Valdosta State freshman linebacker and former Coffee Trojan Jameon Gaskin has been named Gulf South Conference Defensive Freshman of the Year, according to a press release posted on VSU’s web site.
Gaskin, a standout running back and linebacker as a Trojan, quickly emerged as one of the GSC’s best linebackers – of any age. Gaskin is the first Blazer to be named Defensive Freshman of the Year since the award began in 2008. Gaskin has played in all 10 games with nine starts this season. He ranks third on the team in tackles with 55, while recording 25 solo stops. He has six tackles for loss for 24 yards, ranking tied for third on the team, while recording 2.5 sacks on the year for 21 yards. He has one pass breakup and three quarterback hurries. He also tallied nine tackles twice this season and had one tackle for loss for 12 yards for a sack against Fort Valley State to earn GSC Freshman of the Week honors.
The Blazers finished the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record and the GSC championship. Gaskin was one of four Blazers to earn All-Gulf South honors. The others were quarterback Rogan Wells (Player of the Year), running back Jamar Thompkins (Co-Offensive Freshman of the Year), and head coach Kerwin Bell (Co-Coach of the Year).