IRVING, Texas (Dec. 8, 2015) – Conference USA announced its 2015 all-conference honors on Tuesday and eight Panthers earned a combined nine awards for their performances this past season. Seniors Michael Wakefield and Richard Leonard earned first-team, all-conference honors, while junior Michael Montero and freshman Anthony Wint earned second-team recognition and junior Jonnu Smith, seniors Denzell Perine, Jeremiah McKinnon, and Sam Medlock received C-USA honorable mention.  
 
Wakefield, a first-team selection on the defensive line, appeared in 12 games, starting in 11 for the Panthers. The Valdosta, Ga., native finished the year with 43 total tackles (24 solo) with 15.0 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. His 15.0 tackles for loss were the fourth-most among all C-USA players and ranks No. 36 nationally, while his 7.5 sacks were the fourth-most in C-USA, ranking 42 in the nation. His 15.0 tackles for loss are tied for the fifth-most in FIU history in a single season. His single-season total of 7.5 sacks are also tied for fourth-most in school history. Wakefield also forced four fumbles good for No. 8 in the nation. He was named the C-USA Defensive Player of the Week (Week 8) after tying the school record for sacks (4.0) and tackles for loss (5.5) versus Charlotte (Nov. 7). A game captain in six games this season, Wakefield was named to the preseason Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List.
 
This marks the second all-conference honor for Wakefield.
 
Leonard, a first-team selection at cornerback and punt returner as well as a kick returner honorable mention, appeared and started all 12 games for the Panthers. The Preseason C-USA Defensive Player of the Year, recorded a single-season best 62 total tackles (42 solo) this season good for second on the team. Leonard recorded eight pass breakups (tied for the team lead) and one interception for nine passes defended. Leonard recorded 627 kick return yards on 29 attempts and 160 punt return yards on just 15 attempts. His average of 21.6 yards-per-return on kickoffs ranks No. 9 in the conference, while his 10.7 yards-per-punt return leads the league and ranks No. 24 nationally. His 627 yards on kick return yards and 160 yards on punt returns this season both rank No. 7 all-time at FIU. With this year's returns, Leonard ranks No. 2 all-time in punt returns (37), punt return yardage (577), kick returns (86) and kick return yardage (2,158) for his career. A nine-time game captain, Leonard was named to the Preseason Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.
 
With the three awards, Leonard has now recorded seven all-conference honors during his collegiate career.
 
Montero, a second-team selection on the offensive line, appeared and started at center in all 12 games. The Miami native led an offensive line that gained 4,173 yards (fifth-most in school history), including 2,854 through the air (second-most in school history). Montero helped FIU record a school-record 22 TD passes and 15 rushing TDs (sixth-most in school history). He also helped FIU produced 518 yards total offense (seventh-most in school history) with 150 yards on the ground and 368 yards through the air versus UTEP. Guiding FIU to over 400 yards of offense six times, Montero aided FIU in scoring multiple TDs on offense in 10 of the team's 12 games. The junior center was a three-time game captain.   
 
This marks the first all-conference award for Montero.
 
Wint, a second-team selection at linebacker, appeared and started in all 12 games for the Panthers. The Homestead, Fla., native led FIU with 88 tackles (41 solo), ranking No. 16 in C-USA in total tackles. Wint also notched 5.5 TFL, 0.5 sacks, one interception, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. His two fumble recoveries rank No. 24 in the nation. He set single-season career best in tackles, tackles for loss, sacks, pass breakups and fumble recoveries in 2015, while recording 10-or-more tackles five times, including a career-high 13 at Indiana (Sept. 12). He recorded his first-collegiate interception versus NC Central (Sept. 19) and notched a career-best 2.0 tackles for loss at LA Tech.
 
The all-conference nod is the third for Wint.
 
Smith, an honorable mention at tight end, appeared and started in eight games for the Panthers. The Ocala, Fla., caught 36 passes for 397 yards and four touchdowns. Before missing the final four games due to injury, Smith caught a pass in 32-straight games. Despite missing games due to injury, Smith was No. 2 on the team in touchdown catches. He tied a career-high in receptions with 10 versus Old Dominion (Oct. 24), tallying a career-best 183 yards and two touchdowns versus the Monarchs. His 183 yards were the fourth-most in school history which led to him being named the Mackey Tight End of the Week (Week 8). Following his junior season, Smith is No. 1 at FIU in career catches (136), yards (1,495) and touchdowns (14) by a tight end. Smith was named to the John Mackey Watch List.
 
This marks the third all-conference honor for Smith.
 
