SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – USA Football News released its 2012 Pre-Season NCAA II All-American team and University of the Incarnate Word had two players named.  Senior running back Trent Rios (Spring Branch/Smithson Valley HS) nabbed third team honors while senior defensive back Chaz Pavliska (Floresville/Floresville HS) took honorable mention honors.

The USA Football News' 20th Annual USA College Football NCAA Division II Pre-Season All-American and Regional All-Star Teams were selected by coaches, sports information directors, certified players' agents, pro scouts, media and staff of USA Football News. All members of the Class of 2013 with no remaining college eligibility who have been chosen to the All-American teams including the Regional All-Stars, all of whom receive honorable mention accolades on the All-American Teams, are candidates to participate in the 2013 USA Freedom Bowl, a four-day, three-night event that will be held January 18 to January 21, 2013. The inaugural Fortier Trophy will be presented on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the USA College Football All-American Banquet.

Rios is the Cardinals all-time leader in rushing yards and touchdowns.  He enters his senior campaign with 1,931 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.  Over the past two years, he has averaged over 78 yards rushing per game.  He also has 66 receptions for nearly 500 yards in his career and is a threat in the kick return game.  He has been named Honorable Mention All-Lone Star Conference each of the past two years.

Pavliska is entering his fourth year as a starter for the Cardinals.  He has registered 71, 60 and 67 tackles in his three seasons and has 99 unassisted tackles and 99 assisted tackles.  He has been credited with 22.0 tackles for loss and 18 passes defensed in his career.  He has picked off six passes, including two in 2011.  Last year, he earned Second Team All-Lone Star Conference honors.

The Cardinals open their fourth season on Saturday, September 1 at 7 p.m. against Texas College at Benson Stadium.
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