AAC Football All-Conference Team and Awards Announced

WALESKA, Ga. - The Appalachian Athletic Conference announced the 2024 Football All-AAC Team and Awards on Thursday.

Lee Kirkland of Pikeville is the Offensive Player of the Year, Quincy Robinson of Bluefield is the Defensive Player of the Year, and Tyress McKey of Reinhardt is the Special Teams Player of the Year. Derell Simmons of Kentucky Christian is the Offensive Freshman of the Year, while Dashawn Webster is the Defensive Freshman of the Year. Corey Fipps of Pikeville is the Coach of the Year, and Kelly Scott of Bluefield is the Assistant Coaches of the Year.

The awards were voted on and selected by the football coaches of the AAC.

Kirkland, a quarterback, led the AAC in numerous passing statistical categories including completions (315), attempts (473), completion percentage (66.6 percent), passing yards (3,366), and passing touchdowns (35).

Robinson, a defensive lineman, led the conference in sacks (15.0) and is second in the league in tackles for a loss (21.5). He finished with 68 total tackles with 41 solo stops and 27 assisted tackles while forcing six fumbles and recovering four.

McKey, a running back, tied the NAIA records for the most touchdowns scored by kickoff return in a game (2) and in a season (4). He led the AAC in yards per kickoff return (34.7) after returning 15 kicks for 520 yards. He also returned two punts for 81 yards and a touchdown.

Simmons, a wide receiver, led the league in receiving yards (1,045), receiving yards per game (95.0), and receiving touchdowns (12). He finished fourth in the league in receptions with 54.

Webster, a linebacker, led the conference in total tackles (99) and tackles per game (9.0). He is fifth in the AAC in sacks with 8.0 and tied for third in tackles for a loss with 15.0. He forced three fumbles and blocked one kick this season.

Fipps led Pikeville to a 5-1 conference record, earning the Bears a share of the AAC Championship and a berth to the NAIA Football Championship Series.

Scott is the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for Bluefield. The Rams averaged 352.7 yards per game in total offense.

A total of 30 players earned All-AAC First Team honors with 15 on offense and 15 on defense with an additional 31 players making the second team. Several players earned All-Academic Team accolades, while four made the Champions of Character Team.

For a complete look at the awards, click here.