William Cornelson

William Cornelson, Tyler Junior College’s standout linebacker, has been named as one of the three finalists for the “JUCO Heisman”, Mike Frazer of JUCOWeekly announced from Chicago.

Cornelson, from Austin, is joined by Iowa Western quarterback Hunter Dekkers and Hutchinson (Kansas) running back Waymond Jordan Jr.

The trio are scheduled to attend the National Championship Banquet on Tuesday, Dec. 17 in Canyon, site of the NJCAA Division I national football championship game between Iowa Western and Hutchinson. The title game is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18 at Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium on the campus of West Texas A&M.

The JUCOWeekly Trophy panel of media professionals voted for the finalist. The trophy is for the best JUCO football player in America.

Over the course of the season, the media panel factored each player’s complete body of work, his stats, and his direct impact to his team.

William Cornelson, TJC LB

The redshirt sophomore was a tackling machine, and a major disrupter for the Apaches. Cornelson finished with an NJCAA best 126 total tackles. He also ranks first in assists (73), first in tackles for loss (21.5), while ranking second with 11.5 tackles per game.

Cornelson, a graduate of Cedar Park Vista Ridge High School, chipped in 7.5 sacks which placed him ninth nationally. He also had an interception. Twice Cornelson secured a personal best with 14 total tackles in one game — Sept. 14 vs. Trinity Valley and Sept. 28 vs. Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

His performance was a significant reason why the Apaches won the regular season Southwest Junior College Football Conference. Cornelson was the best player on one of the top defenses in the NJCAA. The conference was dominated by defense and Cornelson was the top defender.

“Will has been an invaluable asset to both the football team and the program as a whole,” TJC Coach Tanner Jacobson said. “His dedication, leadership, and work ethic set a standard for excellence that inspires his teammates every day. Whether on the field or off, Will consistently demonstrates what it means to be a true team player, and his contributions have played a crucial role in the success and growth of our program. He’s not only a key performer on game days but a vital presence in shaping the culture of our team.”

Hunter Dekkers, Iowa Western QB

In his only season with the Reivers, Dekkers has thrown for a NJCAA Division I Football best 3,413 yards. Dekkers ranks first in yards per game with 284.5, completion rate (65.1%) and completions (259). He ranks second in touchdown passes with 30 and he threw for more than 300 yards four times and had two 400 yard passing games. Dekkers’ high mark was throwing for 419 yards (28-46) and five touchdowns against Hutchinson on Sept. 7.

Waymond Jordan Jr., Hutchinson RB

Jordan has been the backbone of Hutchinson’s offense. He has scored in every game this season. He is the NJCAA Division I leader in rushing yards (1,533), yards per game (127.75) and rushing touchdowns (20). Jordan posted nine games with over 100 rushing yards which includes a career-best 213-yard effort against Highland (Kan.) on Nov. 9. Jordan rushed for 201 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries in the road playoff win at Georgia Military on Dec. 7.