BOLLINGBROOK, Ill. – Carson-Newman's football program had seven student-athletes recognized for their efforts on the field and in the classroom as members of the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
Carson-Newman's seven representatives are longsnapper Andrew Bradshaw, center Brian Do, wide receiver Cade Meeks, linebacker Luke Myers, offensive guard Colt Sinor, quarterback Zane Whitson and linebacker Zach Williams.
This marks a second consecutive year where C-N has had seven players recognized. Bradshaw and Sinor are both repeat honorees.
Bradshaw continues a long line of all-conference longsnappers. With Bradshaw's selection, Carson-Newman's last three long snappers – a stretch that dates back to 2012 – have all garnered all-league laurels. Dusty Nance and Dawson Campbell both were three-time honorees.
In 30 career games, Bradshaw has only seen two punts or kicks blocked and those attempts were both 50-plus, line-drive field goals that ricocheted off the line seeking extra distance.
Do was part of an offensive line that allowed the second-fewest sacks in the South Atlantic Conference and the fifth-fewest tackles for loss in the league. Those figures ranked 16th and 35th, nationally.
Carson-Newman's leading receiver in 2023, Meeks caught 24 passes for 496 yards and six touchdowns. With back-to-back 100-yard receiving days against Newberry and Tusculum, Meeks became the second receiver in school history to register consecutive 100-yard receiving performances.
A stalwart on special teams, Myers concluded the season with eight tackles in 11 games. Of his eight tackles, seven game on special teams. He ranked third on the team in special teams tackles.
Sinor was part of an offensive line that allowed the second-fewest sacks in the South Atlantic Conference and the fifth-fewest tackles for loss in the league. Those figures ranked 16th and 35th, nationally.
Whitson started the first three and the final three games of the year under center for the Eagles. He wrapped up the year completing 60-of-128 passes for 984 yards and nine touchdowns. He also ran the ball 43 times for 154 yards and a score. His best day passing came at UVA Wise when he was 10-of-14 through the air for 188 yards and three scores, including an 85-yard pitch and catch with Galen Washington.
Williams played in all 11 games for C-N, splitting time between linebacker and tight end, but dominating on special teams. Williams logged 11 tackles on the year, all but one of which came on punts and kickoffs. He was second on the team in special teams tackles.
The 2023 Academic All-District® Football teams, selected by College Sports Communicators (CSC), recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes football honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA.
The CSC Academic All-District® teams include the student-athletes listed at the links above.
Academic All-District® honorees were considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. Student-athletes selected as CSC Academic All-America® finalists are denoted with an asterisk and will advance to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members. In Carson-Newman's case, this applies to Bradshaw and Meeks.
First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced Jan. 23, 2024.
