The 2024 HBCU football season is less than a month away from kicking off, and the preseason awards continue to roll in.
This time, it’s STATS Perform released its FCS preseason All-American team, which features nine HBCU names.
First Team
Erick Hunter LB, Morgan State
Kicking the list off is Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter, who is looking to build off what was a remarkable 2023 season. Hunter recorded 75 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 10 games. In addition to being selected to the All-MEAC First Team, he was also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. There are high expectations for Hunter and Morgan State this season in their pursuit of the first outright MEAC title since 1979 (won a share of the conference title in 2014).
Kenny Gallop Jr. DB, Howard
Speaking of the reigning MEAC champions, their star defensive back Kenny Gallop was also selected to the FCS Preseason First Team. The reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and this year’s MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year was the heart and soul of Howard’s MEAC championship defense. He posted 59 total tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Gallop is looking to become the first player to win consecutive MEAC Defensive Player of the Year awards since Darius Leonard (now Shaquille Leonard) did so in 2017.
Second Team
Ckelby Givens DL, Southern
The first of two entries on the All-American Second team is SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Ckelby Givens. After a solid freshman season in 2022, Givens took his game to a whole new level in his sophomore campaign. He was absolutely dominant, producing 61 total tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, and four forced fumbles. In a SWAC West division that could go either way, Givens will be a difference maker in Southern’s quest for its first conference championship since 2013.
Kendall Bohler DB, Florida A&M
Meanwhile, the defending champion Florida A&M Rattlers are represented by defensive back Kendall Bohler on the All-American Second Team. Bohler is one of three returning Rattlers who was named to the All-SWAC team last season. The Rattlers’ defensive back put up 39 total tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, an interception, and 14 pass breakups. Bohler is looking to help lead Florida A&M to a second straight Celebration Bowl championship, which would make them the first SWAC team to do so.
Third Team
Nick Taiste OL, South Carolina State
South Carolina State offensive lineman Nick Taiste is the only HBCU offensive player selected to the FCS Preseason All-American team. Last season, Taiste was named to his second straight All-MEAC team, anchoring an SCSU offensive line that surrendered the fewest sacks in the conference. He will be a player to watch on a South Carolina State team in its first season without legendary head coach Buddy Pough on the sideline in over 20 years.
Malachi Bailey DL, Alcorn State
Entering his third season with Alcorn State, Malachi Bailey has built a reputation as a premier playmaker on the Braves’ defensive line. Bailey churned out 38 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, and a forced fumble last season. He will be in the mix for the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Award while also looking to bring Alcorn State back to the top of the conference.
Elijah Williams DL, Morgan State
The second Morgan State defender selected, Elijah Williams, produced at a high level in his third year with the Bears. He recorded 50 total tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, a pass breakup, and two forced fumbles. Williams has led the MEAC in tackles for loss in each of the last two seasons and is 12.5 short of setting a new Morgan State school career record.
Rico Dozier LB, Alabama State
Rico Dozier is the only HBCU transfer-in player who was selected for the preseason all-American team. Coming from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Dozier was a bright light on a Golden Lions team that finished last in the SWAC West last season. He tallied 128 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. Dozier will have a chance to maximize his skill set on what was the best defense in the SWAC last season.
Robert McMinn PR, Alabama State
Rounding out the list is the only HBCU special teams player named to the FCS Preseason All-American team is Alabama State punt returner Robert McMinn. McMinn averaged 13.2 yards on 28 punt return attempts, taking one to the house. He also averaged 29.3 yards on seven kick return attempts and scored a touchdown.
