Fargo, ND – Six Friend University Falcons have earned a spot on the Victory Sports Network (VSN) NAIA All-America team, announced today (Dec. 22) by the VSN.
K'Vonte Baker (Ath) and offensive lineman Kyree Watkins are first-team selections, with kicker Truitt Bosher receiving third-team recognition. Offensive lineman Kenyon Vigil, running back E'derian Sykes and linebacker Andrew Arnold were honorable-mention choices.
Baker, a second-team AFCA NAIA All-America performer and three-time KCAC Player of the Year, earns his second consecutive VSN All-America nod after setting his own modern-era single-season record with 30 rushing touchdowns along with a team-leading 1,181 rushing yards. A Wichita native, Baker wrapped up his career with 3,645 career rushing yards to eclipse Jesse Rogers' modern era rushing record set back in 2016.
It's also the second straight VSN All-America award for Watkins, who anchored an offensive line that paved the way for the Falcons to break their own NAIA single-season rushing record with 5,979 rushing yards. A two-time AFCA NAIA All-American and KCAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, Watkins was a critical ingredient in the Falcons leading the NAIA with 79 rushing touchdowns on the season.
As a freshman, Bosher nailed 10-of-11 field goals and drilled a school modern-era record 92 extra points.
Vigil teamed with Watkins to serve as centerpieces for the Falcons historic offensive line, while Sykes ran through the holes the line created and ranked second on the team with 971 rushing yards along with eight rushing touchdowns. Arnold ranked second on the team in tackles (50.0), tied for first in sacks (6.0) and had two interceptions for a defensive unit that finished third in the NAIA in points allowed per game (13.8 ppg).
The Falcons completed a season that will live forever in the history books. Under head coach Terry Harrison, Friends won a program record 12 games and advanced to the NAIA FCS quarterfinals for the first time in school history.
About the selections: The VSN NAIA Football team is compiled by Jason Dannelly of the Victory Sports Network. Nominations are automatically taken from First Team selections from the All-Conference teams in the NAIA. Input on the selections comes from coaches, SIDs and media members around the NAIA. The final selections are made by Dannelly.
