Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eight Football Players Named CSC Academic All-District
1/6/2026 12:00:00 PM | Football
Eagles land eight on the list for the second time in three seasons
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – The College Sports Communicators (CSC) announced its annual CSC Academic All-District honors for the 2025 football season with eight members of the Eastern Michigan University program recognized for their academic and athletic success. The EMU honorees were led by Carter Evans (Crystal Lake, Ill./Prairie Ridge), who earned his second career accolade after being named to the team following the 2022 season while becoming just the eighth Eagle to earn multiple CSC accolades in a career.
Evans was joined on the ledger by Tavierre Dunlap (Del Valle, Texas/Del Valle/Michigan), Donovan Green (Palmetto, La./Opelousas Catholic/Northwestern State), Rudy Kessinger (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson), Noah Kim (Centreville, Va./Westfield/Michigan State/Coastal Carolina), Bryce Llewellyn (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral/Charleston Southern), Juan Salas Jr. (Eastvale, Calif./Roosevelt/Southwest Baptist), and Everett Small (Hamilton, Ontario/Football North Prep), each of whom earned their first career honor from the national body.
Evans joined a list of multiple honorees from EMU that includes his older brother, Samson Evans (2022 and 2023), and four-time selection Mike Van Hoeven (2018-21). The remaining multiple-time selections (since 2001) include Dylan Drummond (2021 and 2022), Jean-Oliver Gagnon-Gordillo (2004 and 2005), Jere Getzinger (2023 and 2024), Tanner Knue (2022 and 2023), and Andrew Wellock (2005 and 2006).
Evans delivered steady defensive production during the 2025 season and served as a consistent presence along the front. He totaled 37 tackles with 19 solo stops and added 5.5 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks. Evans posted a season high six tackles against Ohio and recorded 1.5 sacks at Buffalo, marking his top pass rush outing of the year. He added a forced fumble and seven quarterback hurries. Across four seasons, Evans has appeared in 36 games and recorded 70 total tackles with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Dunlap provided steady production and depth in the backfield during the 2025 season. He totaled 106 rushing attempts for 428 yards and five touchdowns while adding 20 receptions for 113 yards. Dunlap posted his top rushing output with 79 yards at Buffalo and scored twice against Louisiana. He closed his career with 45 games played, including 34 at Michigan and 11 at EMU. He finished with 128 career rushing attempts for 581 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Green started all 12 games for Eastern Michigan in 2025 and earned the Harold E. Sponberg Down Lineman Award as the team's top down lineman. He totaled 55 tackles, including 11 solo and 44 assisted stops, with 3.0 tackles for loss for 20 yards and 1.5 sacks for 17 yards. Green added two quarterback hurries and posted season highs of seven tackles and one sack against Western Michigan. Across his career, Green appeared in 56 games, including 24 at EMU and 32 at Northwestern State, finishing with 158 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Kessinger delivered a strong and dependable 2025 season in his first as EMU's primary kicker. He made 17 field goals on 23 attempts and converted all 28 extra points. Kessinger ranked third in the MAC in field goals per game and fifth among conference specialists in scoring. He earned MAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Sept. 22 and Oct. 13 after key scoring performances. He hit a season long 50 yard field goal at Kentucky and matched his season high with three field goals against NIU.
Kim started every game and led one of the MAC's most productive offenses. The Eagles ranked third in the conference in total offense at 377.3 yards per game and second in passing offense at 234.8 yards per game while facing a demanding defensive schedule. Kim became the sixth EMU quarterback since 2004 to start every contest and logged 829 offensive snaps. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes and led the MAC with 2,817 passing yards and 234.8 yards per game, both top 40 marks nationally. He averaged a league best 20.6 completions per game, threw 18 touchdowns, and posted a 129.6 passing efficiency rating. Kim added six rushing touchdowns and played a key role in a red zone unit that converted 94.6 percent of its opportunities, first in the MAC and third nationally. He accounted for a league high 150 total points and averaged 250.3 yards of total offense per game.
The first EMU defensive back to garner all-conference honors since 2020, Llewellyn was the defense's top tackler as he posted 103 total stops, including 42 solo tackles and 61 assisted tackles, while adding two interceptions and 5.0 tackles-for-loss. Llewellyn, whose 8.5 tackles per game ranked 36th nationally and sixth in the MAC, posted career-high tackles in three games, including 11 against Louisiana before grabbing 12 at Central Michigan and 13 against Ohio. He added a career-high eight solo stops against Miami later in the season. The first defender with 100+ tackles in a season since Chase Kline recorded 143 in 2023, Llewellyn was fourth on the team with 5.0 TFLs while leading the team with at least 0.5 TFLs in six games, including a career-best 1.5 against NIU. He also led the way with two interceptions, one each against Louisiana and NIU.
