TU Football Claims Five All-MSFA Mideast League Accolades
UPLAND, Ind. – The Mid-States Football Association announced its All-MSFA Mideast League Teams on Monday, with Josh Saltzgaber, Sean Callahan, Sam Bartu, Liam Hesting and Aven Jones representing Taylor on the list.
Saltzgaber earned his second-straight Second-Team All-MSFA award, after starting all 10 games at the linebacker position for the Trojans during his senior season. Saltzgaber set career-highs with 84 tackles, 50 solo stops, seven hits for lost yardage and two interceptions, while topping the TU squad in solo tackles and tackles for a loss. Saltzgaber also ended second on the team in total tackles and interceptions, and closed the regular season No. 25 in the NAIA in solo stops.
Callahan joined Saltzgaber as a Second-Team All-MSFA performer, earning a spot by holding down the long-snapper duties on special teams for the Purple and Gold during the 2021 season. The junior saw time in nine games this year, serving as a key cog on the TU special teams unit.
Bartu repeated his Honorable Mention All-MSFA award from one year ago, as the senior led Taylor's defensive line by posting 38 tackles in 10 games played this season. Bartu added a team-leading five sacks and registered 6.5 tackles for lost yardage for personal-bests in each category.
Hesting collected his first All-MSFA award, earning a spot as an Honorable Mention standout on the offensive line. The sophomore right tackle helped Taylor rank among the top-20 rushing offenses in the NAIA with 180.4 yards on the ground per game, while piling up at least 140 rushing yards in seven contests.
Jones was also named to the Honorable Mention All-MSFA Mideast League Team for his first postseason honor. The sophomore linebacker started all 10 games and led Taylor with 91 tackles during his breakout year. In addition, Jones logged 45 solo tackles, four hits for a loss and 1 sack.
Taylor is set to return 12 starters for the 2022 campaign, with that list being highlighted by Hesting, Jones and Callahan.