UP Gazette

The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its All-GLIAC honorees for the 2024 football season. Three members of the Wildcats have been recognized on the Second Team: freshman running back Jahi Wood, redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Daniel Babcock, and sophomore linebacker Jax Hertel.

Jahi Wood, a 5'7" running back from Lansing, Michigan, was a standout performer for the Wildcats this season. He led his team in rushing with 667 yards on 155 attempts, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. His performance placed him third in the league. Wood achieved five games with over 75 rushing yards and recorded a season-high of 108 yards in the final game against Wayne State. He scored his first career touchdown during the match against Saginaw Valley.

Daniel Babcock, a 6'4" offensive lineman hailing from Lake Orion, Michigan, started all 11 games for Northern Michigan University (NMU). His contributions were crucial to NMU's ground game success as they averaged 177.9 rushing yards per game. This effort positioned them third in their conference and ranked them 27th nationally.

Jax Hertel made notable progress during his sophomore year. Despite an injury that limited him to nine games, he co-led the team with 57 tackles, including 40 solo efforts. Before his injury, Hertel was leading the conference in tackles. The Walworth, Wisconsin native also contributed two quarterback hits and a pass breakup.