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2022-23 Academic All-America® Teams and Honorees
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Levis, Matocha, Madigan and Cole Highlight 2022 Academic All-America® Football Teams
Four talented student-athletes headline 2022 football Academic All-America® teams
Football Release (NCAA & NAIA Divisions): PDF | doc
AUSTIN, Texas – Four talented student-athletes on the field and in the classroom – University of Kentucky quarterback
Will Levis, Colorado School of Mines quarterback
John Matocha, Ripon College running back
Cormac Madigan and Morningside University running back
Ryan Cole – highlight the 2022 Academic All-America® football teams selected by College Sports Communicators.
Levis (Division I), Matocha (Division II), Madigan (Division III) and Cole (NAIA) have been named the Academic All-America® Team Member of the Year award winner for their respective divisions.
NCAA Division I
Will Levis led Kentucky to a 7-5 record and a bowl game – the TransPerfect Music City Bowl against Iowa Dec. 31 - this fall. He has completed 65.4 percent (185-of-283) of his passes for 2,406 yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 games. The native of Madison, Connecticut, has three 300-yard passing games this season and directed the Wildcats to wins over two nationally ranked opponents. He graduated magna cum laude from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business in May 2021 after just three years with a degree in finance and recently earned his master’s degree in finance from UK’s prestigious Gatton School of Business and Economics on Dec. 12.
Twenty-one of the 51 members of the Academic All-America® Division I football teams boast a perfect 4.0 grade-point average in their undergraduate work or graduate school. The 26 members on the first team have an average GPA of 3.88, with both teams holding a collective average GPA of 3.86.
Thirteen student-athletes are repeat selections on the Academic All-America® Division I football teams:
Paxton Brooks (University of Tennessee),
Anders Carlson (Auburn University),
Jake Chisholm (University of Dayton),
Patrick Fields (Stanford University),
Nick Figueroa (University of Southern California),
Dalton Godfrey (University of South Dakota),
Ryan Greenhagen (Fordham University),
Robby Hauck (University of Montana),
Juwuan Jones (Western Kentucky University),
Austin Stidham (Troy University),
Justin Szuba (Monmouth University),
Austin Williams (Mississippi State University) and
Reece Winkelman (South Dakota State University).
| FIRST TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Will Levis |
University of Kentucky |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Finance |
| RB |
Aidan Borguet |
Harvard University |
Sr. |
3.78 |
Government |
| RB |
Jake Chisholm (1, &, $) |
University of Dayton |
Sr. |
3.98 |
Pre-Medicine |
| WR |
Jake Bobo |
UCLA |
Gr. |
3.54/3.86 |
Economics (UG) / Transformative Coaching & Leadership (G) |
| WR |
Austin Williams (1, &) |
Mississippi State University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Business Admin. (UG) / MBA / Workforce Ed. Leadership (G) |
| TE |
Brock Bowers |
University of Georgia |
So. |
3.59 |
Finance |
| OL |
Connor Bishop |
United States Military Academy |
Sr. |
3.97 |
Business Management |
| OL |
Ahofitu Maka |
The University of Texas at San Antonio |
Gr. |
3.78 |
Cyber Security |
| OL |
Princeton Pines |
Tulane University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Health & Wellness |
| OL |
Walter Rouse |
Stanford University |
Sr. |
3.51 |
Biomechanical Engineering |
| OL |
Austin Stidham (2, *) |
Troy University |
Gr. |
3.92/4.00 |
Biology / Biomedical Sciences (UG) / Education (G) |
| K |
Anders Carlson (1, &) |
Auburn University |
Gr. |
3.92/4.00 |
Professional Flight Management |
| DL |
Nick Figueroa (2) |
University of Southern California |
Gr. |
3.76/3.63 |
Real Estate Development (UG) / Finance (G) |
| DL |
Oso Ifesinachukwu |
Yale University |
Sr. |
3.67 |
Biomedical Engineering |
| DL |
Truman Jones |
Harvard University |
Sr. |
3.61 |
Biomedical Engineering |
| DL |
Reece Winkelman (1) |
South Dakota State University |
Gr. |
3.87/3.92 |
Sociology (UG) / Business Economics (G) |
| LB |
Dillon Doyle |
Baylor University |
Gr. |
3.97/3.97 |
MBA |
| LB |
Ryan Greenhagen (2, *) |
Fordham University |
Gr. |
3.83/3.96 |
Business Administration (UG) / Business Analytics (G) |
| LB |
