CANTON, Ga. - The Associated Press announced the Division III All-America Football teams this afternoon.
The All-America team and individual honors are chosen by a panel of sports information directors from Division III football schools. The All-America teams are highlighted by six Southern Athletic Association athletes.
First Team Selections:
Michael Clark (Berry) - DL
Caleb Bayer (Trinity) - OL
Chase Lanham (Southwestern) - P
Third Team Selections:
Reed Richards (Berry) - OL
Alejandro Tavarez (Trinity) - WR
TJ Scannell (Trinity) - LB
About the SAA's selections:
Berry
Michael Clark was named the SAA Defensive Athlete of the Year as he led the Vikings defense to a team best season with an 11-2 record and an NCAA run that ended in the final eight. Reed Richards was beneficial to the Vikings offensive success and has been rewarded for his hard work already with AFCA All-America honors and D3football All-Region honors.
Southwestern
Chase Lanham is a super successful freshman punter. He is the first Pirate AP All-American since 1943 leading the NCAA DIII level in average distance per punt at 47.6 yards.
Trinity
Caleb Bayer was an essential part of the Trinity offense that led the SAA in average points a game while Alejandro Tavarez was second in the SAA with 15 touchdowns this season. Defensively, TJ Scannell averaged 7.4 tackles a game with five sacks.
For more information on all things SAA, visit the websites of any of the participating schools or go to the SAA’s home on the internet at www.saa-sports.com. Stay up to date on all Southern Athletic Association news by following @SAA_Sports on Twitter (X) and @SAA_Sports on Instagram.