Football Friday, December 16, 2022 NWC Athletic Communications

Four Red Raiders Named to Associated Press All-America Teams

Parker Fryar and Greg Will land First Team honors

ORANGE CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Associated Press (AP) announced their 2022 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-America teams today, Friday, December 16. Three Northwestern College football student-athletes were tabbed to the AP All-America teams in Greg Will, Parker Fryar, Blake Anderson, and Michael Storey.

Fryar (So., Waukee, Iowa) led the Red Raider defense that ranked nationally in multiple different statistical categories. Flying all over the field as a ball hawk, the Waukee, Iowa native held down a defense that sat top-5 in both total defense (fourth, 222.8 yards allowed per game) and rush defense (59.8 rushing yards allowed per game).

For the third-straight season, the linebacker led the team in tackles, recording 108 on the season entering the national championship game. Through the 13 games played, he leads the GPAC in total tackles, being just one of two athletes in the conference to notch 100+ on the season. Additionally, he was one of four to average 8+ tackles per game, sitting fourth in the league at 8.3 tackles per contest.

"Parker had an outstanding season," said head football coach Matt McCarty. "He played a key role in on of the top defensive units in the nation!"

As a team captain, Fryar also made a difference in the passing game. Recording six pass break-ups, sitting in a four-way tie for second on the team, he was a threat even to defend the pass. His two interceptions on the year also sits second, one behind for a tie in the team lead. Additionally, he sat tied for first on the team with two forced fumbles on the season.

After already earning First Team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the NAIA earlier this week, Fryar is earning his third-career All-American honor and his first honor from the AP. This marks his second-career First Team honors, following his NAIA Honorable Mention accolades in 2021.

Senior offensive lineman Will (Spirit Lake, Iowa) was instrumental to the offensive successes for Northwestern this season. Whether it was protecting the pocket or run blocking, Will helped pace an offensive line for an offense that has put up the second-best offensive numbers this season at 467.2 yards per game, including a top-10 rushing offense at 206.8 rushing yards per game (ninth). Will also received First Team All-Conference recognition and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American honors.

"Greg has been a consistent force in our offensive line," said McCarty. "He has played a key role in one of the top offenses in the nation."

Entering the national championship game, senior captain Anderson (Sr., Oakland, Neb.) was a formidable coverage for opponents at his tight end position. He sat third on the team with 509 receiving yards on the third-best 40 catches. The Oakland, Neb. native brought in five touchdown grabs and averaged 39.2 yards per game. He also garnered First Team All-Conference and NAIA Honorable Mention honors for the Red Raiders this season.

"Blake is the unsung hero of our offense," noted McCarty. "He plays a large part in our run game, being successful and is a great weapon in the passing game."

For the first time in his Northwestern career, senior wide receiver Storey (Spencer, Iowa) eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark, entering the national championship game. He leads the team in receptions (72), receiving yards (1,096), and receiving touchdowns (14). He has averaged 15.2 yards per catch and 84.3 yards per game, both being team-highs.

"Michael is one of the most dangerous receivers in the nation," said McCarty. "His ability to make plays and make difficult plays look easy is remarkable!"

You can find both All-America teams released by the AP linked above.

Northwestern will hit the gridiron for one final time this season on Saturday, December 17 in the NAIA national championship game against Keiser University (Fla.) with an 11:00 a.m. (CT) kickoff from Durham County Memorial Stadium in Durham, N.C.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#35 Blake Anderson: TE; 6' 4"; Senior

#43 Parker Fryar: LB; 6' 3"; Sophomore

#4 Michael Storey: WR; 6' 3"; Senior

#74 Greg Will: OL; 6' 3"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#35 Blake Anderson
: 6' 4"; Senior
: TE

#43 Parker Fryar
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: LB

#4 Michael Storey
: 6' 3"; Senior
: WR

#74 Greg Will
: 6' 3"; Senior
: OL