By Matthew Golden
SouthernPigskin.com

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With the 2019 season behind us, we take a step back to reflect on the individual superlatives for each team within the Southern Conference.

Offensive MVP: Joe Newman, QB, Senior

If you know anything about Southern Conference football, then you know about Joe Newman. Newmanxe2x80x99s illustrious career comes to an end at Wofford, not before leading the Terrierxe2x80x99s to the FCS playoffs multiple times and being named the 2019 Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Newmanxe2x80x99s ability to be a dual threat quarterback was in display in 2019 as the senior finished with over 1,000 yards passing and nearly 900 yards rushing. The Atlanta native finished the season ranked fifth in the conference in touchdowns, totaling 13 touchdowns on the ground and seven through the air. Newmanxe2x80x99s presence will certainly be missed, but his performance and career will be held in high regard at Wofford for a very long time.

Defensive MVP: Michael Mason, DL, Freshman

Mason jumped onto the scene during his freshman campaign, finishing tied for the lead in the conference with sacks (7). The athletic pass rusher finished tacked on ten and a half tackles for loss and provided constant disruption at the line of scrimmage. Masonxe2x80x99s seven sacks places 45th in the FCS, making him one of two freshmen in the league to place within the top 50. Itxe2x80x99ll be interesting to see how Mason continues to develop as a pass rusher and versatility defending the run.

Intriguing returner: Joe Beckett, LB, Junior

The junior linebacker had an impressive 2019 season, totaling two solo sacks and assisting on two more. Heading into his senior year, hexe2x80x99ll have three years in which hexe2x80x99s played in at least twelve games, providing experience and a sense of leadership for the Terriers on defense. With senior linebacker Jireh Wilson graduating, Ixe2x80x99d expect Beckett to step up and play a larger role in 2020.

Hardest departure: Jireh Wilson, LB, Senior

Wilson finished his career at Wofford by totaling 56 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss during his senior campaign. The senior linebacker was named to the 2019 Coaches Southern Conference Football Team, being one of four Terriers to be featured. In 2018, he led the Terriers defense with 59 total tackles, while forcing several fumbles. Wofford finished the 2019 season ranked first in total defense within the conference, with Jireh Wilson leading the way at the linebacker position. Itxe2x80x99ll be vital for the Terrierxe2x80x99s to find someone to replace0 the effort and production Wilson delivered on Saturdays.