Bowling Green, KY – Coming off of another successful season, in which the Patriots posted a 6-4 overall record for their fifth consecutive year, Cumberlands had multiple players standout for their performances on the season.  Thursday eight Patriots were recognized for their outstanding play on the field as they were named Mid-South Conference All-Conference honorees, conference officials announced.

Three Patriots earned first team all-conference accolades lead by offensive linemen Jackson Norton and Logan Stephens, who provided stability to the offensive line.  Norton, the four-year center, becomes the first UC offensive lineman and sixth player in program history to be a four time all-conference selection.  It marks the second straight year Norton was a first team honoree after earning second team honors during his first two season. 

Stephens garners all-conference honors for the third time in his career.  The four-year Patriot starter was second-team selection in 2018 and 2019 as he elevated his play season for first team honors.  The duo of Norton and Stephens helped the Patriots to 1,965 rushing yards this season, which ranks 16^th in the NAIA. 

Sophomore lineman Kendall Adams-Young earned his spot as a conference leader defensively, earning first team all-conference honors. The Mobile, AL native had a breakout season for the Patriots tallying a career-high 41 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 10.5 tackles for loss.  Adams-Young notched a pair of sacks and made five tackles in the win over (RV) Bethel.  The sophomore led the team in sacks and tackles for loss on the season.

Earning all-conference accolade for the third straight season is running back Martize Smith.  Smith led Cumberlands with 573 yards, averaging 81.9 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry.  Despite only playing in seven games, the sophomore was a focal point of the Patriots offense.  Smith is ranked third in the conference in rushing yards and yards per game as he posted a pair of 100 yard performance.  The Decatur, GA native was instrumental in the Patriots come-from-behind win over Pikeville as he rushed for a season-high 185 yards and a pair of scores.  Smith also became the tenth member of the 2,000 career yard club as he has rushed for 2,291 yards which ranks seventh all-time.

For the second time in the past three years Kumi Sarpong Jr. has landed on the all-conference list.  Sarpong Jr. recorded 36.0 tackles, 6.5 tackle for loss and five sacks over the ten game season.  He was a force to be reckon with on the Patriots defensive line and typically saw double-teams.  His five sacks on the season moves him to 18.5 for his career, which is fourth all-time in program history.  The junior tallied a career-high 3.5 sacks in the win over Florida Memorial and recorded at least four tackles in six games this season. 

One of the most consistent players for the Patriots this season was receiver Brandon Stuckey, who put together a career season to earn second team all-conference honors.  The senior tallied career-highs and led the team in receptions, yards, yards per game, and touchdowns.  In addition, Stuckey is ranked second in the MSC with 37 receptions, 653 yards, 65.3 yards per game, and seven touchdowns.  The Dublin, GA native tied the school record as part of his breakout game against Southeastern when he caught three balls for 143 yards and three scores.  Stuckey also etched his name into the program record book with 72 career receptions and 1,444 yard which both ranks fourth.  He also finished tied for second in for career touchdowns with 15.

For the first time since 2018, Cumberlands landed a punter on the all-conference list as Harlin Brown was a second team all-conference honoree.  Brown was one of Cumberlands most consistent performers through the season averaging 41.5 yards per punt and consistently flipping the field position.  The two-time MSC Special Team Player of the Week pinned opposing offenses inside their 20 yard line 16 times throughout the season and had four punts of at least 50 yards.  The Winder, GA native finished the year ranked sixth in the NAIA and second in the MSC in yards per punt.  Brown came up big multiple times throughout the year, however, against Bethel he punted the ball six times pinning the Wildcats within their 20 five times, and helped force a critical fumble, which led to UC taking the lead.

Also noted on the list for the first time of his career, Walker Dunn has improved as a safety for the Patriots as the season has progressed. The second year freshman finished second on the team with 46 tackles, including 28 total tackles.  Dunn recorded interceptions against Kentucky Christian and Bethel, both of which came at critical times of those games and helped flip the field position.  The Pulaski, TN native notched a season-high nine tackles against Cumberland.

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