GREENWOOD, Ind. – The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced the 2020-21 Academic All-America® NAIA football team on Thursday afternoon. Siena Heights linebacker Kole Murlin was among those listed on the first team.

Murlin led the Saint defense with 56 total tackles, 12 solo, four tackles for loss, and a sack. In addition, he tied a school record for tackles in a game with 19 against Lawrence Tech. Despite only playing four games this season, Murlin led the NAIA with 14.0 tackles per game. He adds this award to an already impressive season. Earlier this year, he was named NAIA All-America Honorable Mention and Co-MSFA Mideast League Defensive Player of the Year. In May, the Celina, Ohio native, was given the Thomas Emmet Sr. Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award presented annually to a junior student-athlete at Siena Heights University. He is also a two-time MSFA Mideast First-Team Defense selection.

"Every accolade Kole receives he deserves," said Saints head football coach Matt Kohn. "He is a tireless worker both on the field and in the classroom."

The 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-America® team consists of 26 of the best NAIA student-athletes on the field and in the classroom from all over the country. This year, the team contains one quarterback, three running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, five offensive linemen, one kicker, four defensive linemen, three linebackers, four defensive backs, one punter, and one special team's player. 

Murlin is just one of four student-athletes on the list from the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA), and he is the only one representing a team in the Mideast League.

For the complete list of the 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-America® NAIA football selections, click here.