WACO, Texas – Four Evangel University football standouts were honored on Wednesday morning for their strong seasons. Bradley Myers was recognized for his exceptional 2023 season on Wednesday when the senior linebacker was named as a first-team AFCA/NAIA All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for the first time in his career. Senior wide receiver Dillon Hester was honored as a second-team AFCA/NAIA All-American for his play while juniors CJ Anoa’i (Offensive Lineman) and Zach Myers (Defensive End) were named third-team AFCA/NAIA All-Americans.
Hester, who earned AFCA All-American status in 2022 as an honorable mention earned his second consecutive honor from the AFCA, this time as a second-team member. Bradley Myers, CJ Anoa’i, and Zach Myers were all honored for the first time in their playing careers at Evangel as an AFCA/NAIA All-American.
Bradley Myers, a Lee’s Summit, Mo., native, finished his exceptional 2023 campaign with 151 total tackles, which led the nation in the NAIA. Bradley also finished with 11.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. Myers also finished the season earning the KCAC Defensive Player of the Year award.
Hester had another great season for the Valor, breaking the school record for total receptions, which was previously held by Brandon Schmidly. Dillon finished the season with 1,057 receiving yards on 73 receptions and 13 receiving touchdowns. Hester was named the KCAC Offensive Player of the Year for his strong play this season.
Anoa’i helped lead a strong offensive line that gave up just four sacks in the regular season, helping keep a clean pocket for RJ Wakley and lead the Valor to 11 wins this season.
Zach Myers, a Lee’s Summit, Mo., native, had a strong season at defensive end, finishing with a team-high 21.5 tackles for loss, which is third all-time in a single season in Evangel history. Myers also recorded 10.5 sacks and recovered five fumbles this year.
Evangel concluded its fall season with a 11-1 overall record, winning the KCAC Kessinger Division and earning their first NAIA postseason berth since 2005.
