by ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Six North Dakota State University student-athletes were named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference all-academic team Wednesday, Dec. 3, by a vote of the league’s sports information directors.
Defensive end Kyle Emanuel, center Jesse Hinz, linebacker Esley Thorton (MHA Nation), wide receiver Zach Vraa and quarterback Carson Wentz were voted to the first team. All five were previously voted to the Capital One Academic All-District 6 team.
Free safety Christian Dudzik was named to the MVFC all-academic second team. Kicker Adam Keller and running back Chase Morlock were honorable mentions.
Thorton, a senior from Bismarck, N.D., has a 3.92 GPA in exercise science. He has started all 12 games at linebacker and made 54 tackles with 2.0 sacks, 4.0 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, one recovery and an interception. He made a career-high 10 tackles in the win at Missouri State.
