The Duquesne season may have come to an end with a disappointing loss to Central Connecticut State over the weekend, but there was a lot of good throughout a successful season.
That includes running back Shawn Solomon Jr. earning a prestigious conference honor.
Solomon Jr. — a 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore from Brashear High in Pittsburgh, Pa. — was named the Northeast Conference (NEC) Offensive Rookie of the Year by the conference.
Solomon recorded 69 carries for 263 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding four receptions for 42 yards (10.5 yards per reception) and another touchdown.
Solomon is the third Duke to earn the honor, following A.J. Hines in 2016 and Billy Lucas in 2021. But he wasn’t the only player to earn postseason honors, with 15 of his teammates earning All-NEC accolades.
Quarterback Darius Perrantes, running back JaMario Clements, wide receiver Joey Isabella, offensive lineman Brian Beidastch Jr., defensive linemen A.J. Ackerman and Jack Dunkley, linebacker Ty Howard and defensive Antonio Epps earned first-team All-NEC honors.
Wide receiver John Erby, offensive linemen Michael Fallah and Cameron McLaurin, defensive lineman Jason Patterson, linebacker Khatavian Franks, defensive back DJ Cerisier and punter Kyle Romenick earned second-team All-NEC honors.
