Southern Utah University Defensive End James Cowser continues to re-write the record books for FCS football.  This past weekend during the NCAA playoff game against Sam Houston State University Cowser grabbed two more quarterback sacks to set a new all-time record.

Cowser entered the game with 41.5 career sacks, just one half sack behind the record of 42, set by Cal Poly's Chris GoCong in 2005.  Cowser's two sacks set the new record at 43.5 sacks over his career.

Head Coach Ed Lamb said, “James is an amazing competitor.  His value to our team has always been so much more than the sum of his statistics.  His work ethic and positive attitude will be a lasting legacy at SUU for years to come.”

James collected 7.5 sacks his freshman year, 11.5 each of his next two seasons and capped his SUU career with a new personal best 13 sacks in his senior campaign.

Cowser smashed the Big Sky Conference record for sacks by five tackles, surpassing Idaho State's Jared Allen's 38.5 record number set in 2003.

Assistant Head Coach Ryan Hunt reflected on James' incredible work ethic to achieve the goal, “James' fanatical approach to preparation was unrivaled throughout his career.  Each week for film study of each opponent, he always had a plan and executed it to the fullest with tremendous detail and effort.”

Earlier this season Cowser broke Allen's Big Sky Tackles For Loss record of 73 as he set a new national standard with TFLs.  Cowser pushed that career record number to 80 with his two TFLs in the playoff game.

The accolades continue to grow for the 2015 Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year.  Cowser recently accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Game, along with teammate, defensive back LeShaun Sims.  

Cowser recently won the ROOT Sports Defensive Player of the Week Award and has been listed on the FCS Defensive Player Watch List.