The Associated Press (AP) announced today its 2023 AP Division III All-American teams and Howard Payne University's Korey (KJ) Kelley was recognized as a first team honoree.

Named a 1st Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Korey Kelley was the American Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Kelley spearheaded an HPU defense that led the ASC in interceptions with 14 and was the top individual in the league with six. He was second in the ASC for total tackles with 93, 42 solo tackles. Along with his 1st Team D3Footballcom All-Region honor, he was recognized as the ASC Player of the Week and to the D3Football.com National Team of the Week once this season. He was also honored as a 4th Team All-American by D3football.com.

Link to full AP All-American release