Eastern Michigan Athletics
EMU Football Announces 2024 Award Winners
12/8/2024 8:00:00 PM | Football
The 2024 individual award nominees were honored at the 62nd annual football banquet
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University football team hosted its 62nd annual football banquet Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. The banquet served as the celebration of the team's 2024 individual award winners, which were announced by members of the EMU football coaching staff.
Linebacker James Djonkam (Springfield, Va./West Springfield/Independence CC/Arizona State) was named the team's Most Valuable Player as well as the John E. Borowiec award recipient, given to the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player. Djonkam solidified himself as one of the conference's premier defenders, ranking fourth in the MAC and 14th nationally with 9.8 tackles per game. He recorded a total of 98 tackles, including 34 solo efforts and 11.5 tackles for loss. His season highlights included a dominant performance against the University at Buffalo with a career-high 22 tackles. His relentless effort on the field earned him three MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 2 (co-recipient), Nov. 25 (co-recipient), and Dec. 2.
Quarterback Cole Snyder (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo) was named the James M. "Bingo" Brown Award recipient, given to the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player. In his lone season with Eastern, Snyder delivered a standout performance, starting all 12 games—making him only the fifth EMU QB to do so since 2004. Snyder amassed 3,014 total yards of offense, ranking sixth on the program's single-season record list and becoming the first Eagle to achieve the feat since 2021. His 240 completions (seventh all-time) on 402 attempts (ninth all-time) yielded 2,685 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, supplemented by 329 rushing yards and four additional scores. Snyder showcased his talent with three 300+ yard passing games, including a career-high 354 yards and two touchdowns at Akron on Oct. 26. He followed this with a near-record 351-yard, three-touchdown performance against Buffalo on Nov. 20.
Earning the team's Theme Award and the Torch Bearer Leader Award was defensive lineman Justin Jefferson (Chicago, Ill./Brother Rice). Jefferson had a solid 2024 season, earning recognition as a Burlsworth Trophy nominee and a Preseason All-MAC selection by Athlon Sports (2nd Team). Appearing in all 12 games, Jefferson tallied 36 total tackles, including 10 solo stops, and contributed 4.5 tackles-for-loss for 24 yards and 4.0 sacks for 23 yards. His season highlights included a seven-tackle performance with 2.0 sacks at Massachusetts, Aug. 31, and another seven-tackle game at Akron, Oct. 26. He also recorded a fumble recovery at Kent State, Sept. 28 and consistently disrupted opposing offenses with 10 quarterback hurries throughout the season.
The Special Teams Most Valuable Player honor went to kicker Jesús Gómez (Puebla, Mexico/Prepa Tec Puebla). Gómez's consistency and range made him a cornerstone of the Eagles' special teams. Connecting on 20-of-25 field goal attempts for an 80 percent success rate, Gómez ranked second in the MAC and 10th nationally with 1.67 field goals per game. His longest conversion, a program-record 57-yard field goal, came during the Eagles' contest at the University of Washington. Gómez also contributed 87 points this season, maintaining his position among EMU's all-time leaders in career scoring and PATs. Recognized as a Lou Groza Award candidate, Gómez's excellence extended beyond the field, earning him the MAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Week on Dec. 4.
Offensive lineman Mickey Rewolinski (Caledonia, Wis./Union Grove) took home the Harold E. Sponberg Down Lineman Award while tight end Jere Getzinger (West Branch, Mich./Ogemaw Heights) collected the Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete.
The E-Gridiron group's newcomers of the year honors went to wide receiver Oran Singleton (Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston/Akron/Hutchinson CC) for his offensive efforts and to Djonkam for his season performance on defense.
Singleton emerged as a dynamic playmaker in the receiving corps, leading the team with 639 receiving yards on 64 catches, averaging 10 yards per reception. His steady production included two touchdown receptions, with a season-best 103-yard effort against the University of Toledo. Singleton also contributed as a punt returner, averaging 2.7 yards per return, showcasing his versatility.
Running back Jayvin Norman (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield), defensive lineman Reggie Gardner (Southfield, Mich./Southfield A&T), and wide receiver Adam Rammouni (Dearborn, Mich./Dearborn) earned the team's Scout Team Player of the Year award for their efforts preparing the team for competition each week on special teams, offense, and defense, respectively.
