Javon Cruz named to 2024 All-PSAC Eastern Division Football Team

Cruz named to the East Second Team defense

Javon M. Cruz, a senior linebacker for Shippensburg University, has earned recognition for his standout performance during the 2024 football season, as he was named to the 2024 All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Football Team. Cruz was selected for the East Second Team defense, marking the first All-PSAC honor of his career. The selection was made based on votes cast by the league’s head coaches, a recognition of Cruz’s consistent and impactful play over the course of the season.

This recognition is a culmination of Cruz’s hard work, leadership, and dedication throughout his career at Shippensburg. A team captain and a key defensive player for the Raiders, Cruz’s journey to becoming one of the top linebackers in the conference has been marked by his unrelenting determination and his ability to rise to the occasion, particularly in his senior year.

Cruz’s selection to the All-PSAC team highlights his significant contribution to the Raiders’ defense. Over the course of the 2024 season, Cruz played in all 11 games, continuing his role as a starter and a leader on the field. His consistent play throughout the season made him an essential part of Shippensburg’s defensive unit, and his statistics reflect the impact he had in all aspects of the game.

Finishing second on the team with a career-high 61 tackles, Cruz proved to be a reliable force on the field, always around the ball and capable of making critical stops. Of his 61 tackles, 30 were solo tackles, showcasing his ability to be a one-on-one defender and make plays in open space. He also led the team in tackles for loss, finishing the season with eight, which demonstrated his ability to disrupt the opposing offense behind the line of scrimmage and create negative yardage plays for the opposition.

In addition to his tackles and tackles for loss, Cruz made key contributions in other areas of the game that further solidified his place as one of the top linebackers in the PSAC. He forced a fumble and intercepted a pass during the season, both of which were crucial in helping the Raiders on both sides of the ball. Cruz’s ability to create turnovers, along with his strong defensive presence, made him an integral part of Shippensburg’s defensive success.

Being named to the All-PSAC team is an important milestone in Cruz’s career, and it’s a recognition of not only his individual talent but also his leadership and commitment to the team. As a team captain, Cruz played a crucial role in leading by example both on and off the field. His work ethic, discipline, and dedication were evident to his teammates, and his selection to the All-PSAC team reflects the respect he earned from the league’s coaches for his leadership and ability to execute when it mattered most.

This honor is particularly meaningful for Cruz, as it is the first time in his career that he has earned an All-PSAC distinction. Over the years, Cruz has been a mainstay in the lineup, providing stability and consistency to the linebacker corps. His journey from a freshman who contributed on special teams and in spot duty to becoming a three-year starter and one of the best linebackers in the PSAC is a testament to his growth as a player and his commitment to improving every season.

For Shippensburg University, Cruz’s selection to the All-PSAC team is also a reflection of the team’s continued competitiveness in the PSAC East division. The Raiders have been a consistent force in the conference, and Cruz’s individual accolades further bolster the program’s reputation for developing top-tier talent. As a senior, Cruz’s achievement serves as a bright spot in what has been a solid season for Shippensburg, and his contributions have played a key role in the team’s success.

Looking back on his career, Cruz’s development into one of the top linebackers in the PSAC has been a gradual process, with each season building upon the last. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact, showing flashes of his potential, and by his sophomore year, he had solidified a spot in the starting lineup. Over the course of his time at Shippensburg, Cruz has continued to refine his skills, gaining a reputation for his football IQ, his ability to read the game, and his ability to deliver big hits and crucial tackles when his team needs it most.

Throughout his career, Cruz has been a player that coaches could rely on. His leadership both on and off the field has been invaluable to his teammates, and his work ethic has set a standard for the younger players in the program. As a captain, Cruz has always been willing to step up, not just as a player but also as a mentor, helping guide and develop the next generation of Raiders football players. His ability to maintain his focus and motivation, even through the challenges that come with being a student-athlete, has been a driving force behind his success.

Cruz’s leadership has also extended to his role in the classroom, where he has worked hard to balance his academic responsibilities with the demands of being a student-athlete. His dedication to excellence in both areas has made him a well-rounded individual, and his recognition as a standout football player is just one part of his legacy at Shippensburg University.

As Cruz’s senior season comes to a close, his selection to the 2024 All-PSAC Eastern Division Football Team serves as a fitting capstone to his impressive career. It’s a reflection of all the hard work, dedication, and growth that Cruz has displayed over the years, and it is a well-deserved recognition of his contribution to the success of the Shippensburg Raiders.

Looking ahead, Cruz’s name will be remembered as one of the standout linebackers in recent memory for the Raiders, and his impact on the program will be felt for years to come. His selection to the All-PSAC team not only recognizes his individual accomplishments but also serves as a testament to the strength of the Shippensburg football program and its ability to develop top-level talent.

Javon Cruz’s recognition as a member of the 2024 All-PSAC Eastern Division Football Team is a well-earned honor that celebrates his remarkable season, leadership, and contributions to Shippensburg University football. As a senior, his hard work and determination have paid off in the form of this prestigious award, and his legacy as a standout linebacker will be remembered by the Shippensburg community and beyond. His selection to the All-PSAC team is a reflection of his talent, his commitment to the game, and his leadership, and it serves as an inspiration to future generations of Shippensburg football players.