Spencer Jorgensen |
Stanford University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Symbolic Systems |
| LB |
Zeke Vandenburgh |
Illinois State University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Exercise Science (UG) / Sport Management (G) |
| DB |
Sean-Thomas Faulkner |
University of North Texas |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
MBA |
| DB |
Patrick Fields (*) |
Stanford University |
Gr. |
3.81/3.62 |
Economics (UG) / Mgmt. Science & Engineering (G) |
| DB |
Robby Hauck (2, &) |
University of Montana |
Gr. |
3.95/3.92 |
Business Admin. / Mgmt. Information Systems (UG) / MBA (G) |
| DB |
Kendall Williamson |
Stanford University |
Gr. |
3.81/4.00 |
Product Design (UG) / Sociology (G) |
| P |
Kyle Ostendorp |
University of Arizona |
Gr. |
4.00 |
Aerospace Engineering |
| ST |
Dalton Godfrey (2) |
University of South Dakota |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Business Administration |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SECOND TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Jalon Daniels |
University of Kansas |
Jr. |
3.51 |
Sport Management |
| QB |
Kurtis Rourke |
Ohio University |
Sr. |
3.76 |
Communication Studies |
| RB |
Peter Oliver |
College of the Holy Cross |
Sr. |
3.95 |
Chemistry / Spanish |
| RB |
Will Shipley |
Clemson University |
So. |
4.00 |
Management |
| WR |
Emeka Egbuka |
The Ohio State University |
So. |
3.57 |
Accounting |
| WR |
Sam Wiglusz |
Ohio University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Management |
| TE |
Jacob Garrett |
Southern Illinois University |
Gr. |
3.99/3.92 |
Business (UG) / MBA (G) |
| OL |
Earl Bostick Jr. |
University of Kansas |
Gr. |
3.88/3.88 |
Business Administration (UG) / MBA (G) |
| OL |
Kanan Ray |
Tulane University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Sport Studies |
| OL |
John Michael Schmitz |
University of Minnesota |
Gr. |
3.57/3.89 |
Sport Management (UG) / Education (G) |
| OL |
Justin Szuba (#) |
Monmouth University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
History Education (UG) / Public Communication |
| OL |
Zak Zinter |
University of Michigan |
Jr. |
3.55 |
Sport Management |
| K |
Casey Legg |
West Virginia University |
Gr. |
3.97/4.00 |
Accounting (UG) / MBA (G) |
| DL |
Sam Burt |
University of Kansas |
Gr. |
3.83/3.84 |
Environmental Studies (UG) / Environmental Assessment (G) |
| DL |
Segun Ijiyera |
Tarleton State University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Management |
| DL |
Juwuan Jones (2, *) |
Western Kentucky University |
Gr. |
3.75/4.00 |
Sport Mgmt. (UG) / Special Education / Athletic Admin. (G) |
| DL |
Ovie Oghoufo |
University of Texas |
Gr. |
3.58/4.00 |
Strategic Communication |
| LB |
Wilson Huber |
University of Cincinnati |
Gr. |
3.93/3.92 |
Finance (UG) / MBA (G) |
| LB |
Leo Lowin |
United States Military Academy |
Jr. |
3.91 |
Engineering Management |
| DB |
Eavan Gibbons |
U.S. Naval Academy |
Jr. |
3.53 |
Ocean Engineering |
| DB |
R.J. Hubert |
University of Utah |
Gr. |
3.61 |
Communications |
| DB |
Darius Joiner |
Duke University |
Gr. |
3.72/3.50 |
Biology (UG) / Management Studies (G) |
| DB |
Bryson Powers |
The University of Tulsa |
Gr. |
3.70/4.00 |
Mechanical Engineering (UG) / Business (G) |
| P |
Paxton Brooks (1) |
University of Tennessee |
Gr. |
3.91/3.87 |
Kinesiology (G) |
| ST |
Jay Bramblett |
LSU |
Gr. |
4.00 |
Leadership & Human Resource Development |
(1) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2021
(2) – Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2021
(&) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2020
(*) – Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2020
(#) – Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2019
($) – Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2019
NCAA Division II
The 2022 recipient of the Harlon Hill Trophy as Division II’s player of the year,
John Matocha was also named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time RMAC Offensive Academic Player of the Year. He led the Orediggers to a 13-3 record and a runner-up finish, while passing for 4,778 yards and a national-best 52 touchdowns this fall. The native of Magnolia, Texas, also rushed for 443 yards and five scores. Matocha accounted for 23 total touchdowns in five postseason games and led Division II in passing yards, passing touchdowns, passing efficiency (178.8) and points responsible for (342).
