By Chris McCarthy/Editor
Pace Ozmint recently earned yet another postseason honor.
A week after making first team All-State for the third straight season, the Glencoe High senior was named a finalist for the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 3A Back of the Year award.
Ozmint’s fellow finalists are Piedmont quarterback Taylor Hayes and Colbert County running back Kearvae Qualls.
The winner will be announced at the ASWA Player of the Year Banquet on Jan. 13 in Montgomery. The Back and Lineman of the year in their respective classes, along with the Mr. Football award and the ASWA’s Super 12 team, also will be revealed at the luncheon. The event is sponsored by the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association.
Ozmint served in a variety of roles for the 2015 Yellow Jackets. He finished with over 1,540 total yards and 16 touchdowns while starting at halfback, receiver and kick returner. On defense, he had a team-high 104 tackles (six for a loss) and three interceptions from his safety position. He also had four pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries. Ozmint helped Glencoe post a 9-2 record and make the state playoffs for the seventh straight year.
2015 ASWA Back/Linemen of the Year Finalists
Class 7A Back
Kyriq McDonald, James Clemens
La’Mical Perine, Theodore
Henry Ruggs III, Lee-Montgomery
Class 7A Lineman
Carlton Martial, McGill-Toolen
Walter Pritchett, Central-Phenix City
Labryan Ray, James Clemens
Class 6A Back
Tyler Johnston, Spanish Fort
Ty Pigrome, Clay-Chalkville
T.J. Simmons, Clay-Chalkville
Class 6A Lineman
Deonte Brown, Austin
Thomas Johnston, Spanish Fort
Lyndell Wilson, Carver-Montgomery
Class 5A Back
Jordan Bentley, Guntersville
Ostin McPherson, St. Paul’s
Demarcus Williams, Jackson
Class 5A Lineman
Marlon Davidson, Greenville
Darius Whitfield, St. Paul’s
Quinnen Williams, Wenonah
Class 4A Back
Noah Ard, Cordova
Kaleb Barker, Priceville
Tre’ Nation, Leeds
Class 4A Lineman
Sterling Jones, St. James
Dee Nalls, Fayette Co.
Josephus Smith, Leeds
Class 3A Back
Pace Ozmint, Glencoe
Taylor Hayes, Piedmont
Kearvae Qualls, Colbert Co.
Class 3A Lineman
Neonta Alexander, Piedmont
Ben Davis, Gordo
Austin Troxell, Madison Aca.
Class 2A Back
Peyton Gilliland, Cleveland
Dilan Kilpatrick, Fyffe
Chadarius Townsend, Tanner
Class 2A Lineman
Blaine Hudson, Elba
Ethan Jones, Fyffe
Austin Lewter, Tanner
Class 1A Back
Terrence Dunlap, Maplesville
Tommy Spivey, Brantley
Grayson Wakefield, Decatur Heritage
Class 1A Lineman
Cameron Longmire, Georgiana
Tanner Swinney, Hackleburg
Devan Wallace, Maplesville