Southeast Missouri State linebacker Peiffer garners national honor

~ The Jackson graduate was named to an All-American first team Tuesday

Southeast Missouri State junior linebacker Blake Peiffer has been selected to the first of what could be several All-America teams this year.

Peiffer, a Jackson High School graduate, was named Tuesday to College Sports Madness' Football Championship Subdivision All-America first team.

Peiffer, who College Sports Madness also picked as its Ohio Valley Conference defensive player of the year, garnered first-team all-OVC honors after leading the league and ranking third nationally with 13.7 tackles per game.

Peiffer had double-digit tackles in 10 of Southeast's 11 games and broke the school's single-season record for tackles with 151.

Peiffer was among three OVC players selected to the College Sports Madness All-America first team, joining Eastern Kentucky defensive back Jeremy Caldwell and Tennessee-Martin punt returner C.J. Estelle.

Southeast redshirt freshman wide receiver/return specialist Spencer Davis and sophomore punter Joe Vucic also were recognized on the College Sports Madness all-OVC squad. Davis was named the league's freshman of the year.