NDSU had four student-athletes named to Capital One Academic All-America Division I football team announced Dec. 4. The selections were made by a vote of the College Sports Information Directors of America. 

Defensive end Kyle Emanuel, linebacker Esley Thorton and quarterback Carson Wentz were voted to the first team. Center Jesse Hinz was selected to the second team.

That number is the most NDSU football players recognized in a single season since the Academic All-America program began in 1952. The Bison had three players selected in 2004 and 2008.

Emanuel, a senior from Schuyler, Nebraska, has a 3.66 cumulative grade-point average in construction management. Thorton, a senior from Bismarck, North Dakota, has a 3.92 GPA in exercise science. Wentz, a junior from Bismarck, has a 4.00 GPA in health and physical education. Hinz, a senior from Beatrice, Nebraska, has a 3.71 GPA in criminal justice and Spanish.

To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution.

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