Nate LaJoie Don Hansen All-American graphic

LaJoie Named 2019 Don Hansen First Team All-American

BROOKFIELD, Ill. – Michigan Tech junior defensive lineman Nate LaJoie was selected as a 2019 Don Hansen NCAA Division II First Team All-American, announced Monday by the Don Hansen Football Committee. Earlier this month, LaJoie was named First Team All-Super Region 3 making him eligible for All-American accolades.

LaJoie is from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and had a breakout season this year for the Huskies. LaJoie led the GLIAC in total sacks with 8.5 and tied for second in the conference in total tackles for a loss. LaJoie combined for 54 total tackles and averaged 5.4 tackles per game and his sacks/tackles for loss resulted in 68 negative yards for opponents. In addition, LaJoie also recovered a fumble during the 2019 season. LaJoie had a season best nine tackles, 2.5 sacks, and four tackles for a loss at Saginaw Valley State.

In addition to being chosen for the Don Hansen All-Super Region 3 and All-American honors, LaJoie was an All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference First Team Honoree and was a D2CCA All-Super Region 3 First Team pick. LaJoie received three Tech team awards, including the Fred Baird Memorial Outstanding Defensive Player award, Defensive Lineman of the Year, and was the Iron Man Award recipient.

The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., 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. Don Hansen's Football Gazette began selecting Division II All-Region squads in 2003.

The official Don Hansen announcement can be viewed by clicking on the link at the top of this release.