Courtesy of Delaware State Athletic Media Relations


DOVER, Del., Dec. 14, 2021 -- Delaware State offensive lineman Matthew Derks and punter Matt Noll have been named to the 2021 BOXTOROW HBCU All-America Team, while wide receiver Trey Gross has earned honorable mention recognition.

BOXTOROW has named All-America teams since 2007 based on voting by national media who cover HBCU football.  

Derks, a 2021 All-MEAC First Team selection, helped pave the way to the Hornets' No. 2 ranking in the MEAC in scoring offense (23.5 ppg) and the No. 3 spot in rushing offense (139.9 ypg) this past season.

Noll, also a 2021 All-MEAC First Team honoree, was tops in the in the league in punting with a 40.4 avg. He had 11 punts of 50-or-more yards, including a long of 64 yards, and placed 16 kicks inside the opponents' 20-yard line this past season.  

Also a 2021 All-MEAC First Team selection, Gross led the league with 13 touchdowns and 78 points during the '21 season, highlighted by a MEAC-best four TD performance in the Hornets' season finale at NC Central on Nov. 20. He was third in the MEAC in receptions at 4.3 per game (47 total) and fifth in receiving yards at 56.3 per game (619 total) this past season.