Franklin’s Rupp and Defiance’s Dillon Named D3football.com All-Americans
December 18, 2007
GREENWOOD, IN – The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference has placed two athletes on the D3football.com All-American team. Franklin College quarterback Chad Rupp (Evansville, Ind./Memorial) was selected as the quarterback for the third team offense, while Defiance College wide receiver Luke Dillon (Temperance, Mich./Missouri Military) was selected as a member of the honorable mention offensive squad.
Rupp, a junior quarterback for the Grizzlies, guided Franklin to a 9-2 overall record and the school’s first HCAC football championship. FC also made an appearance into the NCAA Division III playoffs for the first time. The junior completed 70.2% of his passes for 3,250 yards, 35 touchdowns, and threw only six interceptions this season. Rupp ranked second nationally in passing efficiency (194.9), 11 th in total offense (296.2 ypg), and eighth in passing yards per game (295.5) during the 2007 season.
Dillon guided the Yellow Jackets to a 4-3 conference record during the regular season and was a member of the All-HCAC first-team. The senior wide receiver led all conference receivers with 93 catches, 1,241 yards receiving, and 14 touchdowns. His 12 touchdowns in conference contests set a HCAC record. Dillon ranked sixth nationally with 124.1 receiving yards per game and 9.3 catches per game.
The HCAC duo was among 100 athletes to earn the honor. The D3football.com All-Americans were named on Saturday afternoon during Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl festivities. Dillon and Rupp shared Offensive Most Valuable Player honors for the HCAC this season.