Four Flashes Named to All-MAC Team
11/30/2016 11:12:00 AM | Football
All-MAC Teams and Postseason Awards
CLEVELAND- Four Kent State players were named to the 2016 All-Mid-American Conference Football Team Wednesday, led by first team selections Terence Waugh (Atlanta, Ga.) and Najee Murray (Steubenville, Ohio). Junior cornerback Jerrell Foster (Cincinnati, Ohio) earned a spot on the second team and junior defensive lineman Jon Cunningham (Bedford, Ohio) claimed third team honors as chosen by MAC coaches.
Waugh, a senior defensive end, was one of only five conference players to earn first team honors in back-to-back seasons. He was also recently placed on the final watch list for the Ted Hendricks Award, honoring the nation's best defensive end. Waugh ranks in the nation's Top 40 in both tackles for loss (15.0) and sacks (8.0). He made 64 tackles, blocked a field goal, forced a fumble and was credited with seven quarterback hurries.
Murray, a senior defensive back, ranks seventh in the nation in passes defended. He had a hand in five turnovers with two interceptions, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown. Murray's pass coverage helped the Golden Flashes rank No. 1 in the MAC in pass efficiency defense. He also totaled 47 tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss.
Foster also contributed to the team's stout pass defense. He ranks 29th in the nation in passes defended with three interceptions. Foster made 39 tackles and forced a fumble, helping Kent State rank seventh in the FBS in turnover margin.
Cunningham was also among the many Kent State players on defense with a forced fumble. He made 34 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss and had three quarterback hurries.
Kent State has placed three or more players on the All-MAC's top two teams in 11 consecutive seasons.
