Eastburn, Watson Named All-America

Arkansas Tech University’s Chris Eastburn and Clayton Watson are part of the 2016 Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-America football teams.

A sophomore fullback from Pearcy, Eastburn (photographed, left) was voted third team All-America in recognition of his role as a blocker for the Wonder Boys’ offense.

His efforts helped Arkansas Tech accumulate 2,369 rushing yards in 2016, sixth-most in a single season in program history. Eastburn also caught eight passes for 102 yards and a touchdown during his sophomore season.

Watson (photographed, right) is a junior punter from Green Forest. He was named honorable mention All-America after he ranked second in the Great American Conference and eighth in NCAA Division II in punting average (42.6 yards per punt) in 2016.

Of Watson’s 40 punts last season, 11 were downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line and six traveled 50 or more yards.

Eastburn and Watson are the 47th and 48th All-America selections in Arkansas Tech football history.

Head coach Raymond Monica and the Wonder Boys finished 6-5 overall in 2016 for their second consecutive winning season.