Thursday, December 17, 2015
by Humboldt State Athletic Communications

WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Humboldt State sophomore running back Ja'Quan Gardner and sophomore offensive lineman Alex Cappa were named to the 2015 D2CCA All-America First and Second Teams, respectively.
 
The pair was the only Great Northwest Athletic Conference representatives to earn D2CCA All-America honors. The teams were selected by national Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) members.
 
Gardner led NCAA Division II in total rushing yards (2,266), rushing yards per game (188.8) and rushing touchdowns (25). The Ceres, Calif., native is a Harlon Hill finalist, a trophy awarded to the nation's most valuable player, and an American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) All-American.
 
"With the season he had, I am not surprised at all by these honors," said Head Coach Rob Smith. "He is very deserving and it is great recognition for him and his accomplishments. This is also great recognition for our program to have a player receiving so many national honors."
 
Gardner was the GNAC Offensive Player of the Year, a five-time conference player of the week and a unanimous First Team All-GNAC selection. He compiled 200-plus rushing yards in six games, including a record-breaking 305 yards against Azusa Pacific. He broke the GNAC single-season records for carries (337) and rushing yards (2,266).
 
Cappa anchored the Green and Gold offensive line. He was named a unanimous All-GNAC First Team choice and earned conference Offensive Lineman of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. Cappa was also one of seven Jacks chosen to the GNAC All-Academic Team.
 
"It is great to see that Alex Cappa is being recognized outside of the GNAC," said Smith. "He is easily one of the best offensive linemen in the country. I am pleased to see that his talents and abilities are being recognized as he is just a sophomore."