Two Northwestern College players were named to the Sporting News NAIA Preseason All-American team announced by the national sports organization earlier this month.
Justin Wohlert (Hartley, Iowa) earned the preseason national honor after leading the NAIA with 10 interceptions in 2014, one shy of matching the conference (GPAC) record. Wohlert was named to the NAIA/AFCA All-American team and first team all-conference honors for the Red Raiders, who boasted the NAIA’s top defense last year. A three-year starter at defensive back, Wohlert totaled 30.5 tackles and broke up 23 passes.
Levi Ettleman (Logan, Iowa) also earned the preseason honor heading into his final season with the Red Raider football team. Ettleman caught 19 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns as the team’s tight end in 2014. Also serving as the team’s punter, Ettleman averaged nearly 41 yards per attempt in earning second team all-league honors. Ettleman, a three-sport standout for the Red Raiders, was a 2015 All-American in the shot put last spring during the outdoor track and field season.
Northwestern finished the 2014 season with a 9-2 record, falling to Missouri Valley in the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series in double overtime, 20-17. The Red Raiders were co-champions, along with Morningside, in the GPAC with an 8-1 record. They open the season on the road against Tabor on Sept. 5 in Hillsboro, Kan.
