Jacob Huesman continues to reap the benefits of a record-setting football season. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s rising senior quarterback has been selected the college player of the year for the state by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association.
Memphis coach Justin Fuente beat out UTC’s Russ Huesman for state coach of the year.
Jacob Huesman was the top vote-getter from among 11 players at all Tennessee colleges and universities with football programs.
“None of it really stacks up to what the team did, but it’s always nice to be recognized,” he said. “We didn’t reach our ultimate goal, but we accomplished a lot as a team and I was just glad to be a part of that. It is a nice reassurance that I’m helping the team.
“The fact it’s my last year is plenty motivation enough, because you definitely want to finish strong. I only have one more go-around to reach a national championship. That’s what we’re all working for.”
Huesman, a two-time Southern Conference offensive player of the year, passed for 2,741 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also ran for 1,009 yards and 14 touchdowns to lead the Mocs to a 10-4 overall record, a second straight SoCon title (finishing 7-0 in the league) and the program’s first appearance in the FCS playoff quarterfinals.
A three-year starter who is on his way to owning almost every school passing, scoring and total-offense record, Huesman was named to the Beyond Sports Network FCS All-America second team.
He and Coach Fuente will be honored during a luncheon at the TSSAA headquarters in Nashville on July 10 as part of the TSWA conference.
Fuente directed Memphis to a 10-3 finish, highlighting the season with a 55-48 win over Brigham Young in the Miami Beach Bowl.
Memphis had the third best improvement for FBS teams last season, winning seven more games than in 2013. The Tigers finished No. 25 in the final Associated Press poll and No. 23 in the USA Today/Amway coaches’ poll. It was the first time since 2004 the Tigers were ranked in the AP poll.
Fuente was the American Athletic Conference coach of the year after leading the Tigers to a share of the conference title, Memphis’ first league title since 1971.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.