KANSAS CITY -- Siena Heights junior linebacker Kole Murlin was named an NAIA All-America Honorable Mention today when the national office announced the 2020-21 NAIA Football All-America list.

The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all five of its divisions. What makes these teams so special is that they are the only ones chosen exclusively by the men who know the players the best — the coaches themselves.

Murlin had a fantastic season leading the Saints defense with 56 total tackles, 12 solo, four tackles for loss, and a sack. He tied a school record for tackles in a game with 19 against Lawrence Tech and earned an MSFA Mideast defensive player of the week award for his efforts. Despite only playing four games this season, Murlin leads the NAIA with 14.0 tackles per game.

"Kole is the leader of our defense," said head coach Matt Kohn. "All things run through Kole."

Murlin adds this award to his list of accolades this season along with Co-MSFA Mideast League Defensive Player of the Year, First Team MSFA All-Mideast League, and MSFA Mideast Defensive Player of the Week awards.

For the complete list of NAIA All-Americans click here.