Eastern Michigan Athletics
Conference-Best 18 Players Land on Academic All-MAC Team
12/13/2017 11:01:00 AM | Football
It is the second-consecutive season EMU led the conference in Academic All-MAC Players
CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) — For the second consecutive year, the Eastern Michigan University football team had 18 student-athletes representing the Green and White on the 2017 Mid-American Conference Academic All-MAC Team, the conference office announced Wednesday, Dec. 13.
The 18 are the most of any team in the MAC for the second consecutive season. Eastern now has 36 honorees over the last two seasons, four more than the next closest team in the league.
Making the team were senior Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian (Grossmont College)), junior Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Derham Hall), senior Jason Beck (Indianapolis, Ind.-Arsenal Technical), freshman Jake Donnellon (Ann Arbor, Mich.-Gabrial Richard), sophomore Paulie Fricano (Rochester, N.Y.-Churchville-Chili), senior Juan Giraldo (Gilbert, Ariz.-Mesquite (Mesa C.C.)), junior Jeremiah Harris (Lambertville, Mich.-Bedford Senior), sophomore Clay Holford (Carrolton, Texas-Hebron), sophomore Brody Hoying (Coldwater, Ohio-Coldwater), junior Jimmy Leatiota (San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox (College of San Mateo)), senior Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc (Pittsburgh)), freshman Keyan Marshall (Toledo, Ohio-Sylvania Southview), sophomore Steve Nielsen (Dragoer, Denmark-La Lumiere (Ind.) School)), senior Johnnie Niupalau (San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo (College of San Mateo)), sophomore Jalen Phelps (Marietta, Ga.-Hillgrove), senior Dan Samuelson (Plymouth, Ind.-Plymouth (Michigan)), senior Ike Spearman (Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central), and sophomore Breck Turner (Norwalk, Ohio-Norwalk).
"We are super proud of the group for this awesome achievement," Head Coach Chris Creighton said when learning of the award.
Banham and Beck were named to the team for the third time in their careers, while Fricano, Giraldo, Harris, Holford, Hoying, Maclean, Spearman, and Turner garnered the accolade for the second time. In total, 144 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 Grade Point Average 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.
Bailey was EMU's top receiving threat in 2017, posting 54 catches for 878 yards and nine scores. The nine TDs were the third-most in an EMU single-season while the 54 grabs ranked eighth-best. Nationally, Bailey ranked 20th in receiving touchdowns, 42nd in receiving yards, and 79th in receptions per game. In 25 career games, the JUCO product caught at least one pass in every game to finish with 114 receptions for 1,746 yards and 16 touchdowns. Those numbers rank ninth, sixth, and third on the all-time EMU list, respectively. The first team All-MAC selection holds a 3.34 grade point average in communication.
Banham, a criminology major with a 3.64 GPA, was used as the team's primary punt returner and backup running back. He played in eight games, earning a start at Central Michigan, Nov. 8. The Minnesota native had 97 yards rushing and 94 yards receiving, while averaging 4.1 yards per punt return. He carried the ball a season-best 10 times vs. Ball State, Nov. 2, for 46 yards, while also returning two kicks for 38 yards. His numbers were limited after missing a month of action (Sept. 24-Oct. 25) due to injury.
Beck, an All-MAC Third Team selection and Campbell Award semifinalist, led the Eagles in tackles in 2017 with 83 stops (40 solo, 43 assisted). Overall, he ranked 19th in the MAC in tackles per game (6.7) while posting eight games with seven-or-more stops. An iron man for EMU, Beck tied the program record for games played (49) and games started (47). The team captain racked up the seventh-most tackles in EMU history with 353 stops, including 179 solo tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. Beck holds a 3.28 GPA as a sport management major.
Donnellon, an exercise science major with a 3.48 GPA, was a rock on the EMU offensive line, playing in all 12 games and earning three starts. He was a part of a pass-heavy offense, helping anchor an overhauled offensive line that ranked third in the MAC and 28th nationally in the fewest sacks given up in 2017. EMU's offense ranked third in the MAC in passing offense at 257.3 yards per game through the air. The line also gelled down the stretch for the rushing attack, as EMU racked up 815 yards on the ground and four 100-yard rushers during the final four games.
Fricano was EMU's leading scorer with 79 points. He ranked 88th nationally in total points scored, making 15-of-21 field goal attempts while connecting on 34-of-36 PATs. He hit on a career-long 46-yarder at Toledo, Oct. 7, while he also tied the EMU school record with eight PATs in the win over Ball State, Nov. 2. Fricano was instrumental in the 27-24 win over Miami, Nov. 15, hitting both of his field goals, from 36 and 34 yards, as well as all three of his extra points to help his team to the three-point win. For his efforts, he was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week, Nov. 20. Fricano currently holds a 3.47 GPA in exercise science.
Giraldo, a criminology major with a 3.42 GPA, played in 11 games, earning two starts. He recorded 36 tackles (26 solo, 10 assist), finishing with a season-best seven stops at Miami, Nov. 15, to go along with six tackles against Ohio, Sept. 23. The senior notched an interception on Senior Day against Bowling Green, Nov. 21 to help the Eagles escape with a three-point win. He also has a trio of breakups in the secondary.
Harris started in each of the 11 games he played in. He finished ranked sixth in the MAC and 59th in the FBS with 6.0 sacks, while also totaling 45 tackles (25 solo, 20 assisted). The junior also ranked eighth in the league with 12.5 stops for a loss of 61 yards. He had the game-sealing sack on the final play of the game against Rutgers, Sept. 9, to clinch the first victory over a 'Power 5' program in school history. With the combined 17 sacks between himself and teammate Maxx Crosby (11), they are behind only two other pairs for the most amount of sacks between two players in the country behind players from TCU (19) and Northern Illinois (18). The second-team All-MAC selection currently has a 3.40 GPA as a sport performance & fitness entrepreneurship major.
Holford is a supply chain management major with a 3.62 GPA. He played in 11 games on defense, registering 16 tackles (7 solo, 9 assisted). He had a season-high three stops against rival Western Michigan, Oct. 21.
A fellow supply chain management major, Hoying currently carries a 3.64 GPA. The First Team All-MAC selection had a knack for taking the football away from the opposition in 2017, as the first-year starter led the country in fumble recoveries with four. He is ranked sixth in the FBS with four forced fumbles while also hauling in a pair of interceptions for EMU. Hoying finished 13th in the MAC with 78 tackles (44 solo, 34 assisted) to go along with four stops for a loss. He returned a pick-six in the season opener against UNC Charlotte, Sept 1, and followed it up with a 71-yard INT return against Rutgers, Sept. 9, to help the Eagles to their first-ever win over a "Power 5" opponent. In total, Hoying's 106 interception return yards rank seventh-most in an EMU single-season.