Eight members of the Academic All-America® Division II football teams boast a perfect 4.0 GPA in their undergraduate work or graduate school. The 26 members of the first team have an average GPA of 3.85, with the entire 50-man team holding a collective average GPA of 3.84.
Ten other student-athletes join Matocha as repeat selections on the Academic All-America® Division II football teams:
Noel Brouse (California (Pa.);
Andrew Cantrell (Tusculum University);
Cooper Carroll (Harding University);
Zach Howard (Northwest Missouri State University);
T.J. Liggett (Augustana University);
John Merica (Concord University);
Nathan Moore (Notre Dame College);
Gavin Posey (Ashland University);
Dagan Rienks (Colorado Mesa University); and
Eli Weber (Augustana University).
The Division II Academic All-America® program is being financially supported by the NCAA Division II national governance structure to assist College Sports Communicators with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2022-23 Division II Academic All-America® program.
| FIRST TEAM |
| Name |
|
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
John Matocha (1) |
Colorado School of Mines |
Sr. |
3.61 |
Computer Science |
| RB |
Jariq Scales |
Southern Arkansas University |
Sr. |
3.59 |
Sport Management / Coaching |
| RB |
Nolan Susel |
Black Hills State University |
Gr. |
3.82/3.67 |
Applied Mgmt. / Business Admin. / Criminal Justice |
| WR |
Jacob Bachman |
McKendree University |
Sr. |
3.86 |
Management |
| WR |
Mason Karp |
Colorado School of Mines |
Gr. |
3.95 |
Mechanical Engr. (UG) / Engr. & Tech. Mgmt. (G) |
| TE |
Dagan Rienks (2) |
Colorado Mesa University |
Sr. |
3.79 |
Exercise Science / Biology |
| OL |
Noel Brouse (1) |
California (PA) |
Gr. |
3.81/4.00 |
Sport Management |
| OL |
Arik Johnson |
University of Minnesota Duluth |
Sr. |
3.97 |
Criminology |
| OL |
Joel Linden |
Grand Valley State University |
Jr. |
3.96 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| OL |
Gavin Posey (2, *) |
Ashland University |
Gr. |
3.89/3.89 |
Accounting |
| OL |
Adam Stilley |
Shepherd University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Health Promotion / Exercise Science (UG) / MBA (G) |
| K |
Dayne Koontz |
Frostburg State |
Sr. |
3.71 |
Business Administration |
| K |
Austin Wilkerson |
Southern Arkansas University |
Gr. |
3.76 |
Business Administration |
| DL |
Aaron Barnett |
University of Indianapolis |
Sr. |
3.92 |
Sport Management |
| DL |
Loobert Denelus |
Benedict College |
Jr. |
3.92 |
Psychology |
| DL |
Raydarius Freeman |
Chowan University |
Gr. |
3.85 |
History |
| DL |
Rashad Yelding |
Lenoir-Rhyne University |
Gr. |
3.91/4.00 |
MBA |
| LB |
T.J. Liggett (2) |
Augustana University |
Gr. |
3.90/4.00 |
Computer Science |
| LB |
Nathan Moore (&) |
Notre Dame College |
Gr. |
3.96 |
Business Management |
| LB |
P.J. Sarwinski |
Pittsburg State University |
Gr. |
3.80/4.00 |
Mathematics (UG) / Educational Leadership (G) |
| DB |
Kijana Caldwell |
University of Findlay |
Gr. |
3.61/3.63 |
Business Administration (UG) / MBA (G) |
| DB |
Cooper Carroll (2) |
Harding University |
Sr. |
3.91 |
Accounting |
| DB |
Jaedon Pool |
Emporia State University |
Sr. |
3.78 |
Biology / Chemistry |
| DB |
Eli Weber (1, &) |
Augustana University |
Sr. |
3.70 |
Nursing |
| P |
Andrew Cantrell (2, *) |
Tusculum University |
Gr. |
3.70 |
Chemistry |
| ST |
