SEARCY, Ark. – The No. 2 Harding Bisons placed six players on the 2025 Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) All-America Team announced Wednesday, including a staggering three offensive linemen on the First Team.
Harding led all schools with five First Team selections. The selections come just days before the Bisons (15-0) face No. 1 Ferris State in the NCAA Division II National Championship game in McKinney, Texas.
Senior offensive linemen Jake Mitchell and Mike Ericson joined sophomore center Cobe Williams as First Team honorees. They were joined on the First Team by junior fullback Andrew Miller and senior linebacker Clark Griffin. Senior safety Ty Dugger earned Second Team honors.
The selection of three offensive linemen to the First Team highlights a unit that has powered one of the most prolific rushing attacks in NCAA history. The trio has paved the way for a Harding offense that leads Division II in rushing (446.4 yards per game) and set new NCAA all-division records for rushing yards (6,697) and rushing touchdowns (87) in a single season.
Mitchell, a finalist for the Gene Upshaw Award representing the nation's top lineman, anchors the group alongside Ericson and Williams, a sophomore who has become a dominant force in the middle of the Bisons' flexbone attack.
Miller, a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, earned his spot at running back after rushing for 1,978 yards and a school-record 27 touchdowns this season. He ranks second nationally in rushing yards.
On the defensive side, Griffin was named a First Team All-American following a campaign where he was named the Great American Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Griffin leads NCAA Division II with 156 tackles and spearheads a defense that allows just 10.8 points per game, the best mark in the country.
Dugger, a four-year starter in the secondary, received Second Team recognition. He has been a critical component of a defense that ranks among the national leaders in pass efficiency defense.
National Championship opponent Ferris State also figured heavily in the voting, matching Harding with five First Team selections, including three on defense.
The D2CCA also announced its major award winners Wednesday. Virginia Union running back Curtis Allen was named the Ron Lenz Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 2,409 yards and 30 touchdowns. Ashland defensive end Michael Shimek earned Ron Lenz Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the nation with 17.5 sacks.
Sports information directors from NCAA Division II schools and conferences selected the All-America teams.
Harding and Ferris State will meet for the national title Saturday at 3 p.m. at McKinney ISD Stadium with the game televised on ESPN2.
