Baker trio, ex-Jayhawk Gonzalez named to NAIA All-America teams

By Staff Report Dec 20, 2017

Nick Krug

Kansas return man LaQuvionte Gonzalez (1) has nowhere to run as he is forced out of bounds on a kickoff by the Texas Tech defense during the first quarter on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016 at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock, Texas.

Three Baker football players and former Kansas wide receiver LaQuvionte Gonzalez earned NAIA All-America honors.

Baker freshman running back JD Woods and junior defensive back Nate McLaurin, along with Gonzalez, were named to the Associated Press NAIA All-America second team on Wednesday.

Woods, a former Lawrence High standout, finished third in the NAIA in rushing yards (1,618) and touchdowns (25). He broke Baker’s single-game rushing record with 313 yards against Central Methodist and the school’s single-season mark for rushing touchdowns.

McLaurin led the Wildcats with five interceptions and 16 pass breakups. The Baker junior also made a big impact on special teams with four blocked kicks and 265 punt return yards, which ranked second in the NAIA.

Gonzalez and Baker defensive tackle Josh Kock were tabbed as NAIA AFCA Coaches’ All-America first-team on Dec. 11.

After being dismissed from the Kansas football team in August, Gonzalez hauled in 60 receptions for 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns for Southeastern (Fla.).

Kock was a first-team selection for the second straight year after recording seven sacks and 59 tackles — 15 of which were for a loss.