Perine, an honorable mention on the defensive line, appeared and started in all 12 games. The Mobile, Ala., native recorded 42 tackles (24 solo) on the year, and was No. 2 on the team in both tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (4.5). Perine ranks No. 13 in sacks and No. 14 in tackles for loss in C-USA. He also forced two fumbles, while recording two quarterback hurries and three pass breakups. His three pass breakups were a single-season best. Perine notched a tackle for loss in nine games and had four-or-more tackles in seven games. He tied career-high in tackles (8) versus Middle Tennessee (Oct. 17) and notched a season-high 2.0 sacks versus N.C. Central (Sept. 19). A game captain versus WKU, Perine was a Preseason Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List.
 
This is Perine's second all-conference honor.
 
McKinnon, an honorable mention at cornerback, appeared and started all 12 games for the Panthers. The Miami native recorded 54 tackles (42 solo) which ranks fourth on the team. McKinnon led the team with three interceptions for 31 yards and was tied for the team lead in pass breakups (8). His eight pass breakups ranks tied for third in pass breakups in a season at FIU. McKinnon also had 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks and one forced a fumble. With eight pass breakups and three picks, McKinnon ranks tied for ninth in passes defended in C-USA. He had six-or-more tackles five times, including a career-high nine at Florida Atlantic (Oct. 31). Named a game captain at Florida Atlantic, McKinnon set single season career marks in tackles, INT and pass breakups.
 
The all-conference award is the first of McKinnon's career.
 
Medlock, an honorable mention at longsnapper, appeared in all 12 games for the Panthers. The Jacksonville, Fla., native helped the FIU punting game averaging 36.1 yards-per-punt (No. 7 in C-USA). Handling all snaps on punts, Medlock did not allowed a blocked punt all season (63-consecutive attempts). On special teams, FIU was able to register 27 fair catches and place 13 punts inside the 20-yard line. Medlock was also part of a special teams unit that helped the Panthers record 62 points in the kicking game as FIU converted 71.4% of FG attempts (No. 5 in C-USA).
 
The all-conference nod is the first for Medlock.
 
Below are this year's C-USA All-Conference teams.
 
 
2015 C-USA FOOTBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS
 

FIRST TEAM

 
OFFENSE
QB – Brandon Doughty, WKU, Sr.
RB – Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
RB – Jalen Richard, Southern Miss, Sr.
OL – Sebastian Johansson, Marshall, Sr.
OL – Jaylen Hunter, Middle Tennessee, Sr.
OL – Andrew Reue, Rice, Sr.
OL – Cameron Tom, Southern Miss, Jr.
OL – Forrest Lamp, WKU, Jr.
TE – Tyler Higbee, WKU, Sr.
WR – Trent Taylor, Louisiana Tech, Jr.
WR – Richie James, Middle Tennessee, Fr.
WR – Taywan Taylor, WKU, Sr.
 
DEFENSE
DL – Michael Wakefield, FIU, Sr.
DL – Trevon Coley, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
DL – Trey Hendrickson, Florida Atlantic, Jr.
DL – Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
LB – Evan McKelvey, Marshall, Sr.
LB – T.T. Barber, Middle Tennessee, Sr.
LB – Nick Holt, WKU, Sr.
DB – Richard Leonard, FIU, Sr.
DB – Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech, Jr.
DB – Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee, Sr.
DB – Kalan Reed, Southern Miss, Sr.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
K – Garrett Schwettman, WKU, Sr.
P – Dalton Schomp, Florida Atlantic, Jr.
KR – Deandre Reaves, Marshall, Sr.
PR – Richard Leonard, FIU, Sr.
LS – Lance Schuffert, Southern Miss, Sr.
 
 

SECOND TEAM

 
OFFENSE
QB – Nick Mullens, Southern Miss, Jr.
RB – Kalif Phillips, Charlotte, Jr.
RB – Ray Lawry, Old Dominion, So.
RB – Ito Smith, Southern Miss, So.
RB – Anthony Wales, WKU, Jr.
OL – Michael Montero, FIU, Jr.
OL – Reggie Bain, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
OL – Darrell Brown, Louisiana Tech, Jr.
OL – Jens Danielsen, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
OL – Michael Selby, Marshall, Jr.
OL – Rashod Hill, Southern Miss, Sr.
TE – David Morgan II, UTSA, Sr.
WR – Ed Batties, Middle Tennessee, Sr.
WR – Zach Pascal, Old Dominion, Jr.
WR – Mike Thomas, Southern Miss, Sr.
 
DEFENSE
DL – Larry Ogunjobi, Charlotte, Jr.
DL – Jarquez Samuel, Marshall, Sr.
DL – Michael Smith, Southern Miss, Sr.
DL – Jason Neill, UTSA, Sr.
LB – Anthony Wint, FIU, So.
LB – Nick Thomason, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
LB – T.J. Ricks, Old Dominion, Jr.
LB – Brian Anderson, Southern Miss, Sr.
DB – Cre'von LeBlanc, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
DB – Bryson Abraham, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
DB – Jeremy Cutrer, Middle Tennessee, Jr.
DB – Bennett Okotcha, UTSA, Sr.
 
