WICHITA FALLS, Texas – The Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA) announced the 2024 NCAA Division II Football All-America teams on Wednesday afternoon. Saginaw Valley State University senior linebacker Micah Cretsinger and defensive end Leonard Henry IV were named on the second-team defense when the All-America honors were announced.
Cretsinger gathers his second All-America honor after being a second-team recipient for the AFCA earlier on Wednesday. He adds this award to his outstanding senior season after already 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.
Henry IV adds this achievement to his list of accolades this season which includes D2CCA All-Super Region 3 first-team, GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year, and a First-Team All-GLIAC honor. This season, the senior defensive end was a force for the Cardinal pass rush, totaling a GLIAC-leading 10.5 sacks. He led the nation in sacks for much of the season and finished in the top five with .95 sacks per game. Henry's 50 tackles ranked sixth-best on the SVSU defense and he held a team-high 16 tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hurries.
"Leonard had an incredible senior campaign. His dedication, hard work, and passion in the off-season truly paid huge dividends. Leo earned this honor and recognition. I am so proud of him for the way he battled back from adversity in his junior year and persevered to be one of the absolute best in the nation this year. Congratulations Leo! You are an all-American," said Coach Brady.
The Division II Conference Commissioners Association encourages and promotes Division II athletics and high standards of sportsmanship as important elements of higher education. The CCA is a key communications link among the conferences as they discuss views, policies, and regulations that impact Division II intercollegiate athletics and works closely with the NCAA as a communications channel to NCAA Division II member colleges and universities.