BELTON (December 15, 2012) -- University of Mary Hardin-Baylor linebacker Javicz Jones has been named National Defensive Player of the Year by D3football.com. Jones becomes just the second UMHB player to win National Player of the Year honors. He joins Jerrell Freeman, the 2007 D3football.com National Defensive Player of the Year.

Jones, a senior from Katy Morton Ranch High School, led the Cru with 131 tackles and also set a school record with eight interceptions. He added 12.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, six pass break-ups and two blocked kicks while scoring four defensive touchdowns and a safety. Jones became the UMHB and American Southwest Conference record holder for career tackles this season and finished his career as the leading active tackler in NCAA Division III. He was a two-time D3football.com South Region Defensive Player of the Year, a two-time ASC Defensive Player of the Year and three-time ASC All-Conference selection. He posted the three highest single-season tackle totals in Cru football history and also set a new ASC single-season tackle record during his career.

The Cru finished the 2012 season with a 13-1 overall record and won the American Southwest Conference title with a 7-0 league mark. The Cru advanced to the NCAA Division III National Semifinals before falling at top-ranked Mount Union 48-35. UMHB tied the school and conference record with the 13 victories and also set a new school mark with 13 straight wins.