Wells named defensive lineman of year

Jordan Wells has been recognized for his football play.

The Tarleton State University junior has been named the Lone Star Conference defensive lineman of the year and to the all-conference first team.

The starting defensive tackle out of Navasota High School finished with 50 tackles in 12 games and ranked second in the conference with 19 tackles for loss.

He had six sacks, including a season high of three against William Jewell, forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble. Wells led the team with 17 quarterback hurries.

At 5-foot-11, the 275-pound Wells is the team’s second shortest defensive lineman. “A lot of people take his size for granted,” Tarleton defensive line coach Eddie Jones said. “He for sure accommodates with the speed and agility.”

Even when battling bigger offensive lineman, Jones said, “He’s going to be faster than those guys.”

The coach said Wells has an instinct for the ball and is quick enough to force his way into the backfield to tackle running backs just taking a handoff from the quarterback. “He gravitates to the ball,” he said.

Wells made four tackles in a loss to Texas A & M University-Commerce in the first round of the playoffs, as Tarleton State finished 11-1.

More football

Northwestern State University of Louisiana quarterback Shelton Eppler completed 27 of 50 pass attempts for 333 yards against Stephen F. Austin. The former Rattler tossed two touchdowns of 15 yards each and rushed five times for 8 yards.

Tight end Ryan Renick had a 10-yard reception for Texas A & M University against Georgia. The junior played for Iola.

Men’s basketball

Past Rattler Jabril Hunter led Wilberforce University with 10 rebounds against Gos-hen. The starter had six points and two steals.

Louisiana College starter Kae’ron Baker had 11 points against Rhodes. The Navasota alumnus had five rebounds, two assists and one block.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette sophomore Trajan Wesley, a Navasota resident, had two points, one rebound and one assist against Wyoming.

Send updates about area athletes to Barbara Boxleitner at jdanddoc@gmail.com.