PHILADELPHIA  – West Chester landed three football players on the 2016 Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area squad it was announced by that organization Thursday afternoon.
Junior RB Jarel Elder (Allentown, Pa./Parkland), senior OT Doug Gilbert (Mount Laurel, N.J./Lenape) and senior defensive back Kyle Keyser (Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley) were all recognized for their efforts both on the field and in the classroom this past fall. Keyser makes his second appearance on the all-academic team.
Elder carries a 3.06 grade-point average in Biology-Cellular & Molecular while Gilbert owns a 3.30 GPA in Criminal Justice and Keyser a 3.87 in Accounting/Finance.
Elder was a 1,000-yard rusher for the Golden Rams on the gridiron, scoring 11 rushing touchdowns to boot. He amassed 1,393 all-purpose yards as well. He carried the ball 22 times for a season-high 193 yards at Edinboro and scored a season-best three rushing TDs against Millersville. He scored a rushing touchdown in four of the team's final six games. Elder was also named All-ECAC and All-PSAC this fall.
Gilbert, a preseason All-American, held down the left tackle position along West Chester's offensive line. The Golden Rams' offense ranked fourth in the conference in rushing (2,192 yards) and fifth in passing (3,093 yards). Overall, the offense generated 480.5 yards per game, including nearly five touchdowns per contest. Gilbert was a first-team All-PSAC and All-ECAC selection while garnering second-team All-Super Region 1 honors this fall.
Keyser registered 38 tackles from his free safety position in the defensive backfield. He posted 20 solo stops and another 18 assisted stops. He was also credited with a pair of pass breakups. He made a season-high seven total tackles in the season opener at Bentley, including five solo stops. Keyser was also named Co-SIDA Academic All-District 2 earlier this fall as well. This is his second academic award this season and third overall in his college career.
