From Washington University Athletics

Junior defensive back Ben Marcus was named to the 2017 D3football.com Preseason All-America First Team, as announced by the organization on Tuesday.

Marcus tied for the team lead with four interceptions and totaled 101 tackles, the second most on the Bears' squad. He was twice named to D3football.com's Team of the Week (Nov. 8 and Nov. 15).

On Nov. 5 against Hendrix, Marcus tallied a career-high 17 tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception. The interception led to a Bears' touchdown to help WashU to a 49-46 victory. In a 43-34 win over Chicago on Nov. 12 to claim the Founders Cup, Marcus led the team with 15 tackles and he also secured two interceptions for the Bears.

The Glen Ellyn, Ill.-native was named to the 2016 D3football.com Second Team all-South Region, First Team all-Southern Athletic Association (SAA) and all-University Athletic Association (UAA).

WashU finished the 2016 season with an 8-3 overall record and made its third NCAA playoff appearance in school history. The eight wins are the second most in school history. The Bears were also co-champions in the SAA and the UAA.