Monday, December 19, 2016
by Cody Bush, PFL Media Relations

WACO, Texas – Stetson defensive back Donald Payne was tapped for his third First-Team All-America honor this postseason and led a group of three Pioneer Football League athletes named to the 2016 AFCA Football Championship Subdivision Coaches’ All-America Team, Monday.

Payne, a three-time PFL Defensive Player of the Year, earlier received First-Team All-America honors from the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Foundation. He was joined on the AFCA squads by Drake senior tight end Eric Saubert and San Diego sophomore offensive lineman Daniel Cooney, who each were named Second-Team All-Americans.

It was the second time in 2016 Saubert has received second-team recognition this postseason, following his Second-Team All-America selection by the Associated Press. He ranked second among FCS tight ends in receiving yards per game (70.5) and touchdown receptions (10). Saubert led Drake with a career-best 56 receptions and 776 receiving yards.

Cooney was one of only three sophomores named to the two 25-man teams. The 6-8 offensive lineman played a key role in the Toreros offensive unit which helped the team finish 10-2 overall, win the PFL title with a perfect 8-0 record, and advance to the second round of the FCS Playoffs.