Wittenberg junior wins NCAC Defensive Player of Year award

Jonathan Seay became the third Wittenberg Tigers football player in a row to win the Hank Critchfield Award as the North Coast Athletic Conference’s top defensive player, the league announced Thursday.

Seay, a junior from Miramar, Fla., followed the 2017 winner, Chandler Ferko, and the 2016 winner, Dustin Holmes. Wittenberg has had 11 players win the award.

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Seay had 77 total tackles (40 solo, 37 asst.), including 4.5 sacks. He had two interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Wittenberg, which finished 9-1 and 8-1 in the NCAC and tied for the league title with Wabash and Denison, had five players named to the first team: Seay; wide receiver Jeff Tiffner; offensive lineman Chris Reisiger; defensive lineman Brandon Daniels; and defensive back Troy Jones.

» FEATURE: Seay latest Florida native to succeed at Wittenberg

Making the second team were: quarterback Jake Kennedy; tight end Noah Dehnke; center Tommy Gerhard; linebacker Terrance Crowe; and defensive back Jordan Burkey.

Receiving honorable mentions were: running back Nick Kendall and kicker Adam Acquista.

Denison quarterback Canaan Gebele was named the NCAC’s top offensive player. Allegheny kicker Chase Ball was named the special teams player of the year. Wabash coach Don Morel was named coach of the year.

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