Complete List of NCCAA Football Awards
(Ann Arbor, MI) – The National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association recently announced their All-America award winners for the 2020 football season. Joshua Schumacher's program had 15 Cardinals selected for national recognition after the Dirty Birds reached the NAIA Football Championship Series Quarterfinals upon going undefeated during the regular season and winning the Mid-States Football Association Conference Championship.
Defensive Player of the Year
First Team All-Conference Offense
Luke Wilson – Tight End
Wilson has made significant strides during his time as a Cardinal leading to a breakout senior season. In his four regular season games he was second on the team with 8 receptions totaling 90 yards and recorded a touchdown. He also played an essential role in the Cardinals run game with his blocking abiliites from the tight end position.
Caleb Muxlow – Offensive Line
Muxlow earned his way onto the first team as a senior offensive lineman. Muxlow has anchored the offensive line for a couple years now show is versatility playing multiple positions. Muxlow started every game at center this season leading the Cardinals under first year coordinator Jonathan Coddington.
James Williams – Offensive Line
Williams dominated the season as a senior offensive lineman. Williams protection allowed the Cardinals' offense and backfield to thrive in their undefeated regular season and conference championship.
Luis Gomez – Place Kicker
Gomez earned his way onto first team honors as a kicker as a freshman standout recorded two game winning field goals for the Cardinals this season. He totaled a team leading 24 points for the Cardinals. Gomez earned national recognition on March 22nd after recording a 35 yard field goal in overtime to secure the Cardinals 17-14 win over Taylor.
Second Team All-Conference Offense
Keviontae Brown – Running Back
Brown's first season in the Cardinals' regime was extremely productive. Brown totaled nearly 400 rushing yards on the abbreviated season and found paydirt for the Cardinals one time.
Parker Graham – Wide Receiver
Graham's dual threat ability as a quarterback and wide receiver have made him a valuable asset during his time in Ann Arbor. Graham only missed one game this season but made up for it by averaging 46.2 yards per game and scoring three touchdowns.
Seeger DeGayner – Return Specialist
DeGayner quickly became a valuable part of WHAC Assistant Coach of the Year, Coach Straz's special team force in his freshman campaign. DeGayner recorded a plethora of tackles on kickoff and punt returns as well as returning two kickoffs to the house with one being in the NAIA Championship Series Quarterfinals against Lindsey Wilson to open up the game.
First Team All-Conference Defense
Andrew Foerster – Defensive Line
Foerster played in every game this season to help lead the Cardinals' defense. Foerster averaged nearly a sack per game in addition to recording 28 tackles on the season.
Alex Hinojosa – Defensive Line
Hinojosa anchored the Cardinals defensive line totaling 24 tackles. He also recorded one sack and had five tackles for a loss which totaled 17 yards and one interception on the season.
Ryan Fish – Defensive Back
Fish was second on the team in total tackles with 32. He forced a fumble and also recorded an interception. Fish also broke up a team leading five passes with several coming in the team's crucial moments to secure wins over ranked opponents.
Second Team All-Conference Defense
Hunter Maynard – Linebacker
Maynard was crucial in establishing the stout defense that the Cardinals' executed throughout the season. Maynard average over 7 tackles per game and made it difficult for their opponents to find any openings in the middle of the field.
Aaron Rahn – Linebacker
Rahn played in all but one game for the Cardinals this season. Rahn stayed busy by recording 43 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, and forcing a fumble as well.
Conner Long – Defensive Back
Long made a splash as a redshirt sophomore in the Cardinals' secondary. Long tallied 47 tackles and an interception to help earn his national recognition.
Casey Rauch - Punter
Rauch was an impactful player for the entirety of the season for the Cardinals' defense and special teams. Rauch served as the primary punter for the Cardinals in his freshman season. He recorded 49 tackles and 2 sacks on the defensive end while averaging nearly 40 yards per punt with 8 of them being inside the 20 yard line.
