SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana All-America center Jake Lacina has been drafted into the inaugural season of the new United States Football League, slated to begin play this spring. He was drafted by the New Jersey Generals with the first pick of the 20^th round.
 
Lacina, the 2019 Rimington Award Winner, enjoyed a consensus All-America senior season with AU in 2019 in leading to being named the best center in NCAA Division II.
 
After taking a redshirt his true-freshman season, Lacina started all 45 games the following four seasons at center. A team captain his senior season, Lacina was named First Team All-America by the AFCA, Don Hansen Football Gazette and D2Football.com while also earning First Team All-NSIC accolades.
 
Lacina blocked for the NSIC's top passing offense on two occasions, helped Augustana set single-season records for total offense, passing yards and touchdowns over his career. He also anchored an offensive line that led the NSIC in fewest sacks allowed as a junior.
 
The USFL is scheduled to play for 12 weeks beginning April 16.