|
Geisinger, Haye Named All-Americans By National Publication 5/28/2004
Geisinger, Haye Named All-Americans By National Publication Vanderbilt senior offensive tackle Justin Geisinger and junior defensive end Jovan Haye were named Third Team All-Americans this week by one of the nation’s premier college football publications. Athlon Sports’ 2004 College Football Preseason Edition also named Geisinger, a bruising three-year starter from Pittsburgh, Pa., and Haye, one of the South’s top returning sack specialists from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to the First Team All-Southeastern Conference unit. Several other Commodores were recognized in the publication. Junior wide receiver Erik Davis of Nashville was named Second Team All-SEC. Junior quarterback Jay Cutler of Santa Claus, Ind., junior linebacker Moses Osemwegie of Nashville and junior return specialist Kwane Doster of Tampa, Fla., were named to the Third Team All-SEC unit. Athlon Sports’ popular college football publication hit newstands Thursday throughout the Southeast. Bobby Johnson, entering his third season at the helm of Vanderbilt football, was pleased to hear that Commodore student-athletes were garnering recognition. “It’s great for each of those young men and it’s welcome news for our program,” Johnson said. “Justin and Jovan are two of the hardest working players I have ever coached and deserve all the attention they receive. I’m extremely happy for both of them.” “Having players the caliber of Erik, Jay, Moses and Kwane will help us make progress toward improving the Vanderbilt football program. We’ll keep trying to get better each day and see where it takes us,” Johnson added. Geisinger’s selection as an All-American and all-conference performer was overdue. His position coach, Commodore Assistant Head Coach Robbie Caldwell, called Geisinger “the best player I’ve ever coached” following the 2003 season. Caldwell has mentored offensive linemen at North Carolina State, North Carolina and Vanderbilt for nearly two decades. Geisinger blends agility and strength on a 6’4″, 330-lb. frame. He is one of the SEC’s strongest players, having bench pressed more than 600 pounds. His personal record at the 225-pound bench press is a staggering 43 repetitions. On the field, Geisinger is a two-time captain. He has started 24 consecutive games and has 33 career starts to his credit. Responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blindside, Geisinger has allowed just one sack in the last two years. Haye, a Second Team All-SEC selection last year, is the SEC’s top returning sack specialist. In 2003, he finished the season with 8.5 sacks, the most by a Commodore since 1994. He also led the defense in tackles for loss and quarterback hurries. Davis enjoyed a breakthrough season as a first-year starter in 2003. He finished the season as the team leader with 41 receptions for 638 yards. He was fourth in the SEC with eight touchdown catches. Cutler broke most Vanderbilt sophomore passing records while rating second in the SEC in total offense last year. Only a junior, Cutler ranks among the Commodore all-time top five in virtually every passing category. Osemwegie was one of the nation’s top tacklers as a sophomore. He finished the regular season as the SEC leader with 78 solo tackles. He also posted 10.5 tackles for loss. Coming off a Freshman All-American campaign in 2002, Doster averaged 21.8 yards on 26 kickoff returns last year. He also topped the Commodores for the second consecutive year in all-purpose yardage. The Commodores open the 2004 season Sept. 4 in Vanderbilt Stadium against SEC East Division foe South Carolina. Season tickets are available for the Commodores’ six-game home schedule, which also includes SEC games versus Mississippi State, Florida and Tennessee. More information is available on the web at www.commodoregameday.com, or by calling (615) 322-GOLD. |
