Siena Heights football senior Jake Helsel was named to the Capital One Academic All-America First Team, which is chosen by CoSIDA (Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America).

Helsel previously received Academic All-District honors in the District 1 College Division category, which includes NAIA and NJCAA student-athletes from schools in Michigan, Alabama, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Nominees for the CoSIDA award must have a GPA of 3.30 or higher and be of sophomore, junior or senior academic standing at their respective institution.

Helsel is the second SHU football player to be honored on the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team. Sederick Dunbar was previously recognized in 2013.