Freeman, a Waco University graduate, also was an AFCA All-American in 2006 and joined Alfred (N.Y.) defensive lineman Don Miller and Willamette (Ore.) offensive lineman Brandon Bennett as repeat selections on the 25-member team.
The American Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Freeman helped lead the Crusaders to the ASC championship with an 8-0 record and to a 12-2 overall mark, including its second trip to the Division III national semifinals.
Freeman paced UMHB with 112 tackles - 18½ for loss and six sacks - and became the Crusaders’ all-time leading tackler. He also broke up seven passes, forced three fumbles and blocked a punt that he returned for a touchdown.
Freeman and the UMHB defense allowed 16.2 points, 48.7 rushing yards and 272.5 total yards per game this season and set program records by forcing 54 turnovers and making 55 sacks.
“Jerrell is obviously a tremendous player and we are so excited for him to be honored by the AFCA,” UMHB coach Pete Fredenburg said. “But he is just as good off the field. He has an incredible work ethic and has been such a leader for this program for the past four years.”
During Freeman’s career, UMHB went 44-9, won at least one playoff game every year and posted two or more playoff wins the other three seasons. He helped the Crusaders reach the 2004 Stagg Bowl.
UMHB’s other AFCA All-Americans were linebacker Preston Meyer in 2001 and 2002, safety Tony Salazar in 2003 and offensive lineman Jeff Oliver in 2004. The Crusaders have had an AFCA All-American in six of the last seven seasons.
The AFCA All-America Team, whose other ASC representative was Mississippi College receiver Jake Allen, is selected by a nationwide panel of Division III coaches.