Ben Limburg |
Augustana University |
Jr. |
3.99 |
Chemistry |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SECOND TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Noah Grover |
Slippery Rock University |
Gr. |
3.88 |
Industrial & Systems Engineering |
| RB |
Jaquan Buchanan |
University of Indianapolis |
Sr. |
3.75 |
Sport Management |
| RB |
Kendel Givens |
Ouachita Baptist University |
So. |
3.60 |
Communications & Sports Media |
| WR |
Connor Flannigan |
Ouachita Baptist University |
So. |
3.83 |
Finance & Business Administration |
| WR |
Jerome Kapp |
Kutztown University |
Gr. |
3.84 |
Sport Management (UG)/ MBA (G) |
| TE |
Mitchell Goodbary |
Augustana University |
Jr. |
3.98 |
Exercise Science |
| OL |
Darrell Davis |
Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
Gr. |
3.80 |
Sport Management |
| OL |
Ben Farrar |
University of Findlay |
Gr. |
3.89/3.92 |
Health Science (UG) / Physical Therapy (G) |
| OL |
Peyton Stafford |
Ouachita Baptist University |
Sr. |
3.59 |
Finance / Marketing / Entrepreneurship |
| OL |
Evan Taylor |
Pittsburg State University |
Jr. |
4.00 |
Mechanical Engineering Technology |
| DL |
Nick Cone |
Ashland University |
Gr. |
3.85 |
Business Management |
| DL |
Zach Howard (2, *) |
Northwest Missouri State University |
Sr. |
3.60 |
Physical Education |
| DL |
Colton Hyble |
Grand Valley State University |
Jr. |
4.00 |
International Business / Supply Chain Mgmt. |
| DL |
Olalere Oladipo |
Ferris State University |
Sr. |
3.74 |
Business Management |
| LB |
Josiah Behm |
Minnesota State University, Moorhead |
So. |
4.00 |
Accounting |
| LB |
Connor Kelly |
Indiana University of Pennsylvania |
Gr. |
3.83 |
Marketing |
| LB |
Alex Kowalczyk |
Wayne State College |
So. |
3.91 |
Accounting |
| DB |
Peyton Buckley |
Augustana University |
Jr. |
3.69 |
Physical Education |
| DB |
Ja'Ron Kilpatrick |
Benedict College |
Jr. |
3.84 |
Sport Management |
| DB |
John Merica (*) |
Concord University |
Gr. |
3.79 |
Business Management (UG) / MBA (G) |
| DB |
Steve Sweeney |
Millersville University |
Gr. |
3.82 |
Technology and Innovation |
| P |
Steve Dawson |
University of West Florida |
Gr. |
3.83/3.76 |
Integrated Business (UG) / MBA (G) |
| P |
Hunter Kraus |
University of Nebraska at Kearney |
Sr. |
3.95 |
Exercise Science |
| ST |
Alex Schremmer |
Fort Hays State University |
Jr. |
3.87 |
Biology |
(1) - Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2021
(2) - Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2021
(&) - Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2020
(*) - Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2020
NCAA Division III
Cormac Madigan totaled 1,491 all-purpose yards, which led the Midwest Conference, and 14 touchdowns in 10 games played as Ripon recorded its first one-loss season since 2000. He also led the MWC with 1,150 rushing yards and ranked second in rushing yards per game (115.0) and yards per carry (6.4). A native of Rosendale, Wis., Madigan was also Ripon's second-leading receiver with 341 yards on 28 catches out of the backfield. He was named the Wisconsin Private College Football Player of the Year by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, the MWC’s Offensive Skill MVP and earned the league’s Elite 20 Award, which is presented to the student-athlete with the highest combined achievement in academics and athletics, this fall.
