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CITY, N.D. (VCSUVikings.com) – Valley City State University linebacker Nicholas McBeain has been named to the 2016 AFCA NAIA Coaches’ All-America Team announced today by the American Football Coaches Association. McBeain, a senior from Shakopee, Minn., was named 2nd Team All American by the AFCA coaches after a record-setting season for the Vikings. He is one of just six linebackers named to the All-America Team.

 

The all-time leading tackler in VCSU history, McBeain posted a school-record 188 tackles this season and led the NAIA in tackles per game (18.8). He broke five different season and career tackle records at VCSU during the 2016 season. His 446 career tackles are 80 more than the second best career total in Viking football history.

 McBeain was also named 1st Team All Conference this season and has earned All Conference awards each of his three seasons at VCSU. He is also a nominee for the Cliff Harris Award, which recognizes the best small college defensive player in the nation.

 The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. Beginning this year, the AFCA has started selecting a first and second team. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best — the coaches themselves.

Interview with Nicholas McBeain