After a standout campaign on the gridiron in the 2024 season, junior cornerback Jordy Tawa of the University of Rochester football team was named a First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) as announced by the organization.
Tawa, a junior, becomes the 50th all-time All-American in Rochester football history. He is the second All-American under head coach Chad Martinovich, and first since running back Daniel Papantonis was honored two seasons ago in 2022. Tawa's AFCA All-America honor is just the sixth in team history.
This season, Tawa, an All-Liberty League First Team selection at defensive back, racked up seven total interceptions and 20 total passes defended this season. The three-time All-Liberty League honoree also contributed 39 total tackles (24 solo), including 3.5 tackles for loss. He also forced one fumble on the year. Tawa ranked tied for first in NCAA Division III in passes defended and was tied for second in total interceptions. He was also among the top five in passes defended per game (4th, 1.8) and interceptions per game (T-5th, 0.6).
"Jordy has worked very hard to get better at his craft every year he has been in our program and has been a big part of our success the last couple years," said Martinovich. "His hard work has helped him become one of the best in the nation this year and I'm excited to see him take another step and help lead us in his senior season. Congratulations to Jordy on earning this honor, I am very proud of the player and person he has become."
Tawa allowed just 12 receptions against in 2024, coming on a total of 38 targets against, equaling a catch rate of just 31%. Over his last six games, teams targeted receivers against Tawa just 13 times total. Additionally, the junior was twice named to the D3football.com Team of the Week this season, becoming just the second player in program history to accomplish that feat.
To start the season, Tawa recorded interceptions in five straight games, extending his career-long streak to six straight games with a pick, becoming just the second player in team history to accomplish that feat. His efforts helped the Yellowjackets to a 5-0 record out of the gate, with Rochester eventually finishing the year with a 6-5 overall record and the team's first bowl game appearance since 2007.