Ten selections on the Academic All-America® Division III football teams boast a perfect 4.0 GPA in their undergraduate work or graduate school. The 25 honorees on the first team have an average GPA of 3.91, with the entire 50-man team combining for a collective 3.88 GPA.
A total of 16 student-athletes, including 11 on the first team, are repeat selections on the Academic All-America® Division III football teams:
Ross Andersson (Johns Hopkins University);
Lake Barrett (The College of Wooster);
Alex Bongers (University of Wisconsin-La Crosse);
Paul Calvetti (MIT);
Nicholas D’Ambrose (University of Chicago);
Alan Gorny (Johns Hopkins);
Cody Harral (Hardin-Simmons University);
Jeff Herbers (Central College);
Alex Keith (Washington & Jefferson College);
Sante Parker Jr. (University of Mary Hardin-Baylor);
Luke Schuermann (Johns Hopkins);
Bricker Thiel (John Carroll University);
Emmett Turner (Johns Hopkins);
Giovanni Weeks (Wheaton College (Ill.);
JR Woods (Johns Hopkins); and
Michael Wozniak (Saint John’s University (Minn.).
The Division III Academic All-America® program is being financially supported by the NCAA Division III national governance structure to assist College Sports Communicators with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2022-23 Division II Academic All-America® program.
| FIRST TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Liam Thompson |
Wabash College |
Jr. |
3.86 |
Rhetoric |
| RB |
Nicholas D’Ambrose (1) |
University of Chicago |
Sr. |
3.69 |
Neuroscience |
| RB |
Cormac Madigan |
Ripon College |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Chemistry-Biology |
| WR |
Jeff Herbers (2) |
Central College |
Sr. |
3.97 |
Actuarial Science |
| WR |
Logan Tomlinson |
Wesleyan University |
Sr. |
3.79 |
Economics / Psychology |
| TE |
Emmett Turner (2) |
Johns Hopkins University |
Gr. |
3.68 |
Mechanical Engr. (UG) / Mechanical Engr. (G) |
| OL |
Alex Bongers (2) |
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse |
Gr. |
3.90/3.82 |
Physical Therapy / Biology |
| OL |
Alan Gorny (1) |
Johns Hopkins University |
Gr. |
3.88 |
Molecular & Cellular Biology |
| OL |
Jeske Maples |
North Central College |
So. |
3.98 |
Health Science |
| OL |
Dustin Moss |
Carnegie Mellon University |
Jr. |
4.00 |
Mechanical Engineering & Robotics |
| OL |
Joe Mullin |
Wabash College |
Sr. |
3.95 |
English |
| K |
Nicholas Bahamonde |
Ithaca College |
Sr. |
3.81 |
Television & Radio |
| DL |
Ben Coyne |
Carnegie Mellon University |
Sr. |
3.83 |
Business Administration |
| DL |
Alex Keith (2, *) |
Washington & Jefferson College |
Sr. |
3.92 |
Biology |
| DL |
Sante Parker, Jr. (1, *) |
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Sr. |
3.94 |
Computer Science |
| DL |
Bricker Thiel (2) |
John Carroll University |
Sr. |
3.95 |
Economics |
| LB |
Paul Calvetti (1) |
MIT |
Gr. |
3.92 |
Computer Science, AI & Machine Learning |
| LB |
Robert Coury |
Carnegie Mellon University |
Jr. |
3.94 |
Mechanical Engineering / Biomedical Engineering |
| LB |
Owen Grover |
Wartburg College |
Sr. |
3.98 |
Biology |
| DB |
Ross Andersson (1, *) |
Johns Hopkins University |
Gr. |
3.91 |
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering |
| DB |
Sam Bell |
Wheaton College (Illinois) |
Sr. |
3.83 |
Business / Economics |
| DB |
Caleb Brubaker |
Salisbury University |
So. |
