SAINT PETER, Minn. – Gustavus senior tight end Brayton Finch (Mount Morris, Ill.) was named D3football.com All-America honorable mention prior to kickoff of the NCAA Division III championship game Friday night.
Finch, who was also named First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Region, caught 48 passes for 476 yards and seven touchdowns – all marks that ranked first in the MIAC among tight ends. Finch was a standout performer on one of the most prolific offensive units in Division III football as the Gusties ranked fourth in the nation in passing offense. Finch posted six-plus catches in five contest this year, with his strongest output of the season coming in the team’s final win over St. Olaf where he had 10 catches for 76 yards and two scores. Throughout his career, Finch has been a stronghold at the tight end position, racking up 118 catches for 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also made an impact in the ground game, rushing for 189 yards and three touchdowns.
Finch is the first Gustie to receive national recognition by D3football.com since receiver Matthew Boyce ’16 was named All-America Second Team in 2015.