MANKATO, Minn. --- A trio of Minnesota State seniors in Nate Gunn, Evan Heim and Shane Zylstra have been named to the AP All-American First Team for their efforts this season.

A running back from Minooka, Ill., Gunn has rushed for 1,611 yards and 29 touchdowns this season. He is averaging 115.1 rushing yards a game this season and has rushed for  more than 100 yards in eight games. Earlier this season, Gunn was named to the AFCA All-American First Team.

Gunn is Minnesota State's all-time leader in carries (842), rushing yards (4,866) and rushing touchdowns (63). Against Sioux Falls earlier this season, he rushed for 254 yards and a school record six touchdowns against the Cougars.

A offensive lineman from DePere, Wis., Heim has started in all 14 games for the Mavericks on the offensive line this season and has helped MSU set single-season records in points scored (672), rushing yards (4,103) and rushing touchdowns (57). The Maverick offensive line has allowed just 14 sacks this season.

A three-time All-NSIC First Team honoree, this is Heim's first All-American honor this season. Last season he garnered All-American First Team honors for D2Football.com and Don Hansen, to go with All-American Second Team honors from D2CCA.

A wide receiver from Spicer, Minn., Zylstra leads the Maverick receiving corps with 70 catches for 1,513 yards and 17 touchdown catches. His 1,513 receiving yards and 17 touchdown catches are the most in a season in team history. This season he has tallied more than 100 receiving yards in eight games, including a career-high 220 yards and three touchdowns against Minnesota Duluth.

Zylstra is MSU's all-time leader in catches (216), receiving yards (4,152) and touchdown catches (53). This is Zylstra's third All-American award this season. He has also been named to the AFCA All-American Second Team and the CoSIDA Academic All-American First Team.

Minnesota State squares off with West Florida Saturday afternoon in the NCAA Championship game in McKinney, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.

2019 Minnesota State All-Americans
Alex Goettl - CoSIDA Second Team
Nate Gunn - AFCA First Team, AP First Team
Evan Heim - AP First Team
Shane Zylstra - AFCA Second Team, CoSIDA First Team, AP First Team


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