Illinois States
Dan Hama and
Ryan Szokola were named second team Division I-AA all-Americans Tuesday by The Sports Network.
Hama, an offensive tackle from Brunswick, Ohio, consistently graded the highest on Illinois States offensive front. He was credited with 85 knockdowns and 15 pancake blocks. A two-time Gateway Offensive Lineman of the Week, Hama helped the Redbirds set school records for total offense and average total yards per game
The ISU offense ranked No. 7 nationally in total yards, No. 17 in rushing, No. 26 in passing and No. 27 in scoring, while leading the Gateway in rushing and total offense.
Two Illinois State running backs eclipsed 700 rushing yards and registered a total of nine 100-yard games. In 382 passing attempts, ISU gave up just 18 sacks (one every 21.2 passing plays).
Szokola, a senior safety, had a career-high 113 tackles, including 66 that were unassisted, from his safety position. He had four tackles behind the line of scrimmage, including one sack, two pass interceptions and seven passes broken up.
The Trenton, Mich., native posted seven double-digit tackle games, including a career-high 19 against then-No. 20-ranked Eastern Illinois.
Szokola also returned 50 punts for an average of 8.8 yards per return and called for just three fair catches. He returned four kickoffs for a 31.5-yard average
Illinois State enjoyed its fourth-best season ever against the rush while ranking No. 23 nationally in total defense and No. 11 in pass efficiency defense. The Redbird defense logged the first back-to-back shutouts in league history.
