WACO, Texas – Conference Carolinas had one individual earn All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) on Wednesday.

UNC Pembroke defensive lineman Isi Etute earned second team honors. He was named Conference Carolinas Co-Defensive Player of the Year and first team all-conference earlier this fall.

AFCA ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS

Team Background: The five teams now chosen for each AFCA division evolved from a single 11-player squad in 1945. From 1945 until 1967, only one team was chosen. From 1967 through 1971, two teams – University Division and College Division – were selected. In 1972, the College Division was split into College I and College II. In 1979, the University Division was split into two teams — FBS and FCS. In 1996, the College I and College II teams were renamed Division II and Division III, respectively. In 2006, the AFCA started selecting an NAIA-only team. The AFCA added a second All-America team in 2016.
From 1965-81, a 22-player (11 offensive, 11 defensive) team was chosen. In 1982, a punter and placekicker were added to the team. In 1997, a return specialist was added. The return specialist position was replaced by an all-purpose player in 2006. A third wide receiver was added in 2024.

The Award: Members of the AFCA Coaches’ All-America First Team will receive a plaque commemorating their selection to the team, while members of the Second Team will receive a certificate.