Pioneer Football League - HERO Sports https://herosports.com/college-football/pioneer/ College & Pro Sports News Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:09:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://e8tpmrtk53q.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-logo-hero-h-800x800.png?strip=all&lossy=1&resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 Pioneer Football League - HERO Sports https://herosports.com/college-football/pioneer/ 32 32 2024 FCS Bracketology 1.0 https://herosports.com/fcs-football-2024-playoff-predictions-1-bzbz/ Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:03:30 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=119166 The 2024 FCS playoff bracket has 24 teams, featuring 10 auto-bids from 10 conferences and 14 at-large bids. Sixteen teams will be seeded with the Top 8 receiving first-round byes and seeds 9-16 hosting first-round games. How the playoff field changes and takes shape every week is fascinating. So after every weekend of games moving forward, I will […]

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The 2024 FCS playoff bracket has 24 teams, featuring 10 auto-bids from 10 conferences and 14 at-large bids. Sixteen teams will be seeded with the Top 8 receiving first-round byes and seeds 9-16 hosting first-round games.

How the playoff field changes and takes shape every week is fascinating. So after every weekend of games moving forward, I will predict what the bracket will look like.

Below are predictions for the seeds, auto-bids, at-large bids, the bracket, and which teams are on the bubble.


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Notes

These predictions take current playoff resumes and all future scheduled games into consideration

This is through the eyes of the playoff committee and what I think they will do.

The seeds associated with teams won’t be the same as my Top 25 rankings. My poll ballot is ranking teams based on performances/resumes so far. This bracketology is projecting ahead.


The Field

2021-2023 Final Bracketology Accuracy: 22/24 seeds correct, 69/72 teams in the field correct

Seeds
1. Montana State
2. North Dakota State
3. South Dakota State
4. Mercer
5. Villanova
6. South Dakota
7. SEMO
8. UC Davis
9. UIW
10. Idaho
11. Chattanooga
12. Central Arkansas
13. Montana
14. William & Mary
15. Tarleton State
16. Abilene Christian

Auto-Bids
Big Sky – Montana State
Big South-OVC – SEMO
CAA – Villanova
MVFC – North Dakota State
NEC – Duquesne
Patriot – Holy Cross
Pioneer – Drake
SoCon – Mercer
Southland – UIW
UAC – Central Arkansas

At-Large Bids 
Ordered from most likely to least likely to get in. Seeded teams who are not their conference’s auto-bid will be at the top.

South Dakota State (seed)
South Dakota (seed)
UC Davis (seed)
Idaho (seed)
Chattanooga (seed)
Montana (seed)
William & Mary (seed)
Tarleton State (seed)
Abilene Christian (seed)
Rhode Island
Last 4 In
North Dakota
ETSU
Western Carolina
Stephen F. Austin

Bubble Teams Left Out
Ordered from the best chance to make the bracket out of this group to the worst chance.

25. UT Martin
26. Richmond
27. McNeese
28. Northern Arizona
29. Lamar


The Bracket

The FCS playoff bracket increased its number of seeded teams from 8 to 16 this year. Seeds 1-8 get a first-round bye, and seeds 9-16 will host first-round games. First-round matchups will still be paired up based on geography. But the second round will no longer be based on regionalization. The No. 16 seed will feed into the No. 1 seed, the No. 15 seed into the No. 2 seed, and so on.

The first round is still regionalized to save on travel costs. The committee tries to utilize as many bus trips (400 miles or less) as possible while avoiding regular-season rematches.

The committee avoids conference matchups in the first round if the two teams played each other in the regular season. However, if two conference teams did not play each other during the regular season, they may be paired up in the first round. Regular-season non-conference rematches should be avoided in the first round.

If a conference has four or more teams in the bracket, the committee can add an extra flight to avoid having all teams on one side of the bracket as long as it doesn’t impact or change the seeding.

The order of seeds is not determined by regionalization.

2024 FCS Bracketology 1.0

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The Explanation

This section will typically have between 1,000-2,000 words breaking down each team, their current resume, and their future games and why it has a pathway to a seed, an at-large bid, etc.

Keep in mind that this bracketology factors in future games as well. So in this instance, I’m projecting Montana State will go 12-0 to earn the No. 1 seed. And I’m projecting NDSU to win the MVFC. Just to use those two as examples.

We obviously have a lot of games left, so this is going to be fluid and move around each week. Some will say doing a bracketology in October is pointless. Those people also probably aren’t fun to hang out with in social settings. It’s an entertaining exercise to see how each week of results shapes the playoff picture. And it also gives fan bases an idea of “This is where we’re at now, this is where other teams are at to keep an eye on, this is our remaining schedule, and if we win out or lose just one more game we can get a seed in this range.”

If a team is on the bubble, this will give those fans an idea of what teams to keep an eye on and where their resume is at. Same with Top 2 seeds, Top 4 seeds, Top 8, etc.

As we get closer to Selection Sunday, I’ll dive more into details on resumes, ranked wins, strength of schedule, upcoming games, etc. to explain why I think Team A will be the No. 1 seed, Team B will be the No. 8 seed, Team C is left on the bubble, and so on.

Here’s a look at what future bracketology story breakdowns will look like.

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2024 Pioneer Football League Preview https://herosports.com/fcs-2024-pioneer-football-preview-dsds/ Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:29:48 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=118309 The Pioneer Football League might only have one preseason FCS All-American per FCS Football Central, but the non-scholarship conference can surprise some with its D1 transfer numbers and its depth in the league championship chase. It’s a heated march toward what’s likely a single FCS playoff bid.  Drake, Davidson, St. Thomas, Butler, and San Diego […]

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The Pioneer Football League might only have one preseason FCS All-American per FCS Football Central, but the non-scholarship conference can surprise some with its D1 transfer numbers and its depth in the league championship chase. It’s a heated march toward what’s likely a single FCS playoff bid. 

Drake, Davidson, St. Thomas, Butler, and San Diego form a compelling top five as San Diego looks to hold off the emergence of Davidson and St. Thomas in recent years. St. Thomas remains one of the best storylines in college football as it progresses since its elevation directly from Division III to Division I. Dating back to fall 2021, the Tommies are 21-3 in PFL games, with the losses coming to San Diego, Davidson, and Drake. 

Drake is coming off an 8-0 PFL record in 2023 and has in its corner that lone PFL preseason AA pick. He leads this preview of the 2024 Pioneer. 


