UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – The Associated Press announced its 2021 NCAA DII Football All-American teams on Wednesday, including a member of the Saginaw Valley State University program.

Nick Whiteside, a junior defensive back from Auburn Hills, Mich., was named to the AP All-American Second Team after an outstanding season for the Cardinals in 2021.

The award is the first for a Cardinal since the AFCA named Matt McKoy to the second team in 2016.

Whiteside played in all 11 games for the Cardinals in 2021, finishing with 40 total tackles, four interceptions, and eight pass breakups. The highlight of the season for Whiteside came against Texas A&M-Commerce on the road when he picked off a pass and returned it for a 74-yard touchdown in the SVSU overtime win.

Last month, Whiteside was named the GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year and to the All-GLIAC First Team.