Three University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football players were named to the All-SWAC teams this season, the conference announced Tuesday.
Wide receiver JaVonnie Gibson was one of two first-team wide receivers, joining Nathan Rembert of Mississippi Valley State. Gibson was the only Golden Lion named to the first team.
UAPB placed two on the second team. Offensive linemen Christon Love, who moved from tackle to center this season, earned the nod for offense.
On defense, Jaden Kelly was one of three linebackers named to the second team.
UAPB’s three All-SWAC selections are an improvement by one from last year, though both Golden Lions on the 2023 teams were named first team. UAPB had one player on the preseason All-SWAC team entering this season with punter Jeremy Baker being named to the preseason second team.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Jackson State led the SWAC with 11 selections, followed by Alabama State’s eight and Florida A&M’s seven.
Alabama A&M and Alcorn State had six each, followed by Bethune-Cookman with four.
UAPB’s three outnumbered Grambling State and Texas Southern, which had two apiece, and Prairie View A&M, Southern and Mississippi Valley State with one each.
In addition to the All-SWAC teams, the league announced its individual awards on Monday.
Jackson State’s T.C. Taylor was named coach of the year.
JSU running back Irv Mulligan was named offensive player of the year and kick returner Travis Terrell Jr. was named freshman of the year.
Southern’s Ckelby Givens and Grambling’s Andrew Jones were named co-defensive players of the year, and Florida A&M quarterback Daniel Richardson was named freshman of the year.
Christon Love
Jaden Kelly