Northern Arizona quarterback Case Cookus and North Dakota running back John Santiago have been named Co-Freshman of the Year in the Big Sky Conference.
Case Cookus, QB – Northern Arizona
Few FCS quarterbacks put up better numbers than Cookus — freshman or otherwise. Cookus’ 37 touchdown passes led the nation and set an FCS freshman record, and he tossed only five interceptions while being under constant pressure that resulted in him being sacked 27 times. His 184.9 rating ranked second in FCS and his average of 9.66 yards per attempt ranked third. Cookus threw for at least four touchdowns four times, including an FCS season-best seven-TD effort against Northern Colorado on Oct. 31. He also rushed for 209 yards and three touchdowns for the Lumberjacks (7-4).
John Santiago, RB – North Dakota
Santiago quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in FCS as North Dakota (7-4) barely missed the playoffs. Santiago averaged 6.5 yards per carry and finished fourth in the nation with 1,459 yards and fifth with 16 touchdowns. His 140.0 yards from scrimmage per game ranked eighth in FCS. Santiago also acted as UND’s main kickoff returner, averaging 27.7 yards on 21 returns.
