BROOKFIELD, Ill. -- The Don Hansen Football Committee announced the 2024 NCAA Division II Don Hansen All-America teams. Three Saginaw Valley State University football student-athletes were among those listed with Micah Cretsinger leading the way as a First-Team Defense All-America selection. Fellow seniors Leonard Henry IV and Connor Cracchiolo-Evans were named to the Honorable Mention team.
Cretsinger has made two other All-America lists after being a second-team recipient for the AFCA and D2CCA. He was named the 2024 GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year, and First-Team All-GLIAC leading the SVSU defense in tackles for the second consecutive season with 82 stops, 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, seven hurries, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one recovery, and one interception. Cretsinger finished the season with back-to-back 12 tackle games in the last two weeks and he 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 his second All-America honor with this achievement (he was named second-team D2CCA All-Acmerica). His list of accolades this season 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.
Cracchiolo-Evans caps his senior season with the first All-America selection for his career. The First-Team All-GLIAC selection started all 11 games at right tackle for the Cardinals in 2024. He helped anchor an SVSU offensive line that helped Saginaw Valley finish third in the league in total offense and fourth in both rushing and passing. The Richmond, Michigan native saw action in 43 games over his four-year career at SVSU.
"Connor had a tremendous senior campaign! He was the leader of our offensive line and physically dominated all season. Very proud of the work Connor put in and he earned this recognition! Congratulations Connor!" said Brady.
The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Danse, who passed away at age 75 on August 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Illinois, started and published Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.