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Preseason All-American

Via FCS Football Central

Drake (1) – DL Finn Claypool (2nd Team)

Teams Bringing In The Most D1 Transfers

FBS-to-FCS Transfers & FCS-to-FCS Transfers

Butler — 12 (3 FBS, 9 FCS)  

Marist — 12 (2 FBS, 10 FCS)

Valparaiso — 11 (3 FBS, 8 FCS)

Stetson — 8 (7 FBS, 1 FCS)

San Diego — 8 (6 FBS, 2 FCS)

Morehead State — 4 (4 FBS)

Names To Know

TOP OFFENSIVE PLAYER: Ryan Upp, Morehead State WR — After Upp combined for nine games played in 2021 and 2022 with MSU, production and playing time took off in 2023. Upp had 55 receptions in 11 games for 833 yards, checking in at third and first in the PFL, respectively. Upp’s 1,140 all-purpose yards were keyed by 263 kick-return yards. With Morehead State losing fellow receiver Kyle Daly from a season ago, who had at least one touchdown in each of his three seasons and who was just shy of 700 receiving yards last year, the Eagles will go to Upp all the more often in an offense that finished ’23 last in the PFL in rushing attempts and yards per rush.

TOP DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Alex Herriott, Presbyterian LB — Herriott enters his senior season having played in all 33 possible games in his Blue Hose career, including making 19 starts in his first two years. 2023 was good to Herriott as he concluded inside the nation’s top 10 in tackles per game (10.7) and wrapped up fourth in the FCS in solo stops (70). Herriott will be instrumental once more this fall if Presby is able to compile an encore to its ’23 No. 1 PFL total defense (314.5 YPG).   

TOP NFL PROSPECT: Finn Claypool, Drake DL — Claypool may well be the face of the Pioneer nationally, leading the Bulldogs in last year’s title run with 12.5 sacks, six more than the second-place PFL finisher in the category. Claypool set career highs in total tackles (57), tackles for loss (19), and forced fumbles (5) in 2023 to win PFL Defensive Player of the Year. In 2022, the Des Moines, Iowa native followed up a fall 2021 redshirt by earning a HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-American nod. Claypool’s PFF scores last fall ranked third (91.1 overall grade) and second (92.8 pass-rush grade) among FCS edge defenders.    

HERO Sports’ Predicted Order of Finish

  1. Davidson 
  2. Drake
  3. St. Thomas
  4. Butler
  5. San Diego
  6. Marist
  7. Morehead State
  8. Dayton
  9. Presbyterian 
  10. Valparaiso 
  11. Stetson

It’s hard to dispute St. Thomas, even in a conference with parity, finishing 2024 in the PFL’s top three barring something unforeseen injury-wise. The Tommies have the well-earned D1 precedent established by now, not missing much of a beat in their move-up, and just lacking the postseason access to prove it further. Although not playoff-eligible until 2026, UST is a problem for the opponent every week with offensive tackle Alec Rasmussen standing at 6-7 and 319 pounds. He played over 90% of the Tommies’ offensive snaps as a yearlong starter last time around.

The trifecta atop the PFL preseason outlook is complete with Davidson and Drake.

Davidson secured FCS playoff berths in three straight seasons from 2020 to 2022, but it faltered to end 2023 when it dropped to Morehead State and Dayton by an average score of 46-15.5. That opened the door for Drake, which benefited from last season’s six one-score Pioneer triumphs. 

Thus, the Bulldogs are pretty battle-tested as they bring back starting quarterback Luke Bailey, the Walter Payton Award preseason watch list choice who is unbeaten against PFL teams as a starter. 

Butler bears watching with Dartmouth grad and midyear transfer QB Nick Howard joining the fold. Howard had an offer from CAA member Campbell and visited Notre Dame before landing on Butler, which stands to gain from his rushing prowess (1,925 yards in 29 career games at Dartmouth). 

Marist ties Butler at a dozen for the most D1 transfers in the Pioneer. The Red Foxes added Monmouth transfer QB Enzo Arjona, who saw time for the Hawks as a true freshman in 2022 when he started MU’s final three games. The best outing among those was his collegiate debut vs. Towson in which he tossed three touchdowns on 18-of-25 passing for 213 yards. Arjona got in four games in his sophomore year of 2023 while playing behind Sacred Heart grad transfer Marquez McCray.

Former LSU walk-on QB Matt O’Dowd is also new to Marist. O’Dowd did not play in any of his three years in Baton Rouge, serving as scout team QB and sideline signaler in games.

San Diego will have an important role in the PFL mix as it aims to flip from 2023’s narrow defeats that included two in overtime. There was also a last-second setback to Drake, 25-20. The Toreros host Davidson on Nov. 2 in Davidson’s only road game against a fellow HERO Sports preseason PFL top-five pick. The Wildcats’ schedule gives them the edge in our POOF for a league lineup that should be closely matched. 

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A Look At The New FCS Playoff Format Using Preseason Polls https://herosports.com/fcs-new-look-16-seeded-playoff-bracket-bzbz/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:19:31 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=117974 The 24-team FCS playoff bracket is increasing its number of seeds from eight to 16 this fall. More seeds result in less regionalization, more balanced early-round matchups, and more transparency on who hosts in the first round. For a glimpse at the new format, we used the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Media Poll and preseason […]

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The 24-team FCS playoff bracket is increasing its number of seeds from eight to 16 this fall.

More seeds result in less regionalization, more balanced early-round matchups, and more transparency on who hosts in the first round.

For a glimpse at the new format, we used the Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25 Media Poll and preseason conference polls to form a preseason bracket.

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Keeping scrolling for the bracket

Seeds
Via preseason Top 25 media poll
1. South Dakota State
2. North Dakota State
3. Montana
4. Montana State
5. South Dakota
6. Villanova
7. Idaho
8. Sacramento State
9. Chattanooga
10. Southern Illinois
11. Central Arkansas
12. Furman
13. Richmond
14. UIW
15. William & Mary
16. UAlbany

Auto-Bids
Via preseason conference polls
Big Sky – Montana
Big South-OVC – UT Martin
CAA – Villanova
MVFC – South Dakota State
NEC – Duquesne
Patriot – Lafayette
Pioneer – Drake
SoCon – Chattanooga
Southland – Nicholls
UAC – Central Arkansas

At-Large Bids
Via preseason Top 25 media poll
North Dakota State (seed)
Montana State (seed)
South Dakota (seed)
Idaho (seed)
Sacramento State (seed)
Southern Illinois (seed)
Furman (seed)
Richmond (seed)
UIW (seed)
William & Mary (seed)
UAlbany (seed)
Last 3 In
UC Davis
Illinois State
Western Carolina

Bubble
Via preseason Top 25 media poll
Tarleton State
Weber State
North Dakota
Youngstown State

The Bracket

Instead of first-round host sites being determined by a combination of bid amount, revenue potential, facilities, athlete experience, and team performance, seeds 9-16 will host the remaining unseeded teams based on proximity. The No. 1 seed plays the winner of the No. 16 vs. unseeded matchup, the No. 2 seed plays the winner of the No. 15 vs. unseeded matchup, and so on.

