DANBURY, Conn. (December 7, 2017) – The Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) revealed its 2017 Division I FCS major awards and All-ECAC teams where Howard University's freshman quarterback Caylin Newton and senior offensive lineman Gerald Wright received recognition for an outstanding season. The announcement came Thursday morning.
 
Newton won the 2017 ECAC Offensive Rookie of the Year award while Wright earned a spot on the All-ECAC Second Team.
 
On Nov. 28, the Atlanta native took home the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year while deserving a spot on the All-MEAC Second Team.
 
Newton stepped onto the college football scene in style as he helped lead Howard to its first-ever FCS win at UNLV in his collegiate debut. From that point, Newton guided the MEAC's top-rated offensive unit (447.8 ypg) and rushing offense (217.4 ypg). Additionally, he became the first freshman in MEAC history to surpass 3,000 yards of total offense (3,185) while averaging 289.5 yards of offense per outing. The Jerry Rice Award nominee also led the MEAC in scoring as he combined for 25 touchdowns en route to leading Howard to its best finish and record since 2012.
 
Wright was considered one of the top linemen in the league after receiving an All-MEAC First Team nod.
 
He was named MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Sept. 4) while guiding one of the nation's top offenses. The Miami native helped HU lead the nation in passing yards per completion and the conference in total offense and rushing yards.
 
Duquesne's Tommy Stuart and Bryant's Tom Costigan won ECAC Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year honors, respectively. Delaware's Colby Reeder claimed ECAC Defensive Rookie of the Year while Columbia's head coach Al Bagnoli received ECAC Coach of the Year.
 
To view the entire 2017 ECAC Division I FCS major awards and All-ECAC Teams, please Click Here.
 
HU finished the regular season with a 7-4 overall record and 6-2 in league play. Howard placed second in the conference standings behind North Carolina A&T State, who will represent the conference at the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Ga. on Dec. 16. Kickoff at noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.