SPECIAL TEAMS
K – Jonathan Barnes, Louisiana Tech, So.
P – Tyler Williams, Marshall, Sr.
KR – Kylen Towner, WKU, So.
PR – Deandre Reaves, Marshall, Sr.
LS – Matt Cincotta, Marshall, Sr.
 
 

HONORABLE MENTION

 

OFFENSE

QB – Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
QB – Brent Stockstill, Middle Tennessee, Fr.
RB – Aaron Jones, UTEP, Jr.
RB – Jarveon Williams, UTSA, Jr.
OL – Mikingson Marsaille, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
OL – Kelly Parfaitt, Florida Atlantic, Jr.
OL – David Mahaffey, Louisiana Tech, Jr.
OL – Josh Robinson, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
OL – Marquice Shakir, Middle Tennessee, Jr.
OL – Kaydon Kirby, North Texas, Jr.
OL – Will Hernandez, UTEP, So.
TE – Jonnu Smith, FIU, Jr.
TE – Ryan Yurahek, Marshall, So.
TE – Hayden Plinke, UTEP, Jr.
WR – Jenson Stoshak, Florida Atlantic, Sr.
WR – Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech, So.
WR – Paul Turner, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
WR – Davonte Allen, Marshall, Sr.
WR – Zach Wright, Rice, Jr.
WR – Casey Martin, Southern Miss, So.
WR – Kerry Thomas, Jr., UTSA, Jr.
WR – Jared Dangerfield, WKU, Sr.
WR – Nicholas Norris, WKU, Jr.
 

DEFENSE

DL – Denzell Perine, FIU, Sr.
DL – Vontarrius Dora, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
DL – Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech, Fr.
DL – Gary Thompson, Marshall, Jr.
DL – Pat McNeil, Middle Tennessee, Sr.
DL – Dylan Bradley, Southern Miss, Jr.
DL – Andrew Bolton, Southern Miss, Sr.
DL – Nick Usher, UTEP, Jr.
DL – Marcus Davenport, UTSA, So.
DL – Jontavius Morris, WKU, Sr.
LB – Jens Jeters, UTSA, Sr.
LB – Ocie Rose, Florida Atlantic, Fr.
LB – Beau Fitte, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
LB – D.J. Hunter, Marshall, Sr.
LB – Cavellis Luckett, Middle Tennessee, Sr.
LB – Alex Lyons, Rice, Jr.
LB – Alvin Jones, UTEP, So.
LB – Jimmy Musgraves, UTEP, Sr.
LB – Drew Douglas, UTSA, Sr.
LB – T.J. McCollum, WKU, So.
DB – Jeremiah McKinnon, FIU, Sr.
DB – Jalen Young, Florida Atlantic, Fr.
DB – Kentrell Brice, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
DB – Adairius Barnes, Louisiana Tech, Sr.
DB – Taj Letman, Marshall, Sr.
DB – Corey Tindal, Marshall, Jr.
DB – Tiquan Lang, Marshall, Jr.
DB – Fellonte Misher, Old Dominion, Sr.
DB – D'Nerius Antoine, Southern Miss, Jr.
DB – Michael Egwuagu, UTSA, Jr.
DB – Prince Charles Iworah, WKU,. Sr.
 

SPECIAL TEAMS

K – Jay Mattox, UTEP, Jr.
P – James Farrimond, Rice, Sr.
P – Alex Luna, UTEP, So.
KR – Richard Leonard, FIU, Jr.
KR – Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech, Fr.
LS – Sam Medlock, FIU, Jr.
LS – Darrell Travis, Louisiana Tech, So.
LS – William Eads, Middle Tennessee, Jr.
LS – Nolan Dowling, WKU, So.
 
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About FIU Athletics: FIU Athletics is home to more than 400 student-athletes in 18 different sports. Athletic events are played in seven different venues on FIU's campuses (Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay), including FIU Arena and Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium.
 
About FIU: Florida International University is recognized as a Carnegie engaged university. It is a public research university with colleges and schools that offer more than 180 bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations, architecture, law and medicine. As one of South Florida's anchor institutions, FIU contributes $8.9 billion each year to the local economy. FIU is Worlds Ahead in finding solutions to the most challenging problems of our time. FIU emphasizes research as a major component of its mission. FIU has awarded over 200,000 degrees and enrolls more than 54,000 students in two campuses and three centers including FIU Downtown on Brickell, FIU@I-75, and the Miami Beach Urban Studios. FIU also supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. FIU is a member of Conference USA and has over 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. For more information about FIU, visit http://www.fiu.edu/.