Football | 12/12/2016 11:14:00 AM

WACO, Texas (Dec. 12, 2016) – Widener University senior Byron Cooper (Philadelphia, Pa.) has been named to the American Football Coaches Association All-America Second Team, as announced by the national organization on Monday morning. The defensive end is being recognized for the first time of his career.
 
Cooper headlined what was arguably the top defensive line in the Middle Atlantic Conference this past fall as one of three players who made the all-conference first team. He most notably tied for a league high with 16.5 tackles for a loss while also ranking among the top 10 nationally with 11.5 sacks. The senior also picked up MAC Defensive Player of the Week accolades after contributing a game-high 12 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble in a road victory over King's.
 
The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. Beginning this year, the AFCA has started selecting a first and second team. 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.
 
Cooper is also currently eligible for D3football.com All-America laurels. The announcement is slated to be made shortly before Mary Hardin-Baylor and Wisconsin-Oshkosh face each other in the Stagg Bowl for the national championship.