Lamar University quarterback Robert Coleman, defensive linemen Caleb Williams and long snapper Lane Gilchrest have been named to the 2024 Academic All-Southland Conference team announced league officials Thursday afternoon. It marks the second consecutive season that LU has placed three players on the all-academic squad.
To be nominated for the ballot, student-athletes must achieve and maintain a 3.25 grade-point average through the sport’s championship season, complete at least one semester at the nominating institution in the season which the nomination occurs and be a starter or significant reserve who plays in at least 50 percent of the games.
A two-year starter, Coleman transferred to Lamar from the junior college ranks and helped spark a revival of the program. During his two seasons, he guided the Cardinals to back-to-back winning seasons which hasn’t been done in Beaumont since 1966 and 1967. For his career, Coleman played in and started 22 games completing better than 56 percent of his passes for 3,703 yards and 31 touchdowns. He also rushed for 433 yards and seven scores.
A preseason All-America selection, Williams wrapped up his career as a two-time all-conference selection on the field. He started all 12 games as a senior making 34 stops with 2.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. As a Cardinal, Williams made 27 starts, with more than 100 tackles with 12 of those for losses (including 3.5 sacks). He also managed to block a kick, recover two fumbles and deflect three passes from his interior line position.
A two-year letterwinner for the Red and White, Gilchrest has served as the team’s starting long snapper for each of the past two seasons. Another in a long line of standouts at the position since LU brought the program back, Gilchrest was widely considered one of the league’s more accurate long snappers. He closed out his playing career being named to the 2024 Phil Steele All-SLC squad for his efforts on the field.
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