PELLA—Central College defensive back Gavin Smith (senior, Audubon) claimed another postseason plaudit Thursday as he was selected for the Associated Press All-American Division III football team for the second year in a row.
           
Smith, tabbed for the first team this year after being on the second team in 2024, had four interceptions and nine pass break-ups in 2025. Four of those came in one game as he had an interception and three break-ups in a homecoming victory against the University of Dubuque. He also had 38 tackles on the season and forced a fumble.
           
Last week, Smith was named to the American Football Coaches Association's All-America second team. He's also a back-to-back first team American Rivers All-Conference pick.
           
The Dutch finished 8-2 on the season and their 6-2 mark in the American Rivers Conference was good for third place.