Leatiota has also been a stalwart on the EMU offensive line since his arriving on campus. A candidate for the Outland Trophy, he helped anchor at right guard an overhauled offensive line that ranked second in the MAC and 28th nationally in the fewest sacks given up in 2017. EMU's offense ranked third in the MAC in passing offense at 257.3 yards per game through the air. The line also gelled down the stretch for the rushing attack, as EMU racked up 815 yards on the ground and four 100-yard rushers during the final four games. The JUCO product currently has a 3.22 GPA as a communication major.
Maclean, another criminology major, possesses a 3.55 cumulative GPA on his way to the team's Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete award. He played in all 12 games, earning a start on Senior Day, for a defensive unit that ranked in the top-50 in 10 different statistical categories. He registered 43 tackles (21 solo, 22 assisted) including a season-high seven stops against Toledo, Oct. 7, and then again versus Ball State, Nov. 2. Maclean also had at least 0.5 TFLs in eight of the 12 contests.
Marshall, a walk-on to the EMU program, earned time in seven games this season, primarily on special teams. The second-year man out of Toledo did not record any stats. Marshall currently holds a 3.87 grade point average as a biology major.
Nielsen, a sport management major with a 3.59 GPA, started all 12 games this season at right tackle as part of the offensive line that ranked tops in the country in fewest sacks given, and also ranked high in the conference in passing yardage.
Niupalau played in 11 games, earning nine starts. He caught 27 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns. This included a career-best five catches for 91 yards and a TD in a victory over Ball State, Nov. 2. For his two-year career, Niupalau played in 24 games, totaling 55 catches for 727 yards and eight scores. He holds a 3.37 GPA as a communication major.
Phelps, a fellow communication major with a 3.29 GPA, played in all 12 contests, earning one start. The second-year player tallied 18 tackles (10 solo, 8 assisted) on the season. He finished with six tackles against Western Michigan, Oct. 21, to along with three stops versus Ohio, Sept. 23, and Miami, Nov. 15. The Georgia native added a pair of pass breakups as well.
Samuelson battled through much adversity to see the field in 10 games in his final collegiate season, including earning his first career game on Senior Day against Bowling Green, Nov. 21. The veteran spent a majority of his time on the field on special teams. Samuelson currently boasts a 3.41 grade point average as a communication major.
Spearman, who has a 3.70 GPA as a communication master's student, started 11 games this season at middle linebacker position. The sixth-year recorded at least three tackles in all but two games, including turning in a nine stop performance against Army West Point, Oct. 14, while adding eight tackles at Kentucky, Sept. 30. Spearman also finished with 4.5 tackles-for-loss, including posting three of them against MAC opponents, as well as adding a strip sack against Northern Illinois, Oct. 26.
Turner, one of EMU's four running backs, played in nine games, totaling 31 carries for 118 yards and a TD. He carried the ball a season-best nine times for 39 yards and a score on Homecoming versus Western Michigan, Oct. 21. Turner also helped EMU register its first win over a 'Power 5' opponent with a 16-13 defeat of Rutgers, Sept. 9, running the ball seven times for 33 yards. Turner carries a 3.54 GPA as a sport management major.
2017 Academic All-MAC (144)
Akron (6):
Warren Ball, Senior, 3.556 GPA, Sport Administration (Columbus, Ohio)
+Nathan Bischof, Junior, 3.319 GPA, Sport Management (Akron, Ohio)
Kyle Foster, Junior, 3.214 GPA, Sport Management (Parkersburg, W.V.)
+John Lako, Sophomore, 3.438 GPA, Business Management (Monroe, Mich.)
+Xavier Quigley, Senior, 3.252 GPA, Sport Studies/Coaching (Ankeny, Iowa)
^Anthony Young, Senior, 3.540 GPA, Intervention/Sp. Ed. (Medina, Ohio)
Ball State (12):
Chris Beech, R-Freshman, 3.641 GPA, Business Administration (Miamisburg, Ohio)
Mitch Larsen, Sophomore, 3.222 GPA, Pre-Dental Preparation (Fairfield, Ohio)
Riley Miller, Sophomore, 3.590 GPA, Exercise Science (Yorktown, Ind.)
+^#Vinnie Palazeti, Senior, 3.630 GPA, Professional Selling (Owosso, Mich.)
+Danny Pinter, Sophomore, 3.666 GPA, Business Administration (South Bend, Ind.)
Andrew Poenitsch, Sophomore, 3.449 GPA, Industry and Technology (Waukesha, Wisc.)
+Zac Ricketts, Sophomore, 3.492 GPA, Industry and Technology (Bremen, Ind.)
+Kyle Schrank, Sophomore, 3.753 GPA, Finance (Fishers, Ind.)
+Fred Schroeder, Junior, 3.234 GPA, Biology (Yuma, Ariz.)
Kaleb Slaven, R-Freshman, 3.488 GPA, Finance (Muncie, Ind.)
+Marc Walton, Junior, 3.333 GPA, Marketing (Mentor, Ohio)
Grant Williamson, Sophomore, 3.263 GPA, Accounting (Rolling Prairie, Ind.)
Bowling Green (10):
Caleb Bright, R-Freshman, 3.555 GPA, Criminal Justice (Urbandale, Iowa)
+Clark Clancy, Senior, 4.00 GPA, Master's in Business Administration (Troy, Mich.)
+^#Joseph Davidson, Senior, 3.957 GPA, Finance/Mathematics (Findlay, Ohio)
+^#Ryan Hunter,Senior, 3.831 GPA (Graduate GPA 3.0), Criminal Justice (North Bay, Ontario)
Cam Jefferies, Sophomore, 3.380 GPA, Supply Chain Management (Painesville, Ohio)
+^#Nate Locke, Senior, 4.000 GPA, Psychology (Canton, Ohio)
Grant Loy, R-Freshman, 3.303 GPA, Pre-Construction Management (New Washington, Ohio)
+James Morgan, Sophomore, 3.871 GPA, Individualized Planned Program (Green Bay, Wisc.)