Additionally, tight end Blake Daniels (Macomb, Mich./L'Anse Creuse North/Davenport) was presented with the Team Player "Game Ball" Award.
In 2024, Eastern Michigan displayed solid performances in various statistical categories, achieving notable rankings at both the NCAA and Mid-American Conference levels. Nationally, the team ranked 50th in third-down conversion percentage (42.2%) and eighth in fourth-down conversion defense (34.8%), leading the MAC in the latter category. Eastern Michigan also excelled in blocking kicks, ranking sixth nationally and first in the MAC for blocked kicks, with four on the season, and tying for fifth nationally in blocked punts with two.
Offensively, the Eagles ranked 48th nationally and first in the MAC in first downs, recording 258 on the season. The passing game showed strength, as the team finished 58th nationally and third in the MAC in passing offense, averaging 236.0 yards per game. On special teams, Gómez ranked 10th nationally and second in the MAC in field goals per game (1.67) and achieving an 80% field goal success rate.
Defensively, the team showcased resilience, ranking 45th nationally in third-down conversion defense (36.2%) and 56th in red zone defense (81.3%). The Eagles' ability to pressure quarterbacks resulted in a 61st national ranking in team sacks (2.08 per game). These performances, combined with competitive rankings across multiple areas, underscored a balanced effort throughout the 2024 season.
Eastern Michigan University 2024 Football Awards
Team MVP
James Djonkam
James M. "Bingo" Brown Most Valuable Offensive Player Award
Cole Snyder
John E. Borowiec Most Valuable Defensive Player Award
James Djonkam
Special Teams MVP Award
Jesus Gomez
Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete Award
Jere Getzinger
Harold E. Sponberg Lineman Award
Mickey Rewolinski
E-Gridiron Group Offensive Newcomer of the Year
Oran Singleton Jr.
E-Gridiron Group Defensive Newcomers of the Year
James Djonkam
Scout Team Player of the Year
Offense - Jayvin Norman
Defense - Reggie Gardner
Special Teams - Adam Rammouni
Theme Award - BET
Justin Jefferson
ETOUGH Award
James Djonkam
Team Player Award "Game Ball"
Blake Daniels
Torch Bearer Leader Award
Justin Jefferson
Overall Honors Awarded to EMU Student-Athletes
CARTER JR. David (DB)
All-State AFCA Good Works Team Candidate
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Nominee
DJONKAM, James (LB)
MAC Defensive Player of the Week 9/2 (co)
MAC Defensive Player of the Week 11/25 (co)
MAC Defensive Player of the Week 12/2
All-MAC Second Team
GETZINGER, Jere (TE)
Campbell Trophy Nominee
GÓMEZ, Jesús (K)
MAC Special Teams Player of the Week 9/7 (co)
MAC Special Teams Player of the Week 9/16 (co)
MAC Special Teams Player of the Week 9/23
MAC Special Teams Player of the Week 10/21 (co)
All-MAC Second Team
MAC Male Scholar-Athlete of Week 12/4
Lou Groza Place-Kicker Award Watch List
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (3rd Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (3rd Team)
JEFFERSON, Justin (DL)
Burlsworth Trophy Nominee
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (2nd)
LOCKETT, Terry (WR)
All-MAC Third Team
MIMMS, DELBERT
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
MITCHELL, JB (WR)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (2nd)
MURPHY, Luke (LB)
MAC Defensive Player of the Week 9/30
PRICE, Peyton (DL)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (1st Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (2nd Team)
REWOLINSKI, Mickey
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (3rd Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (3rd Team)
ROMAN, Broderick (OL)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
SCANDRETT, Quentavius
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (1st Team)
SCOTT, Joshua
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
SINGLETON, Oran (WR)
All-MAC Second Team
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (2nd)
SNYDER, Cole (QB)
MAC Offensive Player of the Week 10/21 (co)
Manning Award Stars of the Week 10/21
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
TOMASEK, Mitchell (P)
Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (1st Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (2nd Team)
WHITE, Daiquan (DB)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (3rd Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (3rd Team)
ZELINSKI, Joey (DL)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
Linebacker James Djonkam (Springfield, Va./West Springfield/Independence CC/Arizona State) was named the team's Most Valuable Player as well as the John E. Borowiec award recipient, given to the team's Most Valuable Defensive Player. Djonkam solidified himself as one of the conference's premier defenders, ranking fourth in the MAC and 14th nationally with 9.8 tackles per game. He recorded a total of 98 tackles, including 34 solo efforts and 11.5 tackles for loss. His season highlights included a dominant performance against the University at Buffalo with a career-high 22 tackles. His relentless effort on the field earned him three MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 2 (co-recipient), Nov. 25 (co-recipient), and Dec. 2.
