BELTON, Texas – The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor football team placed multiple players on two different All-America Teams released surrounding the Cru’s appearance in Stagg Bowl XLVI Friday night. UMHB had six players claim spots on the Associated Press Division III All-American squad. Eight Cru players were named to the D3football.com All-America teams.
UMHB had four players earn spots on the AP All-America First Team in running back Markeith Miller, offensive tackle Colton Hall, linebacker Jalen Martin and free safety Jefferson Fritz. Miller, a senior from Garland High School, ran for 1,864 yards and 30 touchdowns on the season. He also added two touchdown receptions. Hall, a senior from Liberty Hill High School, helped clear the way for a UMHB offense that averaged 238.7 rushing yards and 53.4 points per game on the season and he was the team’s highest-grading offensive lineman. Martin, a senior from Cedar Ridge High School, recorded 66 total tackles and added four interceptions and 10 pass break-ups. Fritz, a sophomore from Kaufman High School, intercepted a school-record 12 passes, broke up seven more, posted 40 tackles and blocked two kicks on the season.
Joey Longoria and Reggie Cole were both named to the AP All-America Second Team. Longoria, a junior defensive tackle from Pearland High School, had 67 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and led the Cru with eight sacks. Cole, a senior cornerback from Dobie High School, intercepted two passes, broke up seven and had 35 total tackles.
Miller, Fritz and return specialist Aaron Sims all earned spots on the D3football.com All-America First Team. Sims, a freshman from Yoe High School, returned a school-record five punts for touchdowns and averaged 29.1 yards per return. He also had four touchdown receptions.
Longoria and Cole were both voted D3football.com Second Team All-America. Hall was a Third Team All-America selection. Martin and offensive guard Lane Smith claimed Honorable Mention All-America honors. Smith, a senior from Franklin High School, joined Hall on the offensive front wall for the Cru and led the team in knockdown blocks on the season.
UMHB won its second NCAA Division III National Championship with a 24-16 victory over Mount Union in Stagg Bowl XLVI Friday night in Shenandoah, Texas. The Cru finished 15-0 on the year to tie the school and American Southwest Conference record for victories in a season.