2024 preseason FCS Bracketology

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2024 Pioneer Football League Preseason Poll https://herosports.com/fcs-2024-pioneer-football-preseason-poll-bzbz/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 14:01:00 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=117899 The Pioneer Football League announced its preseason poll on July 30. The poll was voted on by the league’s head coaches. 2024 Pioneer Football League Preseason Poll (First-place votes)

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The Pioneer Football League announced its preseason poll on July 30.

The poll was voted on by the league’s head coaches.

2024 Pioneer Football League Preseason Poll

  1. Drake (8)
  2. St. Thomas (1)
  3. Davidson (1)
  4. Butler
  5. San Diego (1)
  6. Dayton
  7. Presbyterian
  8. Marist
  9. Morehead State
  10. Valparaiso
  11. Stetson

(First-place votes)

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The Best Returning 2024 FCS Outside Linebacker In Each Conference https://herosports.com/fcs-best-returning-outside-linebacker-each-conference-bmbm/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:13:00 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=117908 These guys get after the ball in many ways, defensively – and they do it with athleticism and speed. The one special thing about a good outside linebacking prospect is his ability to shift into many roles within a program, depending on the scheme. While the list you see below has players who can – […]

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These guys get after the ball in many ways, defensively – and they do it with athleticism and speed. The one special thing about a good outside linebacking prospect is his ability to shift into many roles within a program, depending on the scheme.

While the list you see below has players who can – and in some cases do – technically play at different spots on defense, this list is made up of players who at least some scouts see as more of an “outside linebacker” prospect. It’s an impressive and accomplished group.

So take a look, conference by conference, at some key players returning to the FCS level as OLB prospects.

RELATED: Best Returning FCS Inside LB In Each Conference


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BIG SKY

Riley Wilson, Montana, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 53 tackles, 15 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 6 hurries

Wilson was an immediate star on the defensive side of the ball for the national runner-up Griz. He has already turned the heads of scouts, being rated the third-best edge rusher in his class (2026) by Pro Football Focus, and he carries All-America honors into his second year in the FCS, as well as preseason All-Big Sky honors. While he started only two games, he played in 13 of the team’s 15 in the run to the national title game in January in Frisco (two were missed due to injury). He led Montana with 8.5 sacks and had a stat-crazy day against Northern Colorado when he posted 4 TFLs/3 sacks. In the national title game against South Dakota State, he had 5 tackles and a TFL. Before last year, he played in 16 career games at FBS Hawaii, mainly on special teams. 

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Ethan Stuhlsatz, Lindenwood, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 70 tackles, 3 hurries

Stuhlsatz made an instant impact last year as a junior college transfer, taking Second Team All-Big South-OVC honors and finishing fifth in the conference last year in tackles. He posted 10+ tackles in four games and forced two fumbles. Before last fall, he played at Butler Community College in Kansas, finishing with 24 tackles, two TFLs, and one INT in 2022 as a sophomore, including five tackles in the Heart of Texas Bowl, a JUCO postseason game.

CAA 

Brendan Bell, Villanova, Grad.

2023 STAT LINE: 89 tackles, 11.5 TFLs

Bell was named Second Team All-CAA by the league last year, ranking second on the team in tackles and leading the program in tackles for loss. He seemed to show brightest when the game was against the Wildcats’ toughest opponents, as he posted 14 tackles and an INT against New Hampshire, 12 tackles and a TFL against Delaware, nine tackles and three hurries in the FCS playoffs against Youngstown State, and seven tackles, a TFL and a forced fumble against South Dakota State in the FCS quarterfinals. And don’t forget the nine tackles and two TFLs against FBS UCF. He didn’t beef up his numbers against weaker teams.

IVY

Kadari Machen, Penn, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 56 tackles, 6.5 TFLs

Machen got stronger as the season progressed last year, starting in the final seven games at strongside linebacker – posting 8-tackle games down the stretch against Columbia and Cornell in Ivy League play. He finished third on the team in solo tackles and TFLs. He comes from a family of standout football players, as his father played at Stanford, one brother played at Georgia Tech, and another brother plays for Harvard. 

MEAC

Daylan Long, Norfolk State, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 41 tackles, 8 TFLs

Long was named to the All-MEAC Second Team in 2023, starting 10 games for the Spartans and playing some of his best football against FBS Temple (6 tackles) and the CAA’s Towson (5 tackles). He began his playing career at FBS Miami (OH) but transferred in and has now played in 21 career games for the Spartans. He plays the “Wing” in Norfolk State’s defensive alignment, and has already shown he can thrive in that spot.

MVFC

Amir Abdullah, Illinois State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 64 tackles, 14 TFLs, 9.5 sacks

Abdullah, a Chicago native, was named an All-American on several media outlets’ lists after last fall. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound stalwart is already being looked at by pro scouts and they seem to like what they see based on several ratings. He was one of the top statistical leaders in TFLs last year, and should only improve on those numbers. Also, keep an eye on North Dakota State’s Logan Kopp in the MVFC.

2024 Preseason Preview Central

PATRIOT

Frankie Monte, Holy Cross, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 66 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 hurries

It has been a special couple of years at Holy Cross, and Monte is just one of the reasons for it. He has already been named preseason All-Patriot League and was elected team captain by his teammates. He was second on the team last year in tackles, posting a career-high 13 tackles in the game against FBS Army. He has performed in 35 career games and will be relied upon heavily in 2024.

PIONEER

Aiden McKinley, Dayton, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 87 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles

McKinley, who hails from Kentucky, has already played in 21 career games and is only halfway through his career – yet he exploded onto the scene in 2023. He was named an honorable mention All-Pioneer Football League selection last year. He turned heads when he posted more tackles in his first career start against MVFC power Illinois State (15) than he did his entire freshman season of 2022 (14).

SOCON

Ray Coney, ETSU, Soph.

2023 STAT LINE: 47 tackles

Coney, a native of Ohio, made a name for himself nationally when he was named to the Phil Steele Freshman All-American team, as well as the All-SoCon Freshman team. Coming out of high school, he had the opportunity to play on scholarship at FBS schools like Army, Navy, Air Force, and Bowling Green, but the Buccaneers won the recruiting battle.

