Four Mountain West Stars Shine on 2024 Academic All-America Football Teams
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The 2024
UNLV Dominates the First Team
UNLV seniors Jalen Catalon, Ricky White III, and Jackson Woodard secured spots on the prestigious first team.Catalon, a defensive back and sociology major with a 3.52 GPA, transferred from the University of Texas and made an immediate impact.The Mansfield, Texas, native ranked fourth nationally with five interceptions, earning him a spot as a FootballFinal.pdf?id=5562″>Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year after leading the nation with four blocked punts. Offensively, he made history as the first Rebel to record multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons, finishing with 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Woodard,a linebacker from little Rock,Arkansas,boasts a remarkable 3.80 GPA and already holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. A two-time team captain and
Boise State’s Notarainni Earns Second-Team Honors
Boise State junior linebacker Marco Notarainni claimed a spot on the second team. With a 3.95 GPA and a business degree in progress, Notarainni was a key contributor for the Broncos, earning Football Playoff.
A Legacy of Excellence
With Woodard’s repeat selection, UNLV now boasts 15 first-team Academic All-Americans across all sports. Notarainni’s recognition marks the 27th Academic All-America award for Boise State, solidifying both programs’ commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
Key Highlights
| Player | School | Team | GPA | Key Achievements |
|——————–|————-|————|——|———————————————————————————-|
| Jalen Catalon | UNLV | first Team | 3.52 | 5 interceptions, Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist |
| Ricky White III | UNLV | First Team | 3.58 | 1,041 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, 4 blocked punts |
| Jackson Woodard | UNLV | First Team | 3.80 | 135 tackles, Mountain west Defensive Player of the Year |
| Marco Notarainni | Boise State | Second Team| 3.95 | 60 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, College Football Playoff participant |
Looking Ahead Table of Contents The 2024
Both White and Woodard are set to showcase their talents at the Mountain West Football Stars Excel Academically and Athletically: An Expert interview
UNLV’s Dominance on the Academic All-America First Team
Sarah Mitchell: Dr. Harper, UNLV had three players—Jalen Catalon, Ricky White III, and Jackson Woodard—make the first team. What does this say about the program’s emphasis on academics and athletics?
Dr.Ethan Harper: It’s a testament to the culture UNLV has built under their coaching staff. These players aren’t just excelling on the field; they’re thriving in the classroom.for instance, Jackson Woodard, with a 3.80 GPA,exemplifies this balance. The fact that UNLV had more first-team selections than any other Division I school this year speaks volumes about their commitment to holistic development.
Jalen Catalon: A Defensive Powerhouse
Sarah: Jalen Catalon transferred from Texas and made an immediate impact at UNLV. How significant was his role in earning this honor?
Dr. Harper: Jalen’s contribution was immense. With five interceptions,he ranked fourth nationally and became a ricky White III: A Dual Threat on the Field and in the Classroom
Sarah: Ricky White III is a repeat All-American and the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year. What makes his achievements stand out? Dr. Harper: Ricky is a rare talent.He led the nation with four blocked punts, and his offensive stats are equally impressive—1,041 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s the first UNLV player with multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons.His 3.58 GPA in human services adds another layer to his success,showcasing his ability to excel in both arenas. Sarah: Marco Notarainni earned second-team honors with a 3.95 GPA. How crucial is his recognition for Boise State? Dr. Harper: Marco’s achievement is monumental. His 3.95 GPA in business, combined with his on-field performance—60 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, and 3 sacks—epitomizes what it means to be a student-athlete. His contributions were pivotal in Boise State’s The Legacy of Academic Excellence in the Mountain West
Sarah: What does this year’s Academic All-America recognition mean for the Mountain West Conference as a whole? Dr. Harper: It reinforces the Mountain West’s reputation as a conference that values both academics and athletics. UNLV’s 15 first-team Academic All-Americans and Boise State’s 27 Academic All-America awards across all sports highlight a legacy of excellence. These programs are proving that success in the classroom and on the field are not mutually exclusive. Sarah: Ricky White III and Jackson Woodard are set to play in the Conclusion
Sarah: Dr. Harper, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s clear that these student-athletes and their programs are setting a high standard for excellence both on and off the field. Dr. Harper: Absolutely, Sarah. The Mountain West continues to shine on the national stage, proving that academic and athletic success go hand in hand. These players are not just stars on the field—they’re role models for the next generation of student-athletes.Marco Notarainni: Boise State’s Academic and Athletic Leader
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