Fifty-seven players were named to the 2009 NAIA Football All-Independent Teams, with players honored from each of the NAIA's 8 independent football programs. Southern Oregon University led the way with 11 total selections, and Azusa Pacific (Calif.) University, Ohio Dominican University, Peru State (Neb.) College and Webber International (Fla.) University each had 7 players honored.
Southern Oregon University sophomore running back Brandon Baldwin was named the NAIA Independent Offensive Player of the Year, and junior linebacker Jay York from Azusa Pacific University was named the NAIA Independent Defensive Player of the Year. The full 2009 NAIA Football All-Independent Teams are listed below.
NAIA Independent Offensive Player of the Year
Brandon Baldwin, RB, Sophomore, 5-11, 195 (Southern Oregon University)
Hometown: Palo Cedro, Calif.
Brandon Baldwin rushed 272 times for 1,191 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry with 6 TD carries. In addition, Baldwin caught 7 passes for 74 receiving yards (10.6 yards per catch). Baldwin ranked #3 in the NAIA in rushing yards per game (132.3 ypg) and had the seventh-highest season rushing total among NAIA rushers this year. He was a 2-time NAIA Independent Offensive Player of the Week in 2009, and he was listed among the 2009 NAIA Independent Newcomers to Watch prior to the campaign.
NAIA Independent Defensive Player of the Year
Jay York, LB, Junior, 5-11, 220 (Azusa Pacific University)
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Jay York ranked #6 in the NAIA in tackles per game, registering 125 tackles (62 solo, 63 assist) in 11 games for a 12.0 per-game average. He recorded 7.0 tackles for loss for 39 yards, including 2.5 sacks, and he had 2 interceptions that he returned 72 yards. He added 4 pass breakups, 3 forced fumbles and 1 quarterback hurry. A 2009 NAIA preseason All-Independent pick, York garnered NAIA Independent Defensive Player of the Week when he led the Azusa Pacific defense with a team-high 10 tackles and a 72-yard interception return in a 23-7 win over Wisconsin-Stevens Point, then ranked No. 16 in NCAA Division III.
2009 NAIA Football All-Independent First Team
*signifies 2008 postseason NAIA All-Independent selection
#signifies 2009 preseason NAIA All-Independent selection
Position Player Year School Hometown
WR Andre Edwards Freshman Webber International Univ. Miami, FL
2009 NAIA Football All-Independent Second Team
*signifies 2008 postseason NAIA All-Independent selection
#signifies 2009 preseason NAIA All-Independent selection
Position Player Year School Hometown
OL Justin Chesser Senior Webber International Univ. Gainesville, FL
OL Yuyri Olimpiyuk Senior Webber International Univ. North Port, FL
WR Jamal Rodman Freshman Webber International Univ. Lakeland, FL
LB # Brandon Barnes Junior Webber International Univ. Zephyrhills, FL
DB Ricky Carlson Freshman Webber International Univ. Brooksville, FL
P Adam Riley Sophomore Webber International Univ. Orlando, FL
