Category: College

By Bret Strelow. BOONE, N.C. — Chan Metts, the reigning Big South Women’s Golf Coach of the Year who led Charleston Southern to an NCAA Regional berth thanks to its 2024 conference title, has been hired as the head coach for App State Women’s Golf, Director of Athletics Doug Gillin announced Thursday.

“We are excited to welcome Chan and his wife, Whitney, to the App State family,” Gillin said. “Chan has coached championship golf teams and individuals. He aligns with our core values of academic integrity, competitive excellence, social responsibility and world-class experience. We’re looking forward to the future of App State Women’s Golf under his leadership.”

A native of Dublin, Georgia, Metts was the head coach for both the women’s program and men’s program at Charleston Southern last season. He served as the head coach of WKU’s men’s program from 2018-23, guiding two individuals to NCAA Regional berths in his first season with the Hilltoppers, after being an assistant coach at Georgia Southern from 2016-18 and a graduate assistant at the University of Sioux Falls from 2015-16.

When Metts led Charleston Southern’s women to the Big South title earlier this year, it was the program’s first conference championship and NCAA team appearance in 14 years. The Buccaneers had the individual medalist at the Big South event and five all-conference performers.

“I want to thank Chancellor Heather Norris, Doug Gillin, Sarah Strickland and the search committee for giving me this exciting opportunity,” Metts said. “App State has a great reputation in college athletics, and I look forward to building on that history with the App State Women’s Golf team. My wife, Whitney, and I feel so blessed to join the App State family and look forward to embracing all that comes with being Mountaineers!”

In addition to placing first in the nine-team Big South field, Charleston Southern took first in a 10-team field at the Pine Tree Intercollegiate in late March. The Buccaneers had nine top-10 finishes in 10 events and five top-five finishes.

In Metts’ two seasons as an assistant coach at Georgia Southern, the Eagles claimed back-to-back runner-up finishes at the Sun Belt Conference Championship, with the 2017 team qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Metts has coached several future professionals, including Korn Ferry members Billy Tom Sargent at WKU and Stephen Fisk at Georgia Southern.

Metts got his start in the coaching world at Sioux Falls after playing collegiately at Georgia College and State University, where he joined the team as a walk-on in 2005 and later earned a scholarship. As a junior, he tied for 20th place at the conference tournament and seventh at the regional, nearly helping the Bobcats to a national tournament appearance.

Metts and his wife, Whitney, have been married 15 years.

What They Are Saying About Chan Metts
“As an alumna, I’m very happy to see Chan Metts take this role. I’m impressed with Chan and his commitment to the future success of App State Women’s Golf. Winning a conference championship is never easy, which shows he is more than capable of bringing the program to new levels.” – Georgia Southern head coach and App State graduate Mimi Burke

By Bret Strelow. BOONE, N.C. — App State pass-rushing standout Nate Johnson has been named to the preseason watch list for the Lombardi Award.

The award goes to the college football offensive or defensive lineman who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi.

Johnson, who plays outside linebacker in App State’s 3-4 scheme, previously had been named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which is awarded to the national defensive player of the year.

Johnson received Freshman All-America recognition in 2023, when he tied for first nationally among true freshmen with 7.5 sacks. He also totaled 43 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble while posting 37 quarterback pressures, according to PFF.

By Katherine Jamtgaard. NEW ORLEANS —App State junior Maya Winterhoff has been named to the 2024 Sun Belt Volleyball Preseason All-Conference team, the league announced Thursday. This is her second consecutive preseason nod after earning the honor in 2023.

Winterhoff, a two-time Second-Team All-SBC selection, led the Sun Belt last season in hitting percentage (.383) and ranked third in the league for total blocks, recording 130 (28 solo, 102 assists) on the season. The Charlottesville, Va. native, who started all 29 matches and appeared in all 109 sets last season, led the Mountaineers in the blocks category and ranked third on the team in kills, slamming down 239 on the year. She also tallied double-figure kills in seven matches, including three consecutive matches from Oct. 14-21. Additionally, Winterhoff served up 25 aces during the 2023 campaign.

In two years at App State, Winterhoff has chalked up 492 career kills, a hitting percentage of .379, and 185 blocks (47 solo, 138 assists). She has landed on five non-conference tournament teams. During the 2023 campaign, Winterhoff recorded a single-match career-high 19 kills in addition to a hitting percentage of .621 against Wake Forest on Sept. 15. Winterhoff recorded a career-high five solo blocks against William & Mary on Aug. 25 and tallied a career-high 11 digs against ULM on Oct. 14.

