Eastern Michigan Athletics
MAC-Best 18 Players Land on Academic All-MAC Team
12/13/2016 10:57:00 AM | Football
The Eagles had the most honorees in the conference by two
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The 2016 Eastern Michigan University football team had 18 student-athletes representing the Green and White on the 2016 Mid-American Conference Football Academic All-MAC Team, the conference office announced Tuesday, Dec. 13. The 18 Eagles on the list are the most in the MAC and also the most in EMU history.
Making the team were redshirt sophomore Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Derham Hall), junior Jason Beck (Indianapolis, Ind.-Arsenal Technical), redshirt junior Dan Buschman (Brighton, Mich.-Brighton), redshirt sohomore Ian Eriksen (Clarkston, Mich.-Clarkston), redshirt freshman Paul Fricano (Rochester, Mich.-Churchville Chili), redshirt senior Cole Gardner (Batavia, Ill.-Batavia), junior Juan Giraldo (Gilbert, Ariz.-Mesquite (Mesa C.C.)), redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Harris (Lambertville, Mich.-Bedford Senior), redshirt freshman Clay Holford (Carrolton, Texas-Hebron), redshirt freshman Brody Hoying (Coldwater, Ohio-Coldwater), redshirt senior Jake Hurcombe (Lincolnshire, Ill.-Stevenson), redshirt freshman Bryce Kemp (Baxter, Iowa-Baxter Community School), redshirt junior Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc (Pittsburgh)), senior DaQuan Pace (Detroit, Mich.-Cass Tech), redshirt freshman Rob Pavletich (Neenah, Wis.-Neenah), senior Brendan Renius (Lambertville, Mich.-Bedford Senior), redshirt senior Ike Spearman (Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central), and redshirt freshman Breck Turner (Norwalk, Ohio-Norwalk).
Gardner, Hurcombe and Renius collected the honor for the third time in their careers, while Banham, Beck, Buschman, and Pace picked up the award for the second time. In total, 146 student-athletes were named to the team this season.
The Academic All-MAC honor is for a student who has excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport. First-year students and junior college transfers in their first year of residence are not eligible for the award.
Banham, a former walk-on that earned his scholarship prior to the season beginning, played in seven games, starting the season finale against Central Michigan (Nov. 22). He was a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy that is awarded to a former walk-on. The running back carried the ball 48 times for 231 yards and two scores. Banham caught five passes for 53 yards along with returning five punts and nine kickoffs. He had a career day versus CMU, totaling a career-high 120 yards on the ground with a touchdown, as well as 53 yards receiving. His other touchdown came on the ground in the season opener against Mississippi Valley State (Sept. 2). Banham holds a 3.56 grade point average in criminology.
Beck, a sport management major with a 3.29 GPA, started all 12 games at defensive back. He posted the second most tackles on the team with 98 (43 solo, 55 assist), recording at least seven stops in 10 contests. The safety added six tackles for a loss of 18 yard as well as a 0.5 sack. Beck finished with three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. He notched a season-high 12 stops against nationally-ranked Western Michigan (Oct. 22), as well as 11 tackles against Miami (Oct. 29) and 10 at MAC East Division champion Ohio (Oct. 15).
Buschman started all 12 games at tight end this season. He caught 10 passes for 166 yard and two touchdowns, averaging 16.6 yards per catch. Seven of his 10 receptions came in MAC games. The Brighton native hauled in a career-best three completions for 40 yards against Charlotte (Sept. 17). On Election Night at Ball State (Nov. 8), grabbed a pair of touchdown receptions as the Eagles rallied from 21-points down to top the Cardinals 48-41. Buschman carries a 3.23 GPA in finance.
Eriksen, who holds a 3.30 GPA in economics, played in 10 games, starting eight of them. He has carried the ball 175 times for a team-best 741 yards and nine touchdowns, also catching 21 passes for 243 yards. The 175 carries are tied for 19th-most in EMU history while his nine TDs are tied for 16th in an EMU single-season. Eriksen ran for 97 yards and two scores against Mississippi Valley (Sept. 2) and followed it up with a 27 carry, 120 yard performance against Wyoming. The Indiana native totaled 150 yards of total offense (109 rushing, 71 receiving) at Ball State (Nov. 8) as EMU became bowl eligible for the first time in 29 years. He ran for a career-best 171 yards and two scores during a midweek game versus Northern Illinois (Nov. 16).
Fricano was an All-MAC Second Team selection, as well as the MAC's Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 5 and 19. The placekicker burst onto the scene this season as a model of consistency, breaking the EMU single-season extra point record after converting on 40-of-41 attempts this season. In total, the Rochester, N.Y. native hit 17-of-22 field goal attempts with a season long of 46, for a team-high 91 total points. He finished the year ranked fifth in the MAC in points (58th in the country). His 77.2 percent field goal percentage ranked 46th in the country, and fourth in the MAC, while his 1.42 field goals per game was 22nd in the nation, and second in the conference. Fricano holds a 3.38 in exercise science.
A 3.30 MBA student, Gardner was selected All-MAC Second Team on the offensive line. He was also selected as one of six candidates from the MAC for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is given annually to the college football player "who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic." The Illinois native started all 12 games protecting the blind side for EMU this season on one of the best offensive line units not only in the MAC, but in the country. The EMU frontline completed the season ranked 12th in the country (fourth in the MAC) in sacks allowed, as well as second in the country (first MAC) in tackles for loss allowed. Gardner will finish his career playing in 47 games, making 31 starts, and he will be tied for fifth in career games played. He was also named a Semifinalist for NFF Campbell Trophy, which is recognized as college football's premier scholar-athlete award.
Giraldo started three of his 11 games played this season. He had 33 tackles (19 solo, 14 assist) to go along with a pair of forced fumbles and four pass breakups. At Missouri (Sept. 10), Giraldo posted a season-high 10 stops. The safety forced a fumble at Western Michigan (Oct. 22) and versus Central Michigan (Nov. 22). Giraldo has a 3.35 GPA majoring in criminology.
Harris, a sport performance and fitness entrepreneurship major who boasts as 3.35 GPA, was selected to the All-MAC Third Team this season, as well as the Mid-American Conference West Division Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Sept. 24. He finished fourth on the team with 63 tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, as well as six QB hurries. The defensive lineman made his biggest mark in the turnover battle for Eastern, forcing three fumbles, and leading the team with three fumble recoveries, which ranked sixth in the country and second in the MAC. In the season finale against CMU, Harris had the game sealing interception, the first of his career. He was also a huge asset on the field goal block team, getting his mitts on two attempts this season. In total, Harris was one of just 29 players to block multiple field goals this season.
