Eastern Michigan Athletics

All-MAC 2020

Seven EMU Football Players Earn All-MAC Accolades

12/15/2020 11:00:00 AM | Football

Eastern had one special teams, two offensive, and four defensive players voted all-conference

CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) —  For the fifth consecutive year, the Eastern Michigan University football team saw at least seven of its student-athletes named to All-Mid-American Conference Teams, the league office announced Tuesday, Dec. 15. The seven selections are tied for eighth-most in program history, with the 1995 and 2019 teams also posting the same amount of honorees.

Senior defensive back Alvinoski LaFleur (Lake Charles, La.-LaGrange-Coffeyville C.C.) was the lone EMU player to collect first team honors in 2020. Junior kicker Chad Ryland (Lebanon, Pa.-Cedar Crest), senior linebacker Terry Myrick (Austell, Ga.-Woodward Academy), and senior defensive lineman Turan Rush (Charleston West Side, W.Va.-Capital-Antelope Valley) were each named to the second team.

In addition, junior offensive lineman Sidy Sow (Bromont, Quebec-J-H Leclerc-Champlain Lennoxville), junior wide receiver Hassan Beydoun (Dearborn, Mich.-Dearborn), and sophomore defensive lineman Jose Ramirez (Lake Alfred, Fla.-Auburndale-Arizona-Riverside City) all garnered All-MAC third team honors.

The honor was the first for each of the student-athletes in their EMU career.

After seeing action in all 13 contests a season ago, LaFleur emerged as the team's starting safety in 2020. A consistent force for the defense that finished as the seventh-best red zone stop specialists in the nation, he was able to record multiple tackles in each contest. His best performance came in the form of an 11-stop day, a career-high, versus Central Michigan, Nov. 27. The Lake Charles, La. native notched his second-career interception in EMU's season-opener at Kent State, Nov. 4, and added a pick for the second consecutive week against Ball State, Nov. 11, a play in which he also recorded a career-long 54-yard return. LaFleur's interceptions in back-to-back contests marked the first time that accomplishment has been recorded by an Eagle since Brody Hoying notched three picks in two weeks against NIU, and Kent State, respectively (weeks 11&12), in 2019.  LaFleur finished tied for second in the MAC with two interceptions, but led the conference in return yardage off interceptions (97 yards).

Ryland, who was awarded a scholarship prior to the start of the season, led the MAC and ranked sixth in field goals per game (1.83) in 2020. He was second in the MAC and 18th nationally in field goal percentage at 84.6 percent (11-of-13). His most impressive kick of the season came against Ball State, Nov. 11, where he drilled a season-best 52-yarder, which is tied for the second longest in school-history. Additionally, he tied the school record with four made field goals in an upset victory of then-MAC West Division leader Western Michigan, Dec. 5. A two-time MAC West Special Teams Player of the Week in 2020, Ryland ranks third all-time in PATs made (94) and fourth in PATs attempted (98) at EMU. He is fifth in career points scored with 205, just one shy of passing Tim Henneghan (1986-89) for fourth place, and needs just 95 points to surpass Andrew Wellock (2003-06) for the most career points at 299.
 
One of EMU's defensive leaders, Myrick put together his best season in the Green and White in 2020. The Greater Atlanta product started all six games as a linebacker for EMU, and finished first on the team with 67 total tackles, including 24 solo stops and 43 assists. He also led the team with 5.5 tackles-for-loss and two fumble recoveries. His two pass break-ups were good for second-best of any player on the team. Myrick also added a pair of fumble recoveries, the first two of his career, which was the best effort by any player in the league, and ninth best total in the nation. He finished fourth in the MAC and 11th nationally with an 11.2 tackles per game average, and led EMU in total tackles in four of six games during the 2020 campaign, where he recorded at least 10 stops in each.

A first-year captain for Eastern Michigan, Rush established himself as one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the MAC in 2020. The West Virginia native finished sixth in the MAC and 32nd in the FBS in sacks at 0.75 per game, and had a season-best two sacks and six tackles against MAC West Division champion Ball State, Nov. 11. The third-year Eagle added sacks against Kent State, Nov. 4, Toledo, Nov. 18, and Northern Illinois, Dec. 12.

A fixture in both EMU's run blocking and pass protection efforts, Sow was impressive in this, his junior season with the Green and White. He started all six games for Eastern Michigan at the left guard position, and helped spur an EMU rushing attack that saw seven different Eagles record multiple attempts on the ground en route to 776 total yards and 11 of EMU's 23 offensive touchdowns in 2020. Sow was also responsible for the protection of QB Preston Hutchinson, who racked up better than 1,600 yards through the air in just six games and scored eight TDs of his own on the ground.

