NDSU had five student-athletes named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Academic Team, by a vote of the league's sports information directors.
Tight end Ben Ellefson, defensive end Greg Menard and quarterback Easton Stick were first-team selections. Safety Robbie Grimsley and wide receiver/return specialist Darrius Shepherd were named to the second team.
NDSU's total of five first-team or second-team honorees was the most among the 10 schools. NDSU had another three players earn honorable mention – linebacker Dan Marlette, center Tanner Volson and punter Garret Wegner.
Nominees for the all-academic team must be starters or important reserves who have sophomore athletic and academic standing, completed at least one calendar year at their current institution, participate in at least 50 percent of the team's games, and carry a minimum 3.20 cumulative grade-point average.
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