BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Associated Press announced its 2022 NCAA Division II All-America Team, among which the Gulf South Conference was represented by seven athletes from five institutions.
Headlining the list of honorees was West Alabama linebacker Michael Anderson, who received a First Team nod, after being the named the GSC Defensive Player of the Year. Also earning First Team accolades was West Florida offensive lineman Dalton Simpler and all-purpose David Durden along with Delta State offensive lineman Nicolas Melsop and kicker Nick Herber.
On the Second Team, West Georgia defensive back Robert Carter and punter Myles Prosser from North Greenville.
Anderson appeared in 11 games for the Tigers, finishing the season ranked second in total tackles (96), including a conference-best 69 solo stops. He also recorded a GSC-high three sacks and was tied-fourth with 10 tackles for loss.
Simpler was a key piece to the Argonauts offense this season, which was fourth nationally in offensive first downs (318), seventh nationally in rushing yards per game (233.9), and 15th in total offense per game (441.9).
Durden was a versatile weapon for West Florida. As wide receiver, he finished the 2022 season with 1,128 receiving yards and 54 catches, including 13 touchdowns—conference leader in each category. He also averaged a league-best 17.7 yards per punt return and 248 total yards, pushing his season total all-purpose yards to 1,382 across 13 games.
Melsop was a critical piece to the Statesmen offense dominance this season, which saw Delta State ranked third in total first downs (319), fourth in redzone offense (.926), ninth-nationally in rushing yards per game (230.1), and seventh in total offense per game (471.8).
Herber finished the season as the Division II leader in field goal percentage, converting 19-of-20 attempts (.950). He was also among national leaders ranking 15th scoring per game (9.5) and seventh-overall in total points scored (123).
Carter appeared in 10 games for the Wolves, recording nine pass break-ups and two interceptions. He also finished the season with one forced fumble.
Prosser finished the year as the Division II national leader in punting, averaging 46.2 yards per kick. He recorded 57 punts this season with six touchbacks, eight for fair-catch, 22 inside the 20, and 20 kicks of 50 yards or more.
Collectively, 15 players from Super Region 2 were recognized. The Gulf South led the way with seven, followed by six from the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) and two from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The AP’s announcement also marks
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 College Sports Communicator.