YPSILANTI, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Gaining the third highest amount of players in program history to be named All-MAC, Eastern Michigan produced the Defensive MVP in Jose Ramirez as a defensive end. He is the first EMU player for the program to be named a most valuable player.

“This is a very talented group and they are certainly deserving. We are very proud and appreciate conference coaches recognizing how well they performed,” said head coach Chris Creighton.

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Ramirez led the nation in sacks with 12 and 1.09 sacks per game while being second in tackles per loss at 1.8. He has three multiple sack games and had four sacks vs. Western Michigan on October 8. The third leading tackler on the team with 63 tackles, his 12 sacks are a single season EMU record and is second all-time in program history with 20.5.

Also making All-MAC first team was running back/returner Jaylon Jackson, offensive lineman Sidy Sow, and punter Mitchell Tomasek. On the second team were running back Samson Evans and offensive lineman Brian Dooley. Rounding out the third team were wide receiver Hassan Beydoun, placekicker Jesus Gomez, and wideout Tanner Knue.

EMU also took the Michigan MAC Trophy as the top Michigan MAC team defeating both Central and Western Michigan. They finished the year at 8-4 and were 5-3 tying for their first-ever co-MAC West Division title.