Coleman Named AP First-Team All-American

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–Resean Coleman (So., River Rouge, Mich., Exercise Science) continues to reap the rewards for a tremendous season as he was named an Associated Press NAIA All-American.

In an effort to recognize the NAIA’s top football players, the AP decided to sponsor an NAIA-only All-America program. Two teams, including special teams for 50 total individuals, were honored.

Coleman, a sophomore defensive end, was named to the First Team for the first All-America award of his career.

One of the best pass rushes in the nation, he was named Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division Co-Defensive Player of the Year last month. He was also chosen as an NAIA Player of the Year nominee.

Coleman finished 2017 with 58 tackles (30 solos, 28 assists), including 18 stops for a loss of 108.5 yards. The sophomore sacked the opposing quarterback 12 times for 97.5 yards, while also forcing two fumbles this year.

He ended the campaign third in the NAIA in sacks and seventh in tackles for loss.

Coleman helped William Penn finish as one of the top defenses in the NAIA, including ranking second with just 240.8 total yards allowed per contest. WPU was also second in first downs allowed (155), while being third in passing yards per game (151.4), fourth in rushing yards per game (89.5), and sixth in both points allowed (18.7) and opponent third-down conversion rate (29.3%).

“We are very excited for Resean,” Head Coach Todd Hafner said. “He has worked extremely hard and had one of the best seasons as a pass rusher in WPU history.”

Coleman is the lone first-team representative from the Heart.

The teams were selected by a panel of Sports Information Directors from NAIA institutions and conferences.

To view the complete Associated Press All-America teams, go to https://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/2017-associated-press-naia-all-america-team-list-121517