Grand View senior defensive back Titus Bland (Baytown, Texas) has been selected to the 2009 AFCA NAIA Coaches' All-America Team announced today by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best -- the coaches themselves.

Bland was among NAIA leaders in seven categories: Total Interceptions (4th-6), Passes Defended Per Game (5th-1.50), Kick Off Return Yards Per Attempt (8th-27), Interceptions Per Game (9th-.50), Total Punt Return Yards (23rd-208), Total Kick Off Return Yards (29th-513), and forced Fumbles Per Game (50th-.20).

"This is a great honor for Titus and a testament to his talent, work ethic, and leadership. Titus is a special player and very deserved of this honor," said Head Coach Mike Woodley.

Bland becomes the first All-American in Grand View football program history. In its second season of competition, the Vikings finished the 2009 season 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the MSFA Midwest League.