In the SBC Preseason Volleyball Coaches Poll, App State was picked fifth in the East Division with 45 votes. The Mountaineers went 14-15 last season and posted a 10-4 record in the Holmes Convocation Center. The Black and Gold opened the 2023 campaign with nine consecutive wins and tallied 10 sweeps on the year.

App State fans will have the opportunity to get a preview of the 2024 season with an exhibition match against UNC on Aug. 16 and the Black & Gold Scrimmage on Aug. 23. Both events are set for 6 p.m. serves and are free to the public. The Mountaineers will also host Boonebalaya on Aug. 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Booneshine Brewing Company.

The Mountaineers will open the 2024 season on the road at the Bobcat Invitational in Athens, Ohio on Aug. 30 and 31 before opening play in the Holmes Convocation Center with the Mountaineer Classic (Sept. 6 and 7) and the Black & Gold Invitational (Sept. 12-14). App State will host eight conference matches this fall. Season tickets are on sale now.

2024 Sun Belt Conference Volleyball Preseason Awards

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Jalyn Stout, Coastal Carolina (S, So., Gainesville, Fla.)
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jade Defraeye, Texas State (MB, Jr., Dunkirk, France)
Preseason Setter of the Year: Janelle Stuempfig, Troy (S, Jr., Sussex, Wisc.)
Preseason Libero of the Year: Mio Yamamoto, Louisiana (L, Sr., Chigasaki, Japan)

Preseason All-Conference

Maya Winterhoff, App State (MB, Jr., Charlottesville, Va.)
Jalyn Stout, Coastal Carolina (S, So., Gainesville, Fla.)
Miëtte Veldman, James Madison (OH, Gr., Daleville, Va.)
Reagan Barth, Georgia Southern (OH, So., Lenexa, Kan.)
Mio Yamamoto, Louisiana (L, Sr., Chigasaki, Japan)
Myah Conway, Old Dominion (RS, Sr., Orwigsburg, Pa.)
Jade Defraeye, Texas State (MB, Jr., Dunkirk, France)
Alyssa Ortega, Texas State (L, Sr., San Antonio, Texas)
Ryann Torres, Texas State (S, Fifth Year, Buda, Texas)
Samantha Wunsch, Texas State (OH, R-So., Austin, Texas)
Tori Hester, Troy (OH, Sr., Salisbury, N.C.)
Janelle Stuempfig, Troy (S, Jr., Sussex, Wisc.)

2024 Sun Belt Volleyball Preseason Coaches Poll

East Division

James Madison – 90 (8)
Coastal Carolina – 88 (6)
Georgia Southern – 74
Old Dominion – 48
App State – 45
Marshall – 31
Georgia State – 16

West Division

Texas State – 98 (14)
Troy – 80
South Alabama – 71
Louisiana – 57
Southern Miss – 37
Arkansas State – 35
ULM – 14

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — Opening up the 2024 collegiate women’s soccer season with a scrimmage against a legion of pirates, or “Buccaneers,” in this case from East Tennessee State, the Appalachian State women’s soccer team got a chance to implement a new formation while introducing a host of new faces on Aug. 5 at the Ted Mackeroll Soccer Complex.

ETSU’s backline defenders and defensive midfielders showed off a lot of one- and two-touch passing skills in mounting counterattacks, but the offensive efforts seemed to bog down once the Bucs crossed into the Mountaineers’ half of the field. At least some of the credit has to be given to App State’s defensive unit, led by senior Skylar Walk, freshman Sydney Snowden, Momu Guisasola, and goalkeeper Sarah Wommack, as well as the many substitutions shuttled in and out of the lineup.

“Our goals with this scrimmage were to try out some new systems and to play a lot of players,” said App State head coach Aimee Haywood after the final whistle had blown in the format comprised of three, 30-minute periods, “to see what we have. You can play in practice all you want but it is a little bit different when you are playing another team in a live match. We tried a few different systems and played everybody that was eligible to play, so I think we got out of it what we wanted, which is a lot of information. We are still in that preseason period where we are trying to build our team identity.”

Wommack, a redshirt freshman from Kernersville, N.C., played high school ball with Northwest Guilford and seemed satisfied with how the team on the field in front of her handled a new alignment, a 3-4-3.

“It makes more players available to attack,” she explained.

