Brockport's Dean Named First Team All-American by AFCA
AFCA RELEASE
E8 Defensive Player of the Year Honored with First Team Nod by Coaches' Association
Brockport's
Austin Dean was named a First Team All-American by The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) it was announced earlier this week. Dean, the Empire 8 Conference Defensive Player of the Year, helped lead the Golden Eagles to another terrific season this fall.
CLOSER LOOK
Dean recently completed his standout career at Brockport, but the senior saved his best for last in his final season as a Golden Eagle. In addition to the honor of being named to the First Team AFCA Coaches All-American list, Dean was also selected as the D3football.com 2018 All-East Region Defensive Player of the Year, while earning the same accolade in the E8.
Dean posted 49 tackles during the season, including 20 solo stops. He accumulated 13 tackles-for-loss, registered 6.5 sacks, and had two blocked kicks this fall. He was an integral part of a nationally-ranked defensive unit, that led the way in Division III in several statistical categories. Brockport allowed a mere 6.8-yards rushing per game to lead the nation in the category. The Golden Eagles also led the way in 3rd down conversion rate, allowing a measly 0.158 for opponents, and finished the year second in total defense, with 209.0 yards per game allowed.
ABOUT The AFCA All-American Team
The AFCA All-American Team is the only post season accolade that is selected by the coaches, marking this award as truly significant, as it is selected by the people who know the players the best. The AFCA's Division III All-America Selection Committee is made up of three head coaches from each of the AFCA's eight districts. The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions.
About the Empire 8 Conference
The members of the Empire 8 are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and aspire to be regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership seeks to distinguish itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the Empire 8.