CEDAR CITY, Utah - The 2023 Phil Steele postseason accolades have been released, and highlighting the awards for the Thunderbirds was Isaiah Wooden. Wooden was named a third-team All-American based on his outstanding season. Southern Utah had several players recognized in the Phil Steele All-UAC team. These postseason awards recognize some of the most accomplished football players across the country.
Coach DeLane Fitzgerald Said
"We are very proud of these young men and the efforts they have put into our program this year. They earned these recognitions through every rep that they put in during practice. Each one of them added to our team daily and helped us have a successful season."
All-American Honors
WR- Isaiah Wooden- Wooden had an outstanding year in 2023. He hauled in 61 receptions this season for a total of 904 receiving yards. This put his average at 14.82 yards per reception. Wooden grabbed 14 touchdown receptions on the season, the second most receiving touchdowns in a season in school history. Wooden also tied the school record for receiving touchdowns in a single game with an extraordinary four score effort in the Thunderbirds victory at Stephen F. Austin.
WR- Zach Mitchell- Mitchell collected 36 receptions on the season, leading to 460 receiving yards. Mitchell hauled in four touchdowns on the season and was named to the FCS Football Central 2023 Freshman All-American Team and the Phil Steele Freshman All-American third team.
All-UAC First Team
The Thunderbirds had three players named to the All-UAC first team, including Kohner Cullimore, Isaiah Wooden, and Robert Horsey.
Horsey was an integral part of the Thunderbird defense. He led the defensive line with 47 total tackles. He also led the team in sacks with 4.5 and tackles for a loss with 12.5. The graduate transfer immediately took a leadership role, becoming a team captain and guiding the Thunderbirds to a stellar defensive year. Coming off an impressive rookie season, Cullimore posted equally great defensive numbers in his second year with the Thunderbirds. Cullimore racked up 73 total tackles, including three sacks and 10 tackles for a loss. Cullimore also notched five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one pass breakup, and a crucial blocked field goal in the season's final game.
All-UAC Second Team
Five starters for Southern Utah were named to the second team including Collin Gardner, Isaiah Wooden, Aubrey Nellems, Justin Miller, and Rylen Sua-Filo.
These Southern Utah stars blazed a trail of success this season. Rylen Sua-Filo anchored a dominant defensive line, notching 28 tackles and disrupting plays with two sacks and five tackles for loss. Aubrey Nellems led the team with 79 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a handful of key disruptions. Colin Gardner's growth fortified the offensive line, enabling 1715 rushing yards and protecting QB Justin Miller, who set numerous school records with 2527 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Together, these standout performers defined Southern Utah's triumphant 2023 campaign.
All-UAC Third Team
The Thunderbirds who made their mark on the All-UAC third team were Edward Riley, Isaiah Wooden, Lyle Santos, and Aj Felton.
Lyle Santos and Edward Riley were linchpins in the Thunderbird offensive line, orchestrating a stellar season that saw 1715 rushing yards and a remarkable nine sacks allowed—a team-best since 2015 and ranking among the top in the conference and nationally in FCS. Meanwhile, AJ Felton showcased his impact with 19 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions totaling 31 yards across 11 games, contributing significantly to the team's success.
All-UAC Fourth Team
Three more Thunderbirds earned recognition on the All-UAC fourth team for their contributions to the team this season, they include Trevon Gola-Callard, Braedon Wissler, and Cody Coleman.
Tre Gola-Callard emerged as a tackling leader for the Thunderbirds with 70 total tackles, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and impactful plays like a crucial forced fumble returned for a touchdown in a comeback victory against Tarleton. Cody Coleman's consistent performance included 29 tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, key interceptions, and a pivotal forced fumble in the season's final win over Utah Tech. Braedon Wissler proved reliable in the running game, tallying 686 yards, five touchdowns, and three 100+ yard rushing games while contributing 18 receptions and a receiving touchdown for Southern Utah.
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