ITHACA, N.Y. - Cornell football tight end Ryder Kurtz has been named to the Phil Steele Midseason All-American First Team, the publication announced Friday.
 
Kurtz, a key component of the Big Red's passing attack, has recorded 17 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns through four games this season. The tight end is averaging 13.1 yards per catch and 55.5 all-purpose yards per game. He is seventh among Ivy League pass catchers, and first among conference tight ends in average yards per game at 55.5.
 
Kurtz's best game of the season came against Yale on Sept. 27, when he hauled in five catches for 91 yards and a touchdown, including a long reception of 29 yards. He also posted six catches for 68 yards and a score in the season opener at Albany on Sept. 20.
 
In his career, Kurtz has hauled in 53 passes for 663 yards and a Cornell program record for tight ends, six touchdowns, while averaging 4.1 catches and 51.0 yards per game over 13 career games. 
 
Cornell continues its season Saturday at home when it hosts Bucknell at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.