RICHARDSON, Texas - Six members of the Austin College football team have been named All-American Southwest Conference performers for their outstanding play in the 2021 season, the league office has announced.

Tyler James was a first team All-ASC pick, Aaron Rideaux earned second team honors, Jason Miao and Devon Rideaux were third team selections, and John Aldridge and Kaden Bess were both honorable mention All-Conference picks. James was also named to the Outstanding Sportsman Team of the Year in the ASC.

James, a senior from Wills Point, earned first team defensive honors for his role as the team's starting punter. James finished second in the nation in punting average, booming kicks at an average of 42.2 yards-per-punt. James had a long of 76 yards, and placed 13 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line.

Aaron Rideaux, a senior from Beaumont, hauled in 36 receptions as the team's top wide receiver. Rideaux totaled 459 yards through the air, averaging 12.8 yards-per-catch, and caught four touchdown passes. 

Miao, a sophomore offensive lineman from Plano, started every game for the 'Roos and helped clear the way for more than 1,000 team rushing yards this season, while Austin College finished the season with over 2,200 yards of total offense and nine rushing scores.

Devon Rideaux, a senior from Beaumont, rushed for 434 yards with an average of 3.7 yards-per-carry in 2021, finding the endzone four times. Rideaux went over the 100-yard mark twice during the year.

Aldridge, a junior kicker from Richardson, was 80% on his field goal attempts this season, hitting 4-of-5 attempts with a long of 31 yards. He was also 14-of-16 on point-after attempts, totaling 26 points scored on the year.

Bess, a freshman return specialist from Fort Worth, averaged 26.6 yards-per-return for the season, totaling 319 yards on 12 kickoff return attempts. Bess also had a 99-yard return for a touchdown this season.