Quarterback Cole Snyder (Lakewood, N.Y./Southwestern/Rutgers/Buffalo) was named the James M. "Bingo" Brown Award recipient, given to the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player. In his lone season with Eastern, Snyder delivered a standout performance, starting all 12 games—making him only the fifth EMU QB to do so since 2004. Snyder amassed 3,014 total yards of offense, ranking sixth on the program's single-season record list and becoming the first Eagle to achieve the feat since 2021. His 240 completions (seventh all-time) on 402 attempts (ninth all-time) yielded 2,685 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, supplemented by 329 rushing yards and four additional scores. Snyder showcased his talent with three 300+ yard passing games, including a career-high 354 yards and two touchdowns at Akron on Oct. 26. He followed this with a near-record 351-yard, three-touchdown performance against Buffalo on Nov. 20.
Earning the team's Theme Award and the Torch Bearer Leader Award was defensive lineman Justin Jefferson (Chicago, Ill./Brother Rice). Jefferson had a solid 2024 season, earning recognition as a Burlsworth Trophy nominee and a Preseason All-MAC selection by Athlon Sports (2nd Team). Appearing in all 12 games, Jefferson tallied 36 total tackles, including 10 solo stops, and contributed 4.5 tackles-for-loss for 24 yards and 4.0 sacks for 23 yards. His season highlights included a seven-tackle performance with 2.0 sacks at Massachusetts, Aug. 31, and another seven-tackle game at Akron, Oct. 26. He also recorded a fumble recovery at Kent State, Sept. 28 and consistently disrupted opposing offenses with 10 quarterback hurries throughout the season.
The Special Teams Most Valuable Player honor went to kicker Jesús Gómez (Puebla, Mexico/Prepa Tec Puebla). Gómez's consistency and range made him a cornerstone of the Eagles' special teams. Connecting on 20-of-25 field goal attempts for an 80 percent success rate, Gómez ranked second in the MAC and 10th nationally with 1.67 field goals per game. His longest conversion, a program-record 57-yard field goal, came during the Eagles' contest at the University of Washington. Gómez also contributed 87 points this season, maintaining his position among EMU's all-time leaders in career scoring and PATs. Recognized as a Lou Groza Award candidate, Gómez's excellence extended beyond the field, earning him the MAC Male Scholar-Athlete of the Week on Dec. 4.
Offensive lineman Mickey Rewolinski (Caledonia, Wis./Union Grove) took home the Harold E. Sponberg Down Lineman Award while tight end Jere Getzinger (West Branch, Mich./Ogemaw Heights) collected the Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete.
The E-Gridiron group's newcomers of the year honors went to wide receiver Oran Singleton (Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston/Akron/Hutchinson CC) for his offensive efforts and to Djonkam for his season performance on defense.
Singleton emerged as a dynamic playmaker in the receiving corps, leading the team with 639 receiving yards on 64 catches, averaging 10 yards per reception. His steady production included two touchdown receptions, with a season-best 103-yard effort against the University of Toledo. Singleton also contributed as a punt returner, averaging 2.7 yards per return, showcasing his versatility.
Running back Jayvin Norman (Springfield, Ohio/Springfield), defensive lineman Reggie Gardner (Southfield, Mich./Southfield A&T), and wide receiver Adam Rammouni (Dearborn, Mich./Dearborn) earned the team's Scout Team Player of the Year award for their efforts preparing the team for competition each week on special teams, offense, and defense, respectively.
