Brookfield, Ill. - Mercyhurst Football continues to stay in the news thanks to their standout performer on defense, Jacob Holl. The graduate student linebacker earns All-American honors for the 2022 season with his inclusion in the 2022 Don Hansen NCAA DII All-American announcement Wednesday evening.

The native of Cranberry Township, Pa. excelled as the defensive leader for the Lakers as he led the team in solo tackles (97), total tackles (129), and tackles for a loss (14.5). He made a major impact in other areas as well as Holl was second in assisted tackles (50) while also coming in second in sacks (2.5) and interceptions (2). 

"This one is special," said Head Coach Ryan Riemedio. "A big congratulations to Jake on being named to the Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-American Team this year. I couldn't be happier for him on this great achievement."   

The graduate student not only established himself as one of the best linebackers at Mercyhurst, but also in the conference and nation. Holl's total tackles and solo tackles both ended up being second in the PSAC with his 11.7 tackles per game leading the way for the conference, earning the graduate student All-Conference Defensive First-Team honors. His 129 tackles were good enough for third in the nation while his 79 solo tackles were good enough for second, making him one of the best in all of DII.

Holl's 129 tackles for the 2022 season is the second most ever by a Laker, behind only Greg Latimer's 1987 season when he had 132. His 255 tackles for his career puts the graduate student in 13th place all-time while the 144 solo tackles Holl accumulated puts him tied for 11th alongside Jimmy Kokrak. His 26.5 tackles for a loss over his time at Mercyhurst cracks the top 20 at 18th, showing how capable he was at making an impact in the backfield as well.