Blade Durbala - Headshot courtesy of Central Athletics

Central College defensive lineman Blade Durbala was tabbed for the D3football.com preseason all-America squad as a third-team pick. While NCAA Division III schools nationwide postponed or canceled the fall season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the all-America team was chosen based on the top players at each position who were previously projected to return.

Durbala was a third-team all-West Region selection by D3football.com last year after he was earlier tabbed an American Rivers first-team all-conference choice. He was also named to the D3football.com Team of the Week Oct. 5.

Last fall Durbala racked up 55 tackles, including 10.5 for loss with 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble. A three-time letter winner, he has 115 career stops.

The Dutch are coming off a 10-2 campaign in which they tied for their record 31st conference championship and gained their 21st NCAA Division III playoff berth, advancing to the second round.