4.00 |
Biology |
| DB |
Matt Ulishney |
The College of Wooster |
Sr. |
3.99 |
Mathematics |
| P |
Cody Harral (1) |
Hardin-Simmons University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Biology / Pre-Medicine |
| ST |
Michael Janis |
University of Chicago |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Economics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| SECOND TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Ryan Stevens |
Johns Hopkins University |
Gr. |
3.89 |
Applied Math & Statistics / Economics (UG) / Finance (G) |
| RB |
Tyler Bridge |
Endicott College |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Finance |
| RB |
Giovanni Weeks (1) |
Wheaton College (Illinois) |
Sr. |
3.66 |
Business / Economics |
| WR |
Ben Condemi |
Carnegie Mellon University |
So. |
4.00 |
Statistics & Machine Learning |
| WR |
Reed Worth |
Simpson College |
Sr. |
3.64 |
Business |
| TE |
Derek Witsberger |
Marietta College |
Jr. |
3.98 |
Petroleum Engineering |
| OL |
Danny Mabe |
Mount St. Joseph University |
Sr. |
3.90 |
Management |
| OL |
Sam Reyes |
Wartburg College |
Sr. |
3.87 |
Biochemistry |
| OL |
Matthew Sanders |
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor |
Sr. |
3.87 |
Finance |
| OL |
Boomer Warren |
Hardin-Simmons University |
Sr. |
3.79 |
History |
| OL |
JR Woods (1) |
Johns Hopkins University |
Sr. |
3.62 |
Economics |
| K |
Lake Barrett (1) |
The College of Wooster |
Sr. |
3.98 |
Biology / Education |
| DL |
Alex Aitchison |
Coe College |
Jr. |
3.83 |
Kinesiology / Education |
| DL |
Evan Metiva |
Alma College |
Jr. |
4.00 |
Business Management |
| DL |
Luke Schuermann (1) |
Johns Hopkins University |
Jr. |
3.63 |
Mechanical Engineering / Biomechanics |
| DL |
Michael Wozniak (1) |
Saint John's University (Minn.) |
Sr. |
3.86 |
Accounting |
| LB |
Thomas Coury |
Carnegie Mellon University |
Jr. |
3.89 |
Mechanical Engineering |
| LB |
Mason McMillen |
University of Mount Union |
Jr. |
3.79 |
Marketing |
| LB |
Matt Mitchell |
Hardin-Simmons University |
Gr. |
4.00/4.00 |
Business (UG) / MBA (G) |
| DB |
Nate Farm |
Bethel University |
So. |
3.88 |
Neuroscience |
| DB |
Ezra Gore |
Trinity University |
Sr. |
3.90 |
Business Analytics & Technology |
| DB |
Joe Jung |
St. Norbert College |
Sr. |
3.70 |
Accounting |
| DB |
Tommy O'Malley |
Benedictine University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Accounting |
| P |
Matt Pardi |
The College of Wooster |
Sr. |
3.84 |
Biology |
| ST |
Adam Green |
North Central College |
Sr. |
3.83 |
Mechanical Engineering |
(1) - Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2021
(2) - Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2021
(*) - Academic All-America® second-team selection in 2020
NAIA
Ryan Cole helped lead Morningside, the defending NAIA national champions, to an 11-1 record and the NAIA quarterfinals this fall. He led the NAIA with 25 rushing touchdowns and gained 1,359 yards, with an average of 6.0 yards per attempt, on the ground. The St. Ansgar, Iowa, native also caught nine passes for 172 yards and a touchdown.
Two members of the 26-man Academic All-America® NAIA football teams -
Eli Cross (Lindsey Wilson College) and
Caelan Merryman (Arizona Christian University) - boast a perfect 4.0 GPA in their undergraduate or graduate work. The NAIA honorees combined for a 3.87 GPA.
