UC Davis running back Ulonzo Gilliam Jr. and Montana linebacker Patrick O’Connell were named the Big Sky Conference’s preseason players of the year as the conference announced its preseason all-conference teams Monday morning.
Gilliam, a senior from Merced, California, ran for 901 yards on 201 carries for the Aggies in 2021, with six touchdowns, and added 278 receiving yards. He’s a three-time former all-conference honoree, making the third team in 2018, the second team in 2019 and the first team in 2021.
O’Connell, a redshirt senior from Kalispell, led the conference in sacks with 14, to go with 105 total tackles, and was a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award in 2021. The former transfer from the University of Mary was named a first-team All-American after his breakout season.
O’Connell led four Grizzlies who made the all-conference defense, with defensive tackle Alex Gubner, cornerback Justin Ford and safety Robby Hauck giving UM an honoree at every level of the defense.
Ford recorded nine interceptions a year ago and finished fourth in voting for the Buck Buchanan Award, while Hauck enters the season with 364 tackles, third in school history.
Griz kick returner Malik Flowers was also named to the team.
Besides the Montana defense, the most impressive unit was the Montana State offensive backfield, which saw quarterback Tommy Mellott, running back Isaiah Ifanse and fullback R.J. Fitzgerald selected.
Defensive lineman Brody Grebe, linebacker Callahan O’Reilly, punter Bryce Leighton and long snapper Tommy Sullivan gave the Bobcats seven total all-conference picks, most in the league.
Full all-conference teams are below.
