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Seven Cardinals Named to Athlon’s Preseason All-MAC Team
May 30, 2018 | Football
MUNCIE, Ind. – It's less than 100 days remaining until the college football season officially kicks off and preseason honors are beginning to be announced. Athlon recently released its predictions for the 2018 All-Mid-American Conference team and seven Ball State players made the list.
Running back James Gilbert and kick returner Malik Dunner were both named to Athlon's All-MAC first team. Gilbert, who led the league with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2016 as a sophomore, saw his junior season cut short due to injury. In 2017, Gilbert scored a touchdown in each of the first three games, including twice in the win over UAB on Sept. 9.
Dunner was a multi-purpose player last year for the Cardinals who excelled in returning kickoffs. He ranked second in the MAC in kick return average in 2017 (24.4 ypr) and returned a kick 93 yards for a touchdown against UAB. Dunner went on to lead the team in scoring (54 points) and touchdowns (9) last fall.
Four players were named to Athlon's All-MAC third team, including three young players on offense. Running back Caleb Huntley stepped up in Gilbert's absence in 2017 and became just the second freshman in Ball State history to rush for at least 1,000 yards. Wide receiver Justin Hall led all freshmen in the nation in receptions (78) last year and ranked fourth among all freshmen in receiving yards (801). Hall went on to earn ESPN.com Freshman All-America honors. Tight end Nolan Givan recorded seven starts as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and led the team with four touchdown receptions.
The final third team selection went to punt returner Corey Lacanaria, who missed the final eight games of 2017 with an injury.
Linebacker Jacob White was the lone defensive player to make Athlon's All-MAC team. White was Ball State's top tackler (72) as a redshirt sophomore in 2017 and ranked second on the team in sacks (3.0). He was named to the all-league fourth team.
Ball State opens its 2018 season on Thursday, Aug. 30 with a home game against Central Connecticut State.
For Athlon's complete MAC preview, click here.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Running back James Gilbert and kick returner Malik Dunner were both named to Athlon's All-MAC first team. Gilbert, who led the league with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2016 as a sophomore, saw his junior season cut short due to injury. In 2017, Gilbert scored a touchdown in each of the first three games, including twice in the win over UAB on Sept. 9.
Dunner was a multi-purpose player last year for the Cardinals who excelled in returning kickoffs. He ranked second in the MAC in kick return average in 2017 (24.4 ypr) and returned a kick 93 yards for a touchdown against UAB. Dunner went on to lead the team in scoring (54 points) and touchdowns (9) last fall.
Four players were named to Athlon's All-MAC third team, including three young players on offense. Running back Caleb Huntley stepped up in Gilbert's absence in 2017 and became just the second freshman in Ball State history to rush for at least 1,000 yards. Wide receiver Justin Hall led all freshmen in the nation in receptions (78) last year and ranked fourth among all freshmen in receiving yards (801). Hall went on to earn ESPN.com Freshman All-America honors. Tight end Nolan Givan recorded seven starts as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and led the team with four touchdown receptions.
The final third team selection went to punt returner Corey Lacanaria, who missed the final eight games of 2017 with an injury.
Linebacker Jacob White was the lone defensive player to make Athlon's All-MAC team. White was Ball State's top tackler (72) as a redshirt sophomore in 2017 and ranked second on the team in sacks (3.0). He was named to the all-league fourth team.
Ball State opens its 2018 season on Thursday, Aug. 30 with a home game against Central Connecticut State.
For Athlon's complete MAC preview, click here.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
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