AFL Insiders Make Midseason Award Picks

June 8,2017

Carden a unanimous choice for midseason Rookie of the Year

LAS VEGAS (June 8, 2017) – The end of Week 9 marks the official midway point of the Arena Football League's 30th season. Eight of the League's top writers and television personalities have made their picks for midseason awards.

MVP – Randy Hippeard, Tampa Bay

Hippeard leads the AFL in total offense (282.7 yards per game), total offensive touchdowns (48), passing yards per game (268.9) completing percentage (70.1%) and quarterback rating (126.0). Hippeard also just had a streak of 201 consecutive passes without an interception snapped last week.

Others Receiving Votes: Dan Raudabaugh, Philadelphia

Offensive Player of the Year – Joe Hills, Tampa Bay

With a receiving touchdown in 75 consecutive games, Hills has been the AFL's most consistent wide out for years. He has 70 receptions through seven games, and if this pace keeps up, it would the sixth season in AFL history in which a player averaged 10 receptions per game. Hills is second in the AFL to receiving yards (714) and is the league-leader in touchdowns (20).

Others Receiving Votes: Quentin Sims, Cleveland; Arvell Nelson, Cleveland

Defensive Player of the Year – Khreem Smith, Baltimore

Smith leads the AFL with seven sacks. Just one player had more sacks than that in the entirety of the 2016 season. The last time a player had double-digits in sacks in a season was in 2015. The Oklahoma State product is just one sack away from setting his career-high from his rookie campaign in 2006.

Others Receiving Votes: Dwayne Hollis, Philadelphia; Joe Goosby, Philadelphia

Rookie of the Year – Shane Carden, Baltimore

Carden was a unanimous choice for the first half Rookie of the Year. He is third in the AFL in total offense at 263.1 yards per game and is tied for third in touchdown passes with 36. Carden has a great chance to become the first rookie quarterback since Kurt Rocco and Brad Banks in 2011 to throw for 3,000 yards.

Coach of the Year – Ron James, Tampa Bay

The Storm won just two games a season ago and haven't won more than eight games in a season since 2010. The five-time ArenaBowl champs currently sit in the No. 2 seed in the AFL standings and can clinch a postseason bid this week with a win over Washington. Under James' direction, the Storm are averaging 51.9 points per game, up over two touchdowns from last year's 35.5 points per game.

Others Receiving Votes: Clint Dolezel, Philadelphia; Omarr Smith, Baltimore

Panel of voters included AFL staff writers, Adam Markowitz and Carson Merk, AFL Web Services Director, Tim Capper, and television personalities, Sherdrick Bonner, Tina Cervasio, Jon Meterparel, Pat O'Hara and Dave Ryan.