The Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) announced the league awards for the Mideast League on Monday. Highlighting the list for Siena Heights was linebacker Kole Murlin who was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Murlin was also selected for the first-team defense.
Murlin was joined on the all-conference list by 12 of his teammates. Andrew Loria, Trenton Morrow, and Gabe Callery were named first-team defense. Kaleb Jefferson, Jared Jordan, Eric Williams II, and Nick Turchiano were on the second-team offense. Khoreice Crawford was the lone Saint on the second-team defense. Anthony Secchi made the second team special teams unit. Andrew McGaughy, Vincent Walker, and Abraham Wildermuth earned honorable mentions.
Murlin has had a fantastic season as he leads the MSFA Mideast league with 112 total tackles. His 12.4 tackles per game mark are currently third-most in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). He also registered 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
"Is very well respected by all of the coaches in our conference," said head coach Matt Kohn. "Kole is one of the smartest and most physical football players I have ever been around."
Loria finished the season with 35 tackles, four sacks, and eight tackles for loss. The senior defensive lineman has also forced and recovered a fumble this season.
"Drew has been a dominant presence in our defensive front for the past three years. His production this past Fall was unmatched by anyone," said Kohn.
Morrow is third on the team in tackles with 44 stops. He forced two fumbles and recovered one while also registering four pass breakups on the year.
"His commitment to improving himself as a football player over the past couple of years has been amazing," stated Kohn. "Football is very important to Trenton, and it's nice to see him receive the accolades after putting in the work."
Callery had a career year as he finished second on the team in tackles with 45. He made two stops for loss and forced a team-high four fumbles while also leading with four interceptions.
"Gabe has been a staple in our secondary for the past four years. He is a tremendous leader, communicator, and playmaker," remarked Kohn.
Jefferson led the Saints running game with 444 yards. He averaged an impressive five yards per carry. He was a threat in the passing game as well as he finished second on the team in receptions with 21. He scored twice, once on the ground and another through the air.
"He is a very diverse player who catches the ball out of the backfield just as good as he runs the ball between the tackles. He presents match-up problems for defenses," Kohn said.
Jordan compiled 352 yards with a 4.8 yards per carry average. He scored three rushing touchdowns with a season-long rush of 21 yards.
"Jared has had an amazing career here at Siena Heights," continued Kohn. "He has a knack for putting up the short-yardage and scoring touchdowns on the goal line."
Williams II was the team's leading receiver again this season. He made 29 catches for 427 total yards and four touchdowns. Williams II finished with 991 all-purpose yards between his receiving and kick return duties to lead the Saints in that category.
"Every time he touches the ball, Eric has the ability to score," said Kohn.
Turchiano started in all nine games played by Siena Heights on the offensive line.
"Not only does he do a great job communicating to the offensive line what front what we are seeing and any adjustments that need to be made at the line of scrimmage," Kohn started. "But he is a physical, tough blocker in both the run game and the pass game."
Crawford ended the year with 22 tackles, two pass breakups, and one block. He also registered 1.5 tackles for loss.
"Khoreice always defends our opponent's best receiver," stated Kohn. "He constantly rises to the occasion and looks forward to the opportunity to play 1-on-1 against the best."
Secchi is tied for third in the NAIA with 12 made field goals. His field-goal percentage of 85.7% is tied for fourth in the country. Secchi was also 24-26 (92%) in extra-point kicks and led the Saints with 60 points this season.
"Anthony has worked very hard to become the consistent kicker he has grown into today," said Kohn.
Click here for the complete list of awards released by the MSFA.
