An influx of talent, including former Pella and Pella Christian standouts, has helped lead a transformation from cellar dweller to Top 25 rankings at Dordt College.

The Defenders finished 2018 with a 7-3 record and the program’s first ever entry in the NAIA national rankings — finishing with a 23rd place ranking.

Dordt’s roster included former Eagles Levi Jungling, David Kacmarynski, Holden Hooyer, and Alex Huisman, and Pella standouts Noah Clayberg, Lucas Warner, and Reece Schnell.

Defenders Head Coach Joel Penner tells KRLS Sports the additions of former all-state players Jungling and Kacmarynski, and the transfer of Clayberg, have set the recruiting bar high in terms of talent and the types of athletes now considering the Dordt program.

Jungling, who holds Iowa’s high school receiving yards record, broke the all-time yardage mark at Dordt College as a sophomore, with his 2062 edging the previous number of 2053. Kacmarynski racked up 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, two blocked kicks, and an interception as a defensive end. Both earned all-conference honors, with Jungling on the first team and Kacmarynski on the second team.

Schnell made eight tackles, primarily on special teams. Clayberg was limited to two games due to a season ending injury, but gained 431 all purpose yards and four touchdowns.