From Ryan Klinkner, SJU Sports Information...

‍

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's University senior tight end Alex Larson (Woodbury, Minn./East Ridge) was named to the D3football.com Preseason All-America first team on Tuesday, Aug. 8.The preseason honor was the second-consecutive for Larson, who was named to the second team prior to the 2022 season. Bethel wideout Joey Kidder was the MIAC's other preseason honoree (second team). Larson earned D3football.com All-America fourth-team distinction in 2021 and was a consensus first-team All-American last fall: American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press and D3football.com.The 6-foot-7 Larson started all 12 games at tight end and broke SJU's record for career receiving touchdowns by a tight end (22) in 2022. He is currently third in program history in receptions (103) and fourth in receiving yards (1,333) at the position. He led SJU with 14 receiving touchdowns, which were good for fifth-most in NCAA Division III and the sixth-most by a Johnnie in a single season. He tied for the team lead in receptions (68) and was second in receiving yards (899). He recorded three 100-yard receiving games, missed another by two yards and had three others over 84 yards each. The sixth-ranked Johnnies report to campus this Friday, Aug. 11, with the first practice scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12. The Johnnies open the 2023 season with a noon kickoff Sept. 2 against No. 4 Trinity (Texas) in Clemens Stadium, visit No. 11 Wisconsin-Whitewater Sept. 9 and begin conference play vs. No. 14 Bethel Sept. 23 in Collegeville. Trinity boasted three preseason All-Americans in today's announcement: linebacker Caleb Harmel (first team), returner B.J. Stewart (first team) and quarterback Tucker Horn (second team).