Jimmies’ Downs named preseason All-American

Jamestown College cornerback A.J. Downs has been named to the BSN College Network’s Preseason NAIA All-American team.

Downs, a 5-foot-8, 180-pound senior from Los Angeles, was one of eight players from North Dakota schools named to the team.

Downs played in nine of the Jimmies’ 10 games last season and had a team-leading three interceptions. He was also sixth on the team in tackles with 45.

The Jimmies are less than two months away from their season-opener when they head to Miles City, Mont., to face Rocky Mountain College on Aug. 24. Their home opener is Sept. 1 against Concordia (Moorhead).

Valley City State, which advanced to the NAIA playoffs last season, had three players cited in tight end Ken Eliacin, linebacker Jake Thurston and quarterback Tommy Zinke.

Cornerback Rashad Flanders and linebacker Justin Popovich were named from Mayville State.

Dickinson State, which begins its first season in the Montana-based Frontier Conference this fall, had offensive lineman Carl Dynneson and running back Brennan Haughian selected.

The complete list can be found at jamestownsun.com

— Dave Selvig

Tags: sports, jimmies, football