Seven other student-athletes join Cross as repeat selections on the Academic All-America® NAIA football teams:
Joseph Gressette (Lindsey Wilson College),
Alex Huisman (Dordt University),
Brendan Lamb (Taylor University),
Chase Lipsys (Midland University),
Kole Murlin (Siena Heights University),
Jaden Snyder (Northwestern College) and
Noah Van’t Hof (Northwestern College).
The NAIA Academic All-America® program is being financially supported by the NAIA national governance structure to assist College Sports Communicators with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2022-23 Division II Academic All-America® program.
| FIRST TEAM |
| Pos. |
Name |
School |
Yr. |
GPA |
Major |
| QB |
Stuart Ross |
Saint Xavier University (Ill.) |
Jr. |
3.81 |
Business Administration |
| RB |
Ryan Cole |
Morningside University |
So. |
3.94 |
Business Administration |
| RB |
Brendan Lamb (1) |
Taylor University |
Jr. |
3.97 |
Management / Marketing |
| WR |
Hutson Hohlbein |
Taylor University |
Jr. |
3.98 |
Political Science / Philosophy / Economics |
| WR |
Brock Richardson |
College of Idaho |
Jr. |
3.93 |
Biomedical Sciences |
| TE |
Ben Hruby |
College of Idaho |
Sr. |
3.88 |
Business Administration |
| OL |
Eli Cross (1, &, #) |
Lindsey Wilson College |
Gr. |
3.98/4.00 |
MBA (G) |
| OL |
Joseph Gressette (1, &, #) |
Lindsey Wilson College |
Gr. |
3.91/3.88 |
Counseling & Human Development |
| OL |
Alex Huisman (1, &, #) |
Dordt University |
Sr. |
3.85 |
Biology / Chemistry |
| OL |
Caelan Merryman |
Arizona Christian University |
Sr. |
4.00 |
Political Science |
| OL |
Colton Takis |
Keiser University |
Gr. |
3.83 |
Business Administration (UG) / MBA (G) |
| K |
Chance Gagnon |
Keiser University |
So. |
3.60 |
Business Administration - Finance |
| K |
John Mears |
University of Montana Western |
Jr. |
3.87 |
Physical Education & Health K-12 |
| DL |
Flinders Cameron |
Sterling College |
So. |
3.98 |
Sport Management |
| DL |
Chase Lipsys (1) |
Midland University |
Sr. |
3.83 |
Management / Digital Marketing |
| DL |
Myles Simon |
University of the Cumberlands |
Sr. |
3.89 |
Accounting / Business Administration |
| DL |
Colton Vander Berg |
Dordt University |
Sr. |
3.50 |
Biology |
| LB |
Parker Fryar |
Northwestern College |
Jr. |
3.98 |
Biology / Pre-Medicine |
| LB |
Blake Kight |
Missouri Baptist University |
Sr. |
3.84 |
Marketing |
| LB |
Kole Murlin (&) |
Siena Heights University |
Sr. |
3.87 |
Education |
| DB |
Koby Brandenburg |
Hastings College |
Sr. |
3.96 |
Exercise Science |
| DB |
Jaden Snyder (&) |
Northwestern College |
Sr. |
3.96 |
Exercise Science |
| DB |
Abraham Stoesz |
Dordt University |
Jr. |
3.89 |
Engineering |
| DB |
Noah Van't Hof (&) |
Northwestern College |
Sr. |
3.73 |
Business-Finance |
| P |
Casey Rauch |
Concordia University Ann Arbor |
So. |
3.64 |
Nursing |
| ST |
Andrew Rathman |
Peru State College |
Sr. |
3.89 |
Mgmt. / Criminal Justice / Computer Mgmt. Information Systems |
(1) - Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2021
(&) - Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2020
(#) - Academic All-America® first-team selection in 2019
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Michael MacEachern, Young Harris College | Academic All-America® Co-Director for Publicity
mfmaceachern@yhc.edu | (706) 379-5106
Ryan Klinkner, Saint John’s University (Minn.) | Academic All-America® Coordinator of Publicity
rklinkner@csbsju.edu | (320) 363-3127