EDISON—Shawn Brown, the Division III All-American defensive back for The College of New Jersey, was among a star-studded group of honorees at the 76th Annual New Jersey Sports Writers Association Banquet held in Edison on January 22. 

Brown, a defensive leader for TCNJ, was named first team Division III All-America by the American Football Coaches Association. His outstanding career was capped during the past season by five pass interceptions, two sacks, 26 unassisted tackles and 30 assisted tackles.  

For his four-year career, Brown, who lives in Long Branch, had nine interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, four sacks, 115 unassisted tackles and 108 assisted tackles. 

“Shawn did it all for our defense,” said head coach Eric Hamilton. As our captain and safety, he not only had the ability to lead from the deep middle but could make plays as a blitzer and play the run like a linebacker. He was our most consistent player who enjoyed his role as our go-to guy. He is a winner who will be successful in any goal he sets for himself.”  

Other honorees at the 2012 banquet included three original Mets -- Al Jackson, Frank Thomas and Jay Hook as part of the team's 50th anniversary celebration. Four other baseball awards recipients were part of the program, including Oakland A's relief pitcher Andrew Bailey, Arizona Diamondbacks coach Eric Young, a former Rutgers star, former Yankees and Mets pitcher Al Leiter, and Toronto Blue Jays assistant general manager Dana Brown, a former Seton Hall star.