STEPHENVILLE – The 2024 Tarleton State Football season was historic in a number of ways. The Texans became the fifth team since 1978 to win an FCS playoff game in their first year eligible after reclassifying up, they played their most games in a season in program history and it was the longest season from start to finish in program history. Several individual records were shattered throughout the year, and thus, several individuals deserved postseason honors for their incredible play. The United Athletic Conference recognized those individuals on Friday.
The UAC announced that 10 Tarleton State players earned All-Conference honors, three on the First Team and seven on the Second Team. Wide receiver Darius Cooper, running back Kayvon Britten and defensive lineman Brandon Tolvert were First Team All-Conference at their respective positions. Quarterback Victor Gabalis, offensive lineman Layton Ernst, offensive lineman Tuli Teuhema, linebacker Ty Rawls, defensive back Kasyus Kurns, defensive back Donta Stuart and punter Adrian Guzman were named Second Team All-Conference.
Tarleton, who finished second in the conference standings, had the second most All-Conference honors across the UAC with 10. Only the conference champions, Abilene Christian, had more with 14. Eastern Kentucky and Southern Utah tied-third with seven All-Conference honors apiece. Austin Peay had six, Central Arkansas had five, Utah Tech and West Georgia had one each, and North Alabama had zero. The Lions did earn one of the five specialist awards, however, with Josh Anglin named Freshman of the Year. ACU’s Keith Patterson was named UAC Coach of the Year, Southern Utah’s Targhee Lambson earned Offensive Player of the Year, Central Arkansas’ David Walker won Defensive Player of the Year, and EKU’s Patrick Nations was Specialist of the Year.
Head coach Todd Whitten guided the Texans to another all-around effort that produced double-digit wins. Tarleton finished 10-4 overall, its most wins in its NCAA Division I era, with a run to the second round of the FCS Playoffs. The Texans were ranked high nationally in several different areas. On offense they were fourth in pass yards per completion, fifth in red zone offense, ninth in first downs, tied-13th in sacks allowed per game, 22nd in total offense, 23rd in rushing offense, 28th in scoring offense, 34th in tackles for loss allowed per game, and 42nd in passing offense. Defensively, the Texans attacked the ball and got the ball quite often. Nationally, they were tied-third in takeaways, tied-fifth in interceptions and tied-eighth in fumbles recovered. Finally, on special teams, the Texans excelled again, finishing tied-first in blocked kicks allowed, tied-first in blocked punts allowed, fourth in punt return defense, fifth in kick return defense, and 10th in net punting.
Cooper was a strong candidate for UAC Offensive Player of the Year after establishing himself as the leading receiver across all of NCAA Division I football, both FBS and FCS. This is Cooper’s third career postseason All-Conference honor and the second time on the First Team, as he was All-WAC First Team in 2022. This year, he finished the season with 1,450 yards and 14 touchdowns on 76 receptions, posting the most receiving yards in D1 college football, the tied-second most receiving TD’s in FCS (tied-third most across both FBS and FCS). Conference-wise, Cooper was first in receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, receiving yards per game (103.6), and was tied-first in receptions. He was second in average yards per catch (19.1). Cooper had seven 100-yard games on the year, with six coming over the last seven games of the season. He posted four multi-TD games, and had nine games with at least five receptions. Cooper set a new program playoff record in single-game receiving yards with 190 in Tarleton’s first playoff game on Nov. 30, surpassing Jahmeel Hobson’s 188 vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville on Nov. 14, 2009. He set a new program record in career receiving yards at 3,185, surpassing Clifton Rhodes III’s 2,757 from 2011-14. He became the second player in program history to have multiple seasons with 1,000 receiving yards (Devin Guinn, 2007 and 2009), falling just 12 yards shy of the single-season receiving yard record of 1,462 set by Zimari Manning in 2019. Cooper set a new program record for 100-yard receiving games in a Texan player’s career at 14, surpassing Manning’s 12 in 2018-19. At 29 career receiving touchdowns, Cooper is second, only behind Manning (2018-19) at 34.
