MORRIS, Minn. - The University of Minnesota Morris football team had three players named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team® this Tuesday. With this honor Christian Diederich, Carter Maurice, Tyler Stephans, Orion Knakmuhs, Gregory Ohman, and Carter Watnass have been recognized for their academic and athletic achievements this fall season.

Deiderich, a senior offensive lineman from Murdock, Minn., holds a 3.63 GPA and will graduate this spring with a degree in history and a minor in french. He played in all 10 games this season for the Cougars, and had two tackle assists to earn a place on the All-UMAC First Team.

Maurice is a senior defensive lineman who hails from Boissevain, Man. He holds a 3.69 GPA and will graduate this spring with a degree in mathematics. Maurice appeared in all 10 games this season, racking up 55 tackles (34 solo), three fumble recoveries, seven quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, and one blocked kick. His performance for the Cougars this season earned Maurice a place on the All-UMAC First Team.

Stephans, a senior offensive lineman from Eyota, Minn., holds a 3.70 GPA. He will graduate this spring with a degree in business management. Stephans played in all 10 games for Minnesota Morris on the season.

Knakmuhs, a junior wide receiver from Walnut Grove, Minn., holds a 3.81 GPA and is slated to graduate in spring of 2026 with a degree in elementary education. He played in all 10 games this season for the Cougars, making a 16 yard rush in addition to catching 13 passes for 130 yards. He also made four tackles (three solo) for Minnesota Morris this season.

Ohman, a junior linebacker from Lake Nebagamon, Wis., holds a cumulative GPA of 3.853 and will graduate with a degree in business and management in spring of 2026. He played in nine games for the Cougars this season, and was second on the team with 56 tackles (36 solo). His defensive performance for Minnesota Morris this season earned him All-UMAC Second Team honors. 

Watnass, a junior tight end from Osakis, Minn., holds a GPA of 3.66 and will graduate in spring of 2026 with a degree in history with a concentration in secondary education. He appeared in nine games this season for the Cougars, catching six passes for 104 yards and making one solo tackle.

The 2024 Academic All-District®  Football Teams recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes football honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.