Rounding out the offensive honorees for EMU is Beydoun, who reminded everyone that just because one starts his career as a walk-on, it does not mean he can't be great. In fact, he is a 2020 nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the nation's best player who began his career as a walk-on. Beydoun Holds the EMU standard for receptions/game in a season at 8.0, bettering  Kenny Christian's mark of 7.8 set in 2000. He had a team-best 40 receptions for 508 yards in five games this season, and finished ranked second  in the MAC and eighth nationally in receptions per game (8.0). The Dearborn, Mich. native was fifth in the league and 20th nationally in receiving yards per game (101.6), and caught at least seven balls in every game this season. He posted nine catches for 112 yards against Kent State, Nov. 4, and followed it up by again hitting the century mark against Central Michigan, Nov. 27. Beydoun finished the season with a team-best three 100+ yard receiving performances, and now has four such games in his career. His four 100+ yard performances tie for third-best in program history. Additionally, he is one of just seven players in the 129-year history of the program to record at least four games in that category.

The final All-MAC selection for EMU in 2020 is Ramirez, who burst onto the scene in the abbreviated season. Ramirez appeared in each of EMU's six games in 2020,  and notched his first-career tackle against  Kent State, Nov. 4. He recorded at least two tackles in every appearance in 2020. Ramirez's breakout game came at Western Michigan, Dec. 5, where he set personal bests in tackles (7), tackles-for-loss (2.0), sacks (2.0), and forced fumbles (1.0). Each number in the previous categories, with the exception of his total tackles, led or tied for the team lead against Western. Ramirez was an anchor for the EMU defense that held Western Michigan's D'Wayne Eskridge, the nation's leader in all-purpose yards coming into the game (255 yards per game average) to a season-low 99 yards. The game was Eskridge's first without at least 230 all-purpose yards. Additionally, his kick return yards (30) and receiving yards (53) against EMU were season lows. The Lake Alfred, Fla. native collected MAC  West Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance.

One noticeable omission from the All-MAC teams is EMU senior punter Jake Julien. Julien was recognized as a nominee for the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation's top performing punter, and led the MAC in punting while ranking eighth nationally. He averaged 44.25 yards per punt with 16 punts for 708 yards, a total which would rank third in EMU if a minimum of 20 punts were reached.

"Although we are excited for the deserving seven players listed above," Head Coach Chris Creighton added. "I am baffled and disappointed by the fact that senior Jake Julien, the league's leading punter who currently ranks eighth in all of FBS Football for punting average and was our highest ranked nominee, was not recognized by the league coaches.''

Eastern Michigan closed its 129th season of play victoriously, as it downed its Mid-American Conference and West Division foe, Northern Illinois, 41-33, Dec. 12, at "The Factory," inside Rynearson Stadium.

The game finalized what will go down as one of, if not the most unique seasons in EMU football history, as the team played just six games, all against conference opponents, to safely manage competition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike numerous teams around the MAC, EMU was lucky to play in each of its scheduled contests, finishing with a 2-4 overall record, and 2-3 mark in West Division Play.

EMU was incredibly effective in the red zone on both sides of the ball this season. Offensively, EMU ranked No. 1 in the nation with a 100 percent red zone scoring clip (tied with Washington State). The Eagles produced points in 28-of-28 trips inside the opponent's 20-yard line this season, a 22.5 percent improvement over last season's efficiency. In total, 21 of EMU's red zone trips have resulted in touchdowns. Additionally, the team averaged 4.66 trips to the red zone per game in 2020, a considerable improvement from EMU's 2019 numbers (3.8 trips per game).
   
Defensively, the Eagles rank seventh nationally in the red zone. EMU's opponents left the red zone scoreless eight times in 28 attempts this season, making EMU the best red zone defense in the MAC.

Eastern's win over Northern Illinois bumped EMU's record in regular-season finales to 7-13 over its last 20 seasons. The win also pushed Creighton to 4-3 in such games. Before its victory over NIU, EMU's most recent win in a season-ending game came in 2018, when it defeated Kent State, 28-20, on the road, Nov. 23, 2018.

Coach Creighton and the rest of the Eagles will now enjoy a Holiday break before returning to workouts in January. The hiatus will not come before a handful of new Eagles are welcomed into the program on Dec. 16, which is the NCAA's early signing period for 2020. That day opens a brief 72-hour period in which prospective student-athletes are allowed to sign their National Letter of Intent to a school of their choosing. EMU will have full coverage of the event beginning at 7 a.m., when players are legally allowed to begin signing. EMUEagles.com and EMU's social media accounts, @EMUFB, will provide updates.

ESPN3 will also carry a live one-hour signing day special featuring Greg Steiner, Matt Shepard, Jeff Collett, Creighton, and a handful of new signees. The show will begin at 11 a.m. on all platforms that carry ESPN3. Click here to watch the show.

