North Central College Football Players Earn Postseason Honors
North Central College Football Stars Shine Luminous On and Off the Field
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Naperville, IL – Fresh off securing their fifth consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III semifinals, several members of the North Central College football team are racking up accolades for their stellar performances this season.
Lehnen Makes History, Again
Cardinals quarterback Luke Lehnen has once again been named a finalist for the prestigious Gagliardi Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in Division III football. This marks the second straight year Lehnen has been named a finalist.
The graduate student has been a force to be reckoned with, leading the nation in passing efficiency (205.4) while throwing for 2,685 yards and 36 touchdowns. Lehnen is also a threat on the ground,rushing for 894 yards and 13 touchdowns. He holds the NCAA record for consecutive games with a touchdown pass (57) and career touchdowns responsible for (203).
“One of my friends,Calvin Lavery,sent it in one of our group chats and was like being funny,but also congratulating me,” Lehnen said about learning of his Gagliardi finalist status. “So I didn’t even see it until he said something. But it was realy cool to see that, especially after last year when I was named second team with the AP.”
Lehnen is the only finalist still competing in the Division III playoffs.The 2024 Gagliardi Trophy winner will be announced on January 3rd, just before the Division III championship game, the Amos alonzo Stagg Bowl, on January 5th in Houston, Texas.
AP Honors Roll In
In addition to his Gagliardi Trophy nomination, Lehnen was named the inaugural Division III Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press and earned First Team All-American honors. Lehnen was also a finalist for the Campbell Trophy, attending the award ceremony in Las Vegas in early December.
Senior right guard Sam Pryor was also recognized by the AP,earning a spot on the First Team All-American squad. Pryor, the CCIW Offensive Lineman of the Year, also received All-American honors from the AFCA. Senior left tackle Jeske Maples was named a Second Team AP All-American.
Lehnen, Pryor, and Maples were instrumental in the Cardinals’ offensive dominance this season, helping the team finish second in Division III in total offense and scoring offense, and fourth in passing efficiency.
Defensive Standout Earns National Recognition
The Cardinals’ defensive success has been equally notable, with junior defensive tackle John Sullivan emerging as a breakout star. Sullivan earned First Team All-CCIW honors and was nominated for the Cliff Harris Award, given annually to the best defensive players at the NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels.
sullivan was named the Region V nominee for the award after leading the Cardinals in tackles for loss (15.5) and quarterback sacks (6) while ranking second on the roster in tackles (60).
Eyes on the Prize
The 13-0 Cardinals host 12-1 Susquehanna University (Pennsylvania) on Saturday, December 21st in a national semifinal showdown. The River Hawks defeated Bethel University in the final minute 24-21 in the quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The winner will face the winner of Mount Union and Johns Hopkins in the Stagg Bowl on Sunday, January 5th.The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and 89.1-FM WONC.
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