Holford played in 11 of 12 games as a backup defensive lineman. He recorded 12 tackles (5 solo, 7 assist) plus a tackle for a loss of six yards, as well as a pair of quarterback hurries. The Texas native posted five stops at Ball State (Nov. 8) and picked up his first TFL versus Northern Illinois (Nov. 16). Holford possess a 3.75 GPA in business administration.
Hoying, who has a 3.62 GPA in supply chain management, returned from a season-ending knee injury last year to play in all 12 games, earning a start in the season finale against Central Michigan (Nov. 22). He notched 24 tackles (9 solo, 15 assist) to go along with a forced fumble. The Ohio native had a season-best eight stops in the win over CMU while also posting five tackles and forcing a fumble at Missouri (Sept. 10).
Hurcombe, who was earned the honor previously in 2013 and 2015, holds a 3.70 GPA in his masters program. He started 11 games for EMU this season at center this season on the ferocious offensive line. The fifth year senior will finish his career with 36 career starts in 39 appearances. A native of Lincolnshire, Ill., Hurcombe was a nominee for the Rimington Trophy in 2015, honoring the nation's top center. He graduated last year with his degree in supply chain management, and is currently pursuing a master's in business administration.
Kemp played in all 12 games, mostly on special teams. A tight end by trade, he had a tackle against Miami (Oct. 29). The Iowa native has a 3.48 GPA as a computer science major.
Maclean, who has a 3.35 GPA as a criminology major, started seven of nine games played this season. The Pittsburgh transfer finished with nine tackles, as well as 2.0 tackles for loss and a 0.5 sack. He had a season-best two tackles against Mountain West Conference runner-up Wyoming (Sept. 23) and at Bowling Green (Oct. 1). He was also disruptive in the backfield, notching three QB hurries and three pass breakups at the line.
Pace had one of his best seasons in the Green and White in his final go-around. He started all 12 games at defensive back, posting 47 total tackles and a team-high three interceptions. The Detroit native also had a team-best eight breakups. His three picks ranked fifth in the MAC, as well as 59th in the country, while his 11 passes defended was tied for ninth in the MAC. The corner notched a season-best eight tackles, including a pair of interceptions on his birthday at Ball State (Nov. 8). He will finish his stellar EMU career as the career pass breakup leader with 24 career interruptions. Pace was also a staple in the secondary in his four-year career, as he will finish his career tied for 11th in games played with 46 appearances for Eastern. He holds a 3.25 GPA in marketing.
Pavletich appeared in all 12 games this season as a backup offensive lineman, as well as a primary blocker on special teams. He was part of the unit that ranked tops in the country in sacks and tackles for loss allowed. He has a 3.20 GPA in sport management.
An exercise science major carrying a 3.56 GPA, Renius wraps up his great EMU career with his third Academic All-MAC honor. The kickoff specialist notched 73 kickoffs for a total of 4,301 yards this season. Of those 73 kicks, 18 were for touchbacks and just one went out-of-bounds. He posted a season-best four touchbacks at Ball State (Nov. 8). Renius also had 10 kickoffs in the season-opener versus Mississippi Valley (Sept. 2).
Spearman returned to start nine of 10 games played in this season after missing the previous two years due to a pair of broken legs. The veteran finished with 43 tackles (18 solo, 25 assist), as well as a pair of sacks for a loss of 12 yards. The Indiana native also recovered a fumble against Ohio (Oct. 15). Spearman led EMU with a season-best 11 tackles against Toledo (Oct. 8) as well. The linebacker has a perfect 4.0 GPA as a communication masters student.
Turner carried the ball 69 times for 369 yards and four touchdowns in his first season in the backfield. The Ohio native caught seven passes for 61 yards while returning a pair of kicks. He collected his first career touchdown when he ripped off a 50 yard rush against Wyoming (Sept. 23). Turner also carried the ball 17 times for 107 yards and a score at Bowling Green (Oct. 1). He holds a 3.48 GPA as a sport management major.
For the first time in 29 years, Eastern Michigan is headed to a bowl game. The Eagles accepted an invitation to the 2016 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl and will take on Conference USA opponent Old Dominion (9-3, 7-1 C-USA). Kickoff from Nassau is set for 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23 on ESPN.
2016 Academic All-MAC (146)
Akron (9):
Nathan Bischof, Sophomore, 3.322 GPA, Sport Management (Akron, Ohio)
Ulysees Gilbert, Sophomore, 3.347 GPA, Sport Science (Ocala, Fla.)
^#Zach Guiser, Junior, 3.992 GPA, Pre-Physical Therapy/Exercise Science (Fayette City, Pa.)
Bryce Jones, Senior, 3.30 GPA, Master's Public Administration (University Heights, Ohio)
John Lako, R-Freshman, 3.409 GPA, Business Administration (Monroe, Mich.)
Vince Lockett, R-Freshman, 3.620 GPA, Emergency Management & Homeland Security (Akron, Ohio)
Xavier Quigley, Junior, 3.368 GPA, Sport Science/Coaching (Ankeny, Iowa)
James Turner, Senior, 4.00 GPA, Master's Sport Science (Fairfield, Ohio)
Daumantas Venckus, Senior, 3,708 GPA, Master's M.B.A. (Weston, Fla.)
Ball State (12):
Aaron Hepp, Senior, 3.225 GPA, Telecommunications (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Alex Joss, Sophomore, 3.818 GPA, Finance (Novi, Mich.)
^#Drake Miller, Senior, 3.532 GPA, Health and Physical Education (Sturgis, Mich.)
Riley Neal, Sophomore, 3.518 GPA, Pre-Business (Yorktown, Ind.)
^#Vinnie Palazeti, Junior, 3.507 GPA, Professional Selling (Owosso, Mich.)
Danny Pinter, R-Freshman, 3.666 GPA, Pre-Business (South Bend, Ind.)
Zac Ricketts, R-Freshman, 3.546 GPA, Pre-Telecommunications (Bremen, Ind.)
Kyle Schrank, R-Freshman, 3.75 GPA, Pre-Business (Fishers, Ind.)
Fred Schroeder, Sophomore, 3.251 GPA, Biology (Yuma, Ariz.)
Terin Solomon, Junior, 3.292 GPA, Sociology (Murrieta, Calif.)
Marc Walton, Sophomore, 3.363 GPA, Pre-Business (Mentor, Ohio)
Jacob White, R-Freshman, 3.248 GPA, Pre-Business (Clarendon Hills, Ill.)
