Southeast Missouri State University’s Quarterback named to FCS Athletics Directors Association Academic All-Star Team

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (KBSI) – Southeast Missouri State University’s Quarterback was named in Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) 27th Annual Academic All-Star Team.

On Tuesday January 7, 2025 SEMO Quarterback Paxton DeLaurent  was one of just 54 athletes named on the All-Star Team.

“These exceptional young men demonstrate excellence not only in their academic pursuits, but also through their dedication on the field. Annually, we have the privilege of reviewing and selecting remarkable leaders who represent the best of our division, and this year’s candidates have continued the tradition. Congratulations to all the nominated student-athletes and to those selected,” stated current FCS ADA President Mark Benson, Director of Athletics at University at Albany.

Football players from all FCS institutions are eligible for the award. Each of the nominees were required to have a minimum grade point average of 3.20 (on a 4.00 scale) in undergraduate or graduate study and have been a starter or key player with legitimate athletics credentials. They must have reached their second year of athletics and academic standing at the nominated institution and have completed a minimum of one full academic year at the nominated institution. They also must have participated in 50 percent of the games played at their designated position.

A special Review Committee of FCS athletics directors were responsible for selecting the 2024 Academic All-Star Team and FCS ADA Postgraduate Scholarship finalists. This year’s Review Committee consisted of: Mark Benson, Albany (Chair); Kurt McGuffin, UT Martin; Sherryta Freeman, Lafayette; Skip Perkins, North Carolina Central; and Tom Michael, Eastern Illinois.

Additionally, from the 2024 Academic All-Star Team, 10 finalists were selected for the 24th Annual FCS ADA $5,000 Postgraduate Scholarship. Two student-athletes will receive postgraduate scholarships.

The 2024 FCS ADA Postgraduate Scholarship finalists are:
Cameron Barmore, WR, Mercyhurst
Adam Bock, LB, South Dakota State
Sam Contorno, K/P, North Alabama
Paxton DeLaurent, QB, Southeast Missouri
Colin Gardner, OL, Southern Utah
Jake Gaster, K, Central Arkansas
Brody Grebe, DL, Montana State
Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State
Tommy McCormick, S, Idaho
Tommy Mellott, QB, Montana State
Eli Mostaert, DL, North Dakota State