+^Trevor Roop, Senior, 3.838 GPA, Public Health (Convoy, Ohio)
Gabe Skrobot, R-Freshman, 4.00 GPA, Biology (Zanesville, Ohio)
Buffalo (11):
Drew Anderson, Junior, 3.23 GPA, Business Administration (Orinda, Calif.)
Kyle DeWeen, Senior, 3.64 GPA, Business Administration (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
Chris Doubek, Junior, 3.26 GPA, Media Study (Randolph, N.Y.)
Tomas Jack-Kurdyla, Sophomore, 3.58 GPA, Sociology (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
Tyree Jackson, Sophomore, 3.34 GPA, Social Science Interdisciplinary (Norton Shores, Mich.)
Zach Lefebvre, R-Freshman, 3.27 GPA, Undecided (Victor, N.Y.)
Jake Molinich, R-Freshman, 3.22 GPA, Business Administration (Pittsford, N.Y.)
K.J. Osborn, Sophomore, 3.34 GPA, Biology (Ypsilanti, Mich.)
Matt Otwinowski, Sophomore, 3.76 GPA, Business Administration (LaPorte, Ind.)
Tim Roberts, Senior, 3.68 GPA, Social Science Interdisciplinary (Hahnville, La.)
Chris Spell, Senior, 3.43 GPA, Sociology (Cortland Manor, N.Y.)
Central Michigan (13):
+^#Mark Chapman, Senior, 3.37 GPA, Communications (Port Huron, Mich.)
Zach Crouch, Senior, 3.21 GPA, Entrepreneurship (Lowell, Mich.)
+^Austin Doan, Senior, 3.64 GPA, Psychology (Romeo, Mich.)
Derek Edwards, Senior, 3.34 GPA, Marketing (Novi, Mich.)
+Luke Idoni, Junior, 3.74 GPA, Biology/Biomedical Sciences (Fenton, Mich.)
Kaden Keon, Sophomore, 3.55 GPA, Undecided (St. Louis, Mich.)
Oakley Lavallii, R-Freshman, 3.36 GPA, Undecided (Boca Raton, Fla.)
Zach Oakley, Junior, 3.20 GPA, Marketing (Osceola, Ind.)
+Joe Ostman, Senior, 3.68 GPA, General Management (St. Ignace, Mich.)
+^#Jeff Perry, Senior, 3.51 GPA, Mechanical Engineering (Morris, Ill.)
Derek Smith, R-Freshman, 3.35 GPA, Undecided (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
^Mitch Stanitzek, Junior, 3.77 GPA, Marketing (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
Clayton Walderzak, Junior, 3.20 GPA, Construction Management (Standish, Mich.)
Eastern Michigan (18):
Sergio Bailey II, Senior, 3.34 GPA, Communication (San Diego, Calif.)
+^Blake Banham, Junior, 3.64 GPA, Criminology and Criminal Justice (St. Paul, Minn.)
+^Jason Beck, Senior, 3.28 GPA, Sport Management (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Jake Donnellon, R-Freshman, 3.48 GPA, Exercise Science-Intent (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
+Paulie Fricano, Sophomore, 3.47 GPA, Exercise Science-Intent (Rochester, N.Y.)
+Juan Giraldo, Senior, 3.42 GPA, Criminology and Criminal Justice (Gilbert, Ariz.)
+Jeremiah Harris, Junior, 3.40 GPA, Sport Performance & Fitness Entrepreneurship (Lambertville, Mich.)
+Clay Holford, Sophomore, 3.62 GPA, Supply Chain Management (Carrollton, Texas)
+Brody Hoying, Sophomore, 3.64 GPA, Supply Chain Management (Coldwater, Ohio)
Jimmy Leatiota, Junior, 3.22 GPA, Communication (San Jose, Calif.)
+Luke Maclean,Senior, 3.55 GPA, Criminology and Criminal Justice (Grand Blanc, Mich.)
Keyan Marshall, R-Freshman, 3.87 GPA, Biology (Toledo, Ohio)
Steve Nielsen, Sophomore, 3.59 GPA, Sport Management (Dragoer, Denmark)
Johnnie Niupalau, Senior, 3.37 GPA, Communication (San Mateo, Calif.)
Jalen Phelps, Sophomore, 3.29 GPA, Communication (Marietta, Ga.)
Dan Samuelson, Senior, 3.41 GPA, Communication (Plymouth, Ind.)
+Ike Spearman, Senior, 3.70 GPA, Communication (Saint John, Ind.)
+Breck Turner, Sophomore, 3.54 GPA, Sport Management (Norwalk, Ohio)
Kent State (13):
Derek Adams, Sophomore, 3.97 GPA, Entrepreneurship (Manheim, Pa.)
+^James Alexander, Senior, 3.37 GPA (3.68 GPA Grad School), Criminal Justice (Miami, Fla.)
+^George Bollas, Junior, 3.66 GPA, Chemistry (Aurora, Ohio)
John Henry Bronczek, Junior, 3.50 GPA, Business Management (Massillon, Ohio)
+^Marcus Elliott, Senior, 3.34 GPA, Visual Communication Design (Toledo, Ohio)
Trey Harrell, Sophomore, 3.28 GPA, General Business (Metaire, La.)
^Shane Hynes,Senior, 3.26 GPA, Sport Administration (Clarkston, Mich.)
Joey Palumbo, Sophomore, 3.43 GPA, Sport Administration (Hudson, Ohio)
Jamal Parker, Sophomore, 3.25 GPA, Sport Administration (Pennsauken, N.J.)
Kavious Price, Sophomore, 3.26 GPA, Communications (Bradenton, Fla.)
Nathan Puthoff, Senior, 3.25 GPA, Computer Information Systems (Columbus, Ohio)
^Matthew Sommers, Senior, 3.28 GPA, Exercise Science (Kent, Ohio)
+Chase Van Hoef, Sophomore, 3.40 GPA, Managerial Marketing (Grand Haven, Mich.)
Miami (8):
Kobe Burse, Sophomore, 3.31 GPA, Sports Leadership and Management (Muskegon Heights, Mich.)
Sam Connolly, Junior, 3.25 GPA, Kinesiology (Chicago, Ill.)
+Evan Crabtree, Junior, 3.81 GPA, Sports Leadership and Management (Dublin, Ohio)
+Brad Earnest, Junior, 3.66 GPA, Biology (Atlanta, Ga.)
+^#Randy Heideman, Senior, 3.38 GPA, Accounting (Bloomington, Ill.)
