PORTLAND, Ore. – After putting the finishing touches on its third consecutive winning season, Humboldt State football received more good news Tuesday as 12 Lumberjacks were recognized as All-Great Northwest Athletic Conference selections.
 
"These awards reflect our season," said Head Coach Rob Smith. "I think we are accustomed to having more players earning recognition."
 
On the offensive side: offensive lineman Alex Cappa, offensive lineman Lucas Govan, running back Ja'Quan Gardner and kicker Cameron Southward were unanimous All-GNAC First Team selections. Punter Alex Elterman represented the Green and Gold as a unanimous All-GNAC First Team choice on the defensive side.
 
Cappa continues to distinguish himself as not just one of the conference's top offensive linemen, but one of the best players in the country. He was named the GNAC Offensive Lineman of the Year for the third straight season in addition to his third consecutive unanimous selection to the All-GNAC First Team. Cappa was also named to the GNAC All-Academic Team this season. 
 
Joining Cappa on the All-GNAC First Team offensive line is Govan, who is a two-time unanimous selection. Cappa and Govan were the cornerstones of the Lumberjacks offensive line that surrendered a league-best 19 sacks during the season. They also provided protection for an offense that scored 35 points and 460.2 yards per game.
 
"Alex is certainly one of the most dominant linemen in our league and nationally," said Smith. "It is great to see him get that recognition and have him for one more season. Lucas is a fifth year senior who has dealt with one injury after another. It is great to see him earn this recognition."
 
Gardner also earned his second consecutive First Team nod. The Ceres, Calif., native rushed for a league-best 1,300 yards this season and averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Gardner amassed 1,759 all-purpose yards to go with a league-high 18 rushing touchdowns.
 
"Ja'Quan had a great year by anybody's standards," said Smith. "He has well over 4,000 yards in his career with one more year to go. He also caught over 40 balls out of the backfield, which was a big improvement for us offensively."
 
Gardner was named GNAC Offensive Player of the week twice this season and has received the honor eight times in his career.
 
Another Lumberjack earning his second unanimous First Team selection is kicker Cameron Southward. Southward connected on 10-of-16 field goal attempts and 48 PATs this season. Southward was named GNAC Special Teams Player of the Week on three occasions during the 2016 campaign.
 
Also named to the All-GNAC First Team was punter Alex Elterman. Elterman averaged 42 yards per punt with a long of 60. He punted for over 50 yards 13 times, and 18 of his kicks were inside the 20-yard line.
 
"We were very strong in special teams this year," said Smith. "All five First Team players were very deserving."
 
Quarterback Robert Webber, wide receiver John Todd, offensive lineman Josh Hanson and linebacker Jeff Shott were named to the All-GNAC second team. Webber led the conference with 3,270 yards passing and was tied for the league lead with 25 touchdowns.
 
"I thought Robert Webber was a First Team quarterback," said Smith. "We asked a lot of Robert and I thought he responded with an outstanding season. He threw the ball over 400 times and completed 63 percent of his passes. I was surprised that he wasn't recognized with the First Team, because in my eyes he is a First Team quarterback."
 
Todd had 44 receptions for 610 yards this season and scored four touchdowns. Shott recorded a team-high 72 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss. Hanson was an integral part of the offensive line along with Cappa and Govan.
 
Wide receiver Richard Doctor, defensive lineman Josh Hinson and offensive lineman Gus Johnson were named to the All-GNAC Honorable Mention team.