SOUTHLAND

Eli Ennis, Nicholls, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 44 tackles, 5 TFLs

This Alabama native has been a solid contributor from day one for the Colonels, already contributing 20 career games of service, 89 career tackles, and 15 TFLs. He was a Freshman All-American selection with several media outlets and a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award. His stock will only rise in 2024. 

SWAC

Jacob Williams, Texas Southern, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 106 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, 8 sacks

Williams led the team in tackles last year. He posted 62 tackles and had six TFLs the year before in 2022. He will surpass the 200 career tackles mark this year and may very well clear 300 by season’s end – and he is multi-faceted enough to man more than one defensive position, showing his versatility. Williams is among the top returning FCS leaders in TFLs and will be active all year. Also, keep an eye on Bethune-Cookman’s Dearis Thomas.

UAC

Demetrias Charles, Central Arkansas, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 72 tackles, 4 hurries

Charles is an interesting pick for this spot because he has proven himself playing on the inside, but pro scouting lists like Draft Scout actually like his potential at outside linebacker – so we chose to include him here as he is clearly one of the top linebacking talents returning in the UAC. 

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The Best Returning 2024 FCS Inside Linebacker In Each Conference https://herosports.com/fcs-best-returning-inside-linebacker-each-conference-bmbm/ Wed, 10 Jul 2024 16:13:32 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=117643 They’re the run stoppers of the defense, the tough guys who man the interior, mostly. They take the licks, but more importantly, they administer them. While the list you see below has players who could also play outside, this list is made up of players who scouts see as more of an interior prospect at […]

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They’re the run stoppers of the defense, the tough guys who man the interior, mostly. They take the licks, but more importantly, they administer them.

While the list you see below has players who could also play outside, this list is made up of players who scouts see as more of an interior prospect at linebacker. It’s an impressive and accomplished group.

So take a look, conference by conference, at some key players returning to the FCS level as ILB prospects.

RELATED: Top 25 Returning FCS Linebackers Nationally

BIG SKY

Will Leota, Sacramento State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: At Utah Tech: 75 tackles, 4 TFLs

Leota is a Utah Tech transfer who picked up All-UAC honors last year. He turned heads early in the year when he posted nine tackles and a TFL against FCS national powerhouse Montana early in the year. Many of the Big Sky’s top interior linebackers from 2023 have moved on, and Leota could fill that void when it comes to postseason accolades.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Bryce Norman, SEMO, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 87 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 5 sacks, 1 INT

Norman, an in-state product, led his team in tackles last fall in 10 games. He also posted 119 tackles as a sophomore in 2022 and 66 as a freshman in 2021 – so he’s no stranger to being productive and also has 22.5 career tackles for loss to prove it. He’s also a legacy, as his father Brandon was a two-time All-OVC selection at SEMO.

CAA 

Shane Hartzell, Villanova, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 91 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4 sacks, 1 INT

Hartzell, an in-state product, is considered one of the top FCS products at inside linebacker in the 2026 class by Draft Scout, and he’s been recognized as one of the top overall players in the FCS at the ILB position by several media outlets. He’s been a key contributor for the Wildcats for the past two seasons. The CAA is loaded with good ones this year.

IVY

Anthony Roussos, Columbia, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 93 tackles, 10.5 TFLs

Roussos, a Florida native, was selected a First Team All-Ivy League performer by several outlets last year and was second in the Ivy League in tackles (93 in 10 games). Considering that pace, he ended up being a top 10 performer in the nation in the FCS by averaging 5.7 solo tackles per game, while also standing out as one of the nation’s top inside/middle linebackers when it came to negative yardage plays (10.5 tackles for loss). His older brother Mike Roussos also has played at Columbia.

MEAC

Erick Hunter, Morgan State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 75 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 2 INTs, 3 sacks

Hunter was a member of several HBCU All-American teams in 2023, and he comes into 2024 at No. 10 in the school record books with 188 career tackles. He is an in-state product of Capitol Heights, Md., and is one of the Bear’s top individuals coming into this fall. South Carolina State’s Aaron Smith is also very special.

MVFC

Adam Bock, South Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 65 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 sacks in 10 games (due to injury)

Bock, an Iowa native, dealt with injury issues in both of the last two seasons, but when it comes to his play during the postseason – he’s been stellar. In both national championship seasons, he’s made plays through the FCS playoffs that were absolutely critical to the Jackrabbits’ finishes. Indiana State’s Garret Ollendieck and Illinois State youngster Tye Niekamp should also impress, among several good ILBs returning to the MVFC.

NEC

Gianni Rizzo, Duquense, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 68 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 2 FF

Rizzo, a Scond Team All-NEC selection with multiple media outlets, is an in-state product out of North Huntington, Pa. He started all 12 games last year, including the first-round FCS playoff game where he recorded 11 tackles against the MVFC’s Youngstown State. 

PATRIOT

James Conway, Fordham, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 129 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2 FF

Conway may be playing football in New York City for the Rams, but he’s a Nebraska native. It turns out he was the perfect fit for the Patriot League as he set a freshman record at Fordham with 131 tackles in 2021. He comes into 2024 with 386 career tackles – good for third all-time on the school list. He had 12 solo tackles with a TFL and a fumble recovery in the Rams’ win over FBS Buffalo. Keep an eye on Lehigh’s Mike DeNucci, too.

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PIONEER

Alex Herriott, Presbyterian, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 118 tackles, 9 TFLs, 2.5 sacks

Herriott, an in-state product out of Hanahan HS in South Carolina, is now fifth in school history for total tackles with 272 accumulated already with one year to go. He was a First Team All-Pioneer Football League selection. A starter since his freshman season in the fall of 2021, he posted back-to-back 16-tackle contests last fall against Marist and Davidson in conference games.

SOCON

Noah Martin, Samford, Grad.

2023 STAT LINE: 109 tackles, 14.5 tackles, 3.5 sacks

Martin, a Tennessee native of the prestigious Baylor School in Chattanooga, led the Bulldogs in tackles – by 40+ over the next player last year (Jaden Mosley with 61). He was the man in the middle. When he played against Auburn, he had five tackles, a TFL, and a QB hurry in the game, and against playoff-bound Mercer? He posted 14 tackles, a TFL, and a hurry. Mercer’s Isaac Dowling and Ken Standley and ETSU’s William McRainey are also good ones in the SoCon.

