2021 AFCA NCAA Division II All-America Teams
Entering the 2021 season, Hillsdale College senior defensive tackle Nate Chambers was a key player for the Charger defense.
But in 2021, Chambers took his game to another level – and now, he's reaping the rewards.
This Wednesday morning, Chambers was named to the NCAA Division II All-American Second Team by the American Football Coaches Association for his performance in 2021.
He's the ninth Hillsdale player to receive All-American honors from the AFCA during the Chargers' tenure at the NCAA Division II level, and the first since Hillsdale's Trey Brock received first-team honors in 2018. He's also the 54th athletic All-American from any organization in Hillsdale College football's 129-year history.
Chambers had a special year in 2021, serving as a team captain and the leader of a defense that led NCAA Division II in interceptions (20) in the regular season. He entered the 2021 campaign having already twice earned all-conference honors for his standout play as a gap-plugging defensive tackle for Hillsdale, but in his senior season, Chambers transformed into a one-man wrecking crew up the middle.
He led the Chargers in both tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (6.5) while finishing fourth on the team in tackles with 60. Those tackle for loss and sacks numbers also finished the season in the top five among all G-MAC players. Chambers also had a strip-sack fumble recovery, blocked an extra point and chipped in two pass break-ups at the line.
If anything, the numbers greatly understate the impact Chambers made defensively for the Chargers. He had a team-high 11 quarterback hurries and consistently blew up plays in the backfield, creating tackles for loss for others that he didn't necessarily get credit for.
That play had a direct impact on the Chargers leading the nation in interceptions. While Hillsdale's secondary made the plays, it was pressure from the defensive line that forced errant throws from quarterbacks for Hillsdale's defensive backs to make plays on.
On top of All-American recognition, Chambers also was named the Chargers' Team MVP in 2021, as well as first team All-G-MAC for the second consecutive season.
Chambers leaves a legacy of hard work and determination behind him at Hillsdale. He steadily improved throughout his career, thanks in large part to the effort he put in to get better day in and day out on and off the field. It all came together in his final season, as proven by the numbers. Chambers entered 2021 with 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in his first three seasons – and had 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss in 2021 alone.
Photo courtesy of Steve Southerington