From VCSU Athletics
VALLEY CITY, N.D. (VCSUAthletics.com) – Valley City State University defensive linemen Marshaun Jones and Riley Gerhardt have been named Honorable Mention All-American, the NAIA national office announced Monday.
Jones and Gerhardt led VCSU’s dominant defensive line this season, which helped the Vikings hold opponents to just 13 points and 66 rushing yards per game.
The duo were both named Honorable Mention to the 2021 AFCA NAIA Coaches’ All-America Teams announced Monday. The American Football Coaches’ Association (AFCA) All-America Team is chosen exclusively by NAIA coaches and is the official All-America team for NAIA football.
Gerhardt, a sophomore defensive end from Valley City, led the Vikings this season in tackles (81), tackles for loss (18) and sacks (10). Gerhardt’s 10 sacks ranked him 5th in the nation.
Jones, a senior from Brooklyn Park, Minn., recorded 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss while disrupting offenses with his strong play as a defensive tackle. Jones was named 2nd Team All-American in 2020.
Valley City State finished the 2021 season with an 8-2 overall record. The Vikings were ranked as high as No. 15 in the nation during the season, and were receiving votes in the final NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll.