Nov. 8, 2007
University of New Mexico Seniors Cody Kase (linebacker) and Vince Natali (center) were selected to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VI first team for the second straight year, the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) organization announced today. Kase, a Business Administration major, was a first team pick for the third straight season with a 3.94 grade point average. Natali, meanwhile, was selected for the second straight year after posting a 3.89 undergraduate GPA. With an undergrad diploma already in hand, Natali has posted 3.33 GPA while working his way towards an M.B.A. in Business Administration.
Both players are now eligible for the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America team, which is voted on by a committee and announced on November 29. Kase was a second team Academic All-America pick in 2006.
Kase has helped lead the Lobo defense back in to the top-30 nationally (29th). The third-year starter is one of the most active linebackers in the Mountain West Conference. The Valencia, Calif. product has started all nine games at middle linebacker and tallied 42 tackles, including 3.5 for loss (two solo), five quarterback hurries, a pass break up and a forced fumble.
Natali, a second-year starter, is putting together a breakthough senior season. Arguably the Mountain West’s top center, the Park Ridge, Ill. product leads the offensive line group known as “The Hitmen,” with 79 knockdowns, has allowed just one sack and committed just three penalties in nine starts.