GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University Football freshman punter Chase Lanham etched his name into a category of his own, being announced to the Associated Press Divison III Football First Team All-American list. Lanham becomes the first Pirate in the new era (reinstated program in 2013) to be named First Team All-American. 

Lanham was selected as the best punter in the nation after leading the NCAA DIII level in average distance per punt at 47.6 yards. The list represents the 29 best players in the nation at their respective positions as Lanham represented the punter position. 

Head coach Bill Kriesel and assistant head coach Nick Mask were quoted saying "Chase came in and made an immediate impact on the program. He was key in turning our punt team into a true weapon, while adding excitement to a unit that typically gets overlooked. Being our first All-American since 2017, and the first AP All-American since 1943, he is an example of the growth our program is experiencing and what can be accomplished here at SU."

The freshman sensation blew up on the scene with knack for pinning opposing teams in deep. Lanham totaled six touchbacks, five fair catches, and six balls inside the 20. One of the most impressive stats is 17 of his 39 punts were over 50 yards. The clear highlight of the season came against University of Puget Sound when Lanham recorded the longest punt in Pirate Football history of 74 yards. 

The native of Frisco reset the average punt distance program record by 6.3 yards. The freshman also performed the field goal duties going four for eight on the season, including a program long 47 yard field in his first collegiate try against McMurry University.