LEESBURG, Va. --- Tusculum College defensive lineman Caushaud Lyons has been named to the 2014 Beyond Sports Network NCAA Division II All-America Football third team.

Lyons becomes only the second defensive lineman in program history to garner All-America distinction, joining Terrence Smith, who was selected to the Don Hansen Football Gazette All-America team in 2011.

Lyons, a 6-5, 295-pound senior from Ellenwood, Georgia, recorded one of the finest seasons ever by a TC defensive lineman. He led the Pioneers with 89 tackles, which are a new school single-season record for a defensive lineman. Of those stops, 19 were for loss, which are the second most in TC history and most by a Pioneer lineman.

The 2014 All-South Atlantic Conference first team and consensus All-Region pick averaged 8.1 tackles per game, which are most in the South Atlantic Conference and Super Region 2 for defensive linemen and fourth most in the nation (NCAA II). His 8.1 tackles for loss are third in the league overall. His 1.5 tackles for loss per game average is first in the conference and 40th in the nation (all players). He also averaged 0.77 sacks per contest, which is second in the SAC and 38th in NCAA II.

In 2014, he recorded 10 or more tackles on four occasions, including a career-high 15 stops against Carson-Newman. A week later, he posted seven tackles, including four for loss and two sacks in Tusculum's 14-10 road win at Wingate. Against the Bulldogs, he made five quarterback hurries and broke up a pass. He was named the SAC Defensive Player of the Week and the Tennessee Sportswriters Association College Player of the Week.

Lyons wraps up his collegiate career with 181 tackles, which are a new Tusculum record for a defensive lineman. His 28 career tackles for loss are 10th in school history and second most by a TC lineman. His 13 career sacks are tied for seventh in program history (3rd for defensive lineman). He also was credited for two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four passes defended, including an interception.

Lyons finished one of eight national finalists for the Gene Upshaw Award, which recognizes the top NCAA Division II lineman in the country. He is also national finalist for the 2014 Cliff Harris Award, which honors the top small college defensive player of the year for NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA.

Tusculum finished the season with a 6-5 overall record, including a 4-3 league mark to finish in sole possession of third place in the conference. After starting the year 1-4, the Pioneers rebounded by winning five of their final six contests, including a four-game winning streak to conclude the 2014 campaign.

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