For the 11th straight season, at least three Kent State football players will receive All-Mid-American Conference postseason honors.

Senior Terence Waugh and fifth-year senior Najee Murray were named to the first team, junior Jerrell Foster was named to the second team, while junior Jon Cunningham was named to the third team.

Waugh — who was named first-team All-MAC for the second straight year — compiled 64 tackles on the season, including 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Waugh also recorded a forced fumble and a blocked field-goal in 2016.

Murray — a transfer from The Ohio State University — was a force in the secondary for the Flashes, finishing seventh in the nation in pass deflections. Murray also played a part in five turnovers and scored his first career touchdown on a 47-yard fumble recovery in the Flashes’ loss to Central Michigan Universitiy. Murray also gathered 47 tackles and four tackles for a loss.

Cornerback Foster is the Flashes’ lone representative on the second team. Foster contributed to Kent State’s tenacious pass defense as well, as the junior finished 29th in the nation in passes defended to go along with three interceptions. Foster also compiled 39 tackles and a forced fumble.

Defensive tackle Cunningham rounded out the Flashes showing by appearing on the third team. Cunningham was a solid force in the middle of the field for Kent State, finishing the year with 34 tackles (4.5 which were for a loss), a forced fumble and three quarterback hurries.

Murray and Waugh were two illustrious members of a solid Kent State defense, and their performances were recognized as such in their final year on campus.

Cunningham and Foster will be back next year, along with some key defensive cogs. Freshman Jamal Parker led Kent State in interceptions last season with three, while senior safety Kevin Bourne was second on the team with two interceptions.

Bourne also recorded 21 tackles in the Flashes’ season finale against Northern Illinois University, making him one of four players to total 20 tackles in a game last season.

Henry Palattella is a sports reporter, contact him at [email protected].