NORMAL - For the first time since the 2001 season, the Illinois State football team placed five players on the Gateway Football Conference's All-Academic Team announced Monday, including senior quarterback Luke Drone, who was a first-team selection.

Drone ranked second among league quarterbacks in passing yards per conference game with 196.7 yards per contest. He compiled 2,222 yards, his third-straight 2,000-yard passing season, on 192-for-318 passing.

Sophomore wide receiver Warren McCarty was named to the second team. McCarty played in five games, primarily on special teams. He has a 4.0 grade-point average.

ISU players receiving honorable mention include defensive lineman Dan Simnick, offensive lineman Jonathan St-Pierre and wide receiver Dan Weiner.