Eight Cavaliers Recognized by College Football Network

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia wide receiver Malik Washington was a first team honoree on the College Football Network’s All-America Team and named the outlet’s ACC Wide Receiver of the Year. Graduate student Brian Stevens was honored as the CFN ACC Center of the Year.

UVA – College Football Network Honors
WR Malik Washington – ACC Wide Receiver of the Year, First Team All-America, First Team All-ACC
C Brian Stevens – ACC Offensive Center of the Year, First Team All-ACC
WR Malachi Fields – Second Team All-ACC
DT Aaron Faumui – All-ACC Honorable Mention
LB Kam Robinson – All-ACC Honorable Mention
CB Coen King – All-ACC Honorable Mention
S Jonas Sanker – All-ACC Honorable Mention
Specialist Perris Jones – All-ACC Honorable Mention

Washington, one of 10 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, put together one of the top receiving seasons in ACC history. After shattering UVA’s single-season receptions and receiving yards marks, he went on to set the ACC single-season receptions (110) record along with the league’s single-season receptions per game mark (9.2). His 1,426 receiving yards were the fifth-most in a single-season ever by an ACC player. Of the 12 games played for the Cavaliers in 2023, Washington had 10, 100-yard receiving games, the most of any player in the country. His 110 receptions lead all FBS players at the conclusion of the regular season. Washington was also announced as one of three finalists for the Dudley Award, presented annually to the Commonwealth of Virginia’s best college football player competing at the Division I level (FBS or FCS).

Stevens, a graduate transfer from Dayton, started all 12 games for the Cavaliers, two at guard before transitioning to center for the final 10 games. He sported the fourth-highest Pro Football Focus grade (77.3) for centers in the country and was the top-graded run-blocking center in the ACC. He allowed one sack in 476 opportunities according to PFF.

Fields teamed up with Washington to become the most productive wide receiver duo in program history. The junior caught 58 passes and accumulated 811 receiving yards to go along with five touchdowns receptions. He ranked in the top-five in the league in receiving yards (4th), receiving yards per game (5th – 67.6), receptions (6th) and receptions per game (7th – 4.83). Fields had 60 or more receiving yards in 11 of 12 games this season and 39 of his 58 receptions went for first downs.

Faumui is a two-time All-ACC honorable mention as voted on by the ACC media and head coaches. According to Pro football Focus, the senior was the highest graded run defender (65.0), tackler (30.6), pass rush snaps (62.8) among qualified defensive lineman in the ACC. From his interior line position, he totaled 32 tackles (13 solo) and a team-high 6.5 tackles for loss.

Robinson appeared in all 12 games and made eight starts for the Cavaliers in his debut season. He led all ACC true freshman in tackles (71), had 4.5 tackles for loss one sack, two interceptions and four QB hurries. He led or co-led UVA in tackles five times. Robinson’s second interception of the season came at then-No. 11 Louisville which he returned it for a touchdown to tie the game at 14 in the third quarter.

King started UVA’s first 10 games at corner before suffering a season-ending injury. He finished the season with 60 tackles (47 solo), 2.5 TFL, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles. His 6.00 tackles per game are tied for the ninth most by an ACC defensive back this season. Has two fumbles forced this season, tied for the ninth-most in the league. One of 73 nominees for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the most outstanding football player in American who began his career as a Walk-On and has shown outstanding performance on the field.

Sanker, a first team honoree according to the ACC media and head coaches led the ACC and ranked second in the country with 6.1 solo tackles per game. His 107 total tackles and 8.9 total tackles per game were the third-most in the league. He became the first Cavalier defensive back to eclipse the 100-tackle mark since Quin Blanding in 2017. Sanker led the Cavaliers in tackles in seven of the 12 games this season.

Jones doubled as a starter in the Cavalier backfield and a contributor on special teams. The graduate student led the Cavaliers with six special teams tackles according to Pro Football Focus. As a runner, Jones led the Cavaliers in rushing, totaling 393 yards with two touchdowns.

2023 UVA All-America Honors
WR – Malik Washington: College Football Network (1^st Team)
LB – Kam Robinson: On3 Freshman All-America (1^st Team)