SOUTHLAND

Micah Davey, McNeese, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 153 tackles, 7 TFLs

If Davey’s name seems familiar, it’s because he’s the son of former LSU and NFL quarterback Rohan Davey. Micah has a fiery style of play and exploded onto the scene last year after turning heads as a freshman in 2022. He has flat-out turned out to be one of the nation’s top machines at interior linebacker and could very well turn out to be McNeese’s next pro draft pick – and he has two years of eligibility left.

SWAC

Rico Dozier, Alabama State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: At Arkansas-Pine Bluff: 128 tackles, 6.5 TFLs

Dozier, an Alabama native, has come home to complete his college career after spending three seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, where he finished with 210 tackles and 17.5 sacks during that duration. He was named a First Team All-SWAC linebacker with the Golden Lions last year, and racked up 17 tackles in one game against Alabama A&M. Overall he had 10 or more tackles in nine of UAPB’s 11 games in 2023.

UAC

Kohner Cullimore, Southern Utah, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 73 tackles, 10 TFLs, 5 hurries

Cullimore, an Arizona native, is expected to be a key component of what makes the Thunderbirds’ defense work in 2024. He was an All-UAC performer as a sophomore last year, making the first team with some outlets.

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The Best Returning 2024 FCS Safety In Each Conference https://herosports.com/fcs-best-returning-safety-each-conference-bmbm/ Tue, 02 Jul 2024 18:44:51 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=117568 Whether you’re a strong safety or a free safety, the contributions in the secondary are absolutely critical as the obvious last line of defense. The FCS is loaded with good ones, but we picked one per conference that we think will be pretty good this fall – and is likely heading towards heavy accolades come […]

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Whether you’re a strong safety or a free safety, the contributions in the secondary are absolutely critical as the obvious last line of defense.

The FCS is loaded with good ones, but we picked one per conference that we think will be pretty good this fall – and is likely heading towards heavy accolades come December.

Take a look, conference by conference.

RELATED: Top 30 Returning FCS Safeties Nationally

BIG SKY

Tyreese Shakir, Portland State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 53 tackles, 8 TFLs, 1 INT (5 career INTs, 14 career passes defended)

Shakir is a California native and has been a starter at strong safety or rover since his freshman season in 2021 – with 25 career starts to his name. Last year he posted big games against rivals like Eastern Washington (10 tackles, INT, etc.) and UC Davis (11 tackles) to help lead the Vikings. He’ll be critical in the secondary this year. Others like UC Davis’ Rex Connors, Idaho’s Tommy McCormick, Montana State’s Rylan Ortt, and Northern Arizona’s Alex McLaughlin are just a few of the other good ones in the Big Sky.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Tim Coutras, Tennessee Tech, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 55 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 4 INT

Coutras began his playing career at Liberty University but came home to Tennessee after 2021 and 2022 playing at the Virginia school. Against FBS New Mexico last year, Coutras had a team-leading six tackles. Eastern Illinois is expected to have a good secondary, also, with players like SS Tienne Fridge leading the way.

CAA 

Caleb Curtain, Elon, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 80 tackles, 4 INTs, 6 passes defended, 6.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks

Curtain is an in-state talent who picked up several All-American honors last fall as a sophomore and is considered a pro prospect. He opened eyes in 2023 by returning an interception 50 yards for a touchdown against the ACC’s Wake Forest. 

IVY

Ty Bartrum, Harvard, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 78 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 3 INTs (1 TD), 4 passes defended

Bartrum, an Ohio native, was an All-Ivy League performer in just his first full season of action for the Crimson. He showed last year that not only could he be relied on as a hitter on defense (78 tackles), but he also could make a big play like with his 96-yard touchdown return off an interception against St. Thomas (MN). Penn’s Shiloh Means would also fit well here.

MEAC

Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 65 tackles, 4 TFLs, 2 INTs, 3 passes defended

Gallop, a Virginia native, has been labeled a pro prospect for the defending MEAC champions. He’s no stranger to postseason accolades, being named an HBCU All-American in 2022 before picking up all kinds of honors last fall.

MVFC

Cole Wisniewski, North Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 8 INTs, 92 tackles, 13 passes defended

Wisniewski seems like he’s been making plays for the Bison for a decade now. The FCS’s No. 1 free safety prospect has already been in 47 career games in Fargo, picking up 194 tackles. Last year he led the nation in interceptions (8), taking one back 75 yards for a touchdown and racking up 239 total yards in interception return yardage. Another stellar safety is Keondre Jackson out of Illinois State, considered one of the – if not the – best strong safety prospects in the FCS this year. The MVFC is full of good safeties this year.

NEC

Kimal Clark, Central Connecticut State, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 89 tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 INT

Clark was an All-NEC First Team selection last year as a sophomore and is expected to explode from here on for the next two seasons. The New York state native tied for the NEC lead in tackles with 89 and will be leaned on heavily this fall at CCSU.

PATRIOT

Saiku White, Lafayette, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 77 tackles, 4 INTs, 5.5 TFLs, 8 passes defended

White, who hails from talent-rich Georgia, became a mainstay for the dangerous Leopards last fall and is expected to be a key part of what looks like a 2024 powerhouse at the Pennsylvania school. He became a team leader and picked up postseason honors, and Draft Scout lists him as one of the top strong safety prospects in the FCS.

PIONEER

Nick Bafia, Butler, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 65 tackles, 7 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 INT

Bafia, an Illinois native, has been a mainstay for the Bulldogs for two seasons now. He was a first-team All-Pioneer performer last fall and led his team in tackles as a junior. He showed he could play with the top teams in the FCS when he racked up 12 tackles against Montana and had six tackles against South Dakota State in 2022.

SOCON

Amir Annoor, Wofford, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 32 tackles, 6 passes defended, 1.5 TFL

Annoor, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound multi-dimensional prospect out of Tennessee, has played most of his Wofford career at cornerback. But to show how highly he’s regarded; he’s listed as the No. 2 free safety prospect out of the FCS by Draft Scout. He has started games for the Terriers since 2021.

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SOUTHLAND

Tyler Morton, Nicholls, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 63 tackles, 4 INTs, 11 passes defended

Morton, an in-state product out of St. Rose, La., has been contributing since his true freshman season of 2021. He was recognized last year as an All-American by several media outlets, and his career stats (143 tackles, 6 INTs, 16 passes defended) prove he is a playmaker.

SWAC

Emari Pait, Alabama A&M, Soph.

2023 STAT LINE: 49 tackles, 4 INTs, 6 passes defended 

Pait began his career at Fresno State and he’s a California native, but he found his college home last fall with Alabama A&M. He’s a playmaker, active in the pass defense and forcing turnovers – while also being a reliable tackler when needed. An All-SWAC selection with several outlets last fall, he has a lot of college football left to play.

