BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University football earned significant postseason recognition from the Appalachian Athletic Conference Monday afternoon, as seven Rams collected All-AAC honors.
BU's honorees include three First-Team performers—each a freshman—and a total of seven underclassmen recognized across both teams.
First-Team All-AAC
Marlin Haywood – Wide Receiver (Fr.) – Offensive Freshman of the Year
Haywood delivered one of the strongest debut seasons in the conference, ranking fifth in the AAC with 64.7 receiving yards per game and sixth with 582 total receiving yards. He hauled in 35 receptions across nine games, averaging more than 16 yards per catch, and his six receiving touchdowns ranked fourth in the league. His playmaking ability and consistency made him the conference's top offensive newcomer and a central piece of Bluefield's offense.
Michael Capranica – Offensive Line (Fr.)
Capranica started all 10 games at right tackle, anchoring one of the youngest offensive fronts in the AAC. His reliability and physical presence played a vital role in establishing Bluefield's rushing attack and protecting the quarterback throughout the season.
Tarell Sablon – Defensive Back (Fr.)
Sablon emerged as one of the AAC's premier ballhawks, leading the league with five interceptions during his first collegiate season. He added seven pass breakups, 29 total tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble, becoming a major catalyst in the Rams' secondary.
Second-Team All-AAC
Clayton Boyte – Offensive Line (So.)
Boyte was a foundational piece of the Rams' offense, starting all 10 games at left tackle and helping Bluefield develop one of the league's most productive freshman-driven units.
Kyree Edwards – Tight End (So.)
Edwards showcased his versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher, compiling 318 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, while also recording 30 receptions for 267 receiving yards. His dual-threat ability made him one of the AAC's most dynamic tight ends.
Ethan Walker – Linebacker (R-Fr.)
Walker became an immediate impact defender for the Rams, tying for the third-most sacks in the AAC (4.5) while posting 32 total tackles and eight tackles for loss. He opened his collegiate career with an AAC Defensive Player of the Week performance that included six tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and a sack in Week 1 against Thomas.
Chase Harris – Linebacker (Fr.)
Harris was a consistent playmaker in Bluefield's defensive front seven, registering 45 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 4.5 tackles for loss in his debut season. His range and physicality helped solidify the Rams' linebacker corps.
A link to the full release from the AAC, including the Champions of Character and All-Academic Teams can be found here.
