ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies Football team is proud to announce that it has ended the season with a total of 12 players making the 2019 All-RMAC list. The list included the All-RMAC first and second teams as well as the honorable mention and Freshman Player of the Year lists. Highlighted by star offensive and defensive playmakers receiver Tariq Bitson and defensive end Alani Pututau both making the first team, the Grizzlies had a plethora of players who had outstanding seasons and received credit for their performances all year long. The Grizzlies making the conference lists were as follows:
 
First Team
Tariq Bitson – Wide Receiver
Alani Pututau – Defensive End
 
Second Team
Alu Taito – Defensive Tackle
Erick Ruiz – Kicker
 
Honorable Mention
Ereon Nash – Cornerback
Rob Luckett – Defensive Tackle
Ben Aumauve – Linebacker
Aleki Tapa – Offensive Tackle
John Buksa – Quarterback
Donovan Robinson – Safety
Ziere Banner – Wide Receiver
 
Defensive Freshman of the Year (tied with four other players)
Brandin Obrecht – Linebacker
 
 
Bitson and Pututau registered unbelievable seasons, as both were named to the RMAC First Team. Bitson went out early in the game Week 9 against Angelo State with an injury and did not see action in the final two games of the 2019 campaign, but in nine performances this season finished with 1355 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 63 receptions. He was named RMAC Offensive Player of the week Week 4 for his 12 catch, 257 yard and four touchdown day against Western Colorado on September 28^th. Bitson topped off his outrageous day with a clutch game-winning touchdown reception with seconds remaining to give the Grizzlies the victory. Pututau also had his best game Week 4 versus Western Colorado, as he totaled five sacks and six tackles for loss in the Grizzlies' 38-31 win over the rival Mountaineers. He was virtually unblockable throughout the game and made a home in the Western Colorado backfield all afternoon. Pututau ends 2019 with 13.5 sacks to go along with 24.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Fortunately for the Grizzlies, both players are juniors and look to be back next season.
 
Second Team All-RMAC Selections Alu Taito and Erick Ruiz had great seasons as well, and both were key contributors to the Grizzlies' success in 2019. Taito finished the 2019 season with four sacks to go along with 12 tackles for loss in the interior of the defensive line, but most of his work was in the run game where the defensive tackle stuffed up holes and made it difficult for opposing rushing attacks all year long. Ruiz was a model of consistency in 2019, missing just two field goals the entire year, both of which were blocked. Ruiz on the season was 14 of 16 kicking field goals and 27 of 29 on PATs. He nailed a long of 48 yards against Western Colorado on September 28^th.
 
Honorable Mention selections Ereon Nash, Rob Luckett, Ben Aumauve, Aleki Tapa, Donovan Robinson and Ziere Banner were all key components for the Grizzlies in 2019 and made plays all year long to secure their spot on the All-Conference list. Luckett, Aumauve and Tapa all look to return next season and continue to contribute to the Grizzlies in a big way in 2020.
 
Although tied with four other players for the prestigious award of Defensive Freshman of the Year, freshman linebacker Brandin Obrecht will take home a share of the award and hopes to be a tremendous playmaker for the Grizzly defense for years to come. The linebacker totaled 58 tackles to go along with 2.5 sacks and one interception during his 2019 campaign, and recorded a 10-tackle performance against South Dakota Mines back on October 19^th. He hopes to lead an improved defense next year that will feature a plethora of returners in 2020.
 
There is no denying that the 2019 Adams State Grizzlies had a roster loaded with talent coming in, and next year they return plenty of playmakers looking to build off of a solid 2019 campaign and make 2020 truly special for all involved.