THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls State University football had two representatives on the HERO Sports All-American Teams released Thursday as linebacker Eli Ennis was named to the all-freshman team and center Evan Roussel landed on the all-sophomore squad. 

The honor is the third postseason accolade for Ennis after being named a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, which is given to the top freshman in the FCS. The Ohatchee, Alabama native was also voted as the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year. An All-Southland First Team selection for the second time in his career, Roussel garnered his third consecutive All-American honor from HERO Sports.

Ennis had a stellar debut for the Colonels and was a two-time Southland Defensive Player of the Week. He racked up 45 tackles on the season and ranked fourth in the Southland with 10 tackles for loss. Nine of the stops behind the line of scrimmage were in conference play, which included the game-winning safety in the victory over Texas A&M-Commerce. Ennis was named national freshman and the conference's player of the week for his performance against the Lions. He was also tabbed SLC player of the week after finishing with a career-high 11 tackles with one sack and a forced fumble in the win over McNeese. 

Roussel has continued to lead the Colonel offensive front, helping Nicholls to the No. 3 rushing offense in league play at 182.8 yards per game. Not only was Roussel an All-Southland selection for the third time in as many seasons, but he blocked for running back Julien Gums who earned first-team honors for the second time in his career. In the passing game, Roussel and the offensive line ranked second in the Southland in fewest sacks allowed.

For the complete list of HERO Sports All-American honorees, please visit HEROSports.com.
Freshman Team
Sophomore Team

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