Britten also had a strong case for UAC Offensive Player of the Year, as he finished as the leading rusher across the FCS and second across all of NCAA Division I football. This makes back-to-back First Team All-Conference honors while at Tarleton State, and three straight First Team All-Conference awards dating back to his time at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. This year across 14 games, Britten rushed for 1,982 yards and 18 touchdowns on 340 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per rush and 141.6 yards per game. He also had a touchdown and 165 yards on 16 receptions, finishing with 2,147 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns. Britten set a new single-season program rushing record, surpassing Derrick Ross’ mark that had stood for 20 years (1,560 in 2004). He rushed for over 100 yards in 11 different games, and with 15 in his Tarleton State career, he had the most ever by a Texan. Britten is one of three players in program history with multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Britten finished eighth in the voting for the Walter Payton Award (national offensive player of the year award). He was one of 35 finalists for the 2024 Walter Payton Award, one of 15 running backs among the finalists, with an additional 16 quarterbacks, three wide receivers and one offensive lineman. Britten was named the FCS Offensive National Player of the Week and UAC Offensive Player of the Week against North Alabama on Sept. 21 after 273 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 13.0 yards per carry. Britten set a new program record for single-game rushing yards, surpassing Ross’ 269 yards rushing vs. Western New Mexico on Sept. 10, 2005. Britten’s 273 rushing yards are the most in a single-game across FCS and second most across all of NCAA Division I this season, with the FBS leader at 278 (Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter). Britten’s four rushing touchdowns are the tied-third most in a game at the FCS level this season. Britten tied the program record in scoring with his four touchdowns, joining six others. Before Britten, the most recent to score four times in a game was Xavier Turner on Oct. 20, 2018. In the second quarter at North Alabama, Britten scored his first touchdown on a 96-yard run, which marked the longest run in program history. It’s the third longest rushing play across D1 this year, a yard short of UIW’s Dekalon Taylor (Sept. 21) and Saint Francis’ DeMarcus McElroy (Sept. 14). On Oct. 5 at Southern Utah, Britten crossed the 1,000-yard mark in the sixth game of the year. Only five FCS players have reached 1,000 yards in fewer games; South Dakota State’s Zach Zenner in 2012, Portland State’s Charles Dunn in 2000, Sacramento State’s Charles Roberts in 1999, Siena’s Reggie Greene in 1997, and Butler’s Arnold Mickens in 1994. Britten became the fifth player in program history to reach 3,000 career rushing yards at Tarleton and is only 104 yards rushing short of 2,000 on the season, a milestone no FCS player has reached since 2015. He is three touchdowns away from the most non-passing TD’s scored in a single-season in program history (22 three times, last by Zimari Manning in 2019). Britten is also four touchdowns shy of the most career non-passing touchdowns scored in program history (40 by Roderick Smith, 2007-10). His 1,896 rushing yards marks a new single-season program rushing record, surpassing Derrick Ross’ 1,560 in 2004. He set a new single-season rushing attempt program record, now at 316 rushing attempts, surpassing Derrick Ross’ 254 in 2004.
Tolvert lived in the backfield all season, finishing with 11.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four quarterback hurries, 63 total tackles and a pass breakup. Conference-wise, Tolvert was tied-third in tackles for loss and tied-10th in sacks. He posted multiple tackles for loss in four different games, including a 1.5 sack night against Utah Tech. Tolvert was named to the Preseason UAC All-Conference team ahead of 2024.
Gabalis earned his first career All-Conference honor after leading the Texans to a 9-3 overall record as the starting quarterback, 6-2 in UAC play. He completed 193-of-309 (.625) for 2,883 yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games, averaging 240.3 passing yards per game. He also scored a rushing touchdown and added 53 yards on the ground. Gabalis set career-bests in pass yards, pass touchdowns, and increased his completion percentage by eight percent. He threw a season-high four touchdowns twice, including in the second round of the playoffs at No. 4 ranked South Dakota, where he also had a season-high 379 passing yards. He had six multi-TD games on the year, including four games with three or more touchdowns. Conference-wise, Gabalis was second in pass yards per game, second in pass TD and second in total pass yards. Nationally, Gabalis was third in pass yards per completion (14.9), sixth in pass yards per attempt (9.3), 11th in pass yards, 18th in pass yards per game and 18th in pass TD.
