Safety Nick Flegler has joined an elite group of Hope College football players.

The sophomore from DeWitt, Michigan (DeWitt HS) is the 21st All-American in program history after receiving second-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association for NCAA Division III.

Flegler was one of seven defensive backs in the entire nation selected, three of whom who were second-team honorees.

This season, Flegler topped the Hope defense with 62 tackles and five interceptions.

While playing both cornerback and safety, Flegler also forced two fumbles and recovered one fumble.

Flegler helped the Flying Dutchmen post an 8-2 overall record — their fifth season with at least eight wins in the past six.

Earlier this season, Flegler received All-MIAA First Team honors from the league's coaches and all-region second-team honors from the D3football.com.

"I am really proud of Nick as he is one of the more gifted athletes we have coached here at Hope College,"  head coach Peter Stuursma said. "He is fast, tough, and plays with a really high football IQ." 

Hope's other All-Americans

2019 Mason Dekker, LB (AP)
2019 Zach Smith, OL (AFCA)
2017 Justin Fairfield, OL
2006 Matt Rugenstein, DE
1997 Brandon Graham, RB
1996 Brandon Graham, RB
1993 Chad Ackermann, DE
1987 Todd Ackermann, TE
1986 Todd Ackermann, TE
1985 Blaine Newhouse , DT
1985 Dirk VerMeulen, DT
1984 Greg Heeres, QB
1984 Thurland Cole, DT
1984 Jim Behrenwald, OG
1982 Kurt Brinks, C (AFCA)
1980 Paul Damon, TE
1979 Craig Groendyk, OL
1973 Ron Posthuma, OL
1958 Larry TerMolen, OL
1954 John Adams, RB