A historic 2021 season was wrapped up with a memorable night as the annual Lake Forest College football team banquet was hosted at Mickie Finns Brewery on Sunday, February 27. The day began with a brief introduction from Head Coach Jim Catanzaro, recapping a remarkable championship season as our highlight video played in the background. The night then transitioned to honoring the non-returning seniors and their outstanding accomplishments. As each senior was recognized, favorite memories were shared as Coach touched on the impact each player had on the football program during their career as a Forester.
The 2021 Most Valuable Player was awarded to junior wide receiver/kick returner AJ Jackson. In his second full-season as a Forester, AJ continued to rewrite the Forester record books as a special teams performer. AJ led the Midwest Conference punt return average, touchdowns and was named First Team All-American by D3football.com for the 2nd time. He also broke the NCAA record for most punt return touchdowns despite only playing 22 games in his young career. Offensively, he finished the year with 16 touchdowns and a career high 852 yard receiving yards earning him First Team All-Conference honors at wide receiver.
Junior defensive back Dante Esposito was voted the 2021 Most Improved Player. Dante was the recipient of the 2019 Benny Walters Scout Team Defensive POTY for his tremendous effort, growth, and leadership on the scout team. In 2021 his hard work paid off as he finished the year with 25 tackles and 8 interceptions, earning him First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Region and Second Team All-American honors.
This season's Rookie of the Year award went to freshman defensive lineman Donnevan Plummer. During his freshman campaign, Plummer played in all 11 games finishing the year with 10 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, a sack and fumble recovery.
This year's Midwest Conference Newcomer of the Year award went to junior quarterback, Tre Stewart. In his first year as a Forester, Tre quickly made his presence known leading one of the top scoring offenses in the conference. Stressing defenses using both his arm and legs, Tre earned First Team All-Conference honors after throwing for 1,915 yards & 22 touchdowns and rushing for 405 yards & 8 touchdowns. This is the third year in a row where the NOTY award was given to a Forester.
The fifth annual Steve Little Memorial Award was given to two individual who embody the student-athlete that works the hardest for his academic accomplishments – striving for both academic and athletic achievement. This year's winner was senior tight end Cooper Tomlin.
The Benny Watters Scout Team Players of the Year (one for offense and one for defense) are given to players who show continual growth and leadership on the scout team. This season's offensive award winner was freshman quarterback Joshua Gasca. The 2021 defensive award winner was sophomore linebacker Donny James.
The Persson Family were the recipients of the 2021 Gridiron Gang Award, given to a fan, supporter, or family that goes above and beyond to support Forester football. The Gridiron Gang puts tremendous effort into making the experiences of the players uniquely special, win or lose.
In 2012, the Forester Pride Award was created in recognition of the player that best embodies what a Forester football player should be – passionate, resilient, disciplined, and tough. This individual also cares about his teammates and his team's success far more than he cares about his own. Renamed the DJ Baker Forester Pride Award, this award now takes on additional meaning after the passing of defensive lineman DJ Baker. The winner of this award exhibits an infectious spirit that resonates with his teammates and engages people from any background to feel the warmth, love, and care that DJ shared with his teammates. This individual should also bring great energy and emotion to the program and most importantly, he must carry the torch of our program into the community both on campus and beyond. There is no greater honor in the Forester program. The 2019 DJ Baker Forester Pride Award was given to senior defensive lineman Jamari Tansmore.
The Foresters also announced two of their team captains for the 2021 season as voted on by their teammates. Junior wide receiver AJ Jackson and junior linebacker Jaron Ah Quin were selected to lead the team.
List of Awards
MVP: AJ Jackson
MIP: Dante Esposito
ROTY: Donnevan Plummer
NOTY: Tre Stewart
Gridiron Gang Award: The Persson Family
Benny Walters Scout Team Offensive POTY: Joshua Gasca
Benny Walters Scout Team Defensive POTY: Donny James
Steve Little Academic Achievement Award: Cooper Tomlin
DJ Baker Forester Pride: Jamari Tansmore