS), senior cornerback Corey White (6’0”, 165 lbs., Lubbock, TX/Estacado HS), junior outside linebacker Tim Ojeda (5’10”, 195 lbs., Banning, CA/Mt. San Jacinto CC) and sophomore fullback Patrick Hemphill (5’8”, 211 lbs., Paducah, TX/Paducah HS).

ENMU, playing one of the most difficult schedules in NCAA Division II, finished the 2005 season with a 5-6 overall record, including 2-4 in the LSC South (5th place tie). The Greyhounds took on seven teams that were nationally or regionally ranked at the end of the season.

Eastern defeated previously unbeaten Angelo State University, 38-14, on Oct. 1 during the ENMU Homecoming game. The Hounds then fell to eventual LSC South champion West Texas A&M University, 52-51, in overtime on Oct. 8. Eastern was led by Mark Ribaudo, in his first season as head coach after eight years as an assistant coach at ENMU.

1st Team All-LSC South

Patrick HemphillHemphill was named First Team All-Conference for the first time. He rushed for 342 yards on 75 carries (4.6 avg.) and scored four touchdowns for the Greyhounds. His longest carry covered 34 yards. He was the top ground gainer among several fullbacks who played regularly for ENMU. He helped the Hounds rush for 303.0 yards per game to rank fourth in NCAA Division II in rushing offense.

In two seasons at Eastern, Hemphill has rushed for 516 yards on 115 carries for 4.4 yards per rush. He has played in 20 of 22 games for the Greyhounds.

Derrick HunterHunter was selected First Team All-LSC South for the second consecutive season. He was named Second Team All- LSC South in 2003 and was an Honorable Mention All-LSC South selection in 2002. He led ENMU in pass receiving all four years, including this season, when he caught 18 passes for 364 yards (20.2 avg. per catch). He scored five touchdowns during the season. He also returned six punts for a total of 87 yards (14.5 avg.) and brought back six kickoffs for 108 yards (18.0 avg.).

In 2004, he set personal highs with 51 catches for 829 yards and eight touchdowns. While playing for the Greyhounds, he established ENMU career records with 128 catches, 2,456 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. He broke the yardage record (2,104) and touchdown record (20) set by Steve Jackson from 1983-84. He broke the receptions record (126) set by Robert Griggs from 1985-86 and 1988-89.

Hunter was eighth in the LSC in receiving yards per game as a freshman (58.5 avg.), then placed 10th as a sophomore (56.3 avg.) and third as a junior (75.4 avg.). In 2004, he also ranked ninth in the LSC with 4.64 receptions per game and tied for second with eight touchdown catches.

Tim OjedaOjeda earned First Team All-LSC South recognition in his first season at Eastern this fall, after transferring from Mt. San Jacinto Community College in California. He ranked third on the team with 59 total tackles, as he registered 25 unassisted tackles and 34 assists. He led the Greyhounds with 9.5 tackles for losses and 5.0 quarterback sacks for 34 yards lost.

Ojeda recorded one interception, recovered one fumble, was credited with two quarterback hurries and broke up two passes. One of his pass deflections was intercepted by a teammate to set up an ENMU touchdown in the Hounds’ 33-30 win at Abilene Christian University on Sept. 24. He recorded seven solo tackles against Abilene Christian and earned 11 total tackles against both ACU and Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Oct. 22).

Corey WhiteWhite was selected First Team All-LSC South for the second time in as many seasons. In 2005, he contributed 27 total tackles to Eastern’s defensive efforts. He recorded 20 unassisted tackles and earned one tackle for a loss. He tied for the team lead with four pass break-ups and led the Greyhounds with two blocked kicks. He also recovered one fumble.

In 2004, he led ENMU with four interceptions and seven pass break-ups, while recording 33 total tackles, including 29 unassisted stops. He made three tackles for losses and registered one sack. He scored a touchdown on a 25-yard interception return against Texas A&M-Kingsville.

During his career, White accumulated 83 total tackles on 69 unassisted tackles and 14 assists. He registered six tackles for losses (36 yards) and had 16 pass break-ups. He intercepted five passes.

