PORTALES, NM — Thursday morning, the Don Hansen Football Gazette released its list of 2017 NCAA Division II All American selections. As the top rushing attack in the nation, the Eastern New Mexico University football team was well represented by seniors Kamal Cass and Tayshaun Gary.
Cass was chosen second team to earn his fifth overall All-America selection and third for the 2017 season. Gary’s honorable mention selection marked the first All-America honors of his career.
Cass concluded his career with a 276-yard effort against fourth-ranked Midwestern State after he entered the game in need of 178 yards to break the ENMU career rushing record. Cass’ efforts enabled ENMU to lead the nation in rushing for the 2017 season.
The senior led the league in rushing in each of the last three seasons and claimed the 2017 LSC rushing crown by a 509-yard margin. Cass reached the century mark seven times as a senior to bring his career total to 20 games. He entered the season finale needing 178 yards against fourth-ranked Midwestern State to become ENMU’s all-time leader in rushing yards and registered a career-best 276-yard performance to go along with three touchdowns. The league’s preseason Co-Offensive Player of the Year concludes his Greyhound career with 4,301 rushing yards, 50 touchdowns (rushing), 15 receptions for 287 yards and three scores. He also has been a key special-teams player with 33 kick returns and 10 punt returns. Cass accumulated 5,322 all-purpose yards over 44 games.
Gary, a Second Team All-Lone Star Conference choice, has been an explosive offensive threat for the Hounds. With three 100-yard games in 2017, Gary has reached the century mark six times in his career. He ranked 14th in the league in rushing yards and 16th in yards per carry. An all-purpose threat, he registered a career-high three catches for 43 yards in ENMU’s season-opening win over Southwest Baptist. Over his career-, he has also been a valuable contributor on special teams.