Although well-skilled ETSU defenders preserved a clean sheet for the visitors, App State’s offense manufactured more opportunities. Bucs goalkeeper Ashton Blair played all but 15 minutes of the 90 minutes of action, recording seven saves. Her replacement, Finley Dybik, turned away one Mountaineer shot. In total, the Mountaineers took 18 shots on goal. Meanwhile, the ETSU offense manufactured only five opportunities against App State’s stout defense.

“I thought it went very well today,” said graduate student forward Izzi Wood, returning from a 2023 season in which she became the first Mountaineer soccer player to earn all-Sun Belt honors since 2018, leading the conference in shots (79) and shots on target (34). “We have a lot of freshmen players who got a lot of minutes tonight. We were able to practice different formations and different systems, so overall I am very excited to see how far we can go this season.”

Incorporating a lot of new faces in freshmen and transfers is always a challenge to any program in any sport, but Wood explained how the team’s leaders took charge.

“Most of us got here in July, including the freshmen,” said Wood. “So we were able to train and workout together without the coaches. That helped us get to know them and gave us a chance to build some team chemistry. So when we were finally able to work with the coaches, it was not a cold start. I am very impressed with our freshmen. They made us better and were very impactful in the game tonight.

“I thought that ETSU’s backline and midfielders were the strongest part of their team tonight, but it comes down to our need to be a step faster. That will come as we play together more and gain confidence,” added Wood.

“Collectively, we all maintained our backside shape pretty well,” said Mountaineer defender Skylar Walk, who as a senior is one of the team’s elder statesmen, at least among the defenders. “Our sixes, or defensive midfielders, played down very well so made it easier or more predictable for us to come in and make tackles or win possession.”

Haywood seemed generally please with her team’s ability to counterattack after winning possession in the defensive half of the field.

“I thought we did a good job in counterattacking tonight, especially in the first half. In the second and third periods I think we could have done a better job of connecting a couple more passes before trying to go to goal,” said App State’s head coach, now in her third season at the helm.

In 2023, Haywood led the team to third place in the Sun Belt Conference, the best finish in program history. The Mountaineers finished the season with a program record eight shutouts, four of them consecutively, also tying a program record. The Mountaineers finished with an RPI of 75, their best since 2015 and No. 3 in North Carolina behind UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke.

App State travels to Rock Hill, S.C. on Aug. 9 to face Winthrop University in another exhibition match before opening the regular season at North Carolina State University in Raleigh on Aug. 15.

 

By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — No touchdowns have been thrown, no passes intercepted. No rushing attempts have gone the distance and there have been no tackles for loss. In short, there have been no wins or losses.

But optimism runs high for a successful 2024 college football campaign all across the country at every NCAA Division I school and with a new, more inclusive College Football Playoff format, the enthusiasm has never been higher among the so-called “Group of Five” teams, generally regarded as the second tier of NCAA Division I programs.

And for Appalachian State, noted for victories in years gone by over powerhouse programs like Michigan, Texas A&M, North Carolina and South Carolina, and near, woulda-coulda-shoulda upsets over Tennessee, Penn State and Miami, expectations have rarely been greater than they are for 2024. Declared the Sun Belt Conference’s East Division frontrunner by the likes of Athlon Sports, College Football Network, Star Local Media, and Bill Connelly’s SP+ rating on ESPN, App State’s “consistency” may be its leg up on the competition this year.

“We are one of only 25 programs in the country to return its head coach, both (offensive and defensive) coordinators and our starting quarterback,” noted App State head coach Shawn Clark in opening his Aug. 1 “Media Day” remarks. “I believe we have a roster that gives us a chance to be very competitive and we have the nation’s most prolific returning quarterback in Joey Aguilar.”

A QB-led offense

Aguilar, who was edged out of the starting QB job by Ryan Burger a year ago, jumped into the starting role in the first half of last season’s first game, vs. Gardner-Webb, when Burger was injured — and the junior college transfer from California never looked back. Aguilar led the Mountaineers to the East Division title and a Cure Bowl victory. He finished the season with the fourth-most passing TDs among all FBS programs in the nation, and seventh-most in total passing yardage.

While Aguilar is expected to be the QB starter, Clark made it clear that he still has to earn the job and the Mountaineers have a quartet of other QB hopefuls competing for the position. That foursome includes redshirt junior Billy Wiles, a 6-3, 215 lb. transfer from Southern Mississippi, where he started 10 games a year ago. Wiles was originally recruited by Clemson University, but was redshirted before transferring to Southern Miss. With the Golden Eagles in 2023, Wiles passed for more than 200 yards in games against Texas State (275), Alcorn State (267), Arkansas State (215) and ULM (210), as well as 287 yards on 23-of-41 passing in a tight, 48-38 loss to App State.

