Ball State University Athletics
Winbush Headlines Ball State Football’s All-MAC Honorees
November 29, 2017 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – Four Ball State football players were named to the 2017 All-Mid-American Conference teams, the league office announced Wednesday morning. Defensive end Anthony Winbush was Ball State's lone representative on the first team while wide receiver Justin Hall (second team), offensive lineman Vinnie Palazeti (third team) and kick returner Malik Dunner (third team) were also honored.
Winbush tied the Ball State career record for sacks (25) against Buffalo on Nov. 16. His 11.5 sacks this season ranks fourth nationally. The native of Indianapolis, Indiana, tallied at least one sack in seven games in 2017, including a personal-high 3.0 sacks in the season opener at Illinois. Winbush also leads the nation in forced fumbles (5) and ranks 13th nationally in tackles for loss (16.5).
Hall is the first Ball State freshman to earn first or second team All-MAC accolades since 2005 (Chris Miller, punter). Hall, hailing from Douglasville, Georgia, leads all freshmen nationally in receptions (78) and ranks second among all freshmen in receiving yards (801). He posted team season highs in receptions (13) and receiving yards (121) on Sept. 30 at Western Michigan.
Palazeti, a native of Owosso, Michigan, was the only senior on the offensive line in 2017. A versatile player, Palazeti played left guard, left tackle and right tackle for the Cardinals this season. His 28 career starts are the most by any active offensive player on the team. A team captain, he helped Ball State rush for a season-high 293 yards in the season finale against Miami (Ohio).
Dunner is the fifth Ball State kick returner to come away with All-MAC honors in the last six years. A native of Carpentersville, Illinois, Dunner ranked second in the league in kick return average (24.4 yards per return). His 93-yard return for a touchdown late in the third quarter against UAB on Sept. 9 helped secure a win over the Blazers.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Winbush tied the Ball State career record for sacks (25) against Buffalo on Nov. 16. His 11.5 sacks this season ranks fourth nationally. The native of Indianapolis, Indiana, tallied at least one sack in seven games in 2017, including a personal-high 3.0 sacks in the season opener at Illinois. Winbush also leads the nation in forced fumbles (5) and ranks 13th nationally in tackles for loss (16.5).
Hall is the first Ball State freshman to earn first or second team All-MAC accolades since 2005 (Chris Miller, punter). Hall, hailing from Douglasville, Georgia, leads all freshmen nationally in receptions (78) and ranks second among all freshmen in receiving yards (801). He posted team season highs in receptions (13) and receiving yards (121) on Sept. 30 at Western Michigan.
Palazeti, a native of Owosso, Michigan, was the only senior on the offensive line in 2017. A versatile player, Palazeti played left guard, left tackle and right tackle for the Cardinals this season. His 28 career starts are the most by any active offensive player on the team. A team captain, he helped Ball State rush for a season-high 293 yards in the season finale against Miami (Ohio).
Dunner is the fifth Ball State kick returner to come away with All-MAC honors in the last six years. A native of Carpentersville, Illinois, Dunner ranked second in the league in kick return average (24.4 yards per return). His 93-yard return for a touchdown late in the third quarter against UAB on Sept. 9 helped secure a win over the Blazers.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
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