South Dakota State University running backs Kyle Minett and Tyler Duffy have each been named to the ESPN Academic All-America Team for their efforts in the classroom and on the field.
Minett, a senior from Ruthton, Minn., was named to the University Division First Team for the third consecutive year and finished fifth in the Academic All-American of the Year balloting. An economics major with a 3.67 grade-point average, Minett finished his career second on the Jackrabbit career rushing charts with 4,277 yards. He became the first player in SDSU history to top the 1,000-yard mark in three consecutive seasons, compiling 1,208 yards with 12 touchdowns in 2010 . One of 20 players on the official watch list for the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision, Minett had a streak of eight consecutive 100-yard games this season.
A senior from Brookings, Duffy earned a spot on the University Division Second Team after compiling a perfect 4.00 GPA while majoring in electrical engineering. Duffy ranked second on the team with 465 rushing yards and five touchdowns, ending the 2010 season with a career-high 127 yards against North Dakota on Nov. 20.
Selections to the ESPN Academic All-America Team are made by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
