KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Montana Western linebacker Jason Ferris added to his impressive collection of accolades on Thursday when both the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the NAIA named him a first-team all-American.
Ferris, a senior from Dillon, led the Frontier Conference with 119 tackles, including 10 for loss and 3.5 sacks, seven passes defended, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown and a blocked kick. His 11.9 tackles per game ranked third in the nation, and he was eighth in forced fumbles.
In addition to the first-team all-America recognition, Ferris was a first-team all-conference choice and the Frontier Conference defensive player of the year. He also swept those awards in 2018. Ferris was a second-team all-conference selection in 2017 as a sophomore.
Carroll College wide receiver Shane Sipes and Montana Tech linebacker Carter Myers were also recognized Thursday with both making the NAIA all-American honorable mention list.
Sipes, a junior from Newbury Park, California, had 56 catches for 972 yards, an average of 17.4 yards per catch, and six touchdowns. He averaged 97 yards per game.
Myers, a senior from Cody, Wyoming, was second in the conference in total tackles with 96. He led the conference in tackles-for-loss (18) and sacks (7.5), while also adding three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
