KEVIN MYERS NAMED TO 2003 AFCA DIVISION II ALL-AMERICA TEAM

FSU Linebacker’s Season Accomplishments Recognized On A National Level

Ferris State University junior outside linebacker Kevin Myers (Midland) has been named to the 2003 AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team as announced today (Dec. 10) by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA).

The AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America Team is comprised of players from NCAA Division II and NAIA institutions. The AFCA has selected an All-America team since 1945 and currently selects teams in all four of its divisions. Members of the AFCA Coaches’ All-America Team receive a plaque commemorating their selection to the team.

Myers, who joined Ashland defensive back Toure Carter and Grand Valley State kicker David Hendrix as 2003 AFCA All-America Team representatives from Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) institutions, is the first Ferris State football player to garner AFCA All-America accolades since 2001 when flanker Clarence Coleman achieved the honor. Past FSU AFCA All-Americans include running back Chuck Evans (1976), outside linebacker Monty Brown (1992), defensive tackle Ed Philion (1993), tailback Tyree Dye (1994), quarterback Bill Love (1995), defensive tackle Kelly Chisholm (1996) and kicker-punter Doc Proctor (1999).

FSU outside linebacker Kevin Myers was named to the 2003 AFCA Division II Coaches' All-America Team.

A first-team All-GLIAC selection this season, Myers paced the Bulldogs in tackles for the second consecutive season with a career-high and conference-leading 141 stops (87 solos) in 11 games. His season tackles total this fall was the most by a Ferris State player since 1996 and represented the 13th highest total among the school’s single-season all-time leaders. Among this season’s NCAA-II individual statistical leaders, Myers presently ranks second in solo tackles (7.9 avg.) and fourth in both total tackles (12.8 avg.) and forced fumbles (0.45 avg.). He recorded eight double-figure tackle game performances this campaign, which included a career-best 23 tackles (15 solos) against Findlay (11/1) and 16 stops (12 solos) at nationally top-ranked Saginaw Valley State (10/25). The Bulldog linebacker also registered his first career touchdown on a 40-yard fumble recovery return versus Northwood (10/4). Myers, who was chosen FSU’s Most Valuable Defensive Skill Player this season, averaged 16.5 tackles (66 total) in his last four outings this fall with double-digit tackles in each contest.

As a sophomore in 2002, Myers posted a team-high 112 tackles (66 solos) in 10 games en route to garnering all-conference second-team laurels. He finished the campaign tied for 12th nationally in tackles (11.1 avg.) while placing second among the GLIAC’s leaders. The 5-11, 210-pound defender made 49 tackles as a freshman in 2001 and was recognized as the squad’s Outstanding Defensive Rookie.

In 31 career appearances to date at FSU, Myers has accumulated 302 tackles (174 solos) to currently rank 14th on the Bulldogs’ all-time leaders list while producing 16 double-digit game tackle efforts. He had 9.5 tackles for a loss of 17 yards, one quarterback sack for a minus five yards, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 17 pass deflections and six pass interceptions for 41 yards.

Ferris State concluded its 2003 campaign at 6-5 overall and finished tied for fourth place in the GLIAC with a 5-5 record.