John Cano Named AFCA NAIA All-American

WACO, TX - The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced its 2022 NAIA All-American Teams on Thursday, December 15th. Morningside (Iowa) quarterback Joe Dolincheck and Siena Heights (Mich.) linebacker Kole Murlin were named as the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best — the coaches themselves.

Reinhardt Football's very own, John Cano, was announced to the All-America First Team as an offensive lineman. Cano has been a vital piece for Coach Miller's offense anchoring an offensive line and protecting the blindside of the quarterbacks at left tackle.

He was part of the offense that produced 4217 total yards this season which was 421.7 average per game. He helped starting quarterback, Hunter Arters, throw for 1807 total yards and 18 touchdowns. He also helped the talented running back group gain a total of 2397 yards rushing.

Coach Miller had this to say about John Cano, "John has been a great player for a long time at Reinhardt University. He put in a lot of work to become the player he is now as an NAIA All-American. He did it with the help of the other four individuals on the offensive line. The best thing about John is he is going to graduate with his biology degree in December and be ready to teach come this spring. I'm extremely proud of him and happy for his family. His mom and his Nana."

Congratulations John Cano on this great honor. Eagle Nation is proud of what you did on the field and in the classroom. You are a true representative of what a student-athlete should be and Reinhart University is proud to call you one of our own!

In addition to Cano being awarded to the First Team All-American, both Tyler Hallum and Keyovione Whitlock (Key) were named as NAIA All-American Honorable Mention.  These two had tremendous years in the secondary for the Eagles. 

Whitlock was second on the team with 31 total tackles and he led the team with 3 interceptions.  Hallum led the team with 16 pass breakups. He also had one interception and 24 total tackles for the Eagles.

For a complete listing of the full NAIA All-American Teams, please see the following link:

https://www.naia.org/sports/fball/2022-23/Releases/All_Americans