Ernst earned his third straight postseason All-Conference award, while Teuhema earned his second straight since being at Tarleton State. Ernst and Teuhema each started all 14 games and helped the Tarleton offense to national marks of sixth in red zone offense (.930), eighth in pass yards per completion (14.3), 17th in rushing offense (198.2 rush yards per game), 22nd in sacks allowed (1.23 per), 25th in turnovers lost (13), 27th in total offense (411.1 YPG) and 28th in scoring offense (30.7 PPG). Conference-wise, Tarleton’s offense ranked third in scoring offense, third in total offense, and third in rushing offense.
Rawls recorded three forced fumbles, two interceptions, a fumble recovery, six pass breakups, a sack, three tackles for loss, and 41 total tackles at linebacker. Conference-wise, Rawls was one of four players with three or more forced fumbles, and was tied-ninth in interceptions. In Week 5, Rawls was named the UAC Defensive Player of the Week after recording a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, a tackle for loss and six total tackles in Tarleton State’s 36-33 home win vs. Southeastern Louisiana. His forced and recovered fumble marked a crucial part of the game, key to Tarleton’s 15-point swing from trailing by five to leading by 10. When the Texans were down 19-14, they scored to go up 22-19, and three plays later, Rawls forced the takeaway. On the very next play, the Texans scored again to lead 29-19.
Kurns was the complete player for Tarleton this season, recording three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, nine pass breakups, a sack, six tackles for loss, 64 tackles (46 solo), and a quarterback hurry. He led the team in pass breakups, forced fumbles (tied with Rawls) and fumble recoveries. Kurns was one of 14 players nationally with three fumble recoveries and led the UAC in the category. He was one of four players in the conference with three or more forced fumbles, and finished second in the conference in passes defended (11). Kurns opened the season on national television with two fumble recoveries, adding a forced fumble, a tackle for loss and six total tackles against McNeese on Aug. 24, to take UAC Defensive Player of the Week honors. In the next week at Baylor, Kurns earned an interception.
Stuart had a special senior season, leading the team in tackles with 97 (48 solo), adding two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, three pass breakups and two tackles for loss. At DB, Stuart was tied-second in fumble recoveries, seventh in tackles and tied-ninth in interceptions in the entire conference. Stuart had three games on the year with double-digit tackles, recording a season-high 18 against Southern Utah on Oct. 5. He completed his Texan career with 15 tackles and a TFL against 4-seed South Dakota in the second round of the playoffs.
Guzman booted 58 balls on the season covering 2,441 yards, averaging 42.1 yards per punt with 10 going 50 or more yards, and 23 pinning the opponent inside the 20-yard line, with just one touchback. Nationally, the Texans were 10th in Net Punting (40.8 yds per). Conference-wise, Guzman was second in punts inside the 20 and fourth in 50-yard punts. In Week 0, Guzman was named the UAC Special Teams players of the week, averaging 46.3 yards across his six boots, launching two 50+ yards and two inside the 20.
The full list of UAC’s 2024 postseason honors and awards can be found below.
Coach of the Year: Keith Patterson (Abilene Christian)*
Offensive Player of the Year: Targhee Lambson (Southern Utah)*
Defensive Player of the Year: David Walker (Central Arkansas)*
Specialist of the Year: Patrick Nations (EKU)
Freshman of the Year: Josh Anglin (North Alabama)
All-Conference | First Team Offense
Pos. Name School Cl. Hometown
QB *Maverick McIvor Abilene Christian Gr. San Angelo, Texas
RB *Targhee Lambson Southern Utah Sr. Spanish Fork, Utah
RB *Kayvon Britten Tarleton State Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio
WR *Darius Cooper Tarleton State Sr. St. Louis, Mo.