UAC

TaMuarion Wilson, Central Arkansas, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 64 tackles, 2 INTs, 8 passes defended, 5.5 TFLs

Wilson, an in-state product out of Bryant High School in Arkansas, has been productive since day one for the Bears. He has played in 41 games for UCA and is considered the No. 2 strong safety prospect out of the FCS by Draft Scout. Wilson and Eastern Kentucky SS prospect Mike Smith are just two of the special safeties residing in the UAC this year.

INDEPENDENT

Tre Jordan III, Merrimack, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 3 INTs, 27 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 5 passes defended in just 8 games

Jordan, a Maryland product, has played in 29 games for the Warriors and did so much in his eight games that he was recognized as an All-NEC performer. This year, Merrimack is an FCS independent, but Jordan will hardly slip under the radar if he keeps up the pace of what he’s done so far in college.

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The Best Returning 2024 FCS Cornerback In Each Conference https://herosports.com/fcs-best-returning-cornerback-each-conference-bmbm/ Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:34:13 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=117539 Cornerback talent is plenty at the FCS level coming into the 2024 season. Whether he’s a master of the interception, or he is a sticky-cover kind of guy – we’re going to take a look at the talent, conference by conference. Take a look at the best CBs by conference. RELATED: Top 30 Returning FCS […]

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Cornerback talent is plenty at the FCS level coming into the 2024 season.

Whether he’s a master of the interception, or he is a sticky-cover kind of guy – we’re going to take a look at the talent, conference by conference.

Take a look at the best CBs by conference.

RELATED: Top 30 Returning FCS Cornerbacks Nationally

BIG SKY

Trevin Gradney, Montana, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 5 INTs, 12 passes defended, 27 tackles

Gradney, an in-state talent from Billings, has been an All-Big Sky kind of talent for the Griz since he first got on the field in 2020-21. He started out as a special teams standout, and last year he ascended to become an All-American at corner. Draft Scout has him as the No. 3 cornerback prospect in the FCS this year. Gradney’s not the only good CB coming into 2024, as Idaho’s Abraham Williams and Montana State’s Jon Johnson are also highly regarded.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Oshae Baker, UT Martin, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 49 tackles, 9 passes defended, 6.5 TFLs

Baker is a native Floridian – a hotbed for talented defensive backs. He has proven he is versatile, starting games at corner and safety during his special career with the Skyhawks. He also has been a special teams standout as a returner. One of his better games in 2023 was against Georgia (5+ tackles, forced fumble). Also a star? Eastern Illinois CB Kaleb Lyons comes to the Panthers after posting 6 INTs last year at Morehead State, and SEMO’s Joedrick Lewis is really strong, too.

CAA 

Isas Waxter, Villanova, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 26 tackles, 3 INTs, 4 TFL, 11 passes defended

Waxter missed the entire 2022 season with an injury but came back strong last year and ended up an All-CAA selection. He’s an outstanding cover corner and has turned heads with pro scouts. A New Jersey native, he has been a mainstay in the program – even starting two games for the Wildcats as a true freshman in 2019. The CAA also has New Hampshire’s Wande Owens and North Carolina A&T’s Karon Prunty.

IVY

Isaiah Reed, Brown, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 50 tackles, 5 INTs, 8 passes defended

A Florida native, Reed has been a contributor for three seasons and has another to go. He has caught the eye of scouts, but before he thinks about that, he has the chance to help the Bears have their best season in several years. Dartmouth’s Jordan Washington is also expected to be strong.

MEAC

Carson Hinton, Howard, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 50 tackles, 4.5 TFLs

Hinton, a Detroit native, was a key part of the MEAC championship season with the Bison in 2023. He started off the year with a 6-tackle game against FBS Eastern Michigan, and a few weeks later he had a special game against the Big Ten’s Northwestern (8 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack). He has even played some WR in his Howard career (11 receptions in 2021). Also, keep an eye on Carlvainsky Decius at Morgan State.

MVFC

Dalys Beanum, South Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 29 tackles, 5 INTs, 12 passes defended

Beanum, a Nebraska native, is listed as the No. 1 cornerback prospect in the FCS by Draft Scout coming into the 2024 season. He has played in 52 games in his career, has 11 career interceptions and 2 TDs, along with 29 passes defended. South Dakota’s Shahid Barros and Southern Illinois’ David Miller are also stellar.

NEC

CJ Barnes, Duquesne, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 60 tackles, 3 passes defended

Barnes has played at free safety for three years at Duquesne but was considered a cornerback prospect coming out of Lake Gibson HS in Florida when he was a recruit. He is considered a pro prospect at corner by some outlets, FS with others. Last year he started 11 games and helped his team reach the FCS playoffs – registering 10 tackles against Youngstown State in the first round.

PATRIOT

Nahil Perkins, Fordham, Grad.

2023 STAT LINE: 62 tackles, 17 passes defended, 3 INTs

Perkins will be a team captain this fall and is coming off of a First Team All-Patriot League season for the Rams. He’s a part of a solid secondary coming back. He led the league in passes broken up in 2023. The cornerback is a Georgia native. One of his top 2023 games was against FBS Buffalo (8 tackles, 6 solo).

PIONEER

Eric Haney, San Diego, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 41 tackles, 2 INTs, 5 TFLs

Haney is not only a solid All-Pioneer League cornerback for the Toreros, but he’s also a standout return man. San Diego played well in the final five games of 2023 and is looking to turn things around after a 4-7 season, and Haney will be a key part of that resurgence.

SOCON

CJ Williams, Western Carolina, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 59 tackles, 8 passes defended, 3 TFLs

Williams, an Alabama native, is 31 games into his Western Carolina career. He really broke out in 2023 and is respected as the No. 5 cornerback prospect in the FCS according to Draft Scout. WCU had a breakout year in 2023 and looks to take it another step this fall, and Williams will be relied upon there.

SOUTHLAND

Bruce Harmon, Stephen F. Austin, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 20 tackles, 9 passes broken up

Harmon, an in-state talent who played at Rockwall-Heath, opened up 2023 with six tackles and three passes broken up against FBS Troy and never looked back. An All-Conference selection last year in the UAC, he’s now in the Southland and will be a key member of any success the Lumberjacks have.

SWAC

Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 39 tackles, 14 passes defended, 2 TFLs

Bohler, who hails from the Orlando area of Florida, began his college career at Mercer but has really blossomed with the Rattlers. He was a First Team All-SWAC selection for the HBCU national champs with several media outlets. 

