Szczur named CAA offensive player of year, Talley coach of year

There is no question that Matt Szczur is one of the best football players to don to a Villanova uniform. The multi-dimensional wideout is usually recognized as the best player on the field at the end of each game he plays.

Apparently, the Colonial Athletic Association paid close attention.

Szczur was named both the CAA's offensive player of the year and the special teams players of the year Monday in a voting by league coaches.

He wasn't the only Wildcat who received special recognition. As expected, Villanova's Andy Talley was named the CAA coach of the year.

"It is a shock to me," Szczur said of winning the awards, especially the offensive player of the year. "I was just telling [Villanova quarterback Chris] Whitney, 'I don't believe this, because my statistics aren't really that good.' My statistics are around 400 yards rushing and less than 400 yards receiving."

What the 5-foot-11, 195-pounded didn't mention is he's averaging 7.9 yards-per-touch on offense. The junior is the only Division I player - Football Bowl Subdivision or Football Championship Subdivision - to have touchdowns as a rusher, receiver, kick returner and passer.

Szczur has 68 carries for 467 yards and five touchdowns heading into Saturday's FCS playoff game with Holy Cross. He also has 36 receptions for 358 yards and four scores. And he's completed 3 of 3 passes for 21 yards and two scores.

As a kickoff return, his average of 27.3 yards-per-return ranks second in the CAA and fourth nationally. His highlight was an 87-yarder for a touchdown against Penn on Sept. 19.

"I was more excited with the special teams award," said Szczur, who averages 132.2 all-purpose yards. "That goes out to all the kids that play on special teams."

Talley received his first conference coach of the year honor since 1997. Back then, the league was called the Atlantic 10 Conference. Under his guidance, the Wildcats (10-1) won the CAA co-championship title and nabbed the No.2 seed in the upcoming FCS playoffs. Villanova is also ranked second in the Sports Network's FCS poll.

Villanova's Whitney, offensive lineman Ben Ijalana, defensive lineman Tim Kukucka and linebacker Terence Thomas all joined Szczur as first-team all-CAA selections.