RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. — The Great American Conference recently announced its 2023 Football All-GAC lists and Southern Nazarene racked up six total awards from Gage Porter, David Morales, Angel Ramirez, Dalen Smith, and Josh Johnson. 

It was to no surprise that veteran quarterback Gage Porter would be in the running for the GAC Offensive Player of the Year, leading the conference in nine total categories. Porter finished the regular season with over 1700 total rushing yards (No. 1 nationally), 25 total touchdowns (No. 1 nationally), and averaging 7.33 yards per carry (No. 2 nationally). 

Porter's performance helped lead SNU to their first ever winning season in the Division II era, also breaking the record for SNU All-Time rush yards. This is Porter's second season in being named the GAC Offensive Player of the Year and making it on the First Team list as well. 

SNU's lone Second Team honoree was David Morales, one the Storm's top offensive linemen. Morales helped lead the O-line in propelling SNU to have the top completion percentage in the conference, the third best sacks allowed number at 1.27, and the No. 2 spot in national rushing offense at 290.2 per game. 

SNU had three members earn All-GAC Honorable Mention: Josh Johnson (Cornerback), Dalen Smith (Tight End), and Angel Ramirez (Running Back). 

Between Ramirez and Smith, both Storm members contribute to SNU's potent offense.

Johnson served as one of Southern Nazarene's key defenders, tabbing in at 5th in the GAC in passes intercepted per game and 6th in the GAC for passes defended. 

All five All-GAC honorees have helped secure SNU's first bowl game appearance in  Division II history. SNU will head to Corsicana, Texas on December 9th to compete in the Heritage Bowl against Emporia State. The Hornets finished 8-3 in the MIAA.