Graduation Caps Award Filled Career for Esko’s Jason Kunz

Contributed Photo

Jason Kunz (#26) intercepts a pass against Minnesota Crookston. Kunz had two interceptions in the 56-7 win.

July 9

Wes Vork-NSO

Graduation has capped a spectacular career at Bemidji State University for former Esko standout Jason Kunz. Kunz, a biology and chemistry major and a four year player for the Beavers, was awarded Honorable Mention All-Conference and won the All NSIC Academic Award.

Kunz redshirted his freshman year and did not play in his first season at BSU. As a redshirt freshman, he played in seven games for the Beavers, recording five tackles (3 solo).

As a sophomore, he appeared in all 12 games as a Beavers reserve defensive back. Kunz piled up 24 tackles (11 solo) with one tackle-for-loss. His best games were against Minot State and Wayne State where he recorded five tackles (3 solo) in each game. Against Minnesota Crookston, he recorded one tackle and intercepted two passes which he returned for a total of 54 yards.

In his junior season, he stepped on the field in all 11 of the Beavers’ contests, starting nine in the BSU defensive secondary. His 40 tackles (15 solo) ranked third among BSU defensive backs in 2007. In addition, he registered an interception, a tackle for a loss and three pass break-ups. Kunz led the Beavers with a career-high eight tackles in a game against MSU Moorhead.

In Kunz’s final year at BSU as a senior he served as a defensive captain, starting
all 11 games for the Beavers. In his most productive season as a Beaver, Kunz was third on the team with 64 tackles (31 solo), recording one more tackle than Beavers star Terrell Phelps, who was invited to the Minnesota Vikings free agent mini-camp in May of this year. He also had 2.5 tackles for loss on the season.

In April of 2009, Kunz was one of three BSU players named to the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame (NFF) 2009 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. To be eligible for membership consideration, players must be a significant contributor to his team in his last year of eligibility as well as maintaining a 3.2 GPA and meet all NCAA-mandated progress towards degree requirements. Kunz was only the fourth ever Beaver to earn recognition by the NFF.

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com