By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Three more Appalachian State football players garnered national attention this week by being named to preseason “watch lists” for individual awards. The trio includes Isaiah Helms for the Rimington Trophy, which goes to the nation’s top center; Milan Tucker for the Paul Hornung Award, given annually to the most versatile FBS-level player in the country; and tight end Miller Gibbs, for the Wuerffel Trophy, recognizing the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field.
PLAYER PROFILES FROM APP STATE SPORTS
Isaiah Helms
An All-Sun Belt performer, Helms started the last six games at center in 2022 and started in all 25 of his game appearances for the Mountaineers since transferring from Western Carolina before the 2021 season. He was the Catamounts’ starting center for two seasons and was named a HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-American during the 2020-21 season (that didn’t count against his college eligibility).
Since its inception, the Rimington Trophy raised more than $5 million for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which is committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. Dave Rimington, the award’s namesake, was a consensus first-team All-America center at Nebraska in 1981 and 1982, during which time he became the John Outland Trophy’s only two-time winner as the nation’s finest college interior lineman.
Milan Tucker
The Paul Hornung Award is presented by Texas Roadhouse and given by the Louisville Sports Commission in memory of the late football legend and Louisville native, Paul Hornung.
Over the last three seasons, Tucker returned kicks while spending time at both cornerback and wide receiver, depending on team needs. He earned second-team All-American recognition as a kick returner by the Football Writers Association of America last season, when he ranked second nationally (among qualifying players) with a kick return average of 28.2 yards (with 620 yards on 22 returns).
Tucker scored his first career touchdown with a 96-yard kickoff return at Marshall. He also had key returns of 47 yards against North Carolina and 63 yards in the win against Georgia State. On defense, he contributed as a cornerback, starting at that position against Robert Morris.
Miller Gibbs
Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy honors college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society and inspire greater service in the world.
During his App State career, Gibbs and other teammates spent time coaching and as a positive influence for participants in the Girls on the Run program. Gibbs also leads a bible study group involving members of App State’s football team.
Gibbs, who earned a management degree in December, has returned to App State for a sixth year and is pursuing a graduate certificate in business analytics. He played in 45 career games so far, including all 12 during a 2022 season in which he made five starts and received the team’s Jerry Moore Award.
