Cronin, Rogers named Pre-Season All-Americans

Simpson rising seniors Mark Cronin and Taylor Rogers earned pre-season All-America honors for the 2012 season, as selected by USA Football News.

A linebacker from Holstein, Iowa, Cronin landed on the second team after earning Second Team All-Iowa Conference honors in 2011. He led the team in tackles (100), sacks (5), forced fumbles (3) and pass breakups (7). Cronin was also a Capital One Academic All-District and Academic All-Conference honoree.

A wide receiver from South Sioux City, Neb., Rogers landed on the third team after earning First Team All-Iowa Conference honors a year ago. He led the team and ranked second in the league with 63 receptions, amassing 747 yards and eight touchdowns. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark twice and tied a career-high with three touchdown catches in the Storm's 38-37 overtime win against Wartburg on Oct. 15.

Simpson went 5-5 in 2011, a three-game improvement from 2010. The Storm went 5-3 in the Iowa Conference and closed the season by winning four of their last five games.

The season kicks off Sept. 1 when the Storm face UW-River Falls in River Falls, Wis.