Bazuin Named Preseason All-American

MOUNT PLEASANT - Two preseason college football preview magazines, Athlon Sports and Lindy's, have named Central Michigan University senior defensive end Daniel Bazuin of McBain (Mich.) High School a preseason All-American.

Athlon selected Daniel Bazuin to its All-America first team, while Lindy's made him a second team choice.

Bazuin is also a first team All-Mid-American Conference selection by both outlets. Lindy's selected CMU's career leader in sacks and tackles for loss as the conference's top future NFL talent, preseason defensive player of the year and best pass rusher. It also ranks him as the fourth-best defensive end in Division I-A.

Bazuin is on the 2006 watch list for five major national awards, including the Nagurski Trophy and Bednarik Award, both presented the national defensive player of the year.

Also earning preseason All-MAC honors were offensive tackle Joe Staley of Rockford (Mich.) High School, Athlon first team; linebacker Thomas Keith, Franklin (Ga.) Heard County High School, Lindy's first team; and running back Ontario Sneed, Clinton (Ill.) High School, Lindy's second team.

Staley is entering his third season as a starter on the offensive front. He did not allow a sack from his left tackle position last season. Keith was a second team All-MAC pick in 2005 after posting team highs of 104 tackles and four interceptions, while Sneed ran for 1,065 yards and caught a CMU running back-record 51 passes as a true freshman last year.

Central Michigan opens the 2006 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 31, hosting Boston College at 6 p.m. ESPN2 will televise the contest live to a national audience.