White has returned kickoffs and punts the past three seasons. This fall, he gained 192 yards on 11 kickoff returns, an average of 17.5 yards per return. He also returned two punts for 36 yards (18.0 avg.). In 2004, he returned 23 kickoffs a total of 569 yards to rank 17th in NCAA Division II with 24.7 yards per return. He scored on a 100-yard return to open the second half against Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Sept. 11, 2004. He also returned four punts for 33 yards (8.2 avg.). In 2003, he had 11 kickoff returns for 286 yards (26.0 avg.).

2nd Team All-LSC South

Eastern New Mexico University’s Second Team selections were senior center Devin Pilgrim (6’2”, 270 lbs., Grapevine, TX/Grapevine HS) and senior offensive guard Robert Acuna, Jr. (6’0”, 307 lbs., Alice, TX/Angelo State University).

Devin PilgrimPilgrim was a leader in the offensive line, as he started every game at center. He provided the Greyhounds with many key blocks as Eastern set a school record with 3,333 rushing yards (303.0 avg.) to rank fourth in NCAA Division II in rushing offense. He helped ENMU score a total of 31 rushing touchdowns to go with eight passing touchdowns. Eastern averaged 373.4 total yards per game.

During his four seasons with the Hounds, Pilgrim played in 43 of 44 games. He played in 10 of 11 games in 2002, and helped Eastern set the team’s previous rushing record with 3,188 yards (289.8 avg.). The 2002 team also established school records for scoring (339 points) and total offense (4,457 yards, 405.2 avg.). In 2003, he played in all 11 games, and helped the Hounds earn 352.9 total yards and 238.2 rushing yards per game. In 2004, he started all 11 games, as Eastern rushed for 223.8 yards per game and gained 351.9 total yards per contest. He redshirted in 2001.

Robert Acuna, Jr.Acuna was chosen Second Team All-LSC South for the third year in a row. He started every game for the Greyhounds this season, helping Eastern score 307 total points, while accumulating 199 first downs. He contributed to Eastern setting a school single game record with 475 rushing yards against West Texas A&M (Oct. 8). He also helped the Greyhounds rank second in the Lone Star Conference in sacks against, as the ENMU offensive line gave up just nine sacks for 42 yards during the season.

Acuna played in a total of 40 games during his ENMU career. He saw action for the Hounds in seven games in 2004, despite missing four contests with of a leg injury and a shoulder injury. He started all 11 games in 2003 and played in all 11 games in 2002. He transferred to ENMU following a redshirt season at Angelo State in 2001.

Honorable Mention All-LSC South

ENMU’s six players named Honorable Mention All-LSC South this season included three offensive players, two defensive players and a special teams standout. The offensive players were quarterback Michael Benton (So., 5’11”, 192 lbs., Everman, TX/Everman Joe C. Bean HS), running back Jason Tezeno (Sr., 5’11”, 180 lbs., Levelland, TX/Levelland HS) and offensive tackle T.J. Cobb (Sr., 6’5”, 250 lbs., Alvin, TX/Ranger Junior College). Defensive selections were defensive end Kyle Wilson (Fr., 6’1”, 232 lbs., Seagraves, TX/Seagraves HS) and defensive back Brandon Harper (So., 5’11”, 190 lbs., Dallas, TX/Skyline HS). Junior punter Lee Price (5’11”, 195 lbs., Holliday, TX/ Holliday HS) also received Honorable Mention.

Michael BentonBenton set an ENMU quarterback record by rushing for 1,311 yards. He averaged 119.2 rushing yards per game to rank second in the LSC and tie for 23rd in NCAA Division II. His rushing average led all Division II quarterbacks. Benton tied the ENMU records for total touchdowns (17) and points scored (102), while establishing a new record for rushing touchdowns (17). He guided the ENMU offense to 4,107 total yards, an average of 373.4 yards per game, including a school record 3,333 rushing yards (303.0 per game). ENMU ranked fourth in Division II in rushing offense.

It was Benton’s first season as the Greyhounds’ starter at quarterback. He rushed for more than 100 yards eight times, including a career-high 176 yards against Tarleton State University on Oct. 15. He scored four rushing touchdowns in Eastern’s win over Angelo State (Oct. 1).

