by Mackenzie McMahon
Two powerful and reliable offensive tackles and one fast and productive receiver highlight the Hope College football team's All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association First Team selections for the 2021 season.
The MIAA co-champions put right tackle Brady Eding, receiver Terrell Harris, and left tackle Luke Marsh on the first team.
The Flying Dutchmen also had four second-team selections from the league's coaches: H-back Lou Baechler, left guard Dylan Clem, receiver TJ McKenzie Jr., and running back Daniel Romano.
On defense, Hope placed safety Brady Howe on the All-MIAA First Team and linebackers Toby Hulst and Jeremiah Purnell on the All-MIAA Second Team.
Eding's and Marsh's blocking powered the MIAA's No. 1 unit in league games for total offense at 446.8 yards per game and No. 1 scoring offense in league games at 33.2 points per game.
Eding started nine games this season for the orange and blue, including all six in MIAA play. The senior from Hamilton, Michigan (Hamilton HS) and business and classical studies major was an All-MIAA Second Team selection in 2019.
Marsh started all 10 games in his first season with the Flying Dutchmen. The sophomore from Montague, Michigan (Montague) is a special education major.
Harris totaled career-highs with a team-leading 610 receiving yards, 52 receptions, and five touchdowns this season, including 361 receiving yards, 33 receptions and two touchdowns during MIAA games. The sophomore from Whitehall, Michigan (Whitehall) is an education major.
This is the first time Harris has received All-MIAA honors.
Baechler (Plymouth, Michigan / Canton) thrived in the H-back role for the Flying Dutchmen as a blocker and a pass-catcher. The communication collected a career-high 231 receiving yards and equaled his career-best with 17 receptions. He had a touchdown reception at home against Adrian College.
Clem (Stevensville, Michigan / Lakeshore) played next to Marsh on the offensive line and helped protect quarterback Chase Brown's blindside in addition to opening up lanes for the rushing attack. The sophomore also handled long-snapping duties.
Mackenzie (North Muskegon, Michigan / North Muskegon) played in all 10 games for the orange and blue, grabbing five touchdowns 25 catches — all career-highs. The junior communication major hauled in a career-long 79-yard touchdown catch at Olivet College during a 31-16 win. McKenzie was second on the team in receiving behind Harris.
Romano (Royal Oak, Michigan / Shrine Catholic) rushed for a career-high and team-leading 825 yards and nine touchdowns this season, with 468 yards and four touchdowns coming from league play. The biomedical and bioelectrical engineering major posted a career-best 244 yards during a victory at home against Olivet College.