Bowling Green (13):
^#Zac Bartman, Senior, 3.790 GPA, Mathematics (Mansfield, Ohio)
JamariBozeman, Sophomore, 3.272 GPA, Sport Management (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
^Terrance Bush, Senior, 3.577 GPA, Biology (South Bend, Ind.)
Clark Clancy, Junior, 3.406 GPA, Management (Troy, Mich.)
^#Joe Davidson, Junior, 3.945 GPA, Finance/Mathematics (Findlay, Ohio)
^#Ryan Hunter, Junior, 3.734 GPA, Criminal Justice (North Bay, Ontario)
Robert Jackson, Sophomore, 3.552 GPA, Computer Science (Fort Washington, Md.)
Nico Lautanen, R-Freshman, 3.264 GPA, Business Administration (Mentor, Ohio)
^#Nate Locke, Junior, 4.00 GPA, Psychology (Canton, Ohio)
Blake Lucky, R-Freshman, 3.454 GPA, Physical Education/Health Education (Hobe Sound, Fla.)
James Morgan, R-Freshman, 3.923 GPA, Creative Writing (Green Bay, Wis.)
^Trevor Roop, Junior, 3.777 GPA, Public Health (Convoy, Ohio)
^#Ben Steward, Senior, 3.637 GPA, Exercise Science (Holt, Mich.)
Buffalo (2):
Corbin Grassman, Senior, 3.20 GPA, Communication (Johnstown, Ohio)
Jarrett Franklin, Junior, 3.20 GPA, Electrical Engineering (St. Charles, Mo.)
Central Michigan (15):
^#Joe Bacci, Senior, 3.34 GPA, Integrated Science (Romeo, Mich.)
^#Mark Chapman, Junior, 3.37 GPA, Communications (Port Huron, Mich.)
^Winslow Chapman, Senior, 3.52 GPA, Accounting (Port Huron, Mich.)
Brandon Childress, R-Freshman, 3.37 GPA, Undecided (Baldwin, Mich.)
^#Josh Cox, Junior, 3.24 GPA, Sociology (Warren, Mich.)
^#Jabari Dean, Senior, 3.24 GPA, Health Administration (Detroit, Mich.)
^Austin Doan, Junior, 3.60 GPA, Sport Management (Romeo, Mich.)
Luke Idoni, Sophomore, 3.79 GPA, Biology/Biomedical Sciences (Fenton, Mich.)
Cooper Mojsiejenko, 3.51 GPA, Construction Management (Bridgman, Mich.)
Joe Ostman, 3.66 GPA, Marketing (St. Ignace, Mich.)
^#Jeff Perry, Junior, 3.54 GPA, Mechanical Engineering (Morris, Ill.)
^#Anthony Rice, Senior, 3.33 GPA, Accounting (Mishawaka, Ind.)
^#*Cooper Rush, Senior, 3.86 GPA, Actuarial Science/Sport Management (Charlotte, Mich.)
Devon Spalding, Junior, 3.42 GPA, Sociology/Social and Criminal Justice (Westland, Mich.)
^Trevor Thomas, Junior, 3.33 GPA, General Management (Davison, Mich.)
Eastern Michigan (18):
^Blake Banham, Sophomore, 3.56 GPA, Criminology (St. Paul, Minn.)
^Jason Beck, Junior, 3.21 GPA, Sport Management (Indianapolis, Ind.)
^Daniel Buschman, Junior, 3.23 GPA, Finance (Brighton, Mich.)
^Ian Eriksen, Sophomore, 3.30 GPA, Economics (Clarkston, Mich.)
Paul Fricano, R-Freshman, 3.38 GPA, Exercise Science (Rochester, N.Y.)
^#Cole Gardner, Senior, 3.30 GPA, MBA (Batavia, Ill.)
Juan Giraldo, Junior, 3.35 GPA, Criminology (Gilbert, Ariz.)
Jeremiah Harris,Sophomore, 3.35 GPA, Sport Performance & Fitness (Lambertville, Mich.)
Clay Holford, R-Freshman, 3.75 GPA, Business Administration (Carrollton, Texas)
Brody Hoying, R-Freshman, 3.62 GPA, Supply Chain Management (Coldwater, Ohio)
^*Jake Hurcombe, Senior, 3.70 GPA, MBA (Lincolnshire, Ill.)
Bryce Kemp, R-Freshman, 3.48 GPA, Computer Science (Baxter, Iowa)
Luke Maclean, Junior, 3.35 GPA, Criminology (Grand Blanc, Mich.)
DaQuan Pace, Senior, 3.25 GPA, Marketing (Detroit, Mich.)
Robert Pavletich, R-Freshman, 3.20 GPA, Sport Management (Neenah, Wis.)
^#Brendan Renius, Senior, 3.56 GPA, Exercise Science (Lambertville, Mich.)
Ike Spearman, Junior, 4.00 GPA, Communication (Saint John, Ind.)
Breck Turner, R-Freshman, 3.48 GPA, Sport Management (Norwalk, Ohio)
Kent State (11):
^James Alexander, Junior, 3.40 GPA, Criminal Justice (Miami, Fla.)
^Matt Bahr, Sophomore, 3.86 GPA, Criminal Justice (Kenton, Ohio)
^George Bollas, Sophomore, 3.70 GPA, Chemistry (Aurora, Ohio)
^#Nick Cuthbert, Senior, 3.97 GPA, Criminal Justice (Chesterland, Ohio)
Theo Eboigbe,Sophomore, 3.29 GPA, Digital Sciences (Lithonia, Ga.)
^Marcus Elliott, Junior, 3.33 GPA, Visual Communication Design (Toledo, Ohio)
Nick Holley, unior, 3.56 GPA, Finance (Toledo, Ohio)
Mike Marinelli, R-Freshman, 3.46 GPA, Accounting (Allison Park, Pa.)
Will Matthews, R-Freshman, 3.45 GPA, Entrepreneurship (Destrehan, La.)
Reno Reda, Senior, 3.25 GPA, Physical Education (Pataskala, Ohio)
Chase Van Hoef, R-Freshman, 3.44 GPA, Managerial Marketing (Grand Haven, Mich.)
Miami (11):
Quinn Calcagno, Sophomore, 3.31 GPA, University Studies (Wheaton, Ill.)
Evan Crabtree, R-Freshman, 3.70 GPA, Sport Leadership and Management (Dublin, Ohio)
Nick Dowd, Sophomore, 3.59 GPA, Kinesiology (Westfield, Ind.)
