BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford junior punt returner Montrell Washington was named second team All-American by Phil Steele, while Bulldog linebacker Trimarcus Cheeks was named second team Freshman All-American, while tight end Michael Vice earned fourth-team Freshman All-America honors when the organization released its postseason awards Wednesday.
 
This marks the third All-America team Washington has been named to. He was named third team All-American by HERO Sports and first team All-American by STATS.
 
Washington returned 15 punts during the 2019 season for an average of 21.9 yards per return. He returned one punt for a 59-yard touchdown late in the first quarter of the team's game at Western Carolina, turning the momentum and helping lead the Bulldogs to a 31-13 win. For his efforts, Washington was named the Southern Conference's Special Teams Player of the Week.
 
Washington also returned kickoffs for Samford, returning seven kicks for an average of 22.1 yards per return. As a wide receiver, Washington caught 28 passes for 405 yards and three touchdowns.
 
Cheeks finished the season with 48 tackles, including 26 solo stops and 6.5 tackles for loss. He had five games with at least five tackles, and he recorded one fumble recovery on the season.
 
Vice caught eight passes for 55 yards this season. Five of his eight receptions went for touchdowns. He had a career-high two touchdown receptions in the team's win over The Citadel.