CLEVELAND, Ohio – North Dakota defensive back C.J. Siegel picked up his third honor of the preseason on Friday afternoon, being named a Phil Steele Preseason All-American as a third team defensive back.

Siegel had a sensational season in 2022, starting all 12 games at defensive back. He led North Dakota and tied for No. 4 in the MVFC in pass breakups with eight, while also picking off two passes. He racked up 79 interception return yards during the season to rank No. 3 in the conference. His interception return yardage was highlighted by a 50-yard interception return for touchdown in the 27-24 win at Northern Arizona early in the season. Siegel finished the season fifth in total tackles on the team, racking up 46 tackles during the season to go with 1.5 tackles-for-loss.

Earlier in the day, Siegel was a Phil Steele Preseason First Team All-MVFC selection as both a defensive back and kick returner. As a returner last season, Siegel returned 15 kickoffs for 436 yards to average 29.07 yards per kickoff return. That average led the MVFC and ranked No. 7 nationally. He also had a nose for the ball on special teams, blocking a field goal attempt in the 28-19 win over South Dakota and also blocking one at No. 4 North Dakota State the following week. Siegel served as a team captain in 2022 and earned Second Team All-MVFC status at the end of the year.

Siegel and the Fighting Hawks will open the season on Saturday, Sept. 2, hosting the Bulldogs of Drake inside the Alerus Center at 3 p.m. (CT).