Salas Jr. played in all 12 games with six starts during the 2025 season, finishing with 34 tackles, including 21 solo and 13 assisted stops. He recorded one interception against Ohio and added a pass breakup versus Western Michigan. Salas contributed on special teams with six punt returns for 55 yards, highlighted by a career-long 37-yard return against Louisiana.
Small was a force on the front line, starting all 12 games at either center or left tackle. He helped anchored an offensive line that kept Kim upright while blocking for a 1,000-yard running back and helping four players post 100-yard games. Small helped running back Dontae McMillan become the 12th different back to surpass 1,000 yards in a single season while ranking in the top 10 nationally and first in the MAC in both fewest sacks allowed (eighth at 0.92 sacks allowed per game) and fewest TFLs (ninth at 3.75 per game). Small and the line also played a vital role in the team producing at least one 100-yard player in the final seven games of the season, a streak that ranks as the third-longest in program history and featured four games with a 100-yard rusher and four with a 100-yard receiver.
To be eligible for CSC Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must maintain a 3.50+ grade-point average, be at least a sophomore academically, and either compete in 90-percent of the team's games and/or start in 66-percent of the team's games.
2025 CSC ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONOREES (8)
Tavierre Dunlap
Carter Evans - 2nd (2022)
Donovan Green
Rudy Kessinger
Noah Kim
Bryce Llewellyn
Juan Salas, Jr.
Everett Small
Eagles Honored Since 2001 Season (36 Players/46 Honors)
Jefferson Adam (2024)
Cory Annett (2001)
Blake Banham (2018)
Brandon Benson (2022)
Matt Bohnet (2004)
Mitchell Dietzel (2024)
Dimitri Douglas (2023)
Dyland Drummond (2021, 2022)
Tavierre Dunlap (2025)
Carter Evans (2022, 2025)
Samson Evans (2022, 2023)
Jean-Olivier Gagnon-Gordillo (2004, 2005)
Jere Getzinger (2023, 2024)
Jesus Gomez (2022)
Donovan Green (2025)
Rudy Kessinger (2025)
Noah Kim (2025)
Ryan Kingston (2023)
Tanner Knue (2022, 2023)
Bryce Llewellyn (2025)
Cy Maughmer (2013)
Dramarian McNulty (2024)
Luke Murphy (2024)
Tyler Palsrock (2009)
Taylor Powell (2022)
Mickey Rewolinski (2024)
Chad Ryland (2020)
Juan Salas, Jr. (2025)
Everett Small (2025)
Cole Snyder (2024)
Ben Thayer (2010)
Mitchell Tomasek (2022)
Mike Van Hoeven (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Andrew Wellock (2005, 2006)
Eric Young (2007)
Kevin Zureki (2002)
Evans was joined on the ledger by Tavierre Dunlap (Del Valle, Texas/Del Valle/Michigan), Donovan Green (Palmetto, La./Opelousas Catholic/Northwestern State), Rudy Kessinger (Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson), Noah Kim (Centreville, Va./Westfield/Michigan State/Coastal Carolina), Bryce Llewellyn (Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral/Charleston Southern), Juan Salas Jr. (Eastvale, Calif./Roosevelt/Southwest Baptist), and Everett Small (Hamilton, Ontario/Football North Prep), each of whom earned their first career honor from the national body.
Evans joined a list of multiple honorees from EMU that includes his older brother, Samson Evans (2022 and 2023), and four-time selection Mike Van Hoeven (2018-21). The remaining multiple-time selections (since 2001) include Dylan Drummond (2021 and 2022), Jean-Oliver Gagnon-Gordillo (2004 and 2005), Jere Getzinger (2023 and 2024), Tanner Knue (2022 and 2023), and Andrew Wellock (2005 and 2006).
Evans delivered steady defensive production during the 2025 season and served as a consistent presence along the front. He totaled 37 tackles with 19 solo stops and added 5.5 tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks. Evans posted a season high six tackles against Ohio and recorded 1.5 sacks at Buffalo, marking his top pass rush outing of the year. He added a forced fumble and seven quarterback hurries. Across four seasons, Evans has appeared in 36 games and recorded 70 total tackles with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Dunlap provided steady production and depth in the backfield during the 2025 season. He totaled 106 rushing attempts for 428 yards and five touchdowns while adding 20 receptions for 113 yards. Dunlap posted his top rushing output with 79 yards at Buffalo and scored twice against Louisiana. He closed his career with 45 games played, including 34 at Michigan and 11 at EMU. He finished with 128 career rushing attempts for 581 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry.
Green started all 12 games for Eastern Michigan in 2025 and earned the Harold E. Sponberg Down Lineman Award as the team's top down lineman. He totaled 55 tackles, including 11 solo and 44 assisted stops, with 3.0 tackles for loss for 20 yards and 1.5 sacks for 17 yards. Green added two quarterback hurries and posted season highs of seven tackles and one sack against Western Michigan. Across his career, Green appeared in 56 games, including 24 at EMU and 32 at Northwestern State, finishing with 158 tackles and 5.5 sacks.
