Coach Abell, Hammond Earn PFL Major Awards
4/26/2021 2:05:00 PM | Football
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Davidson head coach Scott Abell and freshman defensive end Jonathan Hammond begin a three-day award rollout for the Pioneer Football League, earning the conference's Coach of the Year and Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, announced Monday.
Hammond proved to be a problem to opposing offenses from his first game as a Wildcat. The Dunwoody, Ga., native strip sacked Joey Baughman of then-nationally ranked Elon, his first of three forced turnovers in the abridged season. Hammond recorded 22 tackles, 16 solo, 9.5 for loss and 4.0 sacks. He also recovered two fumbles, one leading to a touchdown in the home-opening win over Presbyterian.
Defensive coordinator Jon Berlin's unit now boasts a pair of PFL Defensive Freshman of the Year as Hammond joins safety Dreylan Hines who was recognized for this accolade in 2018.
"Jonathan had a huge impact defensively for us. He was a constant disrupter for opposing offenses," said Berlin. "We are very proud of what he was able to accomplish during this championship season."
In just his third season at the helm, Abell guided the 'Cats to their first postseason berth and conference title in 52 years. A finalist for the 34th Eddie Robinson Award, given to the FCS National Coach of the Year, he quickly turned Davidson football into a national name, winning the PFL just three years after taking over the reins of a program that had a single league win from 2013-17.
Abell becomes the first PFL Coach of the Year since Tripp Merritt earned his peers praise in 2006. In three short seasons, Abell has already jumped into a tie for ninth in all-time wins with 18.
"The Coach of the Year Award represents our entire staff, team and program. It is truly a team and program award," said Abell. "I am blessed to be surrounded by so many talented and dedicated people."
The All-PFL Team will be announced tomorrow, Apr. 27. Keep up-to-date with the latest on Davidson football on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!
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