Brad Earnest, Sophomore, 3.70 GPA, Biology (Atlanta, Ga.)
Randy Heideman, Junior, 3.39 GPA, Accounting (Bloomington, Ill.)
Luke Mayock, Junior, 3.27 GPA, Sports Leadership and Management (Sugar Land, Texas)
Sam McCollum, Sophomore, 3.33 GPA, Business (Dublin, Ohio)
Ryan Mullen, Sophomore, 3.33 GPA, Kinesiology and Premedical Studies (Lake Villa, Ill.)
Mitch Palmer, Sophomore, 3.34 GPA, Biology and Premedical Studies (St. Louis, Mo.)
Nate Trawick, Sophomore, 3.23 GPA, University Studies (Richmond, Ind.)
Alexx Zielinski, R-Freshman, 3.32 GPA, Kinesiology (Brighton, Mich.)
Northern Illinois (15):
Daniel Crawford, R-Freshman, 3.37 GPA, Pre-Computer Science (Macomb, Mich.)
^Shane Evans, Sophomore, 3.33 GPA, Finance (Crystal Lake, Ill.)
Trayshon Foster, R-Freshman, 3.33 GPA, Undecided (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
^Ryan Graham, Sophomore, 3.33 GPA, Leadership and Management (Wheaton, Ill.)
^Christian Hagan,Junior, 3.57 GPA, Leadership and Management (Omaha, Neb.)
^#Bobby Jones IV, Junior, 3.29 GPA, Organizational Communications (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
Corey Kennedy, R-Freshman, 3.94 GPA, Accountancy (Oswego, Ill.)
^William Lee, Junior, 3.23 GPA, Journalism (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Kyle Pugh,R-Freshman, 3.37 GPA, Kinesiology (Chicago Heights, Ill.)
^Max Scharping, Sophomore, 3.98 GPA, Kinesiology (Green Bay, Wis.)
^Luke Shively, Sophomore, 3.46 GPA, Chemistry (Tripton, Ind.)
Jordan Steckler, R-Freshman, 3.68 GPA, Marketing (Two Rivers, Wis.)
Corey Thomas, 3.24 GPA, English (Chicago, Ill.)
^#Shane Wimann,Junior, 3.60 GPA, Sociology (Wisconsin Dells, Wis.)
Quintin Wynne, R-Freshman, 3.41 GPA, Biological Sciences (St. Louis, Mo.)
Ohio (14):
Elijah Ball, R-Freshman, 3.83 GPA, Finance (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Kent Berger, Sophomore, 3.78 GPA, Marketing (Mentor, Ohio)
^#Dorian Brown,Junior, 3.51 GPA, Specialized Studies (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Austin Clack, R-Freshman, 3.37 GPA, Undecided (Tipp City, Ohio)
Josh Cooper, Senior, 3.21 GPA, Specialized Studies (Yazoo City, Miss.)
Evan Croutch, Sophomore, 3.30 GPA, Undecided (Youngstown, Ohio)
Toran Davis, Senior, 3.21 GPA, Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism Management (Lithonia, Ga.)
^#Cody Grilliot, Junior, 3.50 GPA, Marketing (Clayton, Ohio)
Tim Helton, Junior, 3.22 GPA, Sports Management (Chesterfield, Ohio)
^#*Kurt Laseak, Senior, 3.75 GPA, Mechanical Engineering (Mentor, Ohio)
Troy Mangen,Junior, 3.79 GPA, Marketing/Management and Strategic Leadership (Union, Ohio)
Quinton Maxwell, R-Freshman, 3.43 GPA, Accounting/Pre-Law (Rayville, Mo.)
^#Quentin Poling,Junior, 3.52 GPA, Exercise Physiology (Spencerville, Ohio)
Jake Pruehs, Junior, 3.32 GPA, Industrial and Systems Engineering (North Olmstead, Ohio)
Toledo (10):
^Nate Jeppesen, Junior, 3.543 GPA, Interdisciplinary Studies (Portage, Mich.)
Jordan Martin, Junior, 3.336 GPA, Criminal Justice (Upper Marlboro, Md.)
^#Storm Norton, 3.394 GPA, Communication (Toledo, Ohio)
^#Brad Spelman, Junior, 3.748 GPA, Accounting (Hilliard, Ohio)
^John Stepec, Senior, 3.337 GPA, Criminal Justice (Willoughby Hills, Ohio)
Tyler Taafe,Sophomore, 3.648 GPA, Business (Hubbard, Ohio)
Josh Teachey,Sophomore, 3.308 GPA, Business (Pomfret, Md.)
^Cody Thompson,Junior, 3.572 GPA, Marketing (Huron, Ohio)
Brant Weiss, Junior, 3.476 GPA, Management (Sunbury, Ohio)
Logan Woodside, Junior, 3.408 GPA, Marketing (Frankfort, Ky.)
Western Michigan (16):
^Lucas Bezerra, Junior, 3.71 GPA, Biomedical Sciences (Troy, Mich.)
^Kasey Carson, Senior, 3.58 GPA, Integrated Supply Management (Battle Creek, Mich.)
^#Lucas Cherocci, Senior, 3.26 GPA, Criminal Justice (Rochester Hills, Mich.)
^David Curle, Senior, 3.38 GPA, Mechanical Engineering (Shelby Township, Mich.)
Alexander Grace, Sophomore, 3.26 GPA, Pre-Nursing (Saginaw, Mich.)
Austin Guido, Senior, 3.27 GPA, Pre-Early Childhood Education (Naperville, Ill.)
Luke Juriga, Sophomore, 3.49 GPA, Pre-Manufacturing (Aurora, Ill.)
John Keenoy,Sophomore, 3.70 GPA, Pre-Business (Kentwood, Mich.)
Odell Miller, Sophomore, 3.56 GPA, Exercise Science (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
^Derek Mitchell, Sophomore, 3.55 GPA, Pre-Business (Paw Paw, Mich.)
^#Taylor Moton, Senior, 3.28 GPA, Accountancy (Okemos, Mich.)
^Zachary Novoselsky,Sophomore, 3.56 GPA, Pre-Business (Lincolnshire, Ill.)
Giovanni Ricci, R-Freshman, 3.47 GPA, Pre-Business (Loveland, Ohio)
^#Trevor Sweeney, Senior, 3.77 GPA, Integrated Supply Management (Mattawan, Mich.)
^#Zach Terrell,Senior, 4.00 GPA, Business Administration (MBA) (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
Justin Tranquill, R-Freshman, 3.85 GPA, Pre-Finance (Huntertown, Ind.)
