Joiner and Houston Named Stats Perform FCS All-Americans
CHICAGO - Rewarding postseason awards continue to fall in the laps of Western Illinois football standouts Darius Joiner and Dennis Houston, as the pair were named to the NCAA Stats Perform FCS All-American Team on Monday (Dec. 20).
Joiner earned first-team honors, and Houston placed on the third team. It is a first career nod for both players. Additionally, the two are the first Leathernecks to make such selections since Khaulen Saunders (first team) and Pete Swenson (second team) in 2018.
In his first year wearing the Purple and Gold, Joiner made an immediate impact as one of the nation's best defenders. Finishing sixth in voting as a Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, he currently led the FCS in total tackles (142) and solo tackles (79). For his efforts in a 23-tackle performance, which ranks sixth-best in program history for a single game, Joiner was subsequently tabbed the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 26) and FCS Stats Perform National Defensive Player of the Week (Sept. 27). The Roanoke, Alabama native registered double-figures in tackles in all but two of the Leathernecks' 11 games. Seven different showings saw him make 12 or more tackles.
Returning as a significant offensive threat, Houston ended as the FCS leader in receptions per game (8.5) for the fall campaign. He also led the MVFC in that same category and total receptions. The savvy senior opened the year with an absolute bang -- posting a new career-high in receiving yards (237) during the season opener at Ball State (Sept. 2). Houston collected seven showings of seven or more receptions, ending the season with 1,015 receiving yards and six touchdown receptions. On his 'Senior Day' (Nov. 6), he became the program's new record holder in season receptions (ended the year with 90). His longest rush was a 53-yard touchdown in WIU's home opener versus Eastern Washington (Sept. 18).
Joiner and Houston add the accolade to their list of being named All-MVFC First Team, the Hero Sports FCS All-America Team, and the Associated Press FCS All-America Team.
This article originally appeared on The McDonough County Voice: Joiner and Houston Named Stats Perform FCS All-Americans
