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Vanderbilt Defensive End Jovan Haye Named To Coaches’ All-SEC Defensive Unit 12/9/2003
Vanderbilt Defensive End Jovan Haye Named To Coaches’ All-SEC Defensive Unit
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt defensive end and co-captain Jovan Haye was named to the 2003 Southeastern Conference Coaches Football Team on Tuesday after achieving one of the finest seasons ever by a Commodore defensive lineman. Haye, a sophomore from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., was named to the All-SEC Second Team, one of six defensive linemen selected by the conference’s 12 head coaches. “I’m extremely pleased. It is a honor just to be mentioned with some of those other guys,” Haye said. “Just getting the recognition is quite an achievement. Next year, I hope we have more team success and more guys from the team are selected that deserve the honor.” Haye was the SEC co-leader with 8.5 quarterback sacks, the highest total by a Commodore defensive end since sack records began in 1984. It also ranks as the highest single-season total by a Vanderbilt defender in a decade. Haye also topped the Commodore defense with 12.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and 10 quarterback hurries. Vanderbilt Head Coach Bobby Johnson was pleased after hearing of Haye’s selection. “Jovan had a superb season this year and is a very deserving selection. I couldn’t be happier for a young man,” Johnson said. “Jovan put in a great deal of work during the offseason and in spring drills to become an outstanding football player and a great team leader. I’m also extremely pleased that our football squad has Jovan back next year.” Other Commodores given consideration for All-SEC recognition were junior offensive tackle Justin Geisinger, sophomore linebacker Moses Osemwegie, sophomore quarterback Jay Cutler, junior offensive guard Brian Kovolisky and junior receiver Brandon Smith. Haye, who has started 23 of 24 games in his two-year career, finished the season with 45 solo tackles, the most by a Vanderbilt defensive end since 1980. He achieved three quarterback sacks against TCU, and was credited with a pair of sacks against Georgia and Kentucky. The SEC individual award winners will be released on Wednesday and the SEC All-Freshman Team will be announced on Thursday. |
