ADRIAN, MICH. (8-10-22) — Siena Heights University senior linebacker and Celina Grad Kole Murlin (6’3, 230, Sr) is among the 27 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) football players to be chosen for the 2022 College Football America (CFA) Yearbook NAIA Starting Lineup.

Murlin has had a fantastic 2021 season as he led the MSFA Mideast league with 112 tackles. His 12.4 tackles per game mark ranked third in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) at the end of the season. He also registered 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, eight pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

SHU head football coach Matt Kohn

“Kole is a very special person. He puts everything he has into his athletic and academic career on a daily basis. He is beyond deserving of any accolade he receives.”

Murlin was a second-team AFCA All-American in 2021, adding that award to a resume that includes two MSFA Mid-East Defensive Player of the Year (2020 & 2021), NAIA All-America Honorable Mention (2020), three-time first-team All-MSFA, and the Thomas Emmet Sr. Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Award.

This is the second time in program history that a SHU Saint has been represented on the CFA preseason starting lineup. The first was in 2020 when Trenton Morrow became the first Saint on the list.

A total of 22 NAIA programs had at least one player selected to the team. Four NAIA programs had two student-athletes selected; one of those programs had three. Murlin is one of five players representing the Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) (all but one play for a team in the MSFA Mideast).

The College Football America Yearbook is an annually printed publication that features more than 900 college football teams from the United States and Canada. It includes every team from the NCAA (FBS, FCS, Division II and III), NAIA, NJCAA, CCAA, and U Sports (Canada). It also includes dozens of action shots and stadium photos taken by the CFA staff.

NFL

Murlin is getting some early attention as a possible NFL prospect in the 2023 Draft.

Kole Murlin, LB, Siena Heights | 2023 NFL Draft Prospect Zoom Interview

Draft Diamonds Kole Murlin the play-making linebacker from Siena Heights is a sleeper in the NFL Draft you better learn about now. He is going to climb draft boards with his football intelligence. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds lead scout Jimmy Williams.

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