NAIA QB leads Little All-America team

Think of Tyler Emmert as a small-school version of Matt Leinart -- a can't-lose quarterback of a college football dynasty, without all the hype and a long way from Hollywood.

Emmert was selected to The Associated Press Little All-America team released Thursday, two days before he'll try to lead Carroll College to its fourth straight NAIA national championship.

The senior enters his final game Saturday against St. Francis, Ind., 50-3 as a starter at the tiny private Catholic school in Helena, Mont.

Leinart is 37-1 for No. 1 Southern California, with a Rose Bowl showdown against Texas and a chance for the a third straight national title looming.

"Apples to oranges there," Emmert said of comparing the Fighting Saints to the Trojans.

True, but it's been an impressive run for Emmert and Carroll College, nonetheless.

Emmert has thrown for 3,039 yards and 32 touchdowns this season, becoming the NAIA career leader in total offense.

NCAA Division II national runner-up Northwest Missouri State placed defensive lineman Dave Tollefson on the first team.