2014 Arch Awards: Kentrell Brothers and Michael Scherer were 2014’s Best Under-the-Radar Performers

Earlier this month, we asked our readers to help us determine the winner of the 2014 Arch Award for the Best Under-the-Radar Performance during 2014. This award goes to an athlete (or in this case, athletes) who were part of the St. Louis sports scene and delivered an outstanding performance, but did not receive widespread recognition from the media or the general public for their success. The nominees were Missouri Tigers linebackers Kentrell Brothers and Michael Scherer, St. Louis Rams cornerback E.J. Gaines, St. Louis Cardinals reliever Pat Neshek, and Saint Louis Billikens point guard Jordair Jett. After two weeks of polling, our voters determined in a landslide decision that Brothers and Scherer were the most worthy nominees.

Defensive ends Shane Ray and Markus Golden, both of whom project as first-rounders in the 2015 NFL Draft, both received a ton of success for Missouri’s defensive success this year, and rightfully so, as the team led the nation in sacks. However, Brothers and Scherer kind of got the short end of the stick in terms of recognition, which is a shame considering the huge impact that they both made. The two linebackers were the Tigers’ top tacklers, and ended up being two of the best linebackers in the conference. Brothers finished second in the SEC in tackles with 117, while Scherer was fifth with 107.

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In addition to his impressive tackling numbers, Brothers had five tackles for loss, a sack, four pass breakups, four passes defended, two quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles. Scherer had three tackles for loss, a half sack, a breakup and pass defended, two quarterback hits, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. The duo will have a chance to build further upon their respective successes next season, as Brothers, a redshirt junior, and Scherer, a redshirt sophomore, are both expected to return for the 2015 season.

Congratulations to Kentrell Brothers and Michael Scherer for winning the 2014 Arch Award for Best Under-the-Radar Performance! Be sure to check back in with us tomorrow to see what wins the award for Best Storyline. Until then, click the link below to help us make a decision as voting wraps up!

Next: What was the Best Storyline in St. Louis Sports During 2014?