CONWAY, Ark. _ Three University of Central Arkansas football players were named to the Southland Conference All-Academic team on Monday.

    Senior Brad Jakel, junior Anthony Blackmon and junior Seth Allison were three of 24 players named to the All-Academic team. To qualify for the team, student-athletes must have at least a 3.0 grade-point average, have completed one full academic year at the institution and participated in at least 50 percent of the team's competition.

    Jakel, a senior offensive lineman from Weston, Wis., had a 3.69 grade-point average in exercise science. Blackmon, a junior running back from Bentonville, had a 3.56 in health education. Allison, a junior linebacker from Stuttgart, has a 3.26 in finance.

    Jakel, a two-year starter, helped the Bears’ offense average 400 yards of total offense and 32.2 points per game this season. Blackmon was UCA’s second-leading rusher with 302 yards and one touchdown on 71 carries.  He also caught 14 passes.

     Allison led the Bears in tackles with 110, good for fifth in the SLC. He was second in the league in tackles for loss with 15.5 and also added 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. Allison was named a second-team All-American by The Sports Network/Fathead.com and was a first-team All-SLC selection.