Nine Kats earn all-CUSA honors
12/10/2024 1:48:00 PM | Football
DALLAS – Sam Houston football had nine players earn all-Conference USA honors on Tuesday, including three finding their way onto the first team, per a release from league officials.Â
Each of the Bearkats' three first teamers come from the defensive side of the ball, a unit which leads CUSA in scoring defense and currently ranks second in total defense. The accolades come as Sam Houston prepares for its first-ever bowl appearance in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 19 at the Caesars Superdome. Â Â
Linebacker Kavian Gaither, along with defensive end Chris Murray and defensive back Caleb Weaver all were named to the first team while offensive linemen Ethan Hagler and James Dawn II each earned second team honors.Â
Additionally, running back Jay Ducker and wide receiver Simeon Evans were named honorable mention all-CUSA and running back DJ McKinney and offensive lineman Kolt Dieterich were named to the league's all-freshman team.Â
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Kavian Gaither (LB) - First TeamÂ
Gaither has been huge for the Kats in his senior season, starting at linebacker in every game for the top defensive unit in Conference USA. The Waco native finished the regular season ranked second on the team with 85 total tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, adding an interception and a pair of fumble recoveries to his total. He ranked in the top 10 in CUSA-only play with 63 total tackles and set a career high with 17 stops late in the season vs Jax State, closing the year with 5.5 TFLs in his final four games of the year. Â
Chris Murray (DE) - First TeamÂ
Murray entered the season with high expectations and lived up to them as one of the most elite players on the defensive line in Conference USA. He finished the regular season with 34 total tackles, but was at his best making impact plays, forcing a pair of fumbles and finishing second in CUSA with 11.5 TFLs and fourth with 5.5 sacks. He had a TFL in nine of 12 games played on the season, including a season-high 2.5 stops behind the line and a forced fumble in the win at UTEP.Â
Caleb Weaver (DB) - First TeamÂ
Weaver established himself as one of the elite defenders in Conference USA in 2024 and finished the year with a league-best four interceptions as part of 10 total passes defended. A nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, his 86 total tackles led the team and ranked in the top 10 in the league, while his 62 solo stops were the most of any individual in CUSA. Weaver opened the year with 10 stops in a win over Rice and had picks in consecutive games vs Hawaii and NM State, earning CUSA Defensive Player of the Week honors after the win over the Rainbow Warriors.Â
Ethan Hagler (OL) - Second TeamÂ
Hagler lived up to his preseason all-CUSA nomination in 2024 as the centerpiece of a unit which produced the third-ranked rushing attack in the league. The senior was a team captain who will play in his 50th career game as a Bearkat in the New Orleans Bowl. Hagler has started 46 games in his career, including 24 consecutive games at center for Sam Houston over the past two seasons.Â
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James Dawn II (OL) - Second TeamÂ
Dawn has been a versatile and reliable piece to the Kats' offensive line since beginning to work his way into the starting lineup in 2022. He started every game for the Kats the past two seasons, and although he has shown the ability to play multiple positions along the front, he found a home in 2024 as the team's starting right guard. He was a preseason all-league choice by Athlon Sports, but this is his first nod for a postseason honor. He enters the New Orleans Bowl now with 26 career starts under his belt after having started every game over the past two years. Â
Jay Ducker (RB) - Honorable MentionÂ
Ducker was a big piece in the Bearkat offensive attack, leading the team and finishing eighth in the league with 719 yards on 148 carries with seven touchdowns. He had 100-yard rushing efforts vs both Hawaii and Kennesaw State, along with scoring three touchdowns in the win over Texas State. Â
Simeon Evans (WR) - Honorable MentionÂ
Evans was the Kats' top receiver in 2024, leading the team and finishing 12th in the league with 474 yards and five touchdowns on 43 grabs. He led the team in receiving yards in five games, including four of the final six contests of the season. His biggest game of the year came in the season finale vs Liberty when he hauled in seven passes for 83 yards and a pair of scores. Â
DJ McKinney (RB) - All-FreshmanÂ
McKinney led all CUSA freshmen in rushing with 479 yards on 95 totes with three scores. His biggest game came at UTEP when he exploded for 138 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, including a 59-yard touchdown scamper to put the game away.Â
Kolt Dieterich (OL) - All-FreshmanÂ
Dieterich redshirted the 2023 season, but stepped into a prominent role in 2023 as a redshirt freshman. He played in every game along the offensive line in 2024, seeing time at multiple positions before taking over the role of starting left tackle in five of the final six games of the season.