+Ryan Mullen, Junior, 3.35 GPA, Kinesiology (Lake Villa, Ill.)
+Mitch Palmer, Junior, 3.33 GPA, Biology (St. Louis, Mo.)
Zach Swarts, Junior, 3.51 GPA, Public Administration (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
Northern Illinois (12):
Jackson Abresch, Senior, 4.00 GPA, Master's in Business Administration (Hartland, Wisc.)
Mitchell Brinkman, Sophomore, 3.71 GPA, Business Administration (Council Bluffs, Iowa)
+Trayshon Foster, Sophomore, 3.24 GPA, Communications/Media Studies (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
+^Christian Hagan, Senior, 3.49 GPA, Entrepreneurship & Social Responsibility (Omaha, Neb.)
Tre Harbison, R-Freshman, 3.22 GPA, Journalism/Communication Studies (Shelby, N.C.)
Ty Harmston, Junior, 3.59 GPA, Human Anatomical Sciences (Stockton, Ill.)
Jimmy Russell, Senior, 3.77 GPA, Physical Education (DeKalb, Ill.)
Hayden Sak, Junior, 3.42 GPA, Marketing (Aurora, Ill.)
+^Max Scharping, Junior, 3.66 GPA, Master's in Exercise Physiology/Fitness Leadership (Green Bay, Wisc.)
+^Luke Shively, Junior, 3.38 GPA, Chemistry & Biochemistry/Biological Sciences (Tipton, Ind.)
+Jordan Steckler, Sophomore, 3.51 GPA, Marketing (Two Rivers, Wisc.)
Ohio (14):
+Kent Berger, Junior, 3.762 GPA, Marketing/Finance (Mentor, Ohio)
+^#Dorian Brown, Senior, 3.481 GPA, Specialized Studies (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
+Austin Clark,Sophomore, 3.370 GPA, Finance (Tipp City, Ohio)
Dylan Connor,R-Freshman, 3.975 GPA, Biology/Pre-Professional (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
Austin Conrad,R-Freshman, 3.579 GPA, Management Information Systems (Grafton, Ohio)
Jared Dorsa, R-Freshman, 3.241 GPA, Pre-Exercise Physiology (Kings Mills, Ohio)
+^#Cody Grilliot, Senior, 3.588 GPA, Marketing (Clayton, Ohio)
Kyle Kuhar, Sophomore, 3.539 GPA, Sports Management (Avon Lake, Ohio)
+Troy Mangen, Senior, 3.805 GPA, Management and Strategic Leadership/Marketing (Union, Ohio)
+Quinton Maxwell, Sophomore, 3.364 GPA, Pre-Business Law/Accounting (Rayville, Mo.)
Andrew Meyer, Junior, 3.807 GPA, Finance/Management Information Systems (Canal Winchester, Ohio)
+^#Quentin Poling, Senior, 3.499 GPA, Exercise Physiology (Gomer, Ohio)
Eric Popp, Sophomore, 3.269 GPA, Engineering Tech Management (Loveland, Ohio)
+Jake Pruehs, Senior, 3.376 GPA, Industrial and Systems Engineering (North Olmsted, Ohio)
Toledo (11):
Liam Allen, Senior, 3.485 GPA, Marketing (Toledo, Ohio)
Cameron Bell, Sophomore, 3.220 GPA, History (Sagamore Hills, Ohio)
Nate Childress, Sophomore, 3.276 GPA, Business (Rossford, Ohio)
Reggie Gilliam,Sophomore, 3.328 GPA, Interdisciplinary Studies (Columbus, Ohio)
Bryce Harris, Sophomore, 3.489 GPA, Psychology (Akron, Ohio)
+^Nate Jeppesen, Senior, 3.577 GPA (3.668 Graduate GPA), Interdisciplinary Studies (Graduate-Master of Recreation & Leisure Study (Portage, Mich.)
Brad Smith, Senior, 3.618 GPA, Exercise Science (Clyde, Ohio)
+^Brad Spelman, Senior, 3.7217 GPA (4.0 Graduate GPA), Accounting (Graduate-Master of Business Administration (Hilliard, Ohio)
+Tyler Taafe, Junior, 3.473 GPA, Finance (Hubbard, Ohio)
+Brant Weiss, Senior, 3.512 GPA (3.67 Graduate GPA), Management (Graduate-Master of Business Administration) (Sunbury, Ohio)
+Logan Woodside, Senior, 3.42 GPA (3.134 Graduate GPA), Marketing (Graduate-Recreation Management) (Frankfort, Ky.)
Western Michigan (16):
+^Lucas Bezerra, Western Michigan, Senior, 3.73 GPA, Biomedical Sciences (Troy, Mich.)
Mark Brooks, R-Freshman, 3.66 GPA, Pre-Integrated Supply Management (Portland, Mich.)
Mike Caliendo, R-Freshman, 3.85 GPA, Biomedical Sciences (Brookfield, Wis.)
Stefan Claiborne, Sophomore, 3.64 GPA, Pre-Business (Clinton Township, Mich.)
Jaret Curtis, R-Freshman, 4.00 GPA, Political Science (Green Bay, Wis.)
Ra'Sean Davie, R-Freshman, 3.23 GPA, Pre-Entrepreneurship (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Mitch Heimbuch, R-Freshman, 3.29 GPA, Pre-Business (Romeo, Mich.)
+Luke Juriga, Sophomore, 3.48 GPA, Pre-Manufacturing Engineering Tech. (Aurora, Ill.)
Spencer Kanz, R-Freshman, 3.89 GPA, Pre-Finance (Luxemburg, Wis.)
+John Keenoy, Junior, 3.77 GPA, Finance (Kentwood, Mich.)
Nick Matich, Junior, 3.21 GPA, Sales & Business Marketing (Clarkson, Mich.)
+Odell Miller, Junior, 3.58 GPA, Exercise Science (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
+^Derrick Mitchell, Junior, 3.41 GPA, Finance (Paw Paw, Mich.)
+^Zach Novoselsky, Junior, 3.62 GPA, Management (Lincolnshire, Ill.)
+Giovanni Ricci, Sophomore, 3.42 GPA, Pre-Business (Loveland, Ohio)
Jon Wassink, Sophomore, 4.00 GPA, Accountancy (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
+2016 Academic All-MAC selection
^2015 Academic All-MAC selection
#2014 Academic All-MAC selection
*2013 Academic All-MAC selection
The 18 are the most of any team in the MAC for the second consecutive season. Eastern now has 36 honorees over the last two seasons, four more than the next closest team in the league.