^2015 Academic All-MAC selection
#2014 Academic All-MAC selection
*2013 Academic All-MAC selection
Making the team were redshirt sophomore Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Derham Hall), junior Jason Beck (Indianapolis, Ind.-Arsenal Technical), redshirt junior Dan Buschman (Brighton, Mich.-Brighton), redshirt sohomore Ian Eriksen (Clarkston, Mich.-Clarkston), redshirt freshman Paul Fricano (Rochester, Mich.-Churchville Chili), redshirt senior Cole Gardner (Batavia, Ill.-Batavia), junior Juan Giraldo (Gilbert, Ariz.-Mesquite (Mesa C.C.)), redshirt sophomore Jeremiah Harris (Lambertville, Mich.-Bedford Senior), redshirt freshman Clay Holford (Carrolton, Texas-Hebron), redshirt freshman Brody Hoying (Coldwater, Ohio-Coldwater), redshirt senior Jake Hurcombe (Lincolnshire, Ill.-Stevenson), redshirt freshman Bryce Kemp (Baxter, Iowa-Baxter Community School), redshirt junior Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc (Pittsburgh)), senior DaQuan Pace (Detroit, Mich.-Cass Tech), redshirt freshman Rob Pavletich (Neenah, Wis.-Neenah), senior Brendan Renius (Lambertville, Mich.-Bedford Senior), redshirt senior Ike Spearman (Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central), and redshirt freshman Breck Turner (Norwalk, Ohio-Norwalk).
Gardner, Hurcombe and Renius collected the honor for the third time in their careers, while Banham, Beck, Buschman, and Pace picked up the award for the second time. In total, 146 student-athletes were named to the team this season.
The Academic All-MAC honor is for a student who has excelled in athletics and academics. To qualify, a student must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50 percent of the contests for that particular sport. First-year students and junior college transfers in their first year of residence are not eligible for the award.
Banham, a former walk-on that earned his scholarship prior to the season beginning, played in seven games, starting the season finale against Central Michigan (Nov. 22). He was a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy that is awarded to a former walk-on. The running back carried the ball 48 times for 231 yards and two scores. Banham caught five passes for 53 yards along with returning five punts and nine kickoffs. He had a career day versus CMU, totaling a career-high 120 yards on the ground with a touchdown, as well as 53 yards receiving. His other touchdown came on the ground in the season opener against Mississippi Valley State (Sept. 2). Banham holds a 3.56 grade point average in criminology.
Beck, a sport management major with a 3.29 GPA, started all 12 games at defensive back. He posted the second most tackles on the team with 98 (43 solo, 55 assist), recording at least seven stops in 10 contests. The safety added six tackles for a loss of 18 yard as well as a 0.5 sack. Beck finished with three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. He notched a season-high 12 stops against nationally-ranked Western Michigan (Oct. 22), as well as 11 tackles against Miami (Oct. 29) and 10 at MAC East Division champion Ohio (Oct. 15).
Buschman started all 12 games at tight end this season. He caught 10 passes for 166 yard and two touchdowns, averaging 16.6 yards per catch. Seven of his 10 receptions came in MAC games. The Brighton native hauled in a career-best three completions for 40 yards against Charlotte (Sept. 17). On Election Night at Ball State (Nov. 8), grabbed a pair of touchdown receptions as the Eagles rallied from 21-points down to top the Cardinals 48-41. Buschman carries a 3.23 GPA in finance.
Eriksen, who holds a 3.30 GPA in economics, played in 10 games, starting eight of them. He has carried the ball 175 times for a team-best 741 yards and nine touchdowns, also catching 21 passes for 243 yards. The 175 carries are tied for 19th-most in EMU history while his nine TDs are tied for 16th in an EMU single-season. Eriksen ran for 97 yards and two scores against Mississippi Valley (Sept. 2) and followed it up with a 27 carry, 120 yard performance against Wyoming. The Indiana native totaled 150 yards of total offense (109 rushing, 71 receiving) at Ball State (Nov. 8) as EMU became bowl eligible for the first time in 29 years. He ran for a career-best 171 yards and two scores during a midweek game versus Northern Illinois (Nov. 16).
Fricano was an All-MAC Second Team selection, as well as the MAC's Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 5 and 19. The placekicker burst onto the scene this season as a model of consistency, breaking the EMU single-season extra point record after converting on 40-of-41 attempts this season. In total, the Rochester, N.Y. native hit 17-of-22 field goal attempts with a season long of 46, for a team-high 91 total points. He finished the year ranked fifth in the MAC in points (58th in the country). His 77.2 percent field goal percentage ranked 46th in the country, and fourth in the MAC, while his 1.42 field goals per game was 22nd in the nation, and second in the conference. Fricano holds a 3.38 in exercise science.
A 3.30 MBA student, Gardner was selected All-MAC Second Team on the offensive line. He was also selected as one of six candidates from the MAC for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is given annually to the college football player "who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic." The Illinois native started all 12 games protecting the blind side for EMU this season on one of the best offensive line units not only in the MAC, but in the country. The EMU frontline completed the season ranked 12th in the country (fourth in the MAC) in sacks allowed, as well as second in the country (first MAC) in tackles for loss allowed. Gardner will finish his career playing in 47 games, making 31 starts, and he will be tied for fifth in career games played. He was also named a Semifinalist for NFF Campbell Trophy, which is recognized as college football's premier scholar-athlete award.
Giraldo started three of his 11 games played this season. He had 33 tackles (19 solo, 14 assist) to go along with a pair of forced fumbles and four pass breakups. At Missouri (Sept. 10), Giraldo posted a season-high 10 stops. The safety forced a fumble at Western Michigan (Oct. 22) and versus Central Michigan (Nov. 22). Giraldo has a 3.35 GPA majoring in criminology.
Harris, a sport performance and fitness entrepreneurship major who boasts as 3.35 GPA, was selected to the All-MAC Third Team this season, as well as the Mid-American Conference West Division Defensive Player of the Week for the period ending Sept. 24. He finished fourth on the team with 63 tackles, including 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, as well as six QB hurries. The defensive lineman made his biggest mark in the turnover battle for Eastern, forcing three fumbles, and leading the team with three fumble recoveries, which ranked sixth in the country and second in the MAC. In the season finale against CMU, Harris had the game sealing interception, the first of his career. He was also a huge asset on the field goal block team, getting his mitts on two attempts this season. In total, Harris was one of just 29 players to block multiple field goals this season.
