WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – William & Mary standout defensive end Nate Lynn and offensive lineman Andrew Trainer earned Phil Steele All-America accolades after posting tremendous seasons during the 2021 campaign.
 
Lynn garnered second-team distinction, while Trainer was selected to the fourth team. 
 
The award marks the fourth postseason All-America honor for Lynn, as he earned first-team accolades by the Associated Press and Stats Perform and second-team recognition by HERO Sports.
 
Lynn, who was chosen as one of 25 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award (FCS National Defensive Player of the Year) and placed ninth in the final vote, finished the regular season ranked third nationally in sacks per game (1.2), tied for fifth in sacks (12) and tied for second in forced fumbles (6). Additionally, his 12 sacks, which he totaled in just 10 games, tied W&M's single-season record set by former All-Americans Adrian Tracy (2009, 14 games) and Luke Cullinane (1996, 12 games).
 
In addition to his impressive sack total and ability to create turnovers, Lynn recorded 52 tackles and a pair of pass breakups this season en route to earning All-CAA First Team accolades and being selected as the Touchdown Club of Richmond Division I Defensive Lineman of the Year, which honors the top defensive lineman in Virginia. 
 
Lynn's success helped propel the Tribe's defense into one of the nation's top units, as it ranked among the country's top 20 in defensive touchdowns (11th), rushing defense (13th), interceptions (16th) and forced turnovers (18th).
 
Trainer, a two-time All-CAA selection who garnered first-team honors this season, posted another tremendously productive year for the Tribe at left tackle. W&M led the CAA and ranked 16th nationally with 205.5 rushing yards per game at the conclusion of the regular season, while it tied for the league's top rushing touchdowns total (19). Additionally, the Tribe averaged 5.0 yards per carry – nearly matching the program's single-season record (5.1) set in 1990. The offensive line was equally as effective in pass protection, as it ranked tied for eighth nationally in fewest sacks allowed per game (1.0) and 10th in fewest sacks allowed (11).
 
In addition to the pair of All-America honors, 10 W&M standouts combined to earn 12 all-conference honors by Phil Steele – Lynn (1st, DL), Trainer (1st, OL), Ryan Poole (1st, CB), Malachi Imoh (2nd, RB), Bronson Yoder (3rd, RB & AP; 4th, PR), Colby Sorsdal (3rd, OL), Will Kiely (3rd, DL), Gage Herdman (3rd, S), Dan Evers (4th, OL), Ryan Ripley (4th, OL).