Making the team were senior Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian (Grossmont College)), junior Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Derham Hall), senior Jason Beck (Indianapolis, Ind.-Arsenal Technical), freshman Jake Donnellon (Ann Arbor, Mich.-Gabrial Richard), sophomore Paulie Fricano (Rochester, N.Y.-Churchville-Chili), senior Juan Giraldo (Gilbert, Ariz.-Mesquite (Mesa C.C.)), junior Jeremiah Harris (Lambertville, Mich.-Bedford Senior), sophomore Clay Holford (Carrolton, Texas-Hebron), sophomore Brody Hoying (Coldwater, Ohio-Coldwater), junior Jimmy Leatiota (San Jose, Calif.-Wilcox (College of San Mateo)), senior Luke Maclean (Grand Blanc, Mich.-Grand Blanc (Pittsburgh)), freshman Keyan Marshall (Toledo, Ohio-Sylvania Southview), sophomore Steve Nielsen (Dragoer, Denmark-La Lumiere (Ind.) School)), senior Johnnie Niupalau (San Mateo, Calif.-San Mateo (College of San Mateo)), sophomore Jalen Phelps (Marietta, Ga.-Hillgrove), senior Dan Samuelson (Plymouth, Ind.-Plymouth (Michigan)), senior Ike Spearman (Saint John, Ind.-Lake Central), and sophomore Breck Turner (Norwalk, Ohio-Norwalk).
"We are super proud of the group for this awesome achievement," Head Coach Chris Creighton said when learning of the award.
Banham and Beck were named to the team for the third time in their careers, while Fricano, Giraldo, Harris, Holford, Hoying, Maclean, Spearman, and Turner garnered the accolade for the second time. In total, 144 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 Grade Point Average 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.
Bailey was EMU's top receiving threat in 2017, posting 54 catches for 878 yards and nine scores. The nine TDs were the third-most in an EMU single-season while the 54 grabs ranked eighth-best. Nationally, Bailey ranked 20th in receiving touchdowns, 42nd in receiving yards, and 79th in receptions per game. In 25 career games, the JUCO product caught at least one pass in every game to finish with 114 receptions for 1,746 yards and 16 touchdowns. Those numbers rank ninth, sixth, and third on the all-time EMU list, respectively. The first team All-MAC selection holds a 3.34 grade point average in communication.
Banham, a criminology major with a 3.64 GPA, was used as the team's primary punt returner and backup running back. He played in eight games, earning a start at Central Michigan, Nov. 8. The Minnesota native had 97 yards rushing and 94 yards receiving, while averaging 4.1 yards per punt return. He carried the ball a season-best 10 times vs. Ball State, Nov. 2, for 46 yards, while also returning two kicks for 38 yards. His numbers were limited after missing a month of action (Sept. 24-Oct. 25) due to injury.
Beck, an All-MAC Third Team selection and Campbell Award semifinalist, led the Eagles in tackles in 2017 with 83 stops (40 solo, 43 assisted). Overall, he ranked 19th in the MAC in tackles per game (6.7) while posting eight games with seven-or-more stops. An iron man for EMU, Beck tied the program record for games played (49) and games started (47). The team captain racked up the seventh-most tackles in EMU history with 353 stops, including 179 solo tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. Beck holds a 3.28 GPA as a sport management major.
Donnellon, an exercise science major with a 3.48 GPA, was a rock on the EMU offensive line, playing in all 12 games and earning three starts. He was a part of a pass-heavy offense, helping anchor an overhauled offensive line that ranked third in the MAC and 28th nationally in the fewest sacks given up in 2017. EMU's offense ranked third in the MAC in passing offense at 257.3 yards per game through the air. The line also gelled down the stretch for the rushing attack, as EMU racked up 815 yards on the ground and four 100-yard rushers during the final four games.
Fricano was EMU's leading scorer with 79 points. He ranked 88th nationally in total points scored, making 15-of-21 field goal attempts while connecting on 34-of-36 PATs. He hit on a career-long 46-yarder at Toledo, Oct. 7, while he also tied the EMU school record with eight PATs in the win over Ball State, Nov. 2. Fricano was instrumental in the 27-24 win over Miami, Nov. 15, hitting both of his field goals, from 36 and 34 yards, as well as all three of his extra points to help his team to the three-point win. For his efforts, he was named the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week, Nov. 20. Fricano currently holds a 3.47 GPA in exercise science.
Giraldo, a criminology major with a 3.42 GPA, played in 11 games, earning two starts. He recorded 36 tackles (26 solo, 10 assist), finishing with a season-best seven stops at Miami, Nov. 15, to go along with six tackles against Ohio, Sept. 23. The senior notched an interception on Senior Day against Bowling Green, Nov. 21 to help the Eagles escape with a three-point win. He also has a trio of breakups in the secondary.
Harris started in each of the 11 games he played in. He finished ranked sixth in the MAC and 59th in the FBS with 6.0 sacks, while also totaling 45 tackles (25 solo, 20 assisted). The junior also ranked eighth in the league with 12.5 stops for a loss of 61 yards. He had the game-sealing sack on the final play of the game against Rutgers, Sept. 9, to clinch the first victory over a 'Power 5' program in school history. With the combined 17 sacks between himself and teammate Maxx Crosby (11), they are behind only two other pairs for the most amount of sacks between two players in the country behind players from TCU (19) and Northern Illinois (18). The second-team All-MAC selection currently has a 3.40 GPA as a sport performance & fitness entrepreneurship major.
Holford is a supply chain management major with a 3.62 GPA. He played in 11 games on defense, registering 16 tackles (7 solo, 9 assisted). He had a season-high three stops against rival Western Michigan, Oct. 21.
A fellow supply chain management major, Hoying currently carries a 3.64 GPA. The First Team All-MAC selection had a knack for taking the football away from the opposition in 2017, as the first-year starter led the country in fumble recoveries with four. He is ranked sixth in the FBS with four forced fumbles while also hauling in a pair of interceptions for EMU. Hoying finished 13th in the MAC with 78 tackles (44 solo, 34 assisted) to go along with four stops for a loss. He returned a pick-six in the season opener against UNC Charlotte, Sept 1, and followed it up with a 71-yard INT return against Rutgers, Sept. 9, to help the Eagles to their first-ever win over a "Power 5" opponent. In total, Hoying's 106 interception return yards rank seventh-most in an EMU single-season.
