The USA South Conference announced today the end of the year awards (Nov. 20). Voted on by the league's head coaches, players can earn Rookie or Player of the Year acolades, First or Second Team honors or other superlatives. This year's awards were headlined by Wes Dodson earning USA South Football Coach of the Year and linebacker Ched Smith being named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Superlative Awards

Head Coach Wes Dodson was selected by his peers as the USA South Football Coach of the Year for the first time in program history. After finishing 0-9 (0-7 USAS) and being predicted to place last in the conference again, Dodson and the Panthers made league history by achieving a remarkable six-win turnaround. The immediate transformation was not the only thing historic about the year. LaGrange's final record of 6-4 (6-2 USAS) marks the most single-season victories since 2008 (9-2) and the most LC USA South Conference wins. 

Freshman linebacker Ched Smith is the fourth Panther in program history to be voted USA South Defensive Rookie of the Year. Noticeably one of the only players on the field to never wear gloves or any other extra gear, the three-time All-Conference Rookie of the Week linebacker has been a force to be reckoned with all season long. In his ten appearances, Smith accounted for 59 tackles, including 47 solo tackles, which ranks third highest in the league. The linebacker's ability to create backfield chaos for the competition is a key factor in Smith's success. His team-high 13.5 tackles for a loss places him second in the conference, while his five sacks puts him fourth. Smith's standout season also included a forced fumble and a touchdown scoop and score fumble recovery. The linebacker earned a Second Team All-Conference selection as well. 

First Team

From the first time graduate student linebacker Desmond Fogle adorned the red and black, the USA South was put on notice that there was a new sheriff in town. After an incredible season in which the defensive leader posted a team-high 78 tackles (seventh in USAS), a solid 7.5 tackles for a loss, two fumble recoveries (tied for first in USAS) and an LC record-breaking 92-yard defensive touchdown return, Fogle was selected as a First Team All-Conference linebacker. One stat that cannot be measured but also must not be ignored is leadership, and Fogle demonstrated this throughout the 2024 campaign. Whether it be chasing down big plays, making on-the-field calls or putting fellow Panthers in the correct adjustments, LaGrange could always count on the incredibly talented field general to get it done. 

Throughout the season, LC delivered numerous devastating hits, but whenever the crowd erupted with audible reactions, it was most often junior safety Deon King Jr. making the play. From crumpling the Brevard College wide receiver on the Tornadoes' final drive (Oct. 19) to the third down opening series sack against Huntingdon College (Nov. 2), King delivered big blow after big blow in clutch moments this season. The hard-hitting safety posted 52 tackles, 5.5 TFL, two interceptions (third most in USAS) and a forced fumble along with a sack, earning First Team All-Confernce honors. Be on the lookout for no. 38 next season, King will surely look to end his career with another statement season. 

Second Team

After leading the team with 693 receiving yards (fourth most in USAS) and six touchdowns (fourth most in USAS), senior wideout Jasharie Anderson earned a Second Team All-Conference selection. Affectionately known by his teammates as "Smoove," Anderson encapsulates this nickname in everything he does. Whether he is burning a pair of defenders over the top or scoring a touchdown off of a jet sweep, the College Park, Georgia native looked silky smooth doing it. The senior closed out his career being the league's biggest deep-ball threat, accounting for a 40-plus yard catch in seven different games this year. 

If Anderson was the lighting, then junior Ashton Bryant would be the thunder in this dynamic wideout duo. Bryant joined his partner in earning Second Team All-Conference honors after putting together a breakout season. Compared to Waffle House for always being open when you need him, Bryant finished with a team-high 45 catches (third best in USAS) for 520 yards (fifth best in USAS) and three touchdowns. Not only did he excel at creating space, the wideout was not afraid to lower his shoulder to gain extra yards. One of Bryant's best moments of the season was when he high-pointed the game winning touchdown over the Huntingdon College defensive back to secure the Panthers' first win against the Hawks since 2014 (Nov. 2). 

One of the most exciting players in the league over the past two seasons has been senior running back Goldman Butler VI. Whether you need a workhorse who can carry the ball 40 times a game and average over four yards per attempt or an extra receiver out of the backfield, Butler always provided what was needed to move the chains. The powerful yet nimble back handled the ball 231 times, amassing 1,001 yards (averaging 4.3 yards per carry) and scoring nine touchdowns, ranking second in the conference for both yards and touchdowns. The only other time a Panther rushed for over 1000 yards in a single-season was Mario Wallace in 2008. This outstanding year earned Butler Second Team All-Conference honors. 

Closing out the LC offensive accolades is sophomore lineman Jacob Brim. While there are no specific stats for the offensive line, one stat that can show how well a unit did, is the sacks allowed tally. The Panthers finished the season giving up a league-low eight sacks (.8 per game). The conference's second best was Maryville College, who allowed 12 in nine games (1.3 per contest). Brim did an excellent job anchoring this top-offensive line all season long, earning him Second Team All-Conference honors. 

After securing a league-high four interceptions, sophomore safety Keyon Stoutemire was selected to the Second All-Conference Team. Along with these turnovers, Stoutemire made 38 tackles and .5 TFL in his ten appearances. This breakout season was highlighted by a fourth quarter interception against the Huntingdon Hawks to help the Panthers grab an historic victory over HC. Stoutemire's explosive footwork combined with his ability to use his long frame has made the young playmaker a nightmare for opposing offenses. 

Honorable Mention 

Earning USA South Honorable mention is junior defensive end Jaylan Harris. The quick but powerful edge rusher finished with 26 tackles, six TFL, one sack and accounted for an inception in the final game of the year. 

Sportsmanship

Closing out the 2024 LC awards is senior defensive end Denver Griffis, earning a spot on the USA South Sportsmanship Team. This is given to a player from each team who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship throughout the season. 

Click here to view the full list of honorees.