Also listed as QB candidates are sixth-year redshirt senior David Hernandez, redshirt freshman Cameron Estep (Charlotte Christian), and freshman Matthew Wilson (Rock Hill, S.C.).

Wide Receiver talent abounds

One of the Mountaineers’ strongest position groups is where the QBs will be targeting, at wide receiver. Redshirt senior Kaedin Robinson, redshirt junior Dalton Stroman, senior Christan Horn, and junior Makai Jackson return from a productive 2023 season. While it may be hard to break into a high volume target rotation at the position, redshirt junior Michael Hetzel (Ardrey Kell/Charlotte) also returns and is joined by some intriguing underclassman talents:

• William Fowles, 6-3, 215 lbs. redshirt freshman out of Hialeah, Fla., transferred in from Louisville, with a 4-star rating from 247 Sports. Has four seasons of eligibility remaining.
• Zahn Coakley, 6-1, 195 lbs. redshirt freshman whose hometown is Dallas, Texas. Redshirted in 2023 while rehabbing from injury, but in high school (The Oakridge School) was a track and field conference champion in the 100 meters and 4×100 relay. His father is an App State Hall of Fame selection and 3-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, Dexter Coakley.
• Grant Tucker, 6-3, 190 lbs., redshirt freshman who played prep ball at Charlotte Christian, scoring three TDs on three catches in the state championship game his senior season. Rated a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports.
• Zavier Short, 6-2, 210 lbs., a redshirt sophomore transferring from South Carolina with three seasons of eligibility. He joined the Gamecocks as a tight end, redshirted in 2022, then began work as a WR in 2023. In high school (Chapin, S.C.), was ranked as the No. 23 best player in South Carolina and a top-200 wide receiver nationally by 247 Sports.
• Reece Larson, 6-0, 180 lbs., a redshirt sophomore from Wellington, Fla. At Wellington HS, was a nominee for the Palm Beach Post “Offensive Player of the Year” as a senior while also excelling in track and field as a sprinter in the 100- and 200-meter distances.
• Franklin Baret, Jr., 6-4, 200 lbs., out of Wake Forest, N.C. Based on a stellar high school career, he is considered a big-play threat as a WR, but also as a return specialist. He has recorded a sub-4.4 time for 40 yards.
• Blake Hoban, 5-10, 185 lbs., from Napa, Calif., a redshirt junior transferring from Yuba College but played previously with Joey Aguilar at Diablo Valley Community College (2021-22). As a high schooler at Justin-Siena HS, earned all-league honors as a junior and senior, while also playing basketball and running track (part of a 4×100 relay team that set a school record).
• Jose Leon, 5-10, 175 lbs., true freshman from Miami, Fla. All-state selection as well as All-Dade County honoree. Helped Columbus HS win state titles his junior and senior year. Nominated as one of the top players in south Florida region, earning a 3-star rating by 247 Sports.
• Chris Lawson, Jr., 6-0, 185 lbs., redshirt freshman from Columbia, S.C. Rehabbed from injury last season, but ranked as a top-30 recruit in South Carolina and a 3-star rating by 247 Sports
• Ayden Burkey, 5-11, 185 lbs., transferred from Virginia Tech where he was redshirted as a true freshman. Last year did not play while rehabbing from injury. From Waxhaw, S.C., he played high school ball at Myers Park, helpin his team to consecutive conference titles and earning the Iron Mustang Award. Earned 3A all-conference honors as a lacrosse midfielder and competed in track and field as a sprinter, placing in the conference finals.
• Luke Hale, 6-3, 190 lbs., a multi-sport graduate of A C Reynolds HS in Asheville, N.C. A redshirt sophomore, he first arrived at App State with the track and field program, as a sprinter. Ran 100 meters in 10.66 and 200 meters in 21.61 at the 2023 Sun Belt Championships.
• Bryce Gee, 6-2, 190 lbs., from Jacksonville, Fla. A true freshman this year, he didn’t start playing football until his junior year in high school, but left Beachside HS as a 3-star prospect by 247 Sports. Senior year shortened by injury, but tallied four TDs over two games in a strong start to the season.

