Illinois Purdue Football

Purdue running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (3) is pursued by, left to right, Illinois' players Xavier Scott (14), Nicario Harper (0), Jer'Zhan Newton (4) and Miles Scott (10) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Eight Illinois football players received recognition as College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District performers on Tuesday. 

Illinois Athletics shared that tight end Tanner Arkin, wide receivers Hank Beatty and Collin Dixon, running back Kaden Feagin, offensive lineman Josh Gesky, linebacker Kenenna Odeluga, and defensive backs Tanner Heckel and Miles Scott were honored for their academic achievements. 

Eligible players must be at least a sophomore with a minimum 3.5 grade-point average, along with playing in either 90% of their team's games or starting 66% of games overall, according to Illinois Athletics. 

Those Illini players will move to the CSC Academic All-America team ballot, set to be announced Jan. 27. 

Dating back to 1952, Illinois football has had 26 student-athletes receive 37 Academic All-America honors. 

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