VERMILLION, S.D.—University of South Dakota defensive end Andrew Van Ginkel has been named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Freshman of the Year as announced Wednesday by the conference office.
 
Van Ginkel is the first Coyote to earn the award since South Dakota joined the league in 2012. He is the second South Dakota player to win a major player award, joining Tyler Starr who was Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.
 
Van Ginkel was also second in the voting for MVFC Newcomer of the Year. That award was given to Northern Iowa junior quarterback Aaron Bailey. Illinois State senior running back Marshaun Coprich repeated as Offensive Player of the Year and UNI senior cornerback Deiondre' Hall was named Defensive Player of the Year. Western Illinois' Bob Nielson was named Coach of the Year.
 
Van Ginkel, a redshirt freshman from Rock Valley, Iowa, finished second in the MVFC in both sacks (9.0) and tackles-for-loss (18.0). He ranks 12^th and 14^th, respectively, nationally in those categories. He is the Coyotes' fifth-leading tackler with 56. Van Ginkel also ranks second nationally with three fumble recoveries. He forced two fumbles, blocked a kick, had two pass breakups and six quarterback hurries.
 
Van Ginkel is the only defensive player on the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Watch List for Freshman Performer of the Year. He is also on the CFPA Watch List for DE/DT of the Year.
 
The complete MVFC All-Conference Team will be announced Monday (Nov. 30). The All-Newcomer unit will be announced Tuesday (Dec. 1), and the MVFC All-Academic Team will be announced Wednesday (Dec. 2).