Bellore named to All-MAC first team for third consecutive year; Wilson earns two honors

• Tweet
• 

A season of struggles for the Central Michigan football team didn’t prevent several individuals from receiving postseason recognition.

In the Mid-American Conference 2010 postseason awards released Wednesday, senior linebacker Nick Bellore earned All-MAC first team defense honors for the third consecutive year. Bellore, who recorded 90 total tackles this season, had his 51-game start streak snapped earlier this season and was hampered with injuries.

Senior linebacker Matt Berning also received All-MAC first team honors for the first time in his career. He led the team with 102 total tackles.

On the offensive side of the ball, senior center Colin Miller, sophomore wide receiver Cody Wilson and senior offensive lineman Jeff Maddux were all named to the All-MAC second team.

Wilson had a breakout season, finishing second in the conference in receiving yards (1,137 yards) while leading the Chippewas with 83 catches. He also earned third team special team recognition as a punt return specialist, amassing 120 yards on 16 returns.

Defensive lineman Sean Murnane, senior defensive back Vince Agnew and sophomore defensive back Jahleel Addae earned third team All-MAC defense honors.

Northern Illinois running back Chad Spann was named as the 29th Vern Smith Leadership Award recipient, awarded by MAC coaches to the top player in the conference. Spann rushed for 1,239 yards and 20 touchdowns.

NIU plays Miami at 7 p.m. Friday in the MAC championship at Ford Field in Detroit.