FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 23, 2009

Jared Brawner named to two different All-American teams

Joplin, Mo. -  Already named a second-team All-American by the Division II Sports Information Directors, Missouri Southern junior linebacker Jared Brawner has been named  honorable mention All-American by D2football.com and Don Hansen's Football Gazette.

Brawner, a 6-1, 237 pound native of Kirksville, Mo., was named a Daktronics All-American earlier in the season. He is the first Lion since current Green Bay Packer Allen Barbre to be named All-American.

A three-year starter for the Lions, Brawner was a first-team All-MIAA selection this season after leading the MIAA in tackles (120 - 10.9 per game). He also finished second in the MIAA in fumbles forced and received. Brawner also ranks 10th in Division II in tackles per game and set two different career highs this season with game totals of 17 and 18 tackles. He was named first-team All-Region, as well.

"Jared Brawner has been an outstanding player, and more importantly, an outstanding leader for our football program," said head football coach Bart Tatum. "He is a physical player that has a great understanding of the game. His production has steadily improved because of his continuous physical and mental preparation."

Brawner was one of nine MIAA players named to the d2football.com All-American team and one of 20 from the MIAA named to Don Hansen's Football Gazette team.