By By Nick Pipitone

SEASON HONORS

MVP: WR Devale Ellis

The senior WR put up great numbers this season, catching a team-high 74 balls for 943 yards and five TDs, while also climbing up in the Pride record books. But more importantly, Ellis had the best work ethic on the team, which was evident on the field. At only five-foot-nine, 170 pounds, he played with intensity twice his size.

Offensive MVP: WR Marques Colston

Colston’s size and ability made him the most important player in the Pride offense. At six-foot-four, 230-pounds, the senior WR was a huge target for QB Anton Clarkson.

He posted 70 receptions for a team-high 975 yards and five TDs, moving up to number one all-time in career receiving yards and number two in all-time receptions. He is a pro prospect who has been receiving plenty of interest from NFL scouts.

Defensive MVP: LB Cole Haley

The senior captain had a nose for the ball, posting a career-best 117 tackles and five sacks, leading a much-improved, albeit inconsistent, defense.

Most Improved: RB Kareem Huggins

The sophomore RB had a breakout year, rushing for 537 yards and six TDs, averaging a team-high 6.1-yards-per-carry. Out of the backfield, Huggins also had 11 catches for 148 yards and a TD.

Overall, he more than tripled his output from his freshman year, when he only had 27 carries and six receptions.

Play of the Year: Huggins’ fumble in the final minutes of a 29-26 loss to New Hampshire

The fumble came with 2:51 left in the fourth quarter with the Pride trailing the Wildcats by three. After driving 72 yards on eight plays and using about four minutes of clock, Huggins fumbled on a first and goal at the New Hampshire two-yard line. The Wildcats recovered and ran out the clock to hold on for the win.

At 5-3 overall and 3-2 in the conference, the Pride needed a win over the No. 2 Wildcats to keep its playoff and conference title hopes alive. Huggins’ fumble signified the end of those hopes.