Dean, Walker Land NJCAA All-American Recognition

Charlotte, N.C. – Two Butler football student-athletes were named NJCAA All-Americans, the organization announced Tuesday morning.

Grizzly offensive lineman Issiah Walker and defensive end Marlin Dean each earned All-American honors for their outstanding play in the 2023 season. Walker was a first team honoree and Dean was an honorable mention pick.

It marks the second straight season the Grizzlies have had two selections as Azhuan Dingle and AJ King were both All-Americans last season. Prior to 2022, the last time two Grizzlies were named All-Americans in the same season was 2014 when Tyler Howell and Andrew Reinkemeyer picked up recognition.

Walker, an offensive tackle from Carol City, FL, was one of five offensive linemen in the nation selected to the first team. The last grizzly to be named a first team All-American before Walker was Eddie Lewis in the spring 2021 season. Walker, a sophomore, started all 10 games at tackle this season for Butler, helping pave the way up front for an offense that averaged 26.4 points per game and rushed for 111.3 per game. He earned All-KJCCC first team honors for a second straight season.

Dean, a sophomore in his first season in El Dorado, was a menace to opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. The Elberton, GA, native posted 25 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles on the season. Dean at least half a sack in seven games this year with his best performance coming in a win over No. 3 ranked Iowa Central on Oct. 14th, finishing with a season-high seven tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Butler football has now had at least one All-American in six consecutive seasons. The Grizzlies have also had at least one All-American in 41 of the last 48 seasons dating back to 1975.