#10 – John Ryan, WR Sioux Falls 2010

The second member of our top 25 that graduated just this past season, Ryan garnered acclaim for a phenomenal senior season; VSN NAIA Offensive Player of the Year, 1st team All-American, over 1400 yards receiving and a NAIA record 24 touchdown catches. But don’t believe for a moment he was a one-year wonder. Twice he was named 1st team All-GPAC. Ryan totaled 52 TD catches and 3400 yards receiving to rank second all-time at USF in both categories, ahead of his former Coach Kalen DeBoer. The 52 TD’s places him second all-time in the GPAC as well. Though his 2010 season was legendary, Ryan was an integral part of 4 conference championships and 2 National titles.

#9 – Austin Janssen, LB Northwestern 2006

A man of rarified standing, Janssen is the only GPAC player to ever be voted to the 1st team all four years of his career. Though listed at a modest 6’ 203 he was perhaps the surest tackler we’ve seen in the conference as well as one of the quickest. He was all over the field for the Red Raiders leading them in tackles 3 of his 4 seasons, finishing second once. His numbers are indicative of his importance to NWC’s defense from 2003 through 2006; 285 career tackles, 17 interceptions and 19 QB sacks. He helped Coach Orv Otten’s squads to 2 quarterfinalist appearances in the post season and an overall mark of 36-10 as a starter. He finished as a VSN 1st team All-American and the GPAC Player of the Year in 2006.