Can’t forget the Tight End position group

Led by senior Eli Wilson (6-3, 240 lbs., Piedmont, S.C.) and redshirt junior David Larkins (6-5, 255 lbs., Cincinnati, Ohio), App State’s tight end position group is well positioned to continue the Mountaineers’ tradition of exploiting the position for big gains, first downs and TDs. Four other student athletes are on the roster, including redshirt junior Jared Gibble (6-4, 235, Winston-Salem, a transfer from Campbell University); redshirt freshman Max Drag (6-4, 245 lbs., Chapin, S.C.); true freshman Jack Kelly (6-3, 240 lbs., Athens, Ga.); and redshirt sophomore Kanen Hamlett (6-4, 245 lbs., Madison, Ala.). Wilson has been on the receiving end of seven TDs in his App State career, including five TDs as an All-Sun Belt performer a year ago.

Running Back room has depth

Appalachian State historically has had a run-first mentality and that is unlikely to change, even if modified to be more balanced given Aguilar’s and the other QB’s skillsets with a strong group of receivers.

Redshirt sophomore Kanye Roberts (5-11, 205 lbs., Wallace, N.C.), Watauga HS alum Anderson Castle (6-0, 220 lbs. and a redshirt junior), and senior Ahmani Marshall (6-2, 225 lbs., Winston-Salem, N.C. and a transfer from Wake Forest last season) are the presumed leaders of the group.

Roberts came to App State after a sparkling prep career and showed off his potential in 2023 as a redshirt freshman, including a 61-yard TD run against Southern Miss that led to the Mountaineers’ 48-38 win — and jumpstarted the team’s five-game winning streak to close out the season. He scored five rushing TDs in the six games leading up to the Cure Bowl.

As a prep, Castle played both ways for Watauga, as a defensive back and as the All-Northwestern Conference quarterback. He was recruited to the Mountaineers as a DB, moved to outside linebacker, but converted to running back because of early season injuries to that position group. He is widely regarded to have 2024 become his true breakout season, especially in short-yardage situations, but with explosive potential in App State’s outside zone scheme. In 2019, as Watauga’s option QB, Castle rushed for 2,223 yards and passed for another 1,190 yards, accounting for 49 total TDs (36 rushing). He had a career high 119 yards rushing to close out last season in the Cure Bowl.

This will be Marshall’s third season with the Mountaineers after transferring from Wake Forest before the 2022 season. As a prep at East Forsyth, like Castle he was invited to play in the North-South Shrine Game after being a member of back-to-back state championship teams.

Other running back candidates for 2024 include:

• Maquel Haywood, 5-8, 195 lbs., played his first two seasons at Navy before transferring to App State prior to the 2023 season. He scored TDs last season vs. Georgia Southern and Southern Miss. He helped Wake Forest HS win state titles in 2017 and 2018. After graduating from Wake Forest HS in 2020, where he scored 33 TDs and rushed for more than 2,000 yards even with an injury-shortened senior season, Haywood then attended the Naval Academy Prep School during the 2020-21 academic year.
• Jaylon Calhoun, 6-0, 190 lbs., redshirt freshman from Lakeland, Ga. He totaled more than 2,000 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards in his final three high school seasons, with 24 TDs. He had five, 100+ yard games as a senior.
• Khamani Alexander, 6-1, 205 lbs., true freshman from Homestead, Fla. An all-county performer, he rushed for 2,669 yards and 17 TDs in 37 games and ran track as a junior at Belen Jesuit HS. He is rated a 3-star prospect by 247 Sports.
• Michael Dipasquale, 5-10, 200 lbs., is a redshirt freshman from Wake Forest, N.C., where he rushed for 2,716 yards and 55 TDs in his last three prep seasons. He recorded 16 TDs as a sophomore and 14 as a junior. He was an all-state selection and a 3-time all-conference honoree.

Offensive Line ‘beefed up’

After losing key offensive linemen like Bucky Williams and Isaiah Helms to graduation and the tragic passing of Jack Murphy, this will be one of the most scrutinized position groups on the team. Nonetheless, offensive line coach Mike Cummings and head coach Shawn Clark will not be asking, “Where’s the beef?” That’s because they have a bunch of candidates to choose from, with most near or over 300 lbs.:

• Andres Dewerk, 6-7, 340 lbs., redshirt junior, San Jose, Calif. (Los Gatos HS, transfer from Southern Cal)
• Luke Burgess, 6-8, 315 lbs., redshirt freshman, New Palestine, Ind. (New Palestine HS, transfer from Louisville)
• Griffin Scroggs, 6-3, 325 lbs., redshirt sophomore, Grayson, Ga. (Grayson HS, transfer from Georgia)
• Garner Langlo, 6-7, 300 lbs., redshirt junior, Hartford, Ala. (Trinity Catholic HS, transfer from Auburn)
• Thomas Shrader, 6-5, 305 lbs., redshirt junior, Venice, Fla. (Venice HS, transfer from Florida State
• Thornton Gentry, 6-4, 305 lbs., redshirt junior, Chapin, S.C. (Chapin HS, transfer from NC State)
• Dylan Barbrey, 6-6, 305 lbs., freshman, West Columbia, S.C. (Airport HS)
• Jack Hollifield, 6-4, 300 lbs., redshirt junior, Shelby, N.C. (Shelby HS, transfer from Virginia Tech)
• Felix Doege, 6-4, 300 lbs., true freshman from Augsburg, Germany (Rabun Gap-Nacoochee HS in Georgia)
• Daniel Davis, 6-6, 295 lbs., redshirt freshman, Winston-Salem, N.C. (Oak Grove HS)
• Gabe Funk, 6-6, 305 lbs., freshman, Xenia, Ohio (Xenia HS)
• Danny Stevens, 6-4, 300 lbs., redshirt from, Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian)
• Jayden Ramsey, 6-6, 300 lbs., redshirt junior, Anderson, S.C. (Westside HS)
• Michael Marotta, 6-5, 310 lbs., redshirt junior, Spring Hill, Fla. (Nature Coast Tech, transfer from Valdosta State)
• Cayden Sweatt, 6-4, 295 lbs., redshirt freshman, Breman, Ga.
• Markell Samuel, 6-4, 300 lbs., redshirt junior, Fayetteville, N.C. (E E Smith HS)
• Jake Ganoe, 6-2, 290 lbs., redshirt sophomore, Cary, N.C. (Panther Creek HS)
• Blake Bradford, 6-6, 275 lbs., redshirt freshman, Denver, N.C. (East Lincoln HS)
• Ethan Ryan, 6-3, 290 lbs., redshirt junior, Summerfield, N.C. (Northern Guilford, transfer from UNC Pembroke)
• J T Sowell, 6-3, 275 lbs., freshman, West Columbia, S.C. (Gray Collegiate Academy)

All in all, with a beefier offensive line that is reportedly quick and athletic, as well as strong groups at the skill positions, App State’s offense could be formidable.

We’ll take a look at the Defense and Special Teams units in future articles.

 

BOONE, N.C. — App State’s Michael Hughes is one of 30 kickers who have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award.

The College Football Network named Hughes a second-team All-American following a 2023 season in which he made 19 of 22 field goals, including a game-winning kick from 54 yards as time expired in a 41-40 victory at ULM. Over the last two seasons, he totaled 188 points by going 28-for-34 on field goals (82.4 percent) and converting 104 extra points.

The award is named for NFL Hall of Fame kicker Lou “The Toe” Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an All-Pro offensive lineman as well, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.

Accomplishments will be tabulated throughout the season, and the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award will announce its 20 semifinalists on Nov. 19. From that list, on Nov. 26, a panel of FBS head coaches, SIDs, media members, former Groza finalists and current NFL kickers select three finalists for the award.

By Bret Strelow. BOONE, N.C. — App State cornerback Ethan Johnson and safety Jordan Favors have been named to the watch list for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award that goes to the nation’s best defensive back.

It’s the seventh time in the last eight years that at least one App State defensive back has made the Thorpe Award Watch List. This summer’s list from The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association includes 42 of the nation’s best secondary players, including four defensive backs from the Sun Belt.

Johnson had 11 pass breakups to go with 56 tackles in 2023, while Favors tied for the Sun Belt lead with four interceptions. He also had 37 tackles, eight pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss, one blocked kick and one forced fumble.

2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List

Dontae Balfour, Charlotte, Jr.
Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma, Sr.
Shyheim Brown, Florida State, Jr.
Cobee Bryant, Kansas, Sr.
Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Sr.
Derek Carter, Jacksonville State, Jr.
Sebastian Castro, Iowa, Gr. Sr.
Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa State, Jr.
Tacario Davis, Arizona, Jr.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State, So.
Daylen Everette, Georgia, Jr.
Jordan Favors, App State, Jr.
Brylan Green, Liberty, Jr.
Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, Jr.
Maxen Hook, Toledo, Sr.
Jack Howell, Colorado State, Sr.
Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr.
Anthony Johnson Jr., Western Kentucky, Sr.
Ethan Johnson, App State, Jr.
Will Johnson, Michigan, Jr.
Donte Kent, Central Michigan, Sr.
Rayuan Lane III, Navy, Sr.
Ike Larsen, Utah State, Jr.
A’Marion McCoy, Boise State, Sr.
Donovan McMillon, Pittsburgh, Sr.
Malachi Moore, Alabama, Gr. Sr.
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, Jr.
Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, Sr.
Seyi Oladipo, Boise State, Sr.
Jordan Oladokun, Bowling Green, Sr.
Cameron Oliver, UNLV, Sr.
Gavin Pringle, Georgia State, Sr.
Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina, Sr.
Quincy Riley, Louisville, Sr.
Jonas Sanker, Virginia, Sr.
Malaki Starks, Georgia, Jr.
Gabriel Taylor, Rice, Sr.
Dillon Thieneman, Purdue, So.
Jaden Voisin, South Alabama, Sr.
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, Gr. Sr.
Aydan White, NC State, Sr.
Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin, Sr.