Leatiota has also been a stalwart on the EMU offensive line since his arriving on campus. A candidate for the Outland Trophy, he helped anchor at right guard an overhauled offensive line that ranked second in the MAC and 28th nationally in the fewest sacks given up in 2017. EMU's offense ranked third in the MAC in passing offense at 257.3 yards per game through the air. The line also gelled down the stretch for the rushing attack, as EMU racked up 815 yards on the ground and four 100-yard rushers during the final four games. The JUCO product currently has a 3.22 GPA as a communication major.
Maclean, another criminology major, possesses a 3.55 cumulative GPA on his way to the team's Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete award. He played in all 12 games, earning a start on Senior Day, for a defensive unit that ranked in the top-50 in 10 different statistical categories. He registered 43 tackles (21 solo, 22 assisted) including a season-high seven stops against Toledo, Oct. 7, and then again versus Ball State, Nov. 2. Maclean also had at least 0.5 TFLs in eight of the 12 contests.
Marshall, a walk-on to the EMU program, earned time in seven games this season, primarily on special teams. The second-year man out of Toledo did not record any stats. Marshall currently holds a 3.87 grade point average as a biology major.
Nielsen, a sport management major with a 3.59 GPA, started all 12 games this season at right tackle as part of the offensive line that ranked tops in the country in fewest sacks given, and also ranked high in the conference in passing yardage.
Niupalau played in 11 games, earning nine starts. He caught 27 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns. This included a career-best five catches for 91 yards and a TD in a victory over Ball State, Nov. 2. For his two-year career, Niupalau played in 24 games, totaling 55 catches for 727 yards and eight scores. He holds a 3.37 GPA as a communication major.
Phelps, a fellow communication major with a 3.29 GPA, played in all 12 contests, earning one start. The second-year player tallied 18 tackles (10 solo, 8 assisted) on the season. He finished with six tackles against Western Michigan, Oct. 21, to along with three stops versus Ohio, Sept. 23, and Miami, Nov. 15. The Georgia native added a pair of pass breakups as well.
Samuelson battled through much adversity to see the field in 10 games in his final collegiate season, including earning his first career game on Senior Day against Bowling Green, Nov. 21. The veteran spent a majority of his time on the field on special teams. Samuelson currently boasts a 3.41 grade point average as a communication major.
Spearman, who has a 3.70 GPA as a communication master's student, started 11 games this season at middle linebacker position. The sixth-year recorded at least three tackles in all but two games, including turning in a nine stop performance against Army West Point, Oct. 14, while adding eight tackles at Kentucky, Sept. 30. Spearman also finished with 4.5 tackles-for-loss, including posting three of them against MAC opponents, as well as adding a strip sack against Northern Illinois, Oct. 26.
Turner, one of EMU's four running backs, played in nine games, totaling 31 carries for 118 yards and a TD. He carried the ball a season-best nine times for 39 yards and a score on Homecoming versus Western Michigan, Oct. 21. Turner also helped EMU register its first win over a 'Power 5' opponent with a 16-13 defeat of Rutgers, Sept. 9, running the ball seven times for 33 yards. Turner carries a 3.54 GPA as a sport management major.
2017 Academic All-MAC (144)
Akron (6):
Warren Ball, Senior, 3.556 GPA, Sport Administration (Columbus, Ohio)
+Nathan Bischof, Junior, 3.319 GPA, Sport Management (Akron, Ohio)
Kyle Foster, Junior, 3.214 GPA, Sport Management (Parkersburg, W.V.)
+John Lako, Sophomore, 3.438 GPA, Business Management (Monroe, Mich.)
+Xavier Quigley, Senior, 3.252 GPA, Sport Studies/Coaching (Ankeny, Iowa)
^Anthony Young, Senior, 3.540 GPA, Intervention/Sp. Ed. (Medina, Ohio)
Ball State (12):
Chris Beech, R-Freshman, 3.641 GPA, Business Administration (Miamisburg, Ohio)
Mitch Larsen, Sophomore, 3.222 GPA, Pre-Dental Preparation (Fairfield, Ohio)
Riley Miller, Sophomore, 3.590 GPA, Exercise Science (Yorktown, Ind.)
+^#Vinnie Palazeti, Senior, 3.630 GPA, Professional Selling (Owosso, Mich.)
+Danny Pinter, Sophomore, 3.666 GPA, Business Administration (South Bend, Ind.)
Andrew Poenitsch, Sophomore, 3.449 GPA, Industry and Technology (Waukesha, Wisc.)
+Zac Ricketts, Sophomore, 3.492 GPA, Industry and Technology (Bremen, Ind.)
+Kyle Schrank, Sophomore, 3.753 GPA, Finance (Fishers, Ind.)
+Fred Schroeder, Junior, 3.234 GPA, Biology (Yuma, Ariz.)
Kaleb Slaven, R-Freshman, 3.488 GPA, Finance (Muncie, Ind.)
+Marc Walton, Junior, 3.333 GPA, Marketing (Mentor, Ohio)
Grant Williamson, Sophomore, 3.263 GPA, Accounting (Rolling Prairie, Ind.)
Bowling Green (10):
Caleb Bright, R-Freshman, 3.555 GPA, Criminal Justice (Urbandale, Iowa)
+Clark Clancy, Senior, 4.00 GPA, Master's in Business Administration (Troy, Mich.)
+^#Joseph Davidson, Senior, 3.957 GPA, Finance/Mathematics (Findlay, Ohio)
+^#Ryan Hunter,Senior, 3.831 GPA (Graduate GPA 3.0), Criminal Justice (North Bay, Ontario)
Cam Jefferies, Sophomore, 3.380 GPA, Supply Chain Management (Painesville, Ohio)
+^#Nate Locke, Senior, 4.000 GPA, Psychology (Canton, Ohio)
Grant Loy, R-Freshman, 3.303 GPA, Pre-Construction Management (New Washington, Ohio)
+James Morgan, Sophomore, 3.871 GPA, Individualized Planned Program (Green Bay, Wisc.)
+^Trevor Roop, Senior, 3.838 GPA, Public Health (Convoy, Ohio)
Gabe Skrobot, R-Freshman, 4.00 GPA, Biology (Zanesville, Ohio)
Buffalo (11):
Drew Anderson, Junior, 3.23 GPA, Business Administration (Orinda, Calif.)
Kyle DeWeen, Senior, 3.64 GPA, Business Administration (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)
Chris Doubek, Junior, 3.26 GPA, Media Study (Randolph, N.Y.)