During the season, he completed 42 of 109 passes for 774 yards and eight touchdowns. His season high for yardage in a single game was 157 yards against West Texas A&M (Oct. 8).

Jason TezenoTezeno rushed for 594 yards on 98 carries (6.1 avg.) and caught six passes for 128 yards (21.3 avg.). He scored three rushing touchdowns and one touchdown on a pass reception. He gained a career- high 192 yards and scored all three of his touchdowns against West Texas A&M (Oct. 8) to earn LSC South Offensive Player of the Week. He was a key player in Eastern’s option offense, which averaged 303.0 rushing yards per game to lead the LSC.

In four seasons at Eastern, Tezeno rushed for 1,576 yards and 13 touchdowns on 287 carries (5.5 avg.). He also caught 34 passes during his career for 597 yards and two touchdowns. He played in 42 games during his career.

T.J. CobbCobb started all 11 games in 2005. His blocking helped the Greyhounds achieve 373.4 total yards per game. He also contributed to the success of Eastern’s rushing attack, as the Hounds set a school record with 3,333 rushing yards and Benton rushed for 1,311 yards.

In 2004, Cobb missed the entire season due to a knee injury. In 2003, he helped ENMU rush for 238.2 yards per game to rank ninth in NCAA Division II. The Greyhounds ranked fourth in Division II in 2005.



Kyle Wilson Wilson
started all 11 games as a freshman this season. He recorded 46 total tackles, while making 20 solo stops and providing 26 assists. He penetrated opposing backfields for 8.0 tackles for losses (28 yards) and 2.0 quarterback sacks (13 yards). He earned a personal-best seven tackles for ENMU against East Central University on Sept. 17 and against Midwestern State University on Oct. 29. He recovered one fumble and broke up three passes during the season. He was one of just five freshmen selected for the All-LSC South Team.



Brnadon Harper Harper
ranked fourth on Eastern’s defensive chart with 58 total tackles. He earned 27 unassisted tackles and recorded 31 assists. He registered a personal-high 13 tackles, including eight solo stops, against Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Sept. 3. Harper provided the Greyhounds with 4.5 tackles for losses (17 yards) and 2.0 quarterback sacks (14 yards). He also broke up three passes and forced a fumble. He was one of Eastern’s most consistent defensive players.

Last season, Harper saw action in two games and recorded one tackle for the Greyhounds. He made a successful move into a starting position this season, as he played in 10 of 11 games. Harper redshirted at ENMU in 2003.

Lee PricePrice averaged 37.9 yards per punt with a long of 56 yards. He placed seven punts inside the 20-yard line. Many of his 58 punts were kicked out of bounds or near the sidelines to prevent returns. His most successful day of placing his punts occurred on Sept. 24 at Abilene Christian, when the only return by All-American Danieal Manning went for a two-yard loss and a safety. In 2004, Price averaged 42.6 yards on 16 punts. His career average is 38.8 yards per punt.

During three seasons at ENMU, Price has accumulated impressive place-kicking statistics. He has connected on 93 of 99 extra points (93.9%) and 30 of 51 field goals (58.8%). This season, he hit 35 of 37 PATs and 8 of 13 field goals. He kicked a 52-yarder against East Central (Sept. 17) that was one yard short of the ENMU record. Twice in his career, he has kicked four field goals to tie the school record.

LSC South Special Awards

The LSC South head coaches also voted for several special awards. The awards and recipients were: Coach of the Year, Don Carthel, West Texas A&M; Offensive Lineman of the Year, Sam Skidmore (Sr., OG), Tarleton State; Offensive Back-of-the-Year, Derrick Ross (Sr., RB), Tarleton State; Receiver of the Year, Tonae Martin (Sr., WR), West Texas A&M; Defensive Lineman of the Year, Clayton Farrell (Sr., DL), Abilene Christian; Linebackers of the Year, Deandrae Fillmore (Jr., LB), TAMU-Kingsville; Defensive Back of the Year, Renardrick Phillips, Tarleton State; Freshman of the Year, Kyle Fox (RB), Angelo State.

spacer