D3 Senior Classic Watch List
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Bethel University defensive end
Andrew Johnson (Sr., Maple Grove, Minn.) has been named to the D3 Senior Classic Preseason All-American defensive second team for the North. Johnson joins seven other athletes from the MIAC on the first, second, and honorable mention teams.
Last season, Johnson returned from an injury sustained in 2008 to become one of the premier defensive ends in the conference. He led the Royals squad with 10 sacks, which was second best among MIAC defensive ends and 13 tackles for a loss, which was the third best in the conference. He finished the season with 39 total tackles, 33 of which were solo. Johnson's play contributed to the Royals allowing the second fewest rushing yards this season with 891 and recording the third most sacks with 28. As a result, Johnson earned All-MIAC first team honors.
The D3 Senior Classic co-founders Peter St. Lawrence and George St. Lawrence, when recently interviewed stated,” Our selection committee members have worked tirelessly over the past months, searching for the most talented and deserving players to be honored from the graduating class of 2011. ” Through the D3 Senior Classic game, we are proud and excited to promote the outstanding talent, quality and character of football players found on the Division III Level.” Peter St. Lawrence stated, “The announcement today of our preseason All-American team, reflects our commitment to promote the exceptional fans, coaches, and players found on the D-III football level”.
The D3 Senior Classic organization has partnered with the Beyond Sports Network (BSN) for the player selection process during the 2010 season. The BSN network will host a platform by which players can provide their profiles, general information, and updated stats for the selection committee to review. Player Invitations will begin to be mailed beginning in the preseason and will continue until the November 15, 2010 commitment deadline. 92 players will participate in the 2010 game, represented in a North vs South format. Last year the North won 14-0.
The D3 Senior Classic Football Game (D3senior classic.com) is sponsored by the Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL).
Bethel is scheduled to begin the 2010 season on the road against Simpson College on Saturday, September 4, at 1 p.m.