WR Nehemiah Martinez Abilene Christian Sr. Lubbock, Texas
TE Eni Falayi Utah Tech RS-Jr. Boston, Mass.
OL Jacob Thielen Abilene Christian Gr. Broomfield, Colo.
OL Payton Collins EKU Sr. Columbus, Ohio
OL Collin Gardner Southern Utah RS-Jr. Vienna, Wash.
OL Lyle Santos Southern Utah RS-Sr. Las Vegas, Nev.
C Tay Yanta Abilene Christian RS-Sr. Falls City, Texas
All-Conference | First Team Defense
DL *David Walker Central Arkansas Sr. Stuttgart, Ark.
DL *Malik Charles West Georgia So. Tempe, Ariz.
DL Jerry Lawson Abilene Christian So. Breckenridge, Texas
DL Brandon Tolvert Tarleton State Jr. Columbus, Ga.
LB *Maddox Marcellus EKU So. Miami, Fla.
LB Will Shaffer Abilene Christian RS-Sr. Tempe, Ariz.
LB Jace Benesch Central Arkansas Jr. Hoxie, Ark.
DB *TaMuarion Wilson Central Arkansas Sr. Bryant, Ark.
DB *Mike Smith Jr. EKU Sr. Jacksonville, Fla.
DB *Georgie Ramirez Southern Utah Sr. Mesa, Ariz.
DB Jaden Lyles Austin Peay Jr. Hendersonville, Tenn.
All-Conference | First Team Specialists
K *Patrick Nations EKU RS-Sr. Tamasse, S.C.
P Jacob Baker EKU RS-Fr. Corbin, Ky.
RS *Sam Hicks Abilene Christian RS-Sr. Fort Worth, Texas
LS Kyle Gasaway Central Arkansas Sr. Memphis, Tenn.
*-Denotes unanimous selection
All-Conference | Second Team Offense
Pos. Name School Cl. Hometown
QB *Victor Gabalis Tarleton State Jr. Duvall, Wash.
RB *Sam Hicks Abilene Christian RS-Sr. Fort Worth, Texas
RB *ShunDerrick Powell Central Arkansas Sr. Hoxie, Ark.
WR Blayne Taylor Abilene Christian RS-Sr. Saginaw, Texas
WR Jaden Barnes Austin Peay So. Fairburn, Ga.
TE Jed Castles Abilene Christian RS-Jr. Wichita Falls, Texas
OL Alan Hatten Abilene Christian RS-Sr. Great Meadows, N.J.
OL Steven Eakins Southern Utah RS-Jr. Santa Clarita, Calif.
OL Layton Ernst Tarleton State Sr. Mansfield, Texas
OL Tuli Teuhema Tarleton State Sr. Arlington, Texas
C Edward Riley Southern Utah Sr. Bellflower, Calif.
All-Conference | Second Team Defense
DL David Oke Abilene Christian Jr. Houston, Texas
DL Kaghen Roach Abilene Christian RS-Sr. Celina, Texas
DL Darrian Baker EKU Sr. Harrodsburg, Ky.
DL Lando Brown Southern Utah RS-Jr. Gardena, Calif.
LB Chris Wright Abilene Christian RS-Jr. Aledo, Texas
LB Dion Hunter Austin Peay Gr. Albuquerque, N.M.
LB Ty Rawls Tarleton State Sr. Wetumpka, Ala.
DB Jesse Johnson III Austin Peay RS-Sr. Columbus, Ohio
DB Jaheim Ward EKU RS-Sr. Moultrie, Ga.
DB Kasyus Kurns Tarleton State Sr. Chicago, Ill.
DB Donta Stuart Tarleton State Sr. Waco, Texas
All-Conference | Second Team Specialists
K Carson Smith Austin Peay RS-Jr. Belmont, N.C.
P Adrian Guzman Tarleton State Sr. Temple, Texas
RS Romon Copeland Jr. Austin Peay Gr. Chesapeake, Va.
LS Gavin Lipkin Southern Utah Jr. Las Vegas, Nev.
*-Denotes unanimous selection
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