UAC

A.J. Seay, North Alabama, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 25 tackles, 2 INTs, 6 passes defended

This Georgia native began his FCS career at Presbyterian and now is turning heads at North Alabama – with at least two years to go. He was listed as an All-UAC performer last year as a sophomore by Phil Steele Magazine. 

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The Best Returning 2024 FCS Defensive End In Each Conference https://herosports.com/fcs-best-returning-defensive-end-each-conference-bmbm/ Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:54:25 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=117452 It’s not easy to find a good defensive lineman. While sometimes it seems a defensive end is as tall as a tree, physically, a good one hardly grows on a tree, as the saying goes. While putting this list together – by conference – we took several variables into account. In some cases, individuals below […]

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It’s not easy to find a good defensive lineman. While sometimes it seems a defensive end is as tall as a tree, physically, a good one hardly grows on a tree, as the saying goes.

While putting this list together – by conference – we took several variables into account. In some cases, individuals below starred at defensive tackle or Bandit LB because that’s what his team needed him to do, but he is viewed as a better pure prospect at defensive end. Keep that in mind.

There are still several special FCS defensive ends returning this fall. Take a look, conference by conference: 

BIG SKY

Elijah Ponder, Cal Poly, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 52 tackles, 13 TFLs, 10 sacks, 17 hurries

Considered a returning All-American by several outlets, as well as a potential NFL Draft pick next year, Ponder has racked up 19.5 sacks and 31 tackles for loss during his career so far and undoubtedly will flesh out those numbers considerably in 2024. He also showed how athletic he was as a redshirt freshman in 2021 when he returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown. There are so many good players to choose from in the Big Sky, starting with Ponder but also considering Brody Grebe (Montana State), Brayden Wilson (Weber State), and talented underclassman Marcus Howard (Northern Colorado) – just to name a few.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Daniel Rickert, Tennessee Tech, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 49 tackles, 9 sacks, 14.5 TFLs, 3 passes broken up

Rickert will enter this fall as a redshirt junior and undoubtedly has an impressive two seasons ahead based on what he’s done. In 32 career games so far, he’s racked up 92 career tackles, 12 sacks, and 22 tackles for loss – and he was recognized on several all-conference teams last fall.

CAA 

Dylan Ruiz, New Hampshire, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 34 tackles, 8 TFLs, 4 sacks

Ruiz really made an impression last year when he posted 6 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack against FBS Central Michigan in a win – effectively costing CMU a potential bowl berth. He went on to play like that all year. In 2022 he was equally effective for the Wildcats – leading the team in sacks and hurries, and No. 5 in the nation in sacks per game. Ruiz’s college teammate Josiah Silver and Richmond’s Jeremiah Grant are also special in the CAA, just to name a few.

IVY

Justin Townsend, Columbia, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 29 tackles, 12 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, 3 passes defended

Townsend, a New Jersey native, was considered an All-Ivy League selection last year. After not playing as a freshman, which is very common at the Ivy League schools – which don’t use redshirts either – Townsend has racked up 21.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks coming into this fall.

MORE: 2024 Preseason Preview Central

MEAC

Elijah Williams, Morgan State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 50 tackles, 11 TFLs, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Williams is considered one of the top defensive end prospects in the FCS right now, and his production in college shows you why. He has 162 career tackles, 37 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. The 6-foot-3 defensive end has all the physical tools that people at the next level drool over. Don’t forget South Carolina State’s Jared Kirksey either.

MVFC

Dylan Hendricks, North Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 40 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 3 passes defended

Hendricks is a great example of what North Dakota State identifies when it goes recruiting. The Wisconsin native suffered through injury issues early in his career but last year burst onto the scene and will be counted on once again in 2024.

NEC

Jorel Liverpool, Wagner, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 41 tackles, 10 TFLs, 3 sacks

Liverpool stands 6-foot-7 and was listed as an All-NEC performer by several media outlets last year. He played in six games as a freshman in 2022 but really burst onto the scene in 2023. 

PATRIOT

Matt Jaworski, Fordham, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 44 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

Jaworski has been extremely active for three years already at Fordham. Even in his freshman season of 2021, he was a pain in the rear for opponents. His career numbers (107 tackles, 26 TFLs, 17.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles) are impressive, and he was named an All-Patriot First Team performer last year.

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PIONEER

Finn Claypool, Drake, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 57 tackles, 33.5 TFLs, 20 sacks, 5 forced fumbles

Claypool plays at Drake – which is officially non-scholarship within the Pioneer Football League – but last year’s conference title team got to play against some of the top scholarship FCS programs in national champion South Dakota State, North Dakota State (in the playoffs) and North Dakota. Claypool faced good competition and is considered a future pro prospect like Eric Saubert was when he was drafted out of Drake in 2017.

SOCON

Luke Clark, Furman, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 30 tackles, 7 TFLs, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Clark stars at the Bandit position for the Paladins, but with his 6-foot-3, 235-pound frame he is obviously considered one of those multi-faceted players who could play on the defensive line or drop back into pass coverage because of his athleticism. He has had an impressive career (119 tackles, 17.5 TFLs, 12 sacks, 4 forced fumbles).

SOUTHLAND

Joe Mason, Nicholls, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 29 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4.5 sacks

Mason came over from Louisiana Tech after three seasons, playing in 25 games at his former school – posting a four-tackle game once against FBS Rice. Since transferring to Nicholls, he made a name for himself – becoming an All-Southland selection last year.

SWAC

Ckelby Givens, Southern, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 61 tackles, 21 TFLs, 7 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 8 hurries

Givens is a fascinating potential pro prospect with two years left of eligibility. He did enter the transfer portal briefly in December 2023 but pulled back when he realized he would also be discovered playing in the SWAC – as many prospects have found. Givens has put up big numbers at the defensive tackle position while at Southern, but he also is well-liked as a potential defensive end pro prospect.

UAC

David Walker, Central Arkansas, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 57 tackles, 18 TFLs, 8.5 sacks

Walker was an FCS national leader in tackles for loss and was named to several All-American teams by multiple media outlets. He originally signed with Southern Arkansas – a Division II program – but transferred to UCA before the 2022 season. A multi-dimensional player, he has starred as a Bandit linebacker – but has picked up accolades as a DL. Career numbers at UCA: 40 TFLs, 20.5 sacks. Don’t forget Utah Tech’s Syrus Webster – another big star at the position.

INDEPENDENT

Tyreke Brown, Sacred Heart, Grad.