Holford played in 11 of 12 games as a backup defensive lineman. He recorded 12 tackles (5 solo, 7 assist) plus a tackle for a loss of six yards, as well as a pair of quarterback hurries. The Texas native posted five stops at Ball State (Nov. 8) and picked up his first TFL versus Northern Illinois (Nov. 16). Holford possess a 3.75 GPA in business administration.
Hoying, who has a 3.62 GPA in supply chain management, returned from a season-ending knee injury last year to play in all 12 games, earning a start in the season finale against Central Michigan (Nov. 22). He notched 24 tackles (9 solo, 15 assist) to go along with a forced fumble. The Ohio native had a season-best eight stops in the win over CMU while also posting five tackles and forcing a fumble at Missouri (Sept. 10).
Hurcombe, who was earned the honor previously in 2013 and 2015, holds a 3.70 GPA in his masters program. He started 11 games for EMU this season at center this season on the ferocious offensive line. The fifth year senior will finish his career with 36 career starts in 39 appearances. A native of Lincolnshire, Ill., Hurcombe was a nominee for the Rimington Trophy in 2015, honoring the nation's top center. He graduated last year with his degree in supply chain management, and is currently pursuing a master's in business administration.
Kemp played in all 12 games, mostly on special teams. A tight end by trade, he had a tackle against Miami (Oct. 29). The Iowa native has a 3.48 GPA as a computer science major.
Maclean, who has a 3.35 GPA as a criminology major, started seven of nine games played this season. The Pittsburgh transfer finished with nine tackles, as well as 2.0 tackles for loss and a 0.5 sack. He had a season-best two tackles against Mountain West Conference runner-up Wyoming (Sept. 23) and at Bowling Green (Oct. 1). He was also disruptive in the backfield, notching three QB hurries and three pass breakups at the line.
Pace had one of his best seasons in the Green and White in his final go-around. He started all 12 games at defensive back, posting 47 total tackles and a team-high three interceptions. The Detroit native also had a team-best eight breakups. His three picks ranked fifth in the MAC, as well as 59th in the country, while his 11 passes defended was tied for ninth in the MAC. The corner notched a season-best eight tackles, including a pair of interceptions on his birthday at Ball State (Nov. 8). He will finish his stellar EMU career as the career pass breakup leader with 24 career interruptions. Pace was also a staple in the secondary in his four-year career, as he will finish his career tied for 11th in games played with 46 appearances for Eastern. He holds a 3.25 GPA in marketing.
Pavletich appeared in all 12 games this season as a backup offensive lineman, as well as a primary blocker on special teams. He was part of the unit that ranked tops in the country in sacks and tackles for loss allowed. He has a 3.20 GPA in sport management.
An exercise science major carrying a 3.56 GPA, Renius wraps up his great EMU career with his third Academic All-MAC honor. The kickoff specialist notched 73 kickoffs for a total of 4,301 yards this season. Of those 73 kicks, 18 were for touchbacks and just one went out-of-bounds. He posted a season-best four touchbacks at Ball State (Nov. 8). Renius also had 10 kickoffs in the season-opener versus Mississippi Valley (Sept. 2).
Spearman returned to start nine of 10 games played in this season after missing the previous two years due to a pair of broken legs. The veteran finished with 43 tackles (18 solo, 25 assist), as well as a pair of sacks for a loss of 12 yards. The Indiana native also recovered a fumble against Ohio (Oct. 15). Spearman led EMU with a season-best 11 tackles against Toledo (Oct. 8) as well. The linebacker has a perfect 4.0 GPA as a communication masters student.
Turner carried the ball 69 times for 369 yards and four touchdowns in his first season in the backfield. The Ohio native caught seven passes for 61 yards while returning a pair of kicks. He collected his first career touchdown when he ripped off a 50 yard rush against Wyoming (Sept. 23). Turner also carried the ball 17 times for 107 yards and a score at Bowling Green (Oct. 1). He holds a 3.48 GPA as a sport management major.
For the first time in 29 years, Eastern Michigan is headed to a bowl game. The Eagles accepted an invitation to the 2016 Popeyes Bahamas Bowl and will take on Conference USA opponent Old Dominion (9-3, 7-1 C-USA). Kickoff from Nassau is set for 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 23 on ESPN.
2016 Academic All-MAC (146)
Akron (9):
Nathan Bischof, Sophomore, 3.322 GPA, Sport Management (Akron, Ohio)
Ulysees Gilbert, Sophomore, 3.347 GPA, Sport Science (Ocala, Fla.)
^#Zach Guiser, Junior, 3.992 GPA, Pre-Physical Therapy/Exercise Science (Fayette City, Pa.)
Bryce Jones, Senior, 3.30 GPA, Master's Public Administration (University Heights, Ohio)
John Lako, R-Freshman, 3.409 GPA, Business Administration (Monroe, Mich.)
Vince Lockett, R-Freshman, 3.620 GPA, Emergency Management & Homeland Security (Akron, Ohio)
Xavier Quigley, Junior, 3.368 GPA, Sport Science/Coaching (Ankeny, Iowa)
James Turner, Senior, 4.00 GPA, Master's Sport Science (Fairfield, Ohio)
Daumantas Venckus, Senior, 3,708 GPA, Master's M.B.A. (Weston, Fla.)
Ball State (12):
Aaron Hepp, Senior, 3.225 GPA, Telecommunications (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Alex Joss, Sophomore, 3.818 GPA, Finance (Novi, Mich.)
^#Drake Miller, Senior, 3.532 GPA, Health and Physical Education (Sturgis, Mich.)
Riley Neal, Sophomore, 3.518 GPA, Pre-Business (Yorktown, Ind.)
^#Vinnie Palazeti, Junior, 3.507 GPA, Professional Selling (Owosso, Mich.)
Danny Pinter, R-Freshman, 3.666 GPA, Pre-Business (South Bend, Ind.)
Zac Ricketts, R-Freshman, 3.546 GPA, Pre-Telecommunications (Bremen, Ind.)
Kyle Schrank, R-Freshman, 3.75 GPA, Pre-Business (Fishers, Ind.)
Fred Schroeder, Sophomore, 3.251 GPA, Biology (Yuma, Ariz.)
Terin Solomon, Junior, 3.292 GPA, Sociology (Murrieta, Calif.)
Marc Walton, Sophomore, 3.363 GPA, Pre-Business (Mentor, Ohio)
Jacob White, R-Freshman, 3.248 GPA, Pre-Business (Clarendon Hills, Ill.)
Bowling Green (13):
^#Zac Bartman, Senior, 3.790 GPA, Mathematics (Mansfield, Ohio)
JamariBozeman, Sophomore, 3.272 GPA, Sport Management (West Palm Beach, Fla.)
