It wasn't that long ago that Ja'Von Rolland-Jones struggled to get on the field consistently for Arkansas State.
The junior defensive end started only one of the team's first six games. Coaches favored other players because they couldn't trust Rolland-Jones enough in defending the run.
But after a final month of the season that coaches had long desired from Rolland-Jones, he joined a club that includes only one other ASU player before Wednesday.
Rolland-Jones was named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year on Wednesday when the conference released its year-end awards. The award was based on a vote by coaches and selected media members.