STONY BROOK, N.Y. – Stony Brook University football players Roland Dempster and Rushawn Lawrence added to their growing list of accolades as Stats Perform announced this week that both have been named to the 2024 FCS All-America team.

Dempster, the Seawolves' standout running back, earned Second Team honors, adding to his impressive season as an Associated Press (AP) Second Team All-American and a Walter Payton Award finalist. Defensive lineman Rushawn Lawrence received his first career All-America recognition with a Third Team selection.

Dempster delivered a historic season for Stony Brook, rushing for a career-high 1,332 yards on 268 carries with 18 touchdowns. He also contributed 32 receptions for 335 yards and one touchdown. Nationally, Dempster ranked third in the FCS and second in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in total touchdowns. Additionally, he led the CAA in total rushing yards and rushing yards per game (finishing in the top-five nationally for both), while finishing ninth in all-purpose yards per game nationally.

His performance placed him among the program's all-time greats. Dempster recorded the fourth-highest single-season rushing total in Stony Brook history, the second-most rushing touchdowns in a season, and the third-most total touchdowns in a single season. His efforts fueled the Seawolves' offensive resurgence, boosting their scoring average from 15.2 points per game in 2023 to 29.6 points per game in 2024. The team also improved in total yards (314.2 to 403.9 per game), rushing yards (104.1 to 170.3 per game), and total touchdowns (19 in 2023 to 44 in 2024).

Lawrence anchored the defense with a dominant season, earning First Team All-CAA honors. He led the team with 8.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, ranking fourth in the CAA in sacks. Lawrence also posted career-highs in tackles (42), interceptions (1), forced fumbles (2), and pass deflections (2). Notable performances included two sacks and an interception in the victory over Fordham, as well as two forced fumbles and two sacks in a win against Towson.

The Seawolves' defense showed marked improvement under Lawrence's leadership, reducing opponents' scoring average from 39.2 points per game in 2023 to 24.0 points per game in 2024. The unit also cut opponents' total yards from 470.7 to 373.5 per game and allowed only 32 touchdowns, compared to 53 the previous season.

To purchase season tickets, call 631-632-WOLF (9653) or email the ticket office at seawolvestickets@stonybrook.edu.

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