Football

Four SAA Football Standouts Named to D3football.com Preseason All-America Team

CANTON, Ga. – Four Southern Athletic Association football standouts have been named to the D3football.com Preseason All-America Team.

From Maryville, Grant Henderson and Owen Sacks earned the honor, with Henderson selected to the First-Team Defense and Sacks to the Second-Team Offense. 

As a junior, Sacks helped power the Scots to the top of the conference in total offense (425.7 ypg) and passing (281.3 ypg). He was also instrumental in cutting Maryville’s sacks allowed from 29 in 2022 and 30 in 2023 (both 10-game seasons) to just 14 in 2024 across 11 games.

Henderson ranked fourth nationally in passes defended, totaling four interceptions and 15 pass breakups—just one shy of tying the program record. He appeared in all 11 games, finishing third on the team with 50 tackles. In the NCAA Division III Second Round matchup at DePauw, Henderson recorded nine tackles (eight solo) and two pass breakups, setting his season total at 15. He helped lead Maryville’s defense to national rankings of 2nd in pass efficeiency defense, 5th in first down defense, and 8th in total defense. 

From Trinity, Jonathan Nwobodo earned Second-Team Defense honors. The 6'3 defensive lineman is a two-time D3football.com All-Region pick and a First-Team All-SAA honoree. He has already collected four conference titles and four NCAA appearances.

Southwestern’s DJ James was recognized on the Third-Team Defense. The Houston, Texas native heads into his senior year with both All-Region and All-Conference accolades. Last season, he recorded 40 tackles across 10 games, along with two interceptions, including a 76-yard return.

For the full list please visit D3football.com.

Check out these four all-stars and all of SAA football as they return to action the week of September 1.

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. Be sure to stay up to date on all of your Southern Athletic Association news by following @SAA_Sports on Twitter (X) and @SAA_Sports on Instagram.