Posted: Dec 14, 2021

Mauriello named AFCA All-American

Joey Mauriello added to his accolades this season by being named an All-American by the AFCA.

WACO, Texas - Salve Regina University senior Joey Mauriello (Colts Neck, N.J.) was among those honored on the 2021 AFCA Division III Coaches' All-America Teams announced today by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

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.

"It's an honor to accept this award and represent the Salve Regina community," said Mauriello. "None of this would be possible without the endless support of my mom and dad, along with the constant push to be better every day from my coaches and teammates. And lastly, the endless number of hours I invest in myself and the work I put it in. The fire rises."

Mauriello, the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Football Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-CCC, was the top rusher in the league this season and one of the top runners in all of NCAA Division III. He led CCC Football in rushing touchdowns (11), rushing yards (1,407), and rushing yards per game (156.3). His yards per game was more than 50 yards ahead of his closest competitor in the conference. Nationally, he ranked fourth in rushing yards per game, fifth in total rushing yards, and sixth in all-purpose yards (173.56). In addition to his game on the ground, he also caught 17 passes for 151 yards and another touchdown for Salve Regina. He had three games with over 200 rushing yards, including 279- and 261-yard performances, which both ranked in the Top 15 of single-game efforts this year. He also had two games where he nearly missed hitting the 200-yard mark at 195 and 197. He was selected as the New England Football Writers Gold Helmet Award winner the week of Sept. 25. He was also named CCC Football Offensive Player of the Week five times (Week 1, Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, and Week 7). He also earned a spot on the All-New England team from the New England Football Writers (NEFW).

Mauriello's coach, Kevin Gilmartin, shares his joy in the accolade: "What a great honor for Joey and the entire offensive line- to get voted All American by the college coaches shows the respect he has earned this year and throughout his entire career. What an exciting year it was, and this is a great way to wrap it up."

CLICK HERE for the full release from the AFCA.