NAPERVILLE, Ill. – North Park football saw three members named to the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) all-conference team, as the league announced its selections on Tuesday afternoon. AJ Harris was a first-team selection for the NPU offense while Jason Adkinson and Juan Nieves earned second-team recognition on the defensive side.
Harris, who earned CCIW Player of the Week recognition on October 18, had the third-most receiving yards in league play this season (809). Harris had five rushing touchdowns and as many touchdown receptions, alongside three games of 140+ reception yards – October 16 at Carthage (147), October 30 at Illinois Wesleyan (171), and October 9 against Carroll (245). Harris had a season-long catch of 64 yards and broke through for a 66-yard run. Further showcasing his versatility, Harris returned a kick for 87 yards at Carthage.
Adkinson proved to be one of the best at putting himself between the opposing quarterback's pass and his wide receiver as he broke up 11 passes in CCIW play (second best, tied with Nieves), intercepting one. Adkinson had two games where he broke up three passes – September 25 against Wheaton and October 9 against Carroll – and two games where he broke up two passes – October 2 at Augustana and October 23 against Elmhurst. He ended the season with 26 tackles, a tackle for a loss of nine yards, and a fumble recovery.
Nieves, who joined Harris on the October 18 CCIW Player of the Week squad, was also a D3football.com National Team of the Week member this season. In that standout performance against Carthage, Nieves totaled eight tackles (two for a loss), a sack and a pass break up in Saturday's 33-30 win over Carthage. Additionally, Nieves had an interception. His two tackles for loss and sack accounted for a loss of seven yards. He finished the CCIW season tied for second in pass breakups (11), alongside Adkinson, and fourth in interceptions (3). At the end of the season, Nieves totaled 64 tackles, two for loss.
Additionally, Herman Rodriguez was the North Park selection for the league's RESPECT award. RESPECT Award recipients have distinguished themselves as an integral member of the team, their institution and community by upholding the values of Responsibility, Enthusiasm, Service, Pride, Excellence, Collaboration and Trust. The RESPECT Award recognizes the intangible traits a student-athlete possesses that exemplify great character and encourages inclusiveness and a positive culture.
