The Emporia State football team had six named to the first team while senior punter Ross Brungardt was named the 2023 MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year in the All-MIAA football awards announced on Tuesday. Brungardt finished the season ninth in the country in punting and led the MIAA averaging 43.5 yards per kick. The Lawrence, Kan. native was tied for the league lead with 17 punts inside the opponent 20-yard line. Quarterback Braden Gleason was a unanimous pick at first-team quarterback after setting the MIAA’s career passing touchdown record while wide receiver Tyler Kahmann was named to the first team after setting ESU’s record for single-season receiving touchdowns. Fellow wideout Jaylen Varner also made the first team while offensive lineman Sherman Deaton was first team at offensive line and Jordan Williams was named first team at defensive line. Brungardt was humbled by the recognition.
Billy Ross Jr. was second team offense at all-purpose back while Jaaron Joseph was second team defense after leading the Hornets with four interceptions. Senior defensive back Montrell Wilson joined Joseph on the second team. Offensive lineman Carlos Guzman was third team all league along with defensive lineman Rylan Miller and linebacker Chance Rodriguez. Stinger back Tommy Zimmerman, offensive linemen Dante Smith-Posey and Trevion Mitchell, and defensive lineman Maquay Shaw and Rafe Goucher picked up honorable mention honors.
