DC's Longsdorf and Powell Shine in National Rankings

DEFIANCE, Ohio – A pair of Defiance College football student-athletes have stepped into the national spotlight for their statistics during the 2010 season. Rick Powell and Kyle Longsdorf each rank among the top players in the nation at their positions through the first four games of the year.

The Yellow Jacket offensive attack runs through junior quarterback, Powell, who has been haunting defenses with his legs. Entering the bye week, Powell is ranked third among all NCAA Division III quarterbacks with 397 rushing yards this season. The Rochester, Mich., native also ranks sixth among all Division III signal callers with 99.2 rushing yards per showing.

Longsdorf leads the Purple and Gold on the defensive side of the ball, as the senior strong safety has led Defiance in tackles in all four games this season. The London, Ohio, native ended the 2009 campaign ranked 16th in the nation with 116 tackles, and is now poised to shatter that mark with 62 stops before the midway point of his senior season. The 62 tackles by Longsdorf, rank as the fourth most among all NCAA Division III athletes, and just one shy of Eureka's Mike Minehan for the most among defensive backs.

Longsdorf and Powell will look to continue their strong play when Defiance (1-3, 1-1 HCAC) returns to action on October 2. The Jackets will host Mount St. Joseph (3-0, 2-0 HCAC) at 1:30 pm as part of DC's 2010 Homecoming festivities.