ST. LOUIS - North Dakota State had five players selected to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team on Tuesday, Dec. 2, by a vote of the league's media, head coaches and communications directors.

NDSU tight end Reis Kessel made the All-Newcomer Team and was third in the voting for MVFC Freshman of the Year behind Illinois State wide receiver Luke Mailander and Indiana State defensive back Nic Yatsko.

Bison running back DJ Scott, left guard Nate Tastad, defensive tackle Zach Vanderpool and punter Aaron Bickerton also made the All-Newcomer Team.

Indiana State defensive back Kimal Clark was named Newcomer of the Year.

North Dakota State (12-0) is scheduled to host 17th-ranked Illinois State (9-4) in the second round of the NCAA Division I Football Championship at noon Saturday, Dec. 6. Tickets are on sale at GoBison.com/tickets.