Athlon Sports announced that seven Eastern Michigan University student athletes made the preseason All-MAC team last month.
Of the seven student-athletes, four were from Eastern Michigan’s offense. Offensive lineman Steve Nielsen was named first team and wide receiver Arthur Jackson III, punter Jake Julien and running back Shaq Vann were named to the All-Mac fourth team.
Kevin McGill, defensive back, will join Nielsen in first team selection. Defensive backs Vince Calhoun and Brody Hoying were selected to second and third team, respectively.
Nielsen played all 13 games for the Eagles last season as a starter. The offense ranked third in fewest interceptions thrown.
McGill finished the season with 24 solo tackles, three interceptions and one forced fumble in 13 games played. He finished top two in the MAC with his three interceptions.
Calhoun finished with three interceptions last season and 47 solo tackles. He had 84 total tackles, ranking second most on the team, and one sac.
Hoying played in 11 games and started in nine for the Eagles. He ended the year with 69 total tackles, 29 solo tackles and 1.5 sacks. Hoying finished in top five in most tackles for the Eagle’s .
In his first season with EMU, Jackson started in all 13 games and finished the season with five touchdown receptions, 592 receiving yards and 46 receptions.
Julien, who was the starting punter for the Eagles, finished the season with 71 punts and averaged 43.6 yards per kick. He is tied for first in the MAC with that average and ranked 25th nationally. Julien is the only EMU athlete to record two punts of 70 or more yards. Vann played 11 games and started in seven. He totaled 590 yards and five touchdowns.
The Eagles will begin their season on the road against Coastal Carolina on August 31 at Brooks Stadium.
