University of Rochester senior defensive back Jordy Tawa was named a D3football.com Preseason First-Team All-American, as announced by D3football.com on Monday.
 
Tawa, a 2024 consensus First-Team All-American, becomes the first D3football.com Preseason All-American in program history, and the program's first preseason All-American since Kenny Apostolakos received Preseason All-America honors in 2013.
 
The Wilsonville, OR native was one of the best defensive backs in NCAA Division III last season, ranking second in the country with seven interceptions and fourth in passes defended per game (1.8). Statistically, Tawa recorded 42 tackles, 20 passes defended, three-and-a-half tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and seven interceptions, starting all 11 games for the Yellowjackets in 2024.
 
For his efforts on the field, Tawa was named a First-Team All-American by four different outlets: the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), the Associated Press, D3football.com and the Walter Camp Football Foundation, in addition to garnering First-Team All-Liberty League honors.
 
Tawa consistently locked down opposing receivers in 2024, facing just 38 targets, and surrendered just 12 total receptions across 11 contests. Further, the junior recorded an interception in five-straight games to start the season, including a game-sealing interception in Rochester's 14-7 win over RPI on Oct. 5.
 
The junior's seven interceptions were the sixth-most in a single season in program history, while his 20 passes defended ranked second. For his career, Tawa is UR's all-time leader in passes defended with 50 and is tied for third with 12 career interceptions. Tawa's 50 passes defended also currently rank 31st in NCAA Division III program history, with Tawa being the only currently active player on the list.
 
Tawa and the Yellowjackets will kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, Sept. 6, when they host The University of Olivet at Edwin Fauver Stadium at 12:00 p.m.