Galesburg, IL – A defensive standout for the Prairie Fire has earned national recognition for his performance during the 2011 football season.
Beyond Sports Network (BSN), a media site that features colleges and players from the FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA levels, on January 5 announced the selection of junior linebacker Mike Hendrick (Smithton, IL, Freeburg High School) as an All-American Second Team Defense recipient.
Hendrick was one of 19 players from across the country named a second team defense All-American, including five other linebackers. He was the only representative on the defensive second team from the Midwest Conference, which had nine BSN All-Americans.
In addition to the latest honor, Hendrick was an All-Midwest Conference First Team selection and he was named to the 2011 D3Football.com All-West Region Team’s Second Team Defense. Beyond Sports Network recognized Hendrick last September as well by choosing him as one of its defensive players of the week. BSN’s recognition went to just six defensive players in all of NCAA Division III football.
Hendrick set three new school records last season. His 26 tackles on September 24 at home against Beloit College broke the previous mark of 23 tackles established by Del Camp in 1968. He also made 75 solo tackles, surpassing the 54 unassisted stops by Tyler Hill in 2006. Hendrick finished the 2011 season with 157 total tackles, passing Tracy Rodgers and his 141 tackles in 1991 on the all-time list.
Hendrick’s 157 total tackles, 75 solo and 82 assisted stops, along with his 15.7 tackles per game, led the Midwest Conference. He was also the NCAA Division III leader in total tackles and tackles per game while he shared the top spots for solo and unassisted tackles.
Hendrick finished 12 tackles ahead of Kyle McGivney of Luther College for the most in the country.
The last Prairie Fire football All-American was Tighe Burke. Burke, a defensive end, was selected to the 2008-09 Third Team Associated Press Little All-America Team. The award honors players from NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA schools.
Beyond Sports Network All-America release
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