Senior linebacker Blake Suckow (West Union) and junior defensive back Josh VanDenHul (N. Sioux City, SD), were each named first team all-West Region by D3Football.com Dec. 9.
Suckow, who was recently named to the Team Stars and Stripes roster for the Tazon De Estrellas game, adds the first team defensive honor to a first team all-Iowa Conference award. His 106.5 tackles were first for the Knights’ defense and rank 16th in the nation in per game statistics (11.45). VanDenHul, also a first team all-IIAC honoree, joins Suckow on the top defensive unit after ranking in the top 35 in Division III for interceptions per game (.34).
Coach Rick Willis’ squad placed sophomore offensive lineman Jon Orr (Delhi) and junior punter Robby Salmon (Mason City) on the second team. Junior defensive back Garrett McGrane (Fairbanks) was a third team pick.
Suckow and VanDenHul now move on the national ballot for All-American consideration.
