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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Yellowjacket Football Garners 13 Heart North Division All-Conference Selections

Yellowjacket Football Garners 13 Heart North Division All-Conference Selections

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland football team and Head Coach Pat Ross are proud to announce the selection of 12 standout athletes (13 selections) to the 2024 Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) North Division All-Conference Teams, following a remarkable season that showcased its individual and team excellence. The honorees, spanning all three levels of recognition, include six First Team selections, four Second Team selections, and three Honorable Mentions. These achievements underscore Graceland's competitive presence within the HAAC North Division.

First Team All-Conference Selections

  • Jamon McGlory, Senior, Running Back
    McGlory dominated opposing defenses with 1,001 rushing yards on 180 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. His seven rushing touchdowns and a long of 75 yards cemented him as the offensive cornerstone for the Yellowjackets, contributing to Graceland's league-leading 464.0 yards per game.

  • Gerald Monroe, Senior, Wide Receiver
    Monroe led the HAAC North in receiving yards with 1,562 on 84 receptions, averaging an explosive 18.6 yards per catch. His 22 touchdown receptions broke single-season records for the program, with a long of 66 yards.

  • Kevin Orange Jr, Senior, Defensive End
    Orange was a disruptive force on the defensive line, posting 16 tackles for loss, totaling 108 yards, and 8.5 sacks across 11 games. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and halt rushing attacks was integral to Graceland's defensive success.

  • Deajaun McDougle, Sophomore, Athlete
    McDougle's versatility shined with 985 all-purpose yards, including 609 receiving yards, 277 kickoff return yards, and 83 punt return yards. His seven receiving touchdowns and a 20.8-yard punt return average, including a 77-yard touchdown return, highlight his game-changing abilities.

  • Jacob Collett, Sophomore, Placekicker
    Collett was a model of consistency, going a perfect 4-for-4 on field goal attempts and converting all 44 of his extra-point attempts. His longest field goal, a 44-yarder, was instrumental in tight game situations.

  • JP Payne, Senior, Kick Returner/Punt Returner
    Payne excelled as a return specialist with 476 kickoff return yards, averaging 25.1 yards per return, including a long of 56 yards. His contributions consistently provided favorable field position for the offense.

Second Team All-Conference Selections

  • Deajaun McDougle, Sophomore, Wide Receiver
    In addition to his First Team honors as an Athlete, McDougle earned Second Team recognition as a wide receiver. With 609 receiving yards on 31 receptions and seven touchdowns, he proved to be a reliable and explosive option in Graceland's passing game. His ability to stretch the field and make crucial catches solidified his dual accolades.

  • Isaiah Matthews, Junior, Defensive Lineman
    Matthews anchored the interior of Graceland's defensive front, contributing key tackles for loss that supported a strong run defense, holding opponents to 140.9 rushing yards per game.

  • Charles Phoenix, Senior, Defensive End
    Phoenix was pivotal on the edge with two interceptions, including a 41-yard return for a touchdown, showcasing his ability to impact games beyond his 2.5 sacks.

  • Bret Whitehall, Senior, Defensive Back
    Whitehall recorded 48 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. His consistent presence in the secondary helped limit opposing pass games to 197.7 yards per game.

Honorable Mention All-Conference Selections

  • Jacob Morales, Junior, Linebacker
    Morales totaled 56 tackles, including 6.5 for loss, and two sacks, providing steady leadership in the linebacker corps while showing exceptional run-stopping ability.

  • Christopher Cramer, Senior, Offensive Lineman
    Cramer was instrumental in Graceland's offense, which averaged 464.0 yards per game, protecting quarterbacks and creating lanes for a rushing attack that netted 171.6 yards per contest.

  • Zion Trimboli, Junior, Defensive Back
    Trimboli led the team with five interceptions, returning one for a 130-yard touchdown. His coverage skills and knack for big plays earned him this recognition.

Season Recap and Future Outlook

The Yellowjackets finished the 2024 season with a 7-4 overall record and a 5-1 mark in conference play, securing a strong standing in the HAAC North Division. The offense's explosive 510.4 total yards per game ranked among the best in the nation, while the defense produced 14 interceptions and 33 sacks.

Graceland now awaits the release of the NAIA All-American Teams, set to be announced following the NAIA National Championship Game on Decemeber 21st in Durham, North Carolina. These selections will further highlight the exceptional talent within the program.

For more information on the Graceland football team and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.