MINNEAPOLIS – D3football.com released its regional awards on Wednesday and four Gustavus football players received recognition on the All-Region 6 Team. Zach Jakes (Sr., North Mankato) is First Team Defense, Andrew Abegglen (Jr., Mound) is Second Team Offense, Carson Dekam (So., Owatonna) is Second Team Defense, and Ezekiel Sundberg (Sr., Lakewood, Colo.) is Third Team Defense. The four D3football.com All-Region selections are the most in a single season for Gustavus.
Jakes recently earned his second First Team All-MIAC selection and a share of the Mike Stam Award as the MIAC’s Lineman of the Year. Jakes started all 10 games at defensive tackle this season, accumulating 51 tackles (26 solo) with a team-high 13.5 tackles for loss. He also led the team with 6.0 sacks and four quarterback hurries. Jakes’ 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks are both the most by a Gustie since Dan Myers had 18 TFLs and 9.0 sacks in 2003. Jakes was also used on offense in short yardage situations, catching both passes thrown to him for touchdowns of three and six yards.
Abegglen, who was recently named MIAC First Team and CoSIDA Academic All-District, tied the Gustavus program record with 13 made field goals this season. Abegglen converted 13-of-17 field goals with a long of 42 yards. His 13 made field goals were fourth most in NCAA Division III this season. Abegglen, who earned MIAC Special Teams Player of the Week five times this season, made 31-of-36 extra points for a total of 70 points, tying the program record for most points scored by kicking in a season. He also handled the bulk of the kickoff duties with 58 kickoffs for 3,147 yards (54.3 yards per kick), including seven touchbacks. The Gusties set the program record with 80 points in their season-opening victory at Buena Vista and Abegglen set the program record for PATs in a game, going 11-for-11.
Dekam, a MIAC First Team Defense selection, made an immediate impact in his first collegiate season, leading the team with 70 tackles (41 solo), including 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, four fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and a 28-yard interception return. Dekam played in integral role in the Gusties recording 27 sacks this season, the second most in the conference. Dekam is one of two sophomores on the Second Team Defense.
Sundberg, also a MIAC First Team Defense selection, earned his first All-MIAC honor after leading the team with five interceptions for 68 yards. Sundberg also led the secondary with 10 pass breakups and 15 passes defended. He added 43 tackles (29 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery.
The NCAA realigned Division III football into six regions in 2021. Region 6 includes the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the Northwest Conference, the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletics Conference, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, and the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.