By Bret Strelow. BOONE, N.C. — App State running back Anderson Castle is on the preseason watch list for the Wuerffel Trophy, which is awarded to the FBS player who best combines exemplary community service with leadership achievement on and off the field.

Named after 1996 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel from Florida, the Wuerffel Trophy honors college football players who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society and inspire greater service in the world.

Last season, Castle was the football program’s representative among the All for App Award winners, earning recognition as the player who best personified what it means to be an App State student-athlete. In addition to volunteering with students at local elementary schools such as Hardin Park and youth at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, the Boone native and Watauga High School alum packed Operation Christmas Child boxes for gifts in collaboration with Samaritan’s Purse.

In 44 career games, Castle has rushed for 790 yards while averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

Castle has appeared in 44 career games to date and rushed for 790 yards while averaging 5.5 yards per carry. He rushed 34 times for 219 yards and two scores over the final three games of 2023, highlighted by a career-high 119 yards in the Cure Bowl victory.

In May, Castle earned his undergraduate degree in management. He is entering his fifth season as a member of the Mountaineers’ football program.

By Bret Strelow and Joey Jones. NEW ORLEANS, La. — With App State Football being voted the preseason favorite in the Sun Belt Conference’s East Division and quarterback Joey Aguilar being named the league’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, the Mountaineers had nine players selected for the preseason All-Sun Belt teams announced Monday.

App State led East Division teams with 96 voting points and 12 first-place votes from the league’s 14 coaches, followed by James Madison with 79 voting points and two first-place votes. Texas State paced West Division teams with 92 voting points and nine first-place votes, with Troy receiving four first-place votes and Louisiana picking up one.

Wide receiver Kaedin Robinson and tight end Eli Wilson joined Aguilar as first-team selections from the offensive side, while App State defensive players on the first team were defensive lineman Santana Hopper, outside linebacker Nate Johnson, safety Jordan Favors and cornerback Ethan Johnson.

App State’s second-team selections were kicker Michael Hughes and running back Kanye Roberts.

App State, Arkansas State and Georgia Southern tied for the most selections across the two preseason teams, and the Mountaineers led the way with seven first-team selections.

Aguilar’s 33 touchdown passes during the 2023 regular season allowed him to rank fifth nationally for the entire season, which he finished with additional school records of 3,757 passing yards and 4,002 yards of total offense. Robinson tied for the Sun Belt lead with 10 touchdown catches during a season in which he compiled 905 receiving yards, the highest total in App State’s FBS era, and Wilson ranked in the top three among Sun Belt tight ends in catches (34), yards (350) and touchdown catches (five).

Hopper and Johnson both received Freshman All-America recognition, as Hopper made a late-season surge while contributing 3.5 sacks among his 7.5 tackles for loss and Nate Johnson tied for first nationally among true freshmen with 7.5 sacks. Favors tied for the Sun Belt lead with four interceptions, and Ethan Johnson had 11 pass breakups to go with 56 tackles.

The College Football Network named Hughes a second-team All-American following a season in which he made 19 of 22 field goals, including a game-winning kick from 54 yards, and Roberts was App State’s top rusher five times in the last nine games of a 696-yard season that included seven rushing touchdowns.

Sun Belt Media Days begin Tuesday in New Orleans, with the App State contingent of head coach Shawn Clark, Aguilar and Robinson appearing on the main stage at noon ET (11 a.m. CT). Those interviews will be available live on ESPN+. The Sun Belt will also host studio shows each day, and those will also be available via ESPN+.

