Three Penguins on All-America team

Staff Report

Three Youngstown state football players have been named to the Associated Press’ FCS All-America team. the AP announced on Thursday.

Senior defensive end Derek Rivers and senior defensive back LeRoy Alexander were both second-teamers. Running back Jody Webb made the third team.

Rivers was a third team All-American last year. He’s the programs all-time leader in sacks with 35.5 and counting. Rivers got to the quarterback 12 times in 2016 and has 48 total tackles and three fumble recoveries.

Rivers entered this season as preseason first team All-American and was also one of 22 players put on the 2016 FCS Defensive Player of the Year watchlist. He was a finalist for the award in his junior season.

Alexander came to YSU from Nebraska alongside Pelini after the after the 2014 season. He’s third on the team with 67 total tackles and has picked off four passes this season.

Webb rushed for 1,200 yards and six touchdowns this season. He’s coming off a 213-yard performance during the team’s 30-20 win against Wofford last week.

YSU’s opponent this week has three All-Americans. Wideout Cooper Kupp is on the first team while quarterback Gage Gubrund and defensive lineman Samson Ekubam are second and third-teamers, respectively.

Kupp is a four-time All-American. He caught 107 passes for 1,520 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.