UMD football’s Ojile, Laing rake in postseason awards

On Tuesday afternoon, The Don Hansen Football Committee released the 2022 Don Hansen All-American Teams. Minnesota Duluth captains Zach Ojile and Brent Laing were among the honorable mentions.

The Don Hansen All-American team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen; who passed on Aug. 29, 2010, at the age 75. Hailing from Brookfield, Ill., Hansen started and published Don Hansen’s National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.

In the 2022 campaign, the Bulldogs went 8-3. With Ojile and Laing on the offensive side of the ball, Bulldogs were among the top 15 in the nation and first in the conference for rushing offense. UMD was also first in the country for time of possession and in the top 10 for third down conversion percentage.

This past season, tight end Ojile, made three rushing and five receiving touchdowns. On the offensive line, Laing did not allow a single sack during the season.