Former American River College defensive lineman Jordan Carrell has been named an All-American for the 2014 season.

Carrell played for ARC during the 2013-2014 seasons, finishing the 2014 season as NorCal defensive MVP, a season in which he registered eight sacks, 61 tackles and one forced fumble.

He signed with the University of Colorado, being one of four ARC football players to sign with a Division I school for national signing day.

Carrell says that playing for ARC was a great honor, and added that he could not have reached the point he did without the support of his coaches and teammates.

“Overall it was a great two years,” said Carrell. “I would not have wanted to play for any other junior college. Looking back I have no regrets.”

Head Coach Jon Osterhout, who coached Carrell both as a defensive line coach and a head coach, called Carrell an extremely hard worker who loves the game of football.

“The Junior College All-American award is due to his hard work and dedication. He earned the respect of opposing coaches and players,” Osterhout said.

Osterhout added that Carrell was an integral part of what ARC did defensively, and that some of the younger players will need to step up their game to fill in the void he left.

Osterhout says he also viewed Carrell as being a leader in the locker room.

“We have leadership and character development on the team,” said Osterhout. “Hopefully someone will emerge. (The) guys had a terrific example of guys to look up to.”

Carrell will join a defense that ranked 87th in the nation in sacks with 22 through 12 games.

Despite the change of scenery, Osterhout believes Carrell will earn the respect of his new teammates.

“In terms of him going to Colorado, he’s gonna earn the respect of his teammates and the coaching staff and he’s going to do it the only way he knows how, through his work ethic,” said Osterhout.