SEWARD, Neb. – For the third year in a row, Concordia University Football standout linebacker Lane Napier has earned some form of All-America recognition from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). On Wednesday (May 5), the AFCA announced NAIA All-Americans for the 2020 season and rewarded Napier with a spot on the second team. Napier also collected honorable mention All-America accolades from the AFCA in 2018 and 2019.
A native of David City, Neb., Napier fought through injury this past fall and still managed to lead the team in tackles with 54. He also added three tackles for loss and a sack in five games played. With 14 stops in the season finale at Dakota Wesleyan, Napier pushed his career tackle total past 400 (now at 401). The 6-0, 220-pound linebacker has also racked up career figures of 34 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, seven pass breakups and an interception in 35 games as a Bulldog.
Napier put the pads back on this spring and will return for a fifth season in 2021 while taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility that was granted by the NAIA (due to COVID-19). Said Head Coach Patrick Daberkow, “I think there were a lot of things that went into the decision (to come back). He debated it because there were some job opportunities for him. It’s awesome to have him back. Lane leads with his play and it’s great to have a tough linebacking crew – he exemplifies that.”
The Concordia Football program has had at least one All-American in five-straight seasons and in seven of the past eight seasons. Prior to Napier (2018-20), Tarence Roby (2017) and Trey Barnes (2015, 2016) were also named NAIA All-Americans by the AFCA.
Napier career honors
· AFCA NAIA All-America awards: Second Team (2020); Honorable Mention (2019); Honorable Mention (2018)
· 2018 Associated Press NAIA First Team All-American
· Four-Time First Team All-GPAC
· Two-time Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska Defensive Honorary Captain (2018, 2019)
· Three-time Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska First Team (2017, 2018, 2019)
· Three-Time GPAC Defensive Player of the Week
CONCORDIA FOOTBALL ALL-TIME ALL-AMERICANS
2020 – Lane Napier, linebacker (second team – AFCA)
2019 – Lane Napier, linebacker (honorable mention – AFCA)
2018 – Lane Napier, linebacker (first team – Associated Press; honorable mention – NAIA)
2017 – Tarence Roby, defensive back (first team – Associated Press; second team – AFCA)
2016 – Trey Barnes, defensive line (first team – AFCA)
2015 – Trey Barnes, defensive line (second team – AFCA)
2013 – Darnell Woods, safety (first team – AFCA)
2012 – Derek Blessing, punt returner (first team – Beyond Sports Network)
2012 – Kenny Zoeller, kicker (first team – AFCA)
2007 – JaMaine Lewis, running back (second team – Victory Sports Network)
2007 – Jeff Neujahr, kick/punt returner (honorable mention – Victory Sports Network)
2006 – Jeff Neujahr, kick/punt returner (honorable mention – Victory Sports Network)
2004 – Matthew Egger, punter
2002 – Sean Stewart, safety (second team)
2001 – Erik DeHaven, linebacker
2001 – Sean Stewart, safety (honorable mention)
2001 – Ross Wurdeman, tight end (first team)
2000 – Drew Ekart, defensive back (honorable mention)
2000 – Sean Stewart, safety (honorable mention)
2000 – Ross Wurdeman, tight end (first team)
1996 – Ed McLaughlin, offensive line (honorable mention)
1995 – Mike Hoernemann, linebacker (honorable mention)
1994 – Travis Soukup, tight end/punter (first team)
1984 – Kahlil King, safety (first team)
1984 – Cleve Wester, running back
1982 – Gary Pomerenke, defensive line (first team)
1981 – Gary Pomerenke, defensive line (second team)
1965 – Dennis Oetting, lineman (honorable mention)
1964 – Bob Oetting, lineman
1961 – Larry Oetting, lineman
1959 – John Suhr, quarterback/safety/punter
1956 – Gary Seevers, running back
1955 – Gary Seevers, running back