SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word football team earned three spots on the Stats Perform FCS All-America Team, announced the NCAA on Monday, Dec. 20.
 
Cameron Ward and Taylor Grimes were named to the second team, while Kelechi Anyalebechi was selected to the third team.
 
Cameron Ward | Sophomore | West Columbia, Texas | Second Team All-America
Ward received Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors following a record-breaking season. The quarterback broke UIW program records for most career passing touchdowns (now at 71) and career passing yards (now with 6,908) against Sam Houston State University on Dec. 4. The sophomore also set single-game records for most passing touchdowns with seven and most passing yards with 610 against Southeastern Louisiana. Ward was named Week 10 FCS National Player of the Week and Week 13 CFPA FCS National Performer of the Week. He is also a finalist for the Walter Payton Award.
 
Taylor Grimes | Senior | Godly, Texas | Second Team All-America
Grimes was named Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year following a historic first season as a Cardinal. The wide receiver broke UIW program records for most receiving touchdowns in a single game with four against Nicholls, most receiving yards in a game with 193 against then-No. 6 Southeastern Louisiana, and most receptions in a game with 12, also against the Lions. Grimes also set the single-season records for most receiving yards and most pass reception touchdowns, finishing the season with 1,145 receiving yards and 15 TDs.
 
Kelechi Anyalebechi | Senior | Pearland, Texas | Third Team All-America
Anyalebechi was named Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Week twice this season. The linebacker was a force to be reckoned with throughout the year as he had six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. The senior also snagged two interceptions, both against Prairie View A&M. Anyalebechi registered the most tackles in a single season in UIW program history, ending the year with 130. He earned a spot as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award for his record-breaking season.