South Dakota’s Andrew Van Ginkel Is the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Year

University of South Dakota defensive end Andrew Van Ginkel is the Missouri Valley Football Conference Freshman of the Year.

The redshirt freshman from Rock Valley, Iowa, finished second in the MVC in both sacks (9.0) and tackles-for-loss (18.0). He ranks 12^th and 14^th, respectively, nationally in those categories. He was the Coyotes’ fifth-leading tackler (56), and ranks second nationally with three fumble recoveries. He forced two fumbles, blocked a kick, had two pass breakups and six quarterback hurries.

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Van Ginkel is the first Coyote to win the award since South Dakota joined the league in 2012. He was runner-up to Northern Iowa quarterback Aaron Bailey for the league's Newcomer of the Year.

Van Ginkel is the only defensive player on the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Watch List for Freshman Performer of the Year. He is also on the CFPA Watch List for DE/DT of the Year.