CEDAR FALLS – For the second time in his career, UNI football’s Jared Brinkman was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Brinkman, a defensive lineman, earned the same honor in 2019. Brinkman has notched five solo sacks and assisted on two. He has 13 tackles for a loss of 47 yards.
He has 67 tackles on the year and recorded a season-high in a single game with 14 against South Dakota on Oct. 16. Brinkman has forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
This is the ninth time a Panther has earned the distinction under head coach Mark Farley.
2019: Brinkman
2016: Karter Schult
2015: Deiondrè Hall
2011: L.J. Fort
2009: James Ruffin
2008: James Ruffin
2007: Brannon Carter
2001: Adam Vogt
Brinkman is a senior majoring in physical education. He is a graduate of Regina High School in Iowa City, Iowa. He is the son of Mike and Carla Brinkman.
Missouri State quarterback Jason Shelley has been named the MVFC Offensive Player of the Year and the league’s Newcomer of the Year; Youngstown State’s QB Demeatric Crenshaw is the conference Freshman of the Year; and coach Matt Entz has been tabbed the MVFC Coach of the Year.
The full All-Conference Team announced Nov. 29, and the full All-Newcomer Team will be announced Nov. 30.