Finley, Connealy named preseason All-Americans

Simpson rising seniors Clay Finley and Nate Connealy were recently named Preseason All-Americans by USA College Football.

Finley, a defensive end from Muscatine, Iowa, earned third team honors while Connealy, a wide receiver from Council Bluffs, Iowa, earned honorable mention recognition.

Both players will serve as captains for the Storm in 2014, who open the season Saturday, Sept. 6 at Iowa Wesleyan. Simpson and head coach Jim Glogowski went 7-3 in 2013 and finished second in the Iowa Conference.

USA College Football Preseason All-America Team

Finley was a Second Team All-IIAC performer in 2013, leading the team in tackles for loss (10.5) and sacks (4.5). He also earned Capital One Academic All-District 8 First Team honors and was an Academic All-IIAC selection.

Connealy was an Honorable Mention All-IIAC performer and an Academic All-IIAC pick in 2013. The team's leading returning receiver in 2014, Connealy's 32 receptions for 418 yards were second only to Brad Vogel a year ago.

Members of the USA College Football Preseason All-America Team are selected by a national panel including head coaches, sports information directors, members of the Football Writers Association of America, Metropolitan New York Football Writers Association, New England Football Writers Association and Philadelphia Football Writers, pro football scouts and staff journalists of Lindy's Sports Annuals, The Sports Network and USA Football News.