Six #GSCFB Players Named AP All-Americans
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Associate Press announced its 2021 NCAA Division II All-America team. Among, those named were six Gulf South Conference football athletes from three schools.
OFFICIAL RELEASE
Headlining the list of honorees from the conference was Valdosta State offensive lineman Ralph Singleton and West Florida defensive back D’Anthony Bell, who both earned first team nods. On the second team, West Florida placed quarterback Austin Reed and offensive lineman Mike Dilla, while linebackers Nick Moss from Valdosta State and Delta State’s Marvin Terry were also selected.
Singleton helped clear the way as the Blazers offense led the GSC this season with 6.8 yards per game and is ranked fifth nationally averaging 267.0 rushing yards per contest. He has also been a critical piece in the passing game as Valdosta State averages 14.3 yards per completion, which is 26th nationally.
Bell appeared in 11 games for the Argonauts during the 2021 campaign, finishing with 61 tackles, including a team-high 43 unassisted from his safety spot, along with five pass break-ups, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a quarterback hurry.
Reed led the conference this season in passing touchdowns (38), passing yards per game (310.7) and efficiency (159.7), while ranking second in total passing yards (3,418). Nationally, the sophomore gunslinger is third in passing yards per completetion (16.7), fifth in passing touchdowns, 10th in total offense per game (322.5), and 16th in passing efficiency. Reed is also a finalist for the prestigous Harlon Hill Trophy.
Dilla was significant piece to the Argonaut offense which finished the season ranked 10th nationally in passing yards per game (313.3), seventh in total yards per game (475.6), and third-overall in points per game (44.5).
Moss was among the league leaders all season. In seven conference games this season, the senior registered a GSC-best 59 total tackles, while his 30 solo stops was fifth-overall. He heads into the NCAA Division II Football Championship title game with a career-best 115 tackles this season and ranked 35th nationally in tackles per game (8.8).
Terry had a banner year for the Statesmen, topping the GSC with 18.5 tackles for loss (16th in NCAA), 10 sacks (8th NCAA) and 16 solo tackles for loss, while ranking second in the league with 47 solo tackles. The redshirt-senior rounded out his defensive prowess with 62 total tackles.
The AP D-II All-America team presented by Regions Bank was chosen by a panel of sports writers and sports information directors in conjunction with CoSIDA.