University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Russ Huesman and senior defensive end Josh Beard were recognized by the Southern Conference coaches and received two of the top postseason awards, the league announced Tuesday.

Huesman shared the coach of the year award with Appalachian State's Jerry Moore, while Beard was named the defensive player of the year after leading the SoCon with 12 sacks.

After being shut out of the postseason awards and honors last season, when the Mocs went 1-11 and 0-8 in SoCon play, UTC had numerous players recognized following Huesman's first season. The Mocs went 6-5 and finished tied for fourth in the SoCon with a 4-4 record in league play.

Beard, senior kicker Craig Camay and junior cornerback Buster Skrine earned first-team all-conference honors, and senior wideout Blue Cooper, junior left tackle Chris Harr and senior linebacker Joseph Thornton were named to the second team.

In addition, defensive end Josh Williams and running back Chris Awuah were named to the all-freshman team.

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