MIAC Release

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's University junior quarterback Chris Backes (St. Cloud, Minn./Tech) earned his second MIAC Elite 22 Award for football on Monday, Nov. 25.

Modeled after the NCAA Elite 90 Award, the MIAC Elite 22 Award for football is presented to the individual with the highest GPA among the conference's top two teams in the final standings. The honoree must be a sophomore, junior or senior and in at least his second season of competition with his current team.

An economics major with a 4.0 GPA, Backes has appeared in all 11 games this season as the Johnnies' holder for field goals and extra-point attempts. He also serves as SJU's backup quarterback, and took snaps under center in five games this fall. 

Backes is 14 of 16 passing for 122 yards and two touchdowns, including an 8-for-8 performance for 113 yards and two touchdowns in the 56-10 win Sept. 28 at Carleton. He also capped the scoring in a 61-6 win over Augsburg Oct. 5 with a 5-yard touchdown run and has 121 rushing yards on 20 carries (6.1 avg.) this season. 

No. 8 SJU (10-1 overall) travels to No. 12 Chapman (10-0) in the second round of the NCAA Division III Playoffs this Saturday, Nov. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT in Orange, Calif.