FLORENCE - North Alabama linebacker Michael Johnson was on his way to class Thursday morning when he received a text message from linebackers coach Sean

Cannon.

"It just said 'Congratulations,' " Johnson said. "I was like, 'For what?' Then he sent me another message saying that I was GSC Defensive Player of the Year.

"It was crazy because he had told me during the summer that he wanted me to win it. He worked me hard to get it and it's good to see that hard work pay off."

Johnson is one of 17 Lions to earn All-GSC honors in voting by the league's coaches. Coach Terry Bowden was also honored, sharing the GSC Coach of the Year with Arkansas Tech's Steve Mullins.

The honor was special for Bowden, who returned to coaching after spending the past 11 years in broadcasting.

"I'm very honored to have been selected by my peers," Bowden said. "In my mind coach Mullins and Bobby Wallace both did a great job of coaching this year.

"The most difficult thing for me was getting 24 newcomers to play as a team. Once they did I just had to keep from messing it up. I have to give the credit to all of our coaches for the job they have done."

Joining Johnson on the first-team All-GSC squad from UNA are junior wide receiver Mico McSwain, senior wide receiver T.J. Porter, senior offensive tackle Calvin Wilson, senior defensive tackle Montrell Craft, senior linebacker Nicholas Walker, senior defensive back Quinton Andrews, senior punter Will Batson and senior place kicker Kenny Spencer.

UNA also placed eight players on the second-team All-GSC squad with four on offense and four on defense.

Chosen for second-team All-GSC honors from UNA are senior quarterback Harrison Beck, senior running back Tim Hicks, sophomore running back Marcus Sims, senior wide receiver Preston Parker, senior defensive end Brandon Fanney, senior safety J.J. Johnson, senior cornerback Jason Tate and junior cornerback Chad Daniel.

Johnson, a Panama City, Fla., native, follows in the footsteps of one of the school's legendary players as the GSC Defensive Player of the Year. The senior is the first UNA player to claim the accolade since College Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ronald McKinnon won honors in 1994 and 1995.

"Personal accolades are good, but winning a national championship is my main goal," Johnson said. "That is a goal like no other. It's a goal that our entire team is shooting for."

Johnson is UNA's fifth overall winner and he is also the fifth straight linebacker to win the award. He led a UNA defense that is tops in the league in scoring defense, pass defense and total defense. The Panama City, FL native ranks fifth in tackles for loss (1.18) and fumbles forced (tied, 0.27) and sixth in tackles (8.4). He has made 344 tackles during his career at UNA and is a four-time All-GSC selection.

"I'm proud of all our guys and especially proud of Michael," Bowden said. "I admired him when I first got here and saw him on film and now that I've got to know him I admire him even more. He represents UNA and our team the way I would want my son to represent us."

UNA will host a second round NCAA Division II playoff game at Braly Stadium on Nov. 21 against the winner of the Arkansas Tech-North Carolina Pembroke game. Kickoff is set for noon.

Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@TimesDaily.com.