Players from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association racked up All-America honors from various outlets.
Tuskegee linebacker Jewell Ratliff, Johnson C. Smith defensive back Carlo Thomas and Central State defensive lineman Justin Woods-West were named to the Associated Press’ Little All-America team for Division II, III and NAIA players. Ratliff and Thomas were first-team selections while Woods-West was a third-team selection.
Ratliff and Woods-West also earned All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association. Ratliff was also a first-team selection to the Division 2 Conference Commissioner’s Association’s All-America team.
According to Tuskegee, Ratliff and three other TU players were named to the USA College Football Division II All-America team. Ratliff was a first-team selection while running back Dennis Norfleet, defensive back Michael Robinson and wide receiver Marquel Gardner were second-team selections.
Ratliff, the SIAC defensive player of the year, led the league in total tackles (148) to go along with 15.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and five interceptions. Thomas led D-2 in interceptions (12) and passes defended (2.1/game).
Woods-West finished the season second nationally in sacks per game (1.35/game) and fourth in tackles for loss per game (2.2 TFL/game).
Norfleet led the Golden Tigers in rushing (761 yards) and all-purpose yards while Gardner led TU in receiving (25 catches, 414 yards, 5 touchdowns). Robinson finished fourth on the team in tackles (62).
