Sippel, Willis garner Don Hansen All-America Honorable Mention
BROOKFIELD, Ill. – Linebacker Marc Sippel and wide receiver Darius Willis of the Michigan Tech football team were selected as 2022 Don Hansen NCAA Division II Honorable Mention All-America for their performance on the field this past season. Sippel was recognized CCA First Team All-Super Region Three last month.
"Don Hansen All-America Honorable Mention is a tremendous honor for both Darius and Marc," said head coach Dan Mettlach. "Darius had a great year offensively and on special teams. He is dynamic with the ball in his hands and his presence on the field requires attention from every defense we play. Marc was no different on the defensive side of the ball. He plays with a great energy and intensity that is contagious to the entire team. Marc has a great understanding of what Coach Thomas is asking of our defense, which makes everyone around him better."
Sippel (Wausau, Wisconsin) finished second in NCAA Division II tackles with 131 (58 solo) in his sophomore regular season campaign, behind only Grant Bruner (131 tackles, Washburn). Sippel led the conference in the category by a margin of 26.0 tackles over Antonio Howard (Northern Michigan). Sippel also collected 13.5 tackles for loss (fourth), 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and two passes broken up. He achieved a season-high 15.0 tackles at Hillsdale College on November 5.
Sippel started all 11 games for the Huskies in 2022 after appearing in 10 games as a freshman. Last fall, he made 47 tackles with 17 solo tackles and posted a pair of sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Willis (Warren, Michigan) was the GLIAC's top receiver this season as a sophomore. He topped the charts in receptions (74), receiving yards (1,051), and touchdowns (10). His 1,825 all-purpose yards ranked fourth best in NCAA Division II this fall. Willis started all 11 games for the Huskies.
He posted a career-high 13 receptions for 198 yards on November 12 against Saginaw Valley State and had three multi-touchdown games. Willis was an All-GLIAC Honorable Mention last season after making 30 receptions for 393 yards in 2021. Willis redshirted his first year at MTU in 2019.