University of Massachusets Athletics
Sparks, Hoeller Named To Capital One Academic All-District Team
November 06, 2014 | Football
University of Massachusetts offensive linemen Fabian Hoeller and Matt Sparks were named to the Capital One Academic All-District Football Team on Thursday as announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). The pair are now eligible for Academic All-America honors as the season winds down.
This marks the first time UMass has had a pair of players named to the Academic All-District I team. Defensive back Devin Brown earned the honor in 2013, while wide receiver Anthony Nelson did so in 2010 before earning Academic All-American honors after the season. Hoeller and Sparks are the fifth and sixth players to earn the all-district distinction since 2002.
Overall, 11 players in the Mid-American Conference earned the accolades with UMass being one of three institutions to have multiple players. Kent State had three players earn the distinction, while Central Michigan also had two.
To earn Academic All-District/All-America honors, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative 3.30 grade point average and be a starter or key reserve.
Sparks is a native of Mililani, Hawaii, and is a two-year starter at center. The junior has been a Dean's List student at UMass was was named the 2013 MAC All-Academic squad last year as a sophomore. He is a civil engineering major.
Hoeller is a native of Cologne, Germany and is a first-year starter at guard. He is majoring in micro-biology.
The pair have been integral in helping the UMass offense develop into one of the top passing teams in the country averaging 435 yards of total offense per game and 331 passing yards per game.
The Minutemen currently have a bye week, but will return to action next Wednesday night against Ball State. The midweek game will be televised nationally on ESPNU starting at 8 PM.