Tomas Jack-Kurdyla, Sophomore, 3.58 GPA, Sociology (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
Tyree Jackson, Sophomore, 3.34 GPA, Social Science Interdisciplinary (Norton Shores, Mich.)
Zach Lefebvre, R-Freshman, 3.27 GPA, Undecided (Victor, N.Y.)
Jake Molinich, R-Freshman, 3.22 GPA, Business Administration (Pittsford, N.Y.)
K.J. Osborn, Sophomore, 3.34 GPA, Biology (Ypsilanti, Mich.)
Matt Otwinowski, Sophomore, 3.76 GPA, Business Administration (LaPorte, Ind.)
Tim Roberts, Senior, 3.68 GPA, Social Science Interdisciplinary (Hahnville, La.)
Chris Spell, Senior, 3.43 GPA, Sociology (Cortland Manor, N.Y.)
Central Michigan (13):
+^#Mark Chapman, Senior, 3.37 GPA, Communications (Port Huron, Mich.)
Zach Crouch, Senior, 3.21 GPA, Entrepreneurship (Lowell, Mich.)
+^Austin Doan, Senior, 3.64 GPA, Psychology (Romeo, Mich.)
Derek Edwards, Senior, 3.34 GPA, Marketing (Novi, Mich.)
+Luke Idoni, Junior, 3.74 GPA, Biology/Biomedical Sciences (Fenton, Mich.)
Kaden Keon, Sophomore, 3.55 GPA, Undecided (St. Louis, Mich.)
Oakley Lavallii, R-Freshman, 3.36 GPA, Undecided (Boca Raton, Fla.)
Zach Oakley, Junior, 3.20 GPA, Marketing (Osceola, Ind.)
+Joe Ostman, Senior, 3.68 GPA, General Management (St. Ignace, Mich.)
+^#Jeff Perry, Senior, 3.51 GPA, Mechanical Engineering (Morris, Ill.)
Derek Smith, R-Freshman, 3.35 GPA, Undecided (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
^Mitch Stanitzek, Junior, 3.77 GPA, Marketing (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
Clayton Walderzak, Junior, 3.20 GPA, Construction Management (Standish, Mich.)
Eastern Michigan (18):
Sergio Bailey II, Senior, 3.34 GPA, Communication (San Diego, Calif.)
+^Blake Banham, Junior, 3.64 GPA, Criminology and Criminal Justice (St. Paul, Minn.)
+^Jason Beck, Senior, 3.28 GPA, Sport Management (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Jake Donnellon, R-Freshman, 3.48 GPA, Exercise Science-Intent (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
+Paulie Fricano, Sophomore, 3.47 GPA, Exercise Science-Intent (Rochester, N.Y.)
+Juan Giraldo, Senior, 3.42 GPA, Criminology and Criminal Justice (Gilbert, Ariz.)
+Jeremiah Harris, Junior, 3.40 GPA, Sport Performance & Fitness Entrepreneurship (Lambertville, Mich.)
+Clay Holford, Sophomore, 3.62 GPA, Supply Chain Management (Carrollton, Texas)
+Brody Hoying, Sophomore, 3.64 GPA, Supply Chain Management (Coldwater, Ohio)
Jimmy Leatiota, Junior, 3.22 GPA, Communication (San Jose, Calif.)
+Luke Maclean,Senior, 3.55 GPA, Criminology and Criminal Justice (Grand Blanc, Mich.)
Keyan Marshall, R-Freshman, 3.87 GPA, Biology (Toledo, Ohio)
Steve Nielsen, Sophomore, 3.59 GPA, Sport Management (Dragoer, Denmark)
Johnnie Niupalau, Senior, 3.37 GPA, Communication (San Mateo, Calif.)
Jalen Phelps, Sophomore, 3.29 GPA, Communication (Marietta, Ga.)
Dan Samuelson, Senior, 3.41 GPA, Communication (Plymouth, Ind.)
+Ike Spearman, Senior, 3.70 GPA, Communication (Saint John, Ind.)
+Breck Turner, Sophomore, 3.54 GPA, Sport Management (Norwalk, Ohio)
Kent State (13):
Derek Adams, Sophomore, 3.97 GPA, Entrepreneurship (Manheim, Pa.)
+^James Alexander, Senior, 3.37 GPA (3.68 GPA Grad School), Criminal Justice (Miami, Fla.)
+^George Bollas, Junior, 3.66 GPA, Chemistry (Aurora, Ohio)
John Henry Bronczek, Junior, 3.50 GPA, Business Management (Massillon, Ohio)
+^Marcus Elliott, Senior, 3.34 GPA, Visual Communication Design (Toledo, Ohio)
Trey Harrell, Sophomore, 3.28 GPA, General Business (Metaire, La.)
^Shane Hynes,Senior, 3.26 GPA, Sport Administration (Clarkston, Mich.)
Joey Palumbo, Sophomore, 3.43 GPA, Sport Administration (Hudson, Ohio)
Jamal Parker, Sophomore, 3.25 GPA, Sport Administration (Pennsauken, N.J.)
Kavious Price, Sophomore, 3.26 GPA, Communications (Bradenton, Fla.)
Nathan Puthoff, Senior, 3.25 GPA, Computer Information Systems (Columbus, Ohio)
^Matthew Sommers, Senior, 3.28 GPA, Exercise Science (Kent, Ohio)
+Chase Van Hoef, Sophomore, 3.40 GPA, Managerial Marketing (Grand Haven, Mich.)
Miami (8):
Kobe Burse, Sophomore, 3.31 GPA, Sports Leadership and Management (Muskegon Heights, Mich.)
Sam Connolly, Junior, 3.25 GPA, Kinesiology (Chicago, Ill.)
+Evan Crabtree, Junior, 3.81 GPA, Sports Leadership and Management (Dublin, Ohio)
+Brad Earnest, Junior, 3.66 GPA, Biology (Atlanta, Ga.)
+^#Randy Heideman, Senior, 3.38 GPA, Accounting (Bloomington, Ill.)
+Ryan Mullen, Junior, 3.35 GPA, Kinesiology (Lake Villa, Ill.)
+Mitch Palmer, Junior, 3.33 GPA, Biology (St. Louis, Mo.)
Zach Swarts, Junior, 3.51 GPA, Public Administration (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
Northern Illinois (12):
Jackson Abresch, Senior, 4.00 GPA, Master's in Business Administration (Hartland, Wisc.)