2024 SUN BELT CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON COACHES POLL

East Division

1. App State – 96 Points (12)
2. James Madison – 79 Points (2)
3. Coastal Carolina – 67 Points
4. Georgia Southern – 50 Points
5. Marshall – 49 Points
6. Old Dominion – 32 Points
7. Georgia State – 19 Points

West Division

1. Texas State – 92 Points (9)
2. Troy – 68 Points (4)
3. Louisiana – 66 Points (1)
4. Arkansas State – 65 Points
5. South Alabama – 54 Points
6. Southern Miss – 31 Points
7. ULM – 16 Points

2024 SUN BELT CONFERENCE FOOTBALL PRESEASON AWARDS

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Joey Aguilar, App State (Sr., QB – Antioch, Calif.)

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Jason Henderson, Old Dominion (Sr., LB – Dingmans Ferry, Pa.)

Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team Offense^

QB – Joey Aguilar, App State (Sr., QB – Antioch, Calif.)
QB – Jordan McCloud, Texas State (RS Sr., QB – Tampa, Fla.)
RB – Jalen White, Georgia Southern (5th Yr., RB – Daleville, Ala.)
RB – Ismail Mahdi, Texas State (Jr., RB – Murphy, Texas)
OL – Jacob Bayer, Arkansas State (Sr., OL – Grandview, Texas)
OL – Makilan Thomas, Arkansas State (RS Jr., OL – Little Rock, Ark.)
OL – Cole Potts, James Madison (Sr., OL – Johnstown, Ohio)
OL – AJ Gillie, Louisiana (RS Sr., OL – Natchitoches, La.)
OL – Daniel King, Troy (Sr., OL – Cairo, Ga.)
TE – Eli Wilson, App State (Sr., TE – Piedmont, S.C.)
WR – Kaedin Robinson, App State (RS Sr., WR – Asheville, N.C.)
WR – Derwin Burgess Jr., Georgia Southern (Sr., WR – Riverdale, Ga.)
WR – Joey Hobert, Texas State (Sr., WR – San Clemente, Calif.)

Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team Defense

DL – Santana Hopper, App State (RS So., DL – Shelby, N.C.)
DL – Nate Martey, Arkansas State (Sr., DL – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
DL – Justin Rhodes, Georgia Southern (5th Yr., DL – Durham, N.C.)
DL – Isaac Walker, Georgia Southern (RS Jr., DL – Greensboro, N.C.)
LB – Nate Johnson, App State (So., LB – Gaffney, S.C.)
LB – Marques Watson-Trent, Georgia Southern (RS Sr., LB – Pittsburgh, Pa.)
LB – Jason Henderson, Old Dominion (Sr., LB – Dingmans Ferry, Pa.)
LB – Ben Bell, Texas State (Sr., LB – Cedar Park, Texas)
DB – Jordan Favors, App State (RS Jr., DB – Griffin, Ga.)
DB – Ethan Johnson, App State (Jr., DB – Huntersville, N.C.)
DB – Gavin Pringle, Georgia State (RS Sr., DB – Baltimore, Md.)
DB – Jaden Voisin, South Alabama (RS Sr., DB – Crestview, Fla.)

Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team Special Teams

K – Mason Shipley, Texas State (RS Jr., K – Liberty Hill, Texas)
P – Ryan Hanson, James Madison (RS Sr., P – Elgin, Texas)
RS – Zylan Perry, Louisiana (RS So., RS – Franklin, La.)
AP – Ismail Mahdi, Texas State (Jr., AP – Murphy, Texas)

Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team Offense^

QB – Jaylen Raynor, Arkansas State (So., QB – Kernersville, N.C.)
RB – Kanye Roberts, App State (RS So., RB – Wallace, N.C.)
RB – Ja’Quez Cross, Arkansas State (RS Jr., RB – Hampton, Ark.)
OL – Chandler Strong, Georgia Southern (RS So., OL – Warner Robins, Ga.)
OL – Pichon Wimbley, Georgia Southern (Jr., OL – Newnan, Ga.)
OL – Tyshawn Wyatt, James Madison (Sr., OL – Richmond, Va.)
OL – Logan Osburn, Marshall (RS Sr., OL – Ona, W.Va.)
OL – Eli Russ, Troy (Jr., OL – Ardmore, Okla.)
TE – Kendall Karr, Coastal Carolina (RS Sr., TE – Belmont, N.C.)
WR – Courtney Jackson, Arkansas State (RS Sr., WR – Monroeville, Pa.)
WR – Corey Rucker, Arkansas State (RS Jr., WR – Bentonia, Miss.)
WR – Jamaal Pritchett, South Alabama (Sr., WR – Jackson, Ala.)
WR – Kole Wilson, Texas State (Jr., WR – Katy, Texas)

Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team Defense

DