Hailey
Emporia State linebacker Landon Boss has achieved something truly special this season. He has been named the D2CCA Super Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in Emporia State history to win this award.
His powerful performances, smart plays, and strong consistency helped him stand out among the top defensive athletes in Division II football.
This article explains his achievements, shares his season highlights, and lists the other talented players who made the First Team on both offense and defense.
Who Is Landon Boss?
Landon Boss is a rising star linebacker for Emporia State University. Known for his speed, tackling ability, and game awareness, he has become one of the most important players on the Hornets’ defense.
Throughout the season, he showed he could handle pressure, lead his team, and deliver big stops when needed.
Why Landon Boss Received the Top Defensive Award
Boss was chosen as the unanimous First Team Linebacker and also won the Defensive Player of the Year award. His season performance was one of the best in the region.
He recorded high numbers in tackles, sacks, quarterback hurries, and turnovers, proving he is one of the strongest defenders in Division II football.
Below is a simple table showing his season-ending stats.
Landon Boss Season Stats
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 101 |
| Sacks | 10 |
| Quarterback Hurries | 11 |
| Forced Fumbles | 2 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Defensive Touchdowns | 1 |
Record-Breaking Moments
Some of Boss’s games were especially memorable. He had three games with more than one sack, showing his ability to take control. Against Missouri Southern, he recorded four sacks, matching the Emporia State record in the Division II era.
In the season finale against Fort Hays State, Boss delivered one of his best games. He finished with:
- 2 sacks
- 7 quarterback hurries
- 14 total tackles
This performance helped him earn the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week award. In total, he won this honor three times during the season.
Emporia State’s All-Region Success
Emporia State continues to build a strong football program. This season marks the eighth straight year the school has had a player named to the D2CCA All-Region team. Landon Boss’s achievement adds another major milestone for the university and shows the growing strength of its football program.
D2CCA First Team Defense
Here is the full list of players selected for the First Team Defense.
| Position | Name | School | Year | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL | Gaven Haselhorst | Fort Hays State | Jr. | MIAA |
| DL | Tyler King | Central Washington | R-So. | LSC |
| DL | Clayton Power | Northwest Missouri State | Sr. | MIAA |
| LB | Landon Boss | Emporia State | Jr. | MIAA |
| LB | Tristan Exline | UT Permian Basin | Jr. | LSC |
| LB | Clark Griffin | Harding | R-Sr. | GAC |
| LB | Logan O’Brien | Chadron State | R-Sr. | RMAC |
| S | Ty Dugger | Harding | Sr. | GAC |
| S | Jordan Rogers | Pittsburg State | R-Sr. | MIAA |
| CB | Ife Current | Nebraska-Kearney | Jr. | MIAA |
| CB | Marvelous Owens | Northeastern State | Sr. | Ind. |
| P | Brodie Eisenbraun | Chadron State | R-Sr. | RMAC |
D2CCA First Team Offense
| Position | Name | School | Year | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Drew Nash | Western Colorado | R-Sr. | RMAC |
| RB | Andrew Miller | Harding | Jr. | GAC |
| RB | Jeffery Jones | New Mexico Highlands | Fr. | RMAC |
| WR | Reggie Retzlaff | CSU Pueblo | R-Sr. | RMAC |
| WR | TJ Chukwurah | Black Hills State | R-Jr. | RMAC |
| TE | Cam Woods | Northeastern State | Sr. | Ind. |
| OL | Mike Ericson | Harding | Sr. | GAC |
| OL | Jake Mitchell | Harding | Sr. | GAC |
| OL | Montriel Lee | Central Oklahoma | Sr. | MIAA |
| OL | Carter Stanchfield | Pittsburg State | R-Sr. | MIAA |
| OL | Cobe Williams | Harding | So. | GAC |
| RS | Bryce Coulson | Black Hills State | Fr. | RMAC |
| PK | Austin Schmitt | Pittsburg State | Jr. | MIAA |
Landon Boss’s outstanding season shows what hard work and determination can achieve. Becoming the Super Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Emporia State.
His powerful plays, strong leadership, and consistent performance make him a player to watch in the coming years. Boss has set a new standard for defensive excellence, and his journey will inspire many young athletes across the country.