Bullock, Minnick earn top WSFL honors

It probably goes without saying that the No. 1 running back in the country would be the top offensive player in the Western States Football League.

But just in case there was any doubt about Reggie Bullock's place in the WSFL, the league put that to rest on Tuesday.

The AWC freshman running back was named the WSFL and Region I Offensive Player of the Year and one of 13 Matadors to earn an All-WSFL or All-Region I honor, while head coach Tom Minnick took home the Coach of the Year honors.

Despite missing two games late in the season, Bullock finished the regular season with a league-leading 1,297 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground. His 162.5 yards-per-game average was tops in the nation, and his total yards were third among all NJCAA running backs.    

"They said he was the best back in the league since (former NFL player and Scottsdale Artichoke) Charlie Garner, and that's saying something," Minnick said of Bullock.

A native of Las Vegas, Bullock's longest run from scrimmage was 96 yards in AWC's season-opening win against No. 4 Snow on Sept. 5. He followed that up with a had a season-high 222 yards and four TDs against Phoenix.

"The bowl game is my main priority now," Bullock said. "Getting player of the year was one of my goals, and now there's a new goal starting today, and that's to come out with a bowl win."

Minnick was selected Coach of the Year in just his second season at AWC. The 9-1 Matadors were WSFL champions, recording three wins against top-10 teams this year en route to a No. 6 ranking and their first bowl invite in 11 years. AWC also reached No. 5 in the NJCAA polls this season, the highest they've climbed the rankings in nearly 40 years, hit the nine-win mark for the first time since 1972 and recorded its first undefeated home season since 2000.

"From the first time I saw his name as an applicant for the position two years ago, we knew we had a special coach," AWC athletic director Jerry Smith said. "The loyalty that he's showed and received from his student-athletes and his coaching staff has been amazing. He's demanded discipline and results ever since he got here, and this very deserved honor is indicative that he's respected by not just his charges but the league in general."

Bullock was joined by four of teammates on the All-WSFL and All-Region I First Team. Offensive lineman Jason Weaver was the only other offensive player, and sophomores James Smith (linebacker), Ben Swarts (defensive lineman) and Jordan Sklba (defensive back) made the defensive side. Second Team All-WSFL selections included Matador players Demetruis Guice, Dennis Ziegler, Jesse Williams, Zach Holmes and Todd Wingate.

Guice, Ziegler, Williams and Holmes were All-Region I First Team selections, while Wingate, Brandon Gorsuch, Ge'shun Harris and Maurice Alexander were placed on the Second Team.  

Eastern Arizona's Prince Ryans was the WSFL and Region I Defensive Player of the Year.