Brockport Earns Five on Preseason All American

BROCKPORT, N.Y. – The 2018 D3football.com preseason All-America Team was released on Monday, with The College at Brockport football team claiming five spots, tying the highest total for a Division III program. The University of Wisconsin – Oshkosk also placed five on the list, with the defending National Champions, University of Mount Union, seeing three and the National Runners Up, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, placing one. Quarterback Joe Germinerio and safety Jake O'Connell headlined the list, snagging First Team titles. Germinerio returns to the huddle for the Green and Gold after a breakout 2017 season. The junior was both the Empire 8 and D3football.com East Region Offensive Player of the Year, breaking the previous mark of a Golden Eagle quarterback for passing yards in a season. The Wynantskill, N.Y. native established himself as a dual threat in 2017, racking up 40 total touchdowns (27 passing, 13 rushing). O'Connell is no stranger to the D3football.com preseason All-American list, earning his spot on the First Team for the second straight season. Following the 2017 preseason All-American pick, O'Connell proved his worthiness to the title to the tune of seven interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns. He also recorded 56 tackles, and broke up eight passes on his way to First Team All-Empire 8 and All-East Region selections. Brockport also had three players earn the distinction of Third Team. Justin Morrison was named as a running back on the offensive team and Austin Dean and Alex West were both on the defensive Third Team, as a defensive tackle and a linebacker respectively. Morrison broke onto the scene in 2017, ranked first in the conference and sixteenth nationally in yards-per-carry (7.2). Morrison also had a viral moment, when he helped lift the Golden Eagles to their first Courage Bowl victory, hurdling the St. John Fisher Cardinals along the way. Dean and West were both also key players in the 2017 success of Brockport football, with each earning Empire 8 First Team All-Conference honors as well. They led a defense that boasted a dominant pass rush, combining for 24 of the teams 47 sacks, which leads the nation. Dean picked up 52 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 2017, while West amassed 76 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles. The Golden Eagles will hit the gridiron in their season opener on Sept. 1 when they host Hobart College at 1 p.m. Be sure to stay up to date on all of your Golden Eagle scores and awards by following @BportAthletics on Twitter and by liking the "Brockport Golden Eagles" Facebook page. D3football.com RELEASE