The Gateway Football Conference announced the members of the All-Newcomer Team Wednesday, and Illinois State was represented by junior running back Brian Thompson and freshman wide receiver Kevett Mickle.
Thompson, an Iowa State transfer from Plantation, Fla., led the Birds in rushing this season with 866 yards on 173 carries and two touchdowns. He was also the leading rusher in conference games with an average of 125.2 yards per game and he averaged 5.0 yards per carry.
Thompson was the first player since Willie Watts in 2000 to register three straight 150-plus yard rushing games with 151 yards against SMS, 152 at Western Illinois and 222 against Youngstown State. He ranked No. 4 in all- purpose yards for league games with 133.8 yards per game.
Mickle, a native of Orlando, Fla., was second on the Redbirds in receptions with 34 catches for 529 yards, a 15.6 yard average, and two touchdowns. He caught six passes for 104 yards against Indiana State and six for 63 yards against Western Kentucky, while also hauling in four catches for 93 yards against Youngstown State. Mickles 529 receiving yards were ninth in the Gateway this season and he set the school record for most receiving yards by a freshman, while also setting the standard for most receptions by a freshman.
