Football | May 21, 2018

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Seven Western Michigan Broncos have earned preseason All-Mid-American Conference honors from Athlon Sports, one of the nation's leaders in college football coverage.

WMU placed two players, cornerback Sam Beal and center John Keenoy on the First Team and another pair, running back Jamauri Bogan and offensive lineman Luke Juriga on the Second Team. Three more Broncos, offensive lineman Mike Caliendo, defensive lineman Ali Fayad and safety Justin Tranquill were named to the Fourth Team. 

Career statistics and awards were considered in the evaluation, but choosing players for the 2018 all-conference team was largely based on predicting and projecting the best for the upcoming year.

Western Michigan opens the 2018 season hosting Syracuse on Friday, Aug. 31.

Sam Beal - First Team
Beal had two interceptions, one forced fumble, 26 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 10 pass breakups last season. He returns with the MAC's lowest passer rating when targeted among cornerbacks and was a Second Team All-MAC selection last season.

John Keenoy - First Team
Keenoy has started every game played (37 of 38 possible games) at center and has been an All-MAC selection the last two seasons, earning First Team honors last year.

Jamauri Bogan - Second Team
Bogan will enter 2018 ranked No. 8 in career rushing at WMU with 2,563 yards and fourth with 27 career rushing touchdowns. He was the 2015 MAC Freshman of the Year.

Luke Juriga - Second Team
Juriga has started all 26 games of his career and has helped block for WMU's running game which has been ranked top 25 in the nation the last two years. He was a Second Team All-MAC selection last season as a sophomore.

Mike Caliendo - Fourth Team
In his first season of action last year, Caliendo played in all 12 games and made 10 starts. He helped block for the WMU running game which was ranked 21st in the nation.

Ali Fayad - Fourth Team
Last year as a freshman, Fayad played in all 12 games, totaling 20 tackles (15 solo, 5.5 TFL), 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.

Justin Tranquill - Fourth Team
Tranquill suffered a season-ending injury in game two at Michigan State last year, but was second on the team with 86 tackles during 2016 MAC Championship season.


For a complete list of Athlon Sports preseason All-MAC teams, click here.