Mitchell Brinkman, Sophomore, 3.71 GPA, Business Administration (Council Bluffs, Iowa)
+Trayshon Foster, Sophomore, 3.24 GPA, Communications/Media Studies (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
+^Christian Hagan, Senior, 3.49 GPA, Entrepreneurship & Social Responsibility (Omaha, Neb.)
Tre Harbison, R-Freshman, 3.22 GPA, Journalism/Communication Studies (Shelby, N.C.)
Ty Harmston, Junior, 3.59 GPA, Human Anatomical Sciences (Stockton, Ill.)
Jimmy Russell, Senior, 3.77 GPA, Physical Education (DeKalb, Ill.)
Hayden Sak, Junior, 3.42 GPA, Marketing (Aurora, Ill.)
+^Max Scharping, Junior, 3.66 GPA, Master's in Exercise Physiology/Fitness Leadership (Green Bay, Wisc.)
+^Luke Shively, Junior, 3.38 GPA, Chemistry & Biochemistry/Biological Sciences (Tipton, Ind.)
+Jordan Steckler, Sophomore, 3.51 GPA, Marketing (Two Rivers, Wisc.)
Ohio (14):
+Kent Berger, Junior, 3.762 GPA, Marketing/Finance (Mentor, Ohio)
+^#Dorian Brown, Senior, 3.481 GPA, Specialized Studies (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
+Austin Clark,Sophomore, 3.370 GPA, Finance (Tipp City, Ohio)
Dylan Connor,R-Freshman, 3.975 GPA, Biology/Pre-Professional (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
Austin Conrad,R-Freshman, 3.579 GPA, Management Information Systems (Grafton, Ohio)
Jared Dorsa, R-Freshman, 3.241 GPA, Pre-Exercise Physiology (Kings Mills, Ohio)
+^#Cody Grilliot, Senior, 3.588 GPA, Marketing (Clayton, Ohio)
Kyle Kuhar, Sophomore, 3.539 GPA, Sports Management (Avon Lake, Ohio)
+Troy Mangen, Senior, 3.805 GPA, Management and Strategic Leadership/Marketing (Union, Ohio)
+Quinton Maxwell, Sophomore, 3.364 GPA, Pre-Business Law/Accounting (Rayville, Mo.)
Andrew Meyer, Junior, 3.807 GPA, Finance/Management Information Systems (Canal Winchester, Ohio)
+^#Quentin Poling, Senior, 3.499 GPA, Exercise Physiology (Gomer, Ohio)
Eric Popp, Sophomore, 3.269 GPA, Engineering Tech Management (Loveland, Ohio)
+Jake Pruehs, Senior, 3.376 GPA, Industrial and Systems Engineering (North Olmsted, Ohio)
Toledo (11):
Liam Allen, Senior, 3.485 GPA, Marketing (Toledo, Ohio)
Cameron Bell, Sophomore, 3.220 GPA, History (Sagamore Hills, Ohio)
Nate Childress, Sophomore, 3.276 GPA, Business (Rossford, Ohio)
Reggie Gilliam,Sophomore, 3.328 GPA, Interdisciplinary Studies (Columbus, Ohio)
Bryce Harris, Sophomore, 3.489 GPA, Psychology (Akron, Ohio)
+^Nate Jeppesen, Senior, 3.577 GPA (3.668 Graduate GPA), Interdisciplinary Studies (Graduate-Master of Recreation & Leisure Study (Portage, Mich.)
Brad Smith, Senior, 3.618 GPA, Exercise Science (Clyde, Ohio)
+^Brad Spelman, Senior, 3.7217 GPA (4.0 Graduate GPA), Accounting (Graduate-Master of Business Administration (Hilliard, Ohio)
+Tyler Taafe, Junior, 3.473 GPA, Finance (Hubbard, Ohio)
+Brant Weiss, Senior, 3.512 GPA (3.67 Graduate GPA), Management (Graduate-Master of Business Administration) (Sunbury, Ohio)
+Logan Woodside, Senior, 3.42 GPA (3.134 Graduate GPA), Marketing (Graduate-Recreation Management) (Frankfort, Ky.)
Western Michigan (16):
+^Lucas Bezerra, Western Michigan, Senior, 3.73 GPA, Biomedical Sciences (Troy, Mich.)
Mark Brooks, R-Freshman, 3.66 GPA, Pre-Integrated Supply Management (Portland, Mich.)
Mike Caliendo, R-Freshman, 3.85 GPA, Biomedical Sciences (Brookfield, Wis.)
Stefan Claiborne, Sophomore, 3.64 GPA, Pre-Business (Clinton Township, Mich.)
Jaret Curtis, R-Freshman, 4.00 GPA, Political Science (Green Bay, Wis.)
Ra'Sean Davie, R-Freshman, 3.23 GPA, Pre-Entrepreneurship (Indianapolis, Ind.)
Mitch Heimbuch, R-Freshman, 3.29 GPA, Pre-Business (Romeo, Mich.)
+Luke Juriga, Sophomore, 3.48 GPA, Pre-Manufacturing Engineering Tech. (Aurora, Ill.)
Spencer Kanz, R-Freshman, 3.89 GPA, Pre-Finance (Luxemburg, Wis.)
+John Keenoy, Junior, 3.77 GPA, Finance (Kentwood, Mich.)
Nick Matich, Junior, 3.21 GPA, Sales & Business Marketing (Clarkson, Mich.)
+Odell Miller, Junior, 3.58 GPA, Exercise Science (Kalamazoo, Mich.)
+^Derrick Mitchell, Junior, 3.41 GPA, Finance (Paw Paw, Mich.)
+^Zach Novoselsky, Junior, 3.62 GPA, Management (Lincolnshire, Ill.)
+Giovanni Ricci, Sophomore, 3.42 GPA, Pre-Business (Loveland, Ohio)
Jon Wassink, Sophomore, 4.00 GPA, Accountancy (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
+2016 Academic All-MAC selection
^2015 Academic All-MAC selection
#2014 Academic All-MAC selection
*2013 Academic All-MAC selection
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/ FootballEagles Battle to Home Victory over Bowling Green, 27-21
Sunday, November 09
2025 Football Week 10 Hype vs. Bowling Green
Friday, November 07
EMU Football Pregame Press Conference: Week 10 vs. Bowling Green
Monday, November 03
Eastern Rally Falls Short Against Ohio
Saturday, October 25