Cornelson Finalist for JUCOWeekly Trophy
Chicago Illinois- The JUCOWeekly Trophy panel of media professionals has narrowed their search to five NJCAA student athletes. On December 17, 2024, the JUCOWeekly Trophy, touted as the "JUCO Heisman", will be presented to the best JUCO football player in America. This event is sponsored by the NJCAA as they are the title sponsor of this prestigious event.
Over the course of the season, the media panel factors each player's complete body of work, his stats, and his direct impact to his team. On December 9, 2024, the media panel will narrow the list to three finalists. These three finalists, along with their coach, will be invited to Canyon, Texas, home of the 2024 NJCAA Division I Football Championship. The JUCOWeekly Trophy will be presented at the Championship Banquet on December 17.
The five finalists listed in no particular order:
William Cornelson - Linebacker Tyler JC
The Redshirt Sophomore was a tackling machine, and a major disrupter for the Apaches. Cornelson finished with an NJCAA Division I Football best 126 total tackles. He also ranks first in assists with 73. He ranks 1st in Tackles for loss with 21.5. He ranks 2nd with 11.5 tackles per game. Cornelson chipped in 7.5 sacks which placed him 9th nationally. He also hauled in an interception. Twice Cornelson secured a personal best with 14 total tackles in one game. The first came against Trinity Valley on September 14th and the next occurred on September 28 against Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.
Cornelson was named to the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) All Conference First Team Defense.
Tyler JC Head Football Coach Tanner Jacobson Said: "Will has been an invaluable asset to both the football team and the program as a whole. His dedication, leadership, and work ethic set a standard for excellence that inspires his teammates every day. Whether on the field or off, Will consistently demonstrates what it means to be a true team player, and his contributions have played a crucial role in the success and growth of our program. He's not only a key performer on game days but a vital presence in shaping the culture of our team."
Waymond Jordan Jr.- Running back Hutchinson
Sophomore Waymond Jordan Jr has been the backbone of Hutchinson's offense. He has scored in every game this season. He is the NJCAA Division 1 Football leader in rushing yards with 1,332. He ranks 1st in yards per game with 133.2 and in rushing touchdowns with 18. He has posted eight games with over 100 rushing yards which includes a career-best 213-yard effort against Highland Community College on November 9th.
Jordan was named the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC) Offensive Player of the Year.
Hutchinson Head Coach Drew Dallas Said: "Waymond is an outstanding football player and an even better young man. He's the ultimate professional at how he handles business on the field, in the classroom, and how he carries himself. His consistency in his preparation and production has set a standard for our football team throughout the offseason and each week during this season. I am extremely proud of how he has continued to persevere and trust the process during his time in Hutchinson. It's exciting to watch him play each week and reap the benefits of all his hard work."
D'mariun Perteet- Running back Northwest Mississippi
Sophomore D'mariun Perteet is one of the premiere running backs in NJCAA Division I Football. He currently ranks second in rushing yards with 1,242. Perteet is averaging 112.9 yards per game. Perteet has had seven games this season where he rushed for over 100 yards. He had a single game best 189 rushing yard performance against Holmes Community College on October 24th. Perteet has 241 carries which is the most by an NJCAA running back this season. Perteet ranks 3rd with 16 rushing touchdowns.
Perteet was named the Mississippi Association Community College Conference (MACCC) North Division Offensive Player of the Year.
Northwest Mississippi Head Coach Benjy Parker Said: "D'mariun is an awesome kid with a bright future!!!! One of the toughest kids I've ever coached. He does everything you ask. He is the ultimate team guy!!! Love that guy."
Hunter Dekkers- Quarterback Iowa Western
In his only season with the Reivers Hunter Dekkers has thrown for a NJCAA Division I Football best 3,239 yards. Dekkers ranks 1st in yards per game with 294.5. Dekkers owns a NJCAA best 65.8% completion rate and he ranks 1st nationally with 242 completions. Dekkers ranks 2nd in touchdown passes with 27. He threw for over 300 yards four times and had two 400 yard passing games. Dekkers high mark was throwing for 419 yards (28-46) and 5 touchdowns against Hutchinson on September 7.
Dekkers was named Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) Offensive Player of the Year
Iowa Western Head Coach Scott Strohmeier Said: "Hunter is extremely knowledgeable of the game. And not only with his weekly preparation but also with his in-game adjustments. It has been amazing."
Fresh Walters- Wide receiver Iowa Western
Fresh Walters, a redshirt freshman, leads all NJCAA Division I Football receivers with 64 catches. Walters ranks 3rd in receptions per game with 5.8. He has 745 receiving yards on a roster filled with talented receivers. He has scored seven touchdowns this season. He also contributed 393 yards in kick return yards.
Walters was selected to the Iowa College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) All-Conference First Team.
Iowa Western Head Coach Scott Strohmeier Said: "Fresh is a dynamic playmaker that really understands the game. With him and Hunter on the same page it has been a lot of fun to watch."