Additionally, tight end Blake Daniels (Macomb, Mich./L'Anse Creuse North/Davenport) was presented with the Team Player "Game Ball" Award.
In 2024, Eastern Michigan displayed solid performances in various statistical categories, achieving notable rankings at both the NCAA and Mid-American Conference levels. Nationally, the team ranked 50th in third-down conversion percentage (42.2%) and eighth in fourth-down conversion defense (34.8%), leading the MAC in the latter category. Eastern Michigan also excelled in blocking kicks, ranking sixth nationally and first in the MAC for blocked kicks, with four on the season, and tying for fifth nationally in blocked punts with two.
Offensively, the Eagles ranked 48th nationally and first in the MAC in first downs, recording 258 on the season. The passing game showed strength, as the team finished 58th nationally and third in the MAC in passing offense, averaging 236.0 yards per game. On special teams, Gómez ranked 10th nationally and second in the MAC in field goals per game (1.67) and achieving an 80% field goal success rate.
Defensively, the team showcased resilience, ranking 45th nationally in third-down conversion defense (36.2%) and 56th in red zone defense (81.3%). The Eagles' ability to pressure quarterbacks resulted in a 61st national ranking in team sacks (2.08 per game). These performances, combined with competitive rankings across multiple areas, underscored a balanced effort throughout the 2024 season.
Eastern Michigan University 2024 Football Awards
Team MVP
James Djonkam
James M. "Bingo" Brown Most Valuable Offensive Player Award
Cole Snyder
John E. Borowiec Most Valuable Defensive Player Award
James Djonkam
Special Teams MVP Award
Jesus Gomez
Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete Award
Jere Getzinger
Harold E. Sponberg Lineman Award
Mickey Rewolinski
E-Gridiron Group Offensive Newcomer of the Year
Oran Singleton Jr.
E-Gridiron Group Defensive Newcomers of the Year
James Djonkam
Scout Team Player of the Year
Offense - Jayvin Norman
Defense - Reggie Gardner
Special Teams - Adam Rammouni
Theme Award - BET
Justin Jefferson
ETOUGH Award
James Djonkam
Team Player Award "Game Ball"
Blake Daniels
Torch Bearer Leader Award
Justin Jefferson
Overall Honors Awarded to EMU Student-Athletes
CARTER JR. David (DB)
All-State AFCA Good Works Team Candidate
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Nominee
DJONKAM, James (LB)
MAC Defensive Player of the Week 9/2 (co)
MAC Defensive Player of the Week 11/25 (co)
MAC Defensive Player of the Week 12/2
All-MAC Second Team
GETZINGER, Jere (TE)
Campbell Trophy Nominee
GÓMEZ, Jesús (K)
MAC Special Teams Player of the Week 9/7 (co)
MAC Special Teams Player of the Week 9/16 (co)
MAC Special Teams Player of the Week 9/23
MAC Special Teams Player of the Week 10/21 (co)
All-MAC Second Team
MAC Male Scholar-Athlete of Week 12/4
Lou Groza Place-Kicker Award Watch List
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (3rd Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (3rd Team)
JEFFERSON, Justin (DL)
Burlsworth Trophy Nominee
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (2nd)
LOCKETT, Terry (WR)
All-MAC Third Team
MIMMS, DELBERT
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
MITCHELL, JB (WR)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (2nd)
MURPHY, Luke (LB)
MAC Defensive Player of the Week 9/30
PRICE, Peyton (DL)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (1st Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (2nd Team)
REWOLINSKI, Mickey
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (3rd Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (3rd Team)
ROMAN, Broderick (OL)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
SCANDRETT, Quentavius
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (1st Team)
SCOTT, Joshua
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
SINGLETON, Oran (WR)
All-MAC Second Team
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (2nd)
SNYDER, Cole (QB)
MAC Offensive Player of the Week 10/21 (co)
Manning Award Stars of the Week 10/21
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
TOMASEK, Mitchell (P)
Ray Guy Award Preseason Watch List
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (1st Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (2nd Team)
WHITE, Daiquan (DB)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (3rd Team)
Preseason All-MAC by Phil Steele (3rd Team)
ZELINSKI, Joey (DL)
Preseason All-MAC by Athlon Sports (4th Team)
Players Mentioned
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