^Terrance Bush, Senior, 3.577 GPA, Biology (South Bend, Ind.)
Clark Clancy, Junior, 3.406 GPA, Management (Troy, Mich.)
^#Joe Davidson, Junior, 3.945 GPA, Finance/Mathematics (Findlay, Ohio)
^#Ryan Hunter, Junior, 3.734 GPA, Criminal Justice (North Bay, Ontario)
Robert Jackson, Sophomore, 3.552 GPA, Computer Science (Fort Washington, Md.)
Nico Lautanen, R-Freshman, 3.264 GPA, Business Administration (Mentor, Ohio)
^#Nate Locke, Junior, 4.00 GPA, Psychology (Canton, Ohio)
Blake Lucky, R-Freshman, 3.454 GPA, Physical Education/Health Education (Hobe Sound, Fla.)
James Morgan, R-Freshman, 3.923 GPA, Creative Writing (Green Bay, Wis.)
^Trevor Roop, Junior, 3.777 GPA, Public Health (Convoy, Ohio)
^#Ben Steward, Senior, 3.637 GPA, Exercise Science (Holt, Mich.)
Buffalo (2):
Corbin Grassman, Senior, 3.20 GPA, Communication (Johnstown, Ohio)
Jarrett Franklin, Junior, 3.20 GPA, Electrical Engineering (St. Charles, Mo.)
Central Michigan (15):
^#Joe Bacci, Senior, 3.34 GPA, Integrated Science (Romeo, Mich.)
^#Mark Chapman, Junior, 3.37 GPA, Communications (Port Huron, Mich.)
^Winslow Chapman, Senior, 3.52 GPA, Accounting (Port Huron, Mich.)
Brandon Childress, R-Freshman, 3.37 GPA, Undecided (Baldwin, Mich.)
^#Josh Cox, Junior, 3.24 GPA, Sociology (Warren, Mich.)
^#Jabari Dean, Senior, 3.24 GPA, Health Administration (Detroit, Mich.)
^Austin Doan, Junior, 3.60 GPA, Sport Management (Romeo, Mich.)
Luke Idoni, Sophomore, 3.79 GPA, Biology/Biomedical Sciences (Fenton, Mich.)
Cooper Mojsiejenko, 3.51 GPA, Construction Management (Bridgman, Mich.)
Joe Ostman, 3.66 GPA, Marketing (St. Ignace, Mich.)
^#Jeff Perry, Junior, 3.54 GPA, Mechanical Engineering (Morris, Ill.)
^#Anthony Rice, Senior, 3.33 GPA, Accounting (Mishawaka, Ind.)
^#*Cooper Rush, Senior, 3.86 GPA, Actuarial Science/Sport Management (Charlotte, Mich.)
Devon Spalding, Junior, 3.42 GPA, Sociology/Social and Criminal Justice (Westland, Mich.)
^Trevor Thomas, Junior, 3.33 GPA, General Management (Davison, Mich.)
Eastern Michigan (18):
^Blake Banham, Sophomore, 3.56 GPA, Criminology (St. Paul, Minn.)
^Jason Beck, Junior, 3.21 GPA, Sport Management (Indianapolis, Ind.)
^Daniel Buschman, Junior, 3.23 GPA, Finance (Brighton, Mich.)
^Ian Eriksen, Sophomore, 3.30 GPA, Economics (Clarkston, Mich.)
Paul Fricano, R-Freshman, 3.38 GPA, Exercise Science (Rochester, N.Y.)
^#Cole Gardner, Senior, 3.30 GPA, MBA (Batavia, Ill.)
Juan Giraldo, Junior, 3.35 GPA, Criminology (Gilbert, Ariz.)
Jeremiah Harris,Sophomore, 3.35 GPA, Sport Performance & Fitness (Lambertville, Mich.)
Clay Holford, R-Freshman, 3.75 GPA, Business Administration (Carrollton, Texas)
Brody Hoying, R-Freshman, 3.62 GPA, Supply Chain Management (Coldwater, Ohio)
^*Jake Hurcombe, Senior, 3.70 GPA, MBA (Lincolnshire, Ill.)
Bryce Kemp, R-Freshman, 3.48 GPA, Computer Science (Baxter, Iowa)
Luke Maclean, Junior, 3.35 GPA, Criminology (Grand Blanc, Mich.)
DaQuan Pace, Senior, 3.25 GPA, Marketing (Detroit, Mich.)
Robert Pavletich, R-Freshman, 3.20 GPA, Sport Management (Neenah, Wis.)
^#Brendan Renius, Senior, 3.56 GPA, Exercise Science (Lambertville, Mich.)
Ike Spearman, Junior, 4.00 GPA, Communication (Saint John, Ind.)
Breck Turner, R-Freshman, 3.48 GPA, Sport Management (Norwalk, Ohio)
Kent State (11):
^James Alexander, Junior, 3.40 GPA, Criminal Justice (Miami, Fla.)
^Matt Bahr, Sophomore, 3.86 GPA, Criminal Justice (Kenton, Ohio)
^George Bollas, Sophomore, 3.70 GPA, Chemistry (Aurora, Ohio)
^#Nick Cuthbert, Senior, 3.97 GPA, Criminal Justice (Chesterland, Ohio)
Theo Eboigbe,Sophomore, 3.29 GPA, Digital Sciences (Lithonia, Ga.)
^Marcus Elliott, Junior, 3.33 GPA, Visual Communication Design (Toledo, Ohio)
Nick Holley, unior, 3.56 GPA, Finance (Toledo, Ohio)
Mike Marinelli, R-Freshman, 3.46 GPA, Accounting (Allison Park, Pa.)
Will Matthews, R-Freshman, 3.45 GPA, Entrepreneurship (Destrehan, La.)
Reno Reda, Senior, 3.25 GPA, Physical Education (Pataskala, Ohio)
Chase Van Hoef, R-Freshman, 3.44 GPA, Managerial Marketing (Grand Haven, Mich.)
Miami (11):
Quinn Calcagno, Sophomore, 3.31 GPA, University Studies (Wheaton, Ill.)
Evan Crabtree, R-Freshman, 3.70 GPA, Sport Leadership and Management (Dublin, Ohio)
Nick Dowd, Sophomore, 3.59 GPA, Kinesiology (Westfield, Ind.)
Brad Earnest, Sophomore, 3.70 GPA, Biology (Atlanta, Ga.)
Randy Heideman, Junior, 3.39 GPA, Accounting (Bloomington, Ill.)
