WACO, TEXAS — The American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced the 2024 NAIA Coaches' All-America Teams today, with Grand View University celebrating four selections. Linebacker John Argo led the way with a First-Team nod, a testament to his outstanding performance this season. Joining him on the Second-Team were offensive lineman Jayson Weiland, along with defensive standouts Jackson Filer and Daviere Jones. These honors mark the first All-America recognition for all four players, highlighting their pivotal contributions to the Vikings' ongoing success this season.

The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best — the coaches themselves.
 
JOHN ARGO | JUNIOR | LB | DAVENPORT, IOWA
Linebacker John Argo, the Heart of America Defensive Player of the Year, has added another accolade to his impressive season as a First-Team All-American selection. Argo becomes just the eighth linebacker in program history to earn All-American honors, solidifying his place among Grand View's elite defenders.

The junior has been a force on the field, tallying 72 tackles—43 solo and 29 assisted—while averaging six tackles per game. Argo has also showcased his playmaking ability with two interceptions this season, including a pick-six in the season opener.

One of Argo's standout performances came during the Second-Round playoff game against Friends University, where he recorded an astounding 16 tackles and earned Defensive Player of the Game honors. His leadership and consistency have been instrumental to the Vikings' continued success this season.
 

JACKSON FILER | JUNIOR | DL | DES MOINES, IOWA
Defensive lineman Jackson Filer has made an immediate impact in his first season with the Vikings, earning First-Team Heart of America All-Conference honors and now an NAIA All-American selection. Filer, a former Iowa Western standout who was named the 2022 NJCAA Defensive Player of the Year and a First-Team Junior College All-American, becomes just the fourth defensive lineman in Grand View history to achieve All-American recognition.

Filer has been a dominant presence on the field, leading the country in sacks and sack yards for much of the season. He has recorded 11.0 sacks for a loss of 107 yards, along with 62 total tackles—35 solo and 27 assisted—averaging 5.6 tackles per game. His disruptive play was especially critical early in the season, highlighted by a four-sack performance in the season opener and multiple games with over three tackles for loss.

Filer's contributions have been instrumental to the Vikings' defensive success and their ongoing playoff run.
 

DAVIERE JONES | JUNIOR | DB | DES MOINES, IOWA
Defensive back Daviere Jones, a Des Moines native and Heart of America First-Team All-Conference selection, has earned All-American honors, becoming the sixth defensive back in Grand View history to receive this recognition.

Jones has been a game-changing presence for the Vikings all season, leading the team with three interceptions while also topping the national leaderboard in pick-sixes with two. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has been on full display during the postseason, where he has recorded back-to-back playoff performances with seven tackles each, bringing his season totals to 27 solo tackles and 16 assists.
 

JAYSON WEILAND | SENIOR | OL | CEDAR FALLS, IOWA
Veteran offensive lineman Jayson Weiland has been a cornerstone of the Vikings' success, earning his second career First-Team All-Heart of America honors this season, following his recognition in 2022. After overcoming an injury that sidelined him during his junior campaign, Weiland has bounced back to become the fifth offensive lineman in program history to earn All-America honors and the second to do so under offensive coordinator Derek Fulton.

Weiland's versatility has been a key asset throughout his career. He has excelled across all five offensive line positions, though he is especially valuable at center. His leadership and consistency have anchored an offense that ranks in the NAIA's top 20 in total yards (4,723), top 10 in red zone scoring efficiency (54-for-69), and top five in time of possession (34:37).

Weiland's contributions have been critical in providing protection for quarterback Jackson Waring and powering the Vikings' offense.
 
 
Selection Process: The AFCA's NAIA All-America Selection Committee is made up of two head coaches from each of the AFCA's seven districts, one of whom serves as a district chairman, along with another head coach who serves as the chairman of the selection committee. The coaches in each district are responsible for ranking the top players in their respective districts prior to a conference call between the district chairmen and the committee chairman on which the team is chosen.

The Award: Members of the AFCA Coaches' All-America First Team will receive a plaque commemorating their selection to the team, while members of the Second Team will receive a certificate.

AFCA NAIA Player Selection History: NAIA players who were selected to AFCA All-America teams were named to the AFCA College Division team from 1967-71. In 1972, the AFCA College Division was split to College I and College II. Players from NAIA Division I teams were placed in AFCA College I, while players from NAIA Division II were placed in AFCA College II. That process lasted until 1996, when College I and College II were renamed Division II and Division III. From 1996-2005, all NAIA players who were selected as AFCA All-Americans were placed on the AFCA Division II team. In 2006, the AFCA started selecting an NAIA-only team.