Lenoir, Jr. Headlines Western’s All-MVFC Selections

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Western Illinois landed five players on the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference teams, led by First Team selection Lance Lenoir, Jr. (Crete/Crete-Monee). The league office announced the All-Conference teams on Monday (Dec. 1).

Senior linebacker Kevin Kintzel (New Lenox/Lincoln-Way West) earned Second Team honors. Senior running back J.C. Baker (Yuma, Ariz./Yuma), sophomore offensive lineman Matt Zobrist (Troy/Triad) and sophomore quarterback Trenton Norvell (Daytona Beach, Fla./Seabreeze) all earned a spot on the Honorable Mention squad. The All-Conference teams were voted on by the league head coaches, sports information directors, and designated media members.

Lenoir set a WIU season record with 75 receptions totaling 1,030 yards with seven touchdowns. He led the Leathernecks in all three categories, including a team season-best 75-yard reception against Illinois State. Lenoir became the fifth Leatherneck all-time with 1,000 receiving yards in a season, and he became the only non-senior to reach the season milestone.

He currently ranks second in the MVFC and 19th nationally in both receiving yards and receptions per game (6.3). Lenoir was one of just two receivers in the conference that reached 1,000 receiving yards in the regular season. He also stands 46th in the nation averaging 118.8 all-purpose yards per game. Last year he was named to the MVFC All-Newcomer team.

Kintzel led the MVFC in tackles per game during the second half of the season before finishing fourth at 8.4 stops per game (team-leading 92 overall). An Honorable Mention selection last year, he added 6.0 tackles for a loss and 3.0 sacks on the year. Kintzel broke up six passes, had two quarterback hurries, forced a fumble and recovered a loose ball. He stands 17th nationally with his two blocked kicks this year.

Baker was one of six 1,200 yard rushers in the MVFC, totaling 1,265 on 246 attempts (5.1 yards per carry). He rushed for five TDs, tying for the team lead. Last year he was named to the MVFC All-Newcomer team and an Honorable Mention selection.

He recorded six 100-yard games, including a career-high 175 yards against North Dakota State. Baker closed out his career with 163 yards and a score versus Indiana State. He finished his two-year career sixth all-time with 2,414 yards. Baker, who recorded 1,000-yard rushing seasons in consecutive years, is the only Leatherneck in history to reach the 1,000-yard mark in their first two years at the Division I level. The senior is currently 39th nationally with 121.9 all-purpose yards per game and 18th in total rushing yards.

Zobrist helped play a big role in the offense averaging 72 more yards of total offense per game this year than in 2013, 405.3 total offensive yards per game. Zobrist, who didn't see any game action last year, started all 12 games at right tackle. The offensive unit ranks eighth nationally in tackles for loss allowed (3.92 p/g).

Norvell ended the regular season with a MVFC-leading 24 touchdown passes and 3,035 yards of total offense. His 2,891 passing yards ranked second-best in the league during the regular season. He threw a career-high five touchdown passes in the win at South Dakota, and was twice named MVFC 'Offensive Player of the Week'.

The sophomore became just the fifth Leatherneck all-time to reach 5,000 career passing yards (5,031) and throw at least 40 touchdowns (41). He currently stands 10th nationally in passing TDs and 14th in passing yards. Last year he was named to the MVFC All-Newcomer team.

The Fighting Leathernecks finished 3-5 in the MVFC, tied for seventh place in the nation's toughest FCS conference. Western (5-7 overall) ranks fourth nationally in toughest schedule in the country.

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Players Mentioned

#17 Kevin Kintzel: LB; 6' 2"; Senior; Lincoln-Way West

#7 Lance Lenoir: WR; 6' 0"; Sophomore; Crete Monee

#73 Matt Zobrist: OL; 6' 3"; Sophomore; Triad

#14 Trenton Norvell: QB; 6' 5"; Sophomore; Seabreeze

#2 J.C. Baker: RB; 5' 8"; Senior; Yuma / Arizona Western CC

Players Mentioned

#17 Kevin Kintzel
: 6' 2"; Senior; Lincoln-Way West
: LB

#7 Lance Lenoir
: 6' 0"; Sophomore; Crete Monee
: WR

#73 Matt Zobrist
: 6' 3"; Sophomore; Triad
: OL

#14 Trenton Norvell
: 6' 5"; Sophomore; Seabreeze
: QB

#2 J.C. Baker
: 5' 8"; Senior; Yuma / Arizona Western CC
: RB