Speights and Brown Named All-Americans, Five Cougars Earn All-State Honors

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

College of the Canyons linebacker Tariq Speights and kicker Tanner Brown have been named to the 2018 California Community College Football Coaches Association (CCCFCA) All-America Team, leading a class of Cougar honorees that also included five All-State Team selections.

In addition, Speights was also named the 2018 Region III All-California Community College Defensive Player of the Year. 

Speights and Brown are joined by COC quarterback Wyatt Eget, wide receiver Brando Pierce, defensive back Raeshawn Roland in earning selections to the 2018 Region III All-California Community College Football Team.

The annual CCCFCA All-American and All-State selections are made in cooperation with the JC Athletic Bureau. A complete listing of the CCCFCA All-American and All-State teams is included here:

Speights finished the 2018 campaign with a team-best 76 total tackles, including 53 of the solo variety, to go with four sacks, eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception through 11 contests. The Valencia High School graduate recorded seven games with at least seven tackles, while creating turnovers in four contests. Speights was the clear leader on a Cougar defensive unit that limited opponents to a state-best 9.5 points per game through the regular season, while surrendering just 10 touchdowns The freshman linebacker was also named the 2018 Southern California Football Association (SCFA) National Division, Northern League Defensive Player of the Year.

Brown turned in a standout freshman campaign for the Cougars in 2018. He converted on all 44 PAT attempts and 17-of-21 field goals for 95 total points. That mark ranked second in the state among kickers and fifth overall among all offensive players. Likewise, the 17 field goals tied for the state lead while the 44 PATs ranked 10th. The Saugus High School graduate, who also handled punting and kickoff duties for the Cougars, converted at least one field goal in seven games, including back-to-back games with four successful field goals to begin the season. 

Eget finished the 2018 campaign with 2,084 passing yards, 17 total touchdowns and four interceptions after starting the final seven games of the season for COC. The former West Ranch High School quarterback was also a unanimous SCFA National Division, Northern League First-Team honoree. Eget has since committed to the University of Tennessee at Martin and will transfer in the spring semester.

Pierce hauled in 47 receptions for a team-leading 801 yards and seven touchdowns. Roland ended the season tied for the team lead with four interceptions, including a pick-six, to go with 17 total tackles. Both joined Eget in earning a unanimous SCFA National Division, Northern League First-Team selection. 

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.