Luke Mayock, Junior, 3.27 GPA, Sports Leadership and Management (Sugar Land, Texas)
Sam McCollum, Sophomore, 3.33 GPA, Business (Dublin, Ohio)
Ryan Mullen, Sophomore, 3.33 GPA, Kinesiology and Premedical Studies (Lake Villa, Ill.)
Mitch Palmer, Sophomore, 3.34 GPA, Biology and Premedical Studies (St. Louis, Mo.)
Nate Trawick, Sophomore, 3.23 GPA, University Studies (Richmond, Ind.)
Alexx Zielinski, R-Freshman, 3.32 GPA, Kinesiology (Brighton, Mich.)
Northern Illinois (15):
Daniel Crawford, R-Freshman, 3.37 GPA, Pre-Computer Science (Macomb, Mich.)
^Shane Evans, Sophomore, 3.33 GPA, Finance (Crystal Lake, Ill.)
Trayshon Foster, R-Freshman, 3.33 GPA, Undecided (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
^Ryan Graham, Sophomore, 3.33 GPA, Leadership and Management (Wheaton, Ill.)
^Christian Hagan,Junior, 3.57 GPA, Leadership and Management (Omaha, Neb.)
^#Bobby Jones IV, Junior, 3.29 GPA, Organizational Communications (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
Corey Kennedy, R-Freshman, 3.94 GPA, Accountancy (Oswego, Ill.)
^William Lee, Junior, 3.23 GPA, Journalism (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Kyle Pugh,R-Freshman, 3.37 GPA, Kinesiology (Chicago Heights, Ill.)
^Max Scharping, Sophomore, 3.98 GPA, Kinesiology (Green Bay, Wis.)
^Luke Shively, Sophomore, 3.46 GPA, Chemistry (Tripton, Ind.)
Jordan Steckler, R-Freshman, 3.68 GPA, Marketing (Two Rivers, Wis.)
Corey Thomas, 3.24 GPA, English (Chicago, Ill.)
^#Shane Wimann,Junior, 3.60 GPA, Sociology (Wisconsin Dells, Wis.)
Quintin Wynne, R-Freshman, 3.41 GPA, Biological Sciences (St. Louis, Mo.)
Ohio (14):
Elijah Ball, R-Freshman, 3.83 GPA, Finance (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Kent Berger, Sophomore, 3.78 GPA, Marketing (Mentor, Ohio)
^#Dorian Brown,Junior, 3.51 GPA, Specialized Studies (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
Austin Clack, R-Freshman, 3.37 GPA, Undecided (Tipp City, Ohio)
Josh Cooper, Senior, 3.21 GPA, Specialized Studies (Yazoo City, Miss.)
Evan Croutch, Sophomore, 3.30 GPA, Undecided (Youngstown, Ohio)
Toran Davis, Senior, 3.21 GPA, Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism Management (Lithonia, Ga.)
^#Cody Grilliot, Junior, 3.50 GPA, Marketing (Clayton, Ohio)
Tim Helton, Junior, 3.22 GPA, Sports Management (Chesterfield, Ohio)
^#*Kurt Laseak, Senior, 3.75 GPA, Mechanical Engineering (Mentor, Ohio)
Troy Mangen,Junior, 3.79 GPA, Marketing/Management and Strategic Leadership (Union, Ohio)
Quinton Maxwell, R-Freshman, 3.43 GPA, Accounting/Pre-Law (Rayville, Mo.)
^#Quentin Poling,Junior, 3.52 GPA, Exercise Physiology (Spencerville, Ohio)
Jake Pruehs, Junior, 3.32 GPA, Industrial and Systems Engineering (North Olmstead, Ohio)
Toledo (10):
^Nate Jeppesen, Junior, 3.543 GPA, Interdisciplinary Studies (Portage, Mich.)
Jordan Martin, Junior, 3.336 GPA, Criminal Justice (Upper Marlboro, Md.)
^#Storm Norton, 3.394 GPA, Communication (Toledo, Ohio)
^#Brad Spelman, Junior, 3.748 GPA, Accounting (Hilliard, Ohio)
^John Stepec, Senior, 3.337 GPA, Criminal Justice (Willoughby Hills, Ohio)
Tyler Taafe,Sophomore, 3.648 GPA, Business (Hubbard, Ohio)
Josh Teachey,Sophomore, 3.308 GPA, Business (Pomfret, Md.)
^Cody Thompson,Junior, 3.572 GPA, Marketing (Huron, Ohio)
Brant Weiss, Junior, 3.476 GPA, Management (Sunbury, Ohio)
Logan Woodside, Junior, 3.408 GPA, Marketing (Frankfort, Ky.)
Western Michigan (16):
^Lucas Bezerra, Junior, 3.71 GPA, Biomedical Sciences (Troy, Mich.)
^Kasey Carson, Senior, 3.58 GPA, Integrated Supply Management (Battle Creek, Mich.)
^#Lucas Cherocci, Senior, 3.26 GPA, Criminal Justice (Rochester Hills, Mich.)
^David Curle, Senior, 3.38 GPA, Mechanical Engineering (Shelby Township, Mich.)
Alexander Grace, Sophomore, 3.26 GPA, Pre-Nursing (Saginaw, Mich.)
Austin Guido, Senior, 3.27 GPA, Pre-Early Childhood Education (Naperville, Ill.)
Luke Juriga, Sophomore, 3.49 GPA, Pre-Manufacturing (Aurora, Ill.)
John Keenoy,Sophomore, 3.70 GPA, Pre-Business (Kentwood, Mich.)
Odell Miller, Sophomore, 3.56 GPA, Exercise Science (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
^Derek Mitchell, Sophomore, 3.55 GPA, Pre-Business (Paw Paw, Mich.)
^#Taylor Moton, Senior, 3.28 GPA, Accountancy (Okemos, Mich.)
^Zachary Novoselsky,Sophomore, 3.56 GPA, Pre-Business (Lincolnshire, Ill.)
Giovanni Ricci, R-Freshman, 3.47 GPA, Pre-Business (Loveland, Ohio)
^#Trevor Sweeney, Senior, 3.77 GPA, Integrated Supply Management (Mattawan, Mich.)
^#Zach Terrell,Senior, 4.00 GPA, Business Administration (MBA) (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
Justin Tranquill, R-Freshman, 3.85 GPA, Pre-Finance (Huntertown, Ind.)
^2015 Academic All-MAC selection
#2014 Academic All-MAC selection
*2013 Academic All-MAC selection
Players Mentioned
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