East Carolina wide receiver Zay Jones, who broke both the FBS single-season and career receiving records this season, has earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference recognition. The Biletnikoff Award finalist was one of the few bright spots for the Pirates during their 3-9 season while leading the nation in catches 158, receptions per game (13.20) and receiving yards per game 145.5. His 1,746 receiving yards are the most ever by an AAC player. Jones, a second-team All-AAC selection as a junior last season, also set a school and conference record by catching 22 passes against South Carolina on Sept. 17. In addition to Jones, ECU’s Worth Gregory earned mention as the second-team All-AAC punter. The former transfer from Alabama averaged 42.3 yards per punt and landed 15 kicks inside the 20-yard line. Nine of his punts went for 50 yards or more, including a season-long 65 yarder at Tulsa. Jones and Gregory were the only two Pirates to be selected to the All-ACC teams. In other league awards announced on Wednesday, South Florida quarterback Quinton Flowers was named Offensive Player of the Year, Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin was named Defensive Player of the Year, Memphis kick returner Tony Pollard was selected Special Teams Player of the Year while Houston defensive tackle is the AAC’s Rookie of the Year. Navy’s Ken Niumatalolo was chosen as the conference Coach of the Year for the second straight season.