Kessinger delivered a strong and dependable 2025 season in his first as EMU's primary kicker. He made 17 field goals on 23 attempts and converted all 28 extra points. Kessinger ranked third in the MAC in field goals per game and fifth among conference specialists in scoring. He earned MAC Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Sept. 22 and Oct. 13 after key scoring performances. He hit a season long 50 yard field goal at Kentucky and matched his season high with three field goals against NIU.
Kim started every game and led one of the MAC's most productive offenses. The Eagles ranked third in the conference in total offense at 377.3 yards per game and second in passing offense at 234.8 yards per game while facing a demanding defensive schedule. Kim became the sixth EMU quarterback since 2004 to start every contest and logged 829 offensive snaps. He completed 61.4 percent of his passes and led the MAC with 2,817 passing yards and 234.8 yards per game, both top 40 marks nationally. He averaged a league best 20.6 completions per game, threw 18 touchdowns, and posted a 129.6 passing efficiency rating. Kim added six rushing touchdowns and played a key role in a red zone unit that converted 94.6 percent of its opportunities, first in the MAC and third nationally. He accounted for a league high 150 total points and averaged 250.3 yards of total offense per game.
The first EMU defensive back to garner all-conference honors since 2020, Llewellyn was the defense's top tackler as he posted 103 total stops, including 42 solo tackles and 61 assisted tackles, while adding two interceptions and 5.0 tackles-for-loss. Llewellyn, whose 8.5 tackles per game ranked 36th nationally and sixth in the MAC, posted career-high tackles in three games, including 11 against Louisiana before grabbing 12 at Central Michigan and 13 against Ohio. He added a career-high eight solo stops against Miami later in the season. The first defender with 100+ tackles in a season since Chase Kline recorded 143 in 2023, Llewellyn was fourth on the team with 5.0 TFLs while leading the team with at least 0.5 TFLs in six games, including a career-best 1.5 against NIU. He also led the way with two interceptions, one each against Louisiana and NIU.
Salas Jr. played in all 12 games with six starts during the 2025 season, finishing with 34 tackles, including 21 solo and 13 assisted stops. He recorded one interception against Ohio and added a pass breakup versus Western Michigan. Salas contributed on special teams with six punt returns for 55 yards, highlighted by a career-long 37-yard return against Louisiana.
Small was a force on the front line, starting all 12 games at either center or left tackle. He helped anchored an offensive line that kept Kim upright while blocking for a 1,000-yard running back and helping four players post 100-yard games. Small helped running back Dontae McMillan become the 12th different back to surpass 1,000 yards in a single season while ranking in the top 10 nationally and first in the MAC in both fewest sacks allowed (eighth at 0.92 sacks allowed per game) and fewest TFLs (ninth at 3.75 per game). Small and the line also played a vital role in the team producing at least one 100-yard player in the final seven games of the season, a streak that ranks as the third-longest in program history and featured four games with a 100-yard rusher and four with a 100-yard receiver.
To be eligible for CSC Academic All-District honors, student-athletes must maintain a 3.50+ grade-point average, be at least a sophomore academically, and either compete in 90-percent of the team's games and/or start in 66-percent of the team's games.
2025 CSC ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONOREES (8)
Tavierre Dunlap
Carter Evans - 2nd (2022)
Donovan Green
Rudy Kessinger
Noah Kim
Bryce Llewellyn
Juan Salas, Jr.
Everett Small
Eagles Honored Since 2001 Season (36 Players/46 Honors)
Jefferson Adam (2024)
Cory Annett (2001)
Blake Banham (2018)
Brandon Benson (2022)
Matt Bohnet (2004)
Mitchell Dietzel (2024)
Dimitri Douglas (2023)
Dyland Drummond (2021, 2022)
Tavierre Dunlap (2025)
Carter Evans (2022, 2025)
Samson Evans (2022, 2023)
Jean-Olivier Gagnon-Gordillo (2004, 2005)
Jere Getzinger (2023, 2024)
Jesus Gomez (2022)
Donovan Green (2025)
Rudy Kessinger (2025)
Noah Kim (2025)
Ryan Kingston (2023)
Tanner Knue (2022, 2023)
Bryce Llewellyn (2025)
Cy Maughmer (2013)
Dramarian McNulty (2024)
Luke Murphy (2024)
Tyler Palsrock (2009)
Taylor Powell (2022)
Mickey Rewolinski (2024)
Chad Ryland (2020)
Juan Salas, Jr. (2025)
Everett Small (2025)
Cole Snyder (2024)
Ben Thayer (2010)
Mitchell Tomasek (2022)
Mike Van Hoeven (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Andrew Wellock (2005, 2006)
Eric Young (2007)
Kevin Zureki (2002)
Players Mentioned
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