2020 MAC Specialty Award Winners
Coach of the Year:  Lance Leipold, Buffalo
Offensive Player of the Year:  Jaret Patterson, RB, Buffalo
Co-Defensive Players of the Year:  Brandon Martin, LB, BSU // Troy Hairston II, DE, CMU
Special Teams Player of the Year: D'Wayne Eskridge, WR/KOR, Western Michigan
Freshman of the Year:  Lew Nichols III, RB, Central Michigan
Vern Smith Leadership Award Winner:  Jaret Patterson, RB, Buffalo

2020 All-MAC First Team Offense
Quarterback – Dustin Crum, Kent State
Offensive Lineman – Kayode Awosika, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Mike Novitsky, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Tommy Doyle, Miami
Offensive Lineman – Bryce Harris, Toledo
Offensive Lineman – Mike Caliendo, Western Michigan
Tight End – Quintin Morris, Bowling Green
Wide Receiver – Justin Hall, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Isaiah McKoy, Kent State
Wide Receiver – Tyrice Richie, Northern Illinois
Wide Receiver – D'Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan
Running Back – Teon Dollard, Akron
Running Back – Jaret Patterson, Buffalo
Placekicker – Marshall Meeder, Central Michigan

2020 All-MAC First Team Defense
Outside Linebacker – Anthony Ekpe, Ball State
Outside Linebacker – Troy Brown, Central Michigan
Inside Linebacker – Brandon Martin, Ball State
Inside Linebacker – James Patterson, Buffalo
Down Lineman – Malcolm Koonce, Buffalo
Down Lineman – Ralph Holley, Western Michigan
Down Lineman – Troy Hairston II, Central Michigan
Down Lineman – Mohammed Diallo, Central Michigan
Defensive Back – Bryce Cosby, Ball State
Defensive Back – Willie Reid, Central Michigan
Defensive Back – Alvinoski LaFleur, Eastern Michigan
Defensive Back – Bricen Garner, Western Michigan
Punter – Luke Elzinga, Central Michigan

2020 All-MAC First Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Justin Hall, Ball State
Kickoff Return Specialist – D'Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan

2020 All-MAC Second Team Offense
Quarterback – Drew Plitt, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Curtis Blackwell, Ball State
Offensive Lineman – Jake Fuzak, Buffalo
Offensive Lineman – Derek Smith, Central Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Bill Kuduk, Kent State
Offensive Lineman – Jaylon Moore, Western Michigan
Tight End – Danie Crawford, Northern Illinois
Wide Receiver – Antonio Nunn, Buffalo
Wide Receiver – Kalil Pimpleton, Central Michigan
Wide Receiver – Jack Sorenson, Miami
Wide Receiver – Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
Running Back – De'Montre Tuggle, Ohio
Running Back – La'Darius Jefferson, Western Michigan
Placekicker – Chad Ryland, Eastern Michigan

2020 All-MAC Second Team Defense
Outside Linebacker – Christian Albright, Ball State
Outside Linebacker – Jamal Hines, Toledo
Inside Linebacker – Bubba Arslanian, Akron
Inside Linebacker – Terry Myrick, Eastern Michigan
Down Lineman – Turan Rush, Eastern Michigan
Down Lineman – Weston Kramer, Northern Illinois
Down Lineman – Desjuan Johnson, Toledo
Down Lineman – Austin Conrad, Ohio
Defensive Back – Antonio Phillips, Ball State
Defensive Back – Jordan Gandy, Northern Illinois
Defensive Back – Tycen Anderson, Toledo
Defensive Back – Nate Bauer, Toledo
Punter – Nathan Snyder, Ball State

2020 All-MAC Second Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Tray Rudolph, Northern Illinois
Kickoff Return Specialist – De'Montre Tuggle, Ohio

2020 All-MAC Third Team Offense
Quarterback – Kaleb Eleby, Western Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan
Offensive Lineman – Nathan Monnin, Kent State
Offensive Lineman – Danny Godlevske, Miami
Offensive Lineman – Brayden Patton, Northern Illinois
Offensive Lineman – Brett Kitrell, Ohio
Tight End – Zac Lefebvre, Buffalo
Wide Receiver – Yo'Heinz Tyler, Ball State
Wide Receiver – Hassan Beydoun, Eastern Michigan
Wide Receiver – Isaiah Winstead, Toledo
Wide Receiver – Jaylen Hall, Western Michigan
Running Back – Caleb Huntley, Ball State
Running Back – Kevin Marks, Buffalo
Placekicker – Alex McNulty, Buffalo

2020 All-MAC Third Team Defense
Outside Linebacker – Kholbe Coleman, Bowling Green
Inside Linebacker – Jaylin Thomas, Ball State
Inside Linebacker – Kyle Pugh, Northern Illinois
Inside Linebacker – Treshaun Hayward, Western Michigan
Down Lineman – Eddie Wilson, Buffalo
Down Lineman – Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
Down Lineman – Kam Butler, Miami
Down Lineman – Lonnie Phelps, Miami
Defensive Back – A.J. Watts, Akron
Defensive Back – Devonni Reed, Central Michigan
Defensive Back – Emmanuel Rugamba, Miami
Defensive Back – Dev Lafayette, Northern Illinois
Punter – Nick Mihalic, Western Michigan

2020 All-MAC Third Team Specialists
Kickoff Return Specialist – Bryson Denley, Bowling Green
Kickoff Return Specialist – Ron Cook, Buffalo
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