WEST LIBERTY, W.Va. - West Liberty's Shon Stephens added another All-America honor to his resume with a selection to first team defense on the 2022 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America list.

In his first season on the hilltop after transferring over the summer, Stephens made an immediate impact ending the year tied for the Division II lead with eight interceptions. The Bakersfield, Calif. native recorded interceptions in each of the first three games, including an MEC record four interceptions in the home opening win over Alderson Broaddus, and two pick sixes, the one a game-sealing touchdown versus AB. He was also the main kick returner for the Hilltoppers, averaging 21.7 yards per return with a long return of 61 yards and 155 total return yards in the homecoming game versus Wheeling.

Stephens was one of two MEC players to make first team, and the lone defensive player, joining Concord's Jarod Bowie. This is Stephens' second All-America honor, along with a first team defense selection on the D2CCA list. He also was named to the Elite 100 by D2Football.com.

The Don Hansen team carries out the legacy of long-time small college football advocate Don Hansen, who passed away at age 75 on Aug. 29, 2010. Hansen, from Brookfield, Ill., started and published Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette for three decades, selecting NCAA Division II All-America teams for the first time in 1988.

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