In our 15th week of gridiron action, the Valdosta State Blazers continue to represent the Gulf South Conference as they host one of the D2 Semifinal matchups on Saturday. In addition, several conference players will be participating in the an all-star game this weekend.

This week also featured the naming of All-America honorees from the American Football Coaches Association as two players from the GSC made the list.


Postseason Honors J.T. HassellDevontae Jackson was named to the Second Team by the AFCA. The honor marks the second consecutive season for such an accolade as he was named to the First Team Associated Press All-America listing last season.

This recognition is in addition to other postseason honors such as being named to the All-Gulf South Conference Team for a fourth consecutive year and the First Team of D2CCA All-Super Region 2 honors. He was a 2017 Harlon Hill Finalist and culminated his career on the field this fall by leading the league in both rushing (1,320 yards) and all-purpose yards (1,557 yards). Jackson set school career records in both categories and ends his career as the most prolific kickoff return specialist in West Georgia history.


National Bowl

I have also just got word that eight GSC players will participate in the Ninth Annual National Bowl this Saturday in Daytona Beach. The game features the top players from non-FBS programs across the country. Kickoff is set for 9:30 AM EST.

Representing the GSC on the National Team is J.T. Hassell (FIT) and Tevin Isom (UWG) while Antoine Griffin (UWF), Marvin Conley (UWF), Emoni Williams (UWG), Nicarius Peterson (UWA), Donovan Carter (DSU), and Sam Adams (UWF) will play on the American Team.


Falcons migrating south to ValdostaRogan Wells just before halftime in that contest. It was the third time this season that VSU has scored more than 60 points in a game.

For the second time in the postseason, the Blazers will be facing another Harlon Hill Finalist. This time, a running back, as Notre Dame freshman Jaleel McLaughlin ranks third nationally in all-purpose yards (191.2) and leads the nation in rushing yards (2,246) while being second in rushing yards per game (172.8). He has scored 19 touchdowns so far this year. Yet, they also get it done through the air with their standout receiver Marvelle RossMy Pick: Valdosta State by 20


Andy Davis has followed GSC sports since 1985 and proudly covered the conference for D2Football.com since 2014. He is a past contributor to the D2 Football Preview, TimesDaily, and Franklin County Times as well as having appeared on ESPN Pensacola radio. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter.

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