WACO, Texas – The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced the 2024 AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America Teams on Wednesday morning. Saginaw Valley State University senior linebacker Micah Cretsinger was named to the second-team defense this season for his second-straight nod for AFCA All-America.
Cretsinger adds this honor to his outstanding senior season. The Jackson, Michigan native has already earned several honors including D2CCA All-Super Region 3 first-team, 2024 GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year, and First-Team All-GLIAC. The two-time All-American linebacker led the SVSU defense in tackles for the second consecutive season after compiling 82 stops with 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, seven hurries, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one recovery, and one interception. He finished the season with back-to-back 12 tackle games in the last two weeks. Cretsinger reached double-digit tackles three times during the 2024 season all in the final four weeks of play.
"I couldn't be prouder of Micah! He earned this honor with his relentless work ethic, discipline, and leadership," said Saginaw Valley State Football head coach Ryan Brady. "His leadership impacted players both on and off the field in a positive way. Micah has created a new standard at SVSU and we're excited for what's next to come for him and his future.
The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best – the coaches themselves.
The AFCA's Division II All-America selection committee is made up of three head coaches from each of the AFCA's seven districts, one of whom serves as a district chairman, and another head coach who serves as the selection committee chairman. The coaches in each district are responsible for ranking the top players in their respective districts before a conference call between the district chairmen and the committee chairman on which the teams are chosen.
Cretsinger is one of six GLIAC football players named AFCA All-America. He is the only member of SVSU to receive the honor this season.