Wheeling, W. Va. - Late Monday night, the Don Hansen Football Committee released their 2021 Division II All-American List, honoring some of the best Division II football players across the country. Senior cornerback Rich White III represented the Wheeling University Football team, earning a second team All-American nod. The senior corner was a leader for the Wheeling defense throughout the season and was named an All-MEC First Team player for his efforts.
The Don Hansen Team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen. He started and published Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988. The team consists of some of the best college football players across the country. White is the first member of the Wheeling University Football team to be picked for the award after having one of the best seasons of his collegiate career.
White led Wheeling in pass breakups last season with 16, spending a majority of his time covering the opposing team's best wide receiver. He was second on the team with two interceptions and was third on the team with one forced fumble. He racked up 36.0 tackles on the season, ranking eighth on the team, with 32 being solo tackles and four being assisted tackles. White III has been a leader on the team since day one of the program and has been a part of some special moments in team history.
One of White's best games of the season came in the big Homecoming win over West Liberty back on October 23rd. He tied his season high with three pass breakups in the game and had two solo tackles, but his biggest moment came in overtime. With West Liberty driving towards the endzone on the first overtime possession, White made his second interception of the season to stop the Hilltoppers dead in their tracks. Wheeling would score on their next possession, with Sy Alli IV running in the game winning score.
White was one of eight players from the Mountain East Conference (MEC) to make the list and was the first Wheeling University football player to be selected to the team. Notre Dame College led the MEC with four selections, while The University of Charleston (2), Concord (1), and Wheeling (1) each had players on the list. As the Wheeling University Football program continues to grow, this is a big step forward getting players recognized as some of the best athletes across Division II football.
To see the full list of the 2021 Don Hansen Division II All-Americans, click HERE. The Wheeling University Football team continues their off-season training as they prepare for their fourth varsity season in 2022.
