Huntingdon's Chappell named to D3football.com All-American team | People

Last week was a rewarding week for Huntingdon senior D.J. Chappell.

The defensive tackle began the week by becoming the first Huntingdon football player to earn first-team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association. On Friday night, he was named first-team All-American by D3football.com.

“Anytime you receive recognition like this, it’s a great accomplishment,” Chappell said. “It feels good when your hard work is recognized. But like I’ve said before, it’s also a recognition of my teammates and the kind of players I’ve been fortunate to play with.”

Chappell, a two-time first-team All-South Region selection, was named honorable mention All-American by D3football.com in 2011.  

The Montgomery native, and Jefferson Davis High School graduate, led the Hawks with nine sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss as a senior. He was fourth on the team with 34 tackles. Chappell finished his collegiate career with 25.5 sacks and 42 tackles for loss. Both marks rank second in Huntingdon history. He led the Hawks in sacks each of his final three seasons and was the team leader in tackles for loss the past two seasons.

“The thing about Chap is, as much as he meant to us on the field, he meant as much or more as a team leader,” Huntingdon head coach Mike Turk said. “From the outside looking in, it was easy to see what he did in games. But when you are around him all the time, you’re able to see what a great leader he is.

“When one of your best players is also the guy with the best attitude and one of the hardest workers, it sends a great message to the younger players. It teaches them that this is how it’s supposed to be done. Chap left his mark in the record books, but he also left a lasting impression through his leadership.”

To see the entire D3football.com All-American team, go to
http://d3football.com/awards/all-americans/2012

Source:  Huntingdon College Sports Information Director