Ali Gaye chose not to enter the 2021 NFL draft, and the accolades for the 2021 college football season started rolling in before the season even began.
The Edmonds-Woodway High School graduate, now a senior defensive end at LSU, was named to the Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team. Gaye was a second-team selection.
Gaye, who’s listed at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, arrived at LSU last season after transferring from Garden City (Kansas) Community College. In 10 games he recorded 32 tackles, 9.5 of which were for a loss, two sacks, six passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble. For his efforts he received second-team All-SEC honors last season from both the Associated Press and the SEC coaches.
This season Gaye picked up right where he left off, registering four tackles, two of which were for a loss, and a sack in LSU’s season-opening 38-27 loss at UCLA. However, he did not play in the Tigers’ 34-7 home victory over McNeese State on Saturday because of undisclosed reasons.
Edwards earns soccer recognition
Jackson High School graduate Jadyn Edwards, now a senior forward on the University of New Mexico’s women’s soccer team, was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week for Sept. 6-12.
Edwards recorded seven points as the Lobos won the GCU Tournament in Phoenix. She scored three goals in New Mexico’s 6-2 victory over Northern Arizona last Thursday, then added an assist in the Lobos’ 2-0 victory over Grand Canyon on Saturday. She was named to the all-tournament team.
For the season Edwards has a team-leading 10 points (four goals, two assists) for a New Mexico team that is 4-2.
Hayward honored for setting prowess
Archbishop Murphy High School graduate Natalie Hayward, now a senior setter on the University of Tennessee’s volleyball team, was named the SEC Setter of he Week for Aug. 23-29.
Hayward totalled 108 assists over three matches during the Tennessee Classic, helping the Lady Vols claim the tournament title. She dished out 43 assists in a 3-0 victory over Texas Tech on Aug. 27, 29 in a 3-0 victory over East Tennessee State on Aug. 28, and 36 in a 3-0 victory over North Carolina State also on Aug. 28. She was named the tournament’s MVP.
Hayward has totalled 278 assists, 23 kills, 19 blocks and 59 digs through seven matches for the 6-1 Lady Vols.
If you have an item for the community sports roundup, email Nick Patterson at npatterson@heraldnet.com.
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