Galesburg, IL – A standout defensive player for the Prairie Fire football team has been named an All-American by a second national sports media site.

D3football.com selected senior Mike Hendrick (Smithton, IL, Freeburg) to its 2012 preseason Second Team All-American squad at linebacker.   D3football.com released its first and second team All-American picks on July 11.

Beyond Sports Network (BSN) recognized Hendrick last month, naming him a 2012 preseason First-Team All-American at the linebacker position.

Hendrick concluded an outstanding 2011 season by setting new school records for tackles in a game (26), solo tackles in a season (75), and total tackles in a season (157).  Hendrick’s average of 15.7 tackles led the country (NCAA Division III), earning him an NCAA statistical champion plaque.

Hendrick racked up numerous honors for his efforts on the gridiron.  He was named First Team All-Midwest Conference, BSN All-American Second Team Defense, and D3football.com All-West Region Second Team Defense.

Hendrick and his Prairie Fire teammates begin camp for the 2012 season next month.  Knox plays two of its first three games at the Knosher Bowl, including the opener on September 1 at 1:00 p.m. against Eureka College.

The Prairie Fire and the Red Devils, a member of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, haven’t met since week one of the 2009 season -- a 28-13 Knox loss at Eureka 28-13.  The Fire shut out Eureka 26-0 in the last game the teams played in Galesburg in 2008.

Knox owns a 16-5-1 all-time record in the series.

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