2023 STAT LINE: 46 tackles, 10 TFLs, 2 forced fumbles

Brown was All-NEC last year before Sacred Heart moved to the FCS Independent ranks. He has 102 career tackles and 23.5 TFLs in 37 career games with the Pioneers.

The post The Best Returning 2024 FCS Defensive End In Each Conference appeared first on HERO Sports.

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The Best Returning 2024 FCS Interior Defensive Lineman In Each Conference https://herosports.com/fcs-best-returning-interior-defensive-lineman-each-conference-bmbm/ Wed, 26 Jun 2024 04:59:15 +0000 https://herosports.com/?p=117448 College programs are always looking for that guy to plug the holes in the dam. If you pay close attention to the NFL Draft each year, you’ll notice the pros are looking for the same. It’s tough to find a good interior defensive lineman, whether it’s your standard tackle in a four-man front or a […]

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College programs are always looking for that guy to plug the holes in the dam. If you pay close attention to the NFL Draft each year, you’ll notice the pros are looking for the same.

It’s tough to find a good interior defensive lineman, whether it’s your standard tackle in a four-man front or a “Nose”, otherwise. No matter what, you know their stats won’t be as gaudy as a great defensive end’s stats are, but they’re just as important to the D-line.

There are a bunch of them returning this fall to the FCS. Take a look, conference by conference: 

BIG SKY

David Rowe, Idaho State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 36 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 sacks

Rowe is a home-state talent for Idaho State and a true credit to The Gem State. He has racked up 121 tackles in his career to go with 18.5 tackles for loss as an interior defensive lineman prospect. This All-Big Sky player is one of many good ones returning in the league, along with Dallas Afalava (Idaho), Matt Herron (Weber State), and Matthew Brown (Eastern Washington) – just to name a few.

BIG SOUTH-OVC

Eriq George, Tennessee State, Soph.

2023 STAT LINE: 25 tackles, 6 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 4 hurries

George is the young guy, and we also could have gone with a guy like Lindenwood’s Kobe McClendon – who plays D-end in college but is built like a D-tackle prospect and tells HERO Sports he’ll play anywhere someone asks him. No matter how you go with it, these are a couple of 2024 standouts in the making in the Big South-OVC. George seems primed to explode onto the scene – 2023 was just a hint.

CAA 

Westley Neal Jr., Rhode Island, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 25 tackles, 5 TFLs, 4 hurries

Neal is a Miami native, and his ability has roots in that talent-rich corner of the country. At 6-foot, 315 pounds, he moves more quickly than one would expect for his size, and he causes serious problems. Watch out for him on special teams, too – he can block a kick. Bryant’s Michael Otty, Maine’s Izaiah Henderson, and Neal’s new teammate, Sacred Heart transfer Carson Primrose, are expected to be standout CAA D-linemen too.

IVY

Josiah Green, Dartmouth, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 46 tackles, 7.5 TFLs

Green has been a key contributor for two years, going on three now. An All-Ivy League performer, he has one brother who played at Brigham Young, and his twin brother Micah who is also with Dartmouth as a linebacker. Green is a classic nose guard.

MEAC

Jaden Taylor, North Carolina Central, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 51 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, 3 hurries

Taylor opened eyes when he finished with 8 tackles and 0.5 TFL against UCLA last year, going on to a very active 2023 season. He has posted 143 career tackles and 19 TFLs. He started his career at Mercer but has a home with the 9-win Eagles, too.

MORE: 2024 Preseason Preview Central

MVFC

Eli Mostaert, North Dakota State, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 37 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 passes defended

Mostaert has been around a while since signing with NDSU back in 2019. With COVID and an injury in 2022, he will be in his sixth year with the national powerhouse Bison. The Minnesota native has posted 120 tackles, 21.5 TFLs, and 13.5 sacks during his career so far, and undoubtedly will add to it this year. Players like South Dakota’s Nick Gaes and SDSU’s Jarod DePriest are just a couple of other standouts on the interior.

NEC

Eddie Bierals, St. Francis (PA), Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 26 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3 sacks

Bierals has been a mainstay for the Red Flash defense for the past three seasons, and he’s back for another. A New Jersey native with a wrestling background, he’s a brawler up front and has the career numbers to back it up.

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PATRIOT

Sam Buerkle, Fordham, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 35 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 4 fumble recoveries

Buerkle has certainly been noticed within the Patriot League, with most of those highlights coming last year as a sophomore. This Ohio native led the team with four fumble recoveries and started all 11 games at defensive tackle.

PIONEER

Darryn Kindles, Davidson, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 23 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

Kindles was a team defensive captain last year as a junior, starting every game. He was an All-Pioneer League selection for the Wildcats. Before 2023, he had a 2022 season-high four tackles against Jacksonville State and a 2021-best five tackles in the FCS playoffs against Kennesaw State – with both opponents now residing in the FBS.

SOCON

Marlon Taylor, Chattanooga, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 30 tackles, 9 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 4 hurries

Taylor is a terror, like an out-of-control bowling ball that ran into a wall and won. He’s 6-foot-2, 322 pounds, and can flat-out move or plug a necessary hole and is already catching the eye of pro scouts. His career: 68 tackles, 16 TFLs as a block-absorbing “Nose”.

SOUTHLAND

Caleb Williams, Lamar, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 58 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 hurries

Williams, a Houston native, was an All-Southland Conference member last year and posted some impressive numbers. He has 15 career starts – mostly coming last year – and at 5-foot-11, 290 pounds he’s built perfectly for the interior defensive line. Stephen F. Austin’s Edward Bobino III is also a big Southland name in the interior.

SWAC

James Ash, Florida A&M, Sr.

2023 STAT LINE: 32 tackles, 6 TFLs

Ash, a Tampa (Fla.) native, started his career at Wake Forest before coming to play for the 2023 HBCU National Champion Rattlers. Standing 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, Ash looks the part and plays it too. Look for a dominant season in the SWAC from this Sunshine State native. Jackson State’s Jeremiah Williams is another good one in the SWAC.

UAC

Rylen Sua-Filo, Southern Utah, Jr.

2023 STAT LINE: 28 tackles, 7 hurries, 5 TFLs, 3 sacks

Sua-Filo was very active when he opened 2023 and held his own against two Power Conference teams – Arizona State and Brigham Young. That set the tone for a year where the Utah native turned heads and got on the radar for 2024 as a top FCS interior defensive lineman.

The post The Best Returning 2024 FCS Interior Defensive Lineman In Each Conference appeared first on HERO Sports.

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