BUTLER NAMED 1ST-TEAM ALL-AMERICAN; CLARIDY NAMED 2ND TEAM ALL-SWJCFC
Blinn defensive back Butler named first-team All-American
Sophomore defensive back Ken Butler capped off a two-year career at Blinn College with NJCAA All-America honors.
Butler, who averaged 7.3 tackles a game, was one of 11 first-team defense selections and the only Buccaneer to receive All-America honors.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound sophomore totaled a team-high 73 tackles on the season, 13 of which came for a loss. In the Buccaneers’ playoff game vs. Trinity Valley on Nov. 2, Butler recorded a season-best 14 total tackles, two of which were for a loss.
According to Scout.com, Butler has received offers from Lamar University, Middle Tennessee, Old Dominion, Sam Houston State and Southeast Louisiana.
In addition to Butler’s All-America nod, 13 Buccaneers were named to the All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) team, including four first-team selections.
SWJCFC FIRST TEAM
Justin Chandler, tight end
Donovan Williams, offensive lineman
DaVante Smith, defensive lineman
Ken Butler, defensive back
SWJCFC SECOND TEAM
Darrion Landry, wide receiver
Will Juarez, offensive lineman
Klartel Claridy (Brenham), running back
Kyle Holmes, defensive lineman
Lance Duran, linebacker
Myles Curl, defensive back
Jacob Mansfield, deep snapper
SWJCFC HONORABLE MENTIO
Garry Kimble, quarterback
Keil Heidman, linebacker
The Buccaneers finished the season 4-6 (3-4 SWJCFC) and advanced to the league semifinals. Following the season, football coach Ronny Feldman resigned from his post after three seasons as head coach and six with the Buccaneers. The search for a new head coach is ongoing.
Blinn football is one of the most storied programs in the NJCAA, with four national championships, including the first back-to-back national titles in league history in 1995 and 1996. The Buccaneers have appeared in 12 bowl games and compiled a 285-205-11 record since 1964.
Nine former players, three coaches, three College administrators and the 1972 Buccaneer team have been inducted into the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame. Additionally, 47 former Buccaneers have played in the NFL and 90 have been named NJCAA All-Americans.
For more information on Blinn football, visit www.buccaneersports.com.
(Story & photos courtesy; Matt Keyser, Blinn Information)