Four SaberCats Defenders Earn All-Arena Honors
August 7, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. - The Arena Football League and the SaberCats announced today that four players were named to the All-Arena teams on the defensive side of the ball. Hall of Fame selection defensive back Clevan Thomas and linebacker Francis Maka were named to the First Team, while defensive lineman Jason Stewart and jack linebacker Huey Whittaker were named to the league's Second Team.
"We are very proud of these four outstanding defenders and these honors are completely deserved," Owner and Head Coach Darren Arbet said regarding the announcement today. "Our defense was a huge part of our success this season and we are happy to see that recognized in this way."
Thomas (5-10, 195, Florida State) returned to action for the first time since the conclusion of the 2008 season and didn't miss a beat. The Arena Football League Hall of Fame selection set a new single-season franchise record with 15 interceptions, tying for the league lead. Of his 15 interceptions, Thomas returned an AFL-record six of them for touchdowns and posted a total of 74.0 tackles (65 solo), recovered two fumbles and forced another. Thomas ranks second in AFL history with 65 career interceptions, and will go down as one of, if not the greatest to ever play this game. In addition to his First Team All-Arena nod, Thomas is up for numerous league honors, including Riddell Defensive Player of the Year, AFL Defensive Back of the Year and AFL Most Valuable Player.
Maka (6-2, 250, Hawaii) was a catalyst for one of the best defensive units in the league in 2013. He led the team with a career-high 11.5 sacks and ranked fourth in the AFL. In addition to his knack for getting to the quarterback, the former Hawaii Warrior posted 35.0 total tackles, 13 of which were for a loss, forced and recovered one fumble as well as blocked a pair of kicks. This marks the second consecutive season that Maka was named All-Arena, after his stellar 2012 campaign brought him Second Team honors.
Whittaker (6-5, 225, South Florida) turned in a tremendous 2013 season, his second in San Jose in all facets of the game. The former South Florida Bull had a huge impact defensively as well as on special teams, posting 65.5 total tackles, intercepting six passes, returning four for touchdowns, posting a sack, forcing two fumbles and recovering one more that resulted in a touchdown, giving him five defensive scores on the season. As a receiver, he also hauled in 89 passes (third most on the team) for 998 yards and 27 touchdowns, while rushing for one more. Though the AFL removed its annual Ironman of the Year award, in addition to being named a Second Team All-Arena selection, Whittaker figures to be a leading candidate for the J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Year and arguably deserves consideration for the AFL's Most Valuable Player, given his effect on every aspect of the game for the 13-5 SaberCats.
Stewart (6-0, 315, Fresno State) had arguably the best season of any nose guard in the AFL in 2013. He posted a career-high 11.0 sacks, which was second to only linebacker Francis Maka (11.5) on the team, and tied for fifth in the league with Philadelphia's Bryan Robinson. Stewart finished his 2013 season with 21.5 total tackles (13 solo), the 11.0 sacks, four fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and an interception. In addition to his statistical value, the former Fresno State Bulldog was instrumental in creating pass rush lanes for a defense that ranked second in the league in sacks with 41. The pressure that Stewart applied to opposing quarterbacks and offensive lines created many opportunities for his teammates to cause additional problems for their opponents. In addition to earning Second Team All-Arena honors, Stewart is also up for consideration for the AFL's Game Tape Exchange Defensive Lineman of the Year.
Arena Football League Stories from August 7, 2013
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