Jordan Carrell, an American River College football defensive end, was named the NorCal defensive MVP last week.

“It feels great … (it’s) the biggest award I’ve ever won while playing sports,” Carrell said.

Carrell has had 58 tackles and 8 sacks for the year, helping him earn the title.

Head coach Jon Osterhout said that Carrell deserves the award.

“He’s a tremendous player for us and an intricate player on the team,” said Osterhout. “He’s a worker, loves the weight room, loves practice, (and) does well in the classroom.”

He was chosen by a unanimous decision at the first team all conference. They then sent him for consideration at the NorCal conference where other coaches voted to make him the defensive MVP.

“I won this award because of my prep for the season. I didn’t take any time off and tried to be at the top in everything,” said Carrell.

Carrell is graduating this semester and has committed to play football next year at the University of Colorado, where he has received a full scholarship.

He believes that winning will help him with recruiting in the future.

“I couldn’t have done it without all of the team and coaches. I’ve come a long way since last year,” said Carrell.

Osterhout described Carrell as extremely athletic and physical to the point of attack.

“He’s been here for two years (and) has taken all of the steps necessary to be a tremendous football player,” said Osterhout.

“(Carrell) is going to be a great player for the buffaloes, he has a high football IQ and loves the game. He’s only going to get better. He’s a football player in the purest sense.”