University of Massachusets Athletics
Baylark, James, Kane Honored By New England Football Writers
November 29, 2004 | Football
Nov. 29, 2004
BOSTON - UMass' Steve Baylark, Shannon James and Rob Kane were all honored by New England Football Writers as they were named to the Division I-AA All-Star squad. The trio were also all first team Atlantic 10 selections in 2004 in leading the Minutemen to a 6-5 record.
Baylark led the A-10 in rushing with 1,138 yards (103.5 per game). He gained more than 100 yards in five games this season including four in a row late in the season. He currently ranks fifth all-time in career rushing yards with 2,235 after just two seasons. His 1,138 yards this season is the 11th best single-season total in UMass history and his 243 carries stands ninth on the list. He rushed for 191 yards on 43 carries, third-most in a game at UMass history, at New Hampshire. On the season, he also had nine catches for 90 yards. Baylark was a All A-10 Second team honoree last season.
James, who was also the A-10 Defensive Football Player of the Year, led the Conference and shared the national lead in interceptions with eight. He registered 75 tackles, including 59 solo stops. The junior picked off two passes in three of Massachusetts' 11 games this season and his 16 career interceptions are the most of any active player in I-AA.
Kane, a senior captain, has been the stalwart of the UMass offensive line. He has headed up the crew that led to Baylark's huge season. Behind Kane, the UMass offensive line helped the Minutemen to 138.8 rushing yards per game and 366.4 yards of total offense each game. Kane was named to the All-Conference second team last season.
The 32-player all-star team includes standouts from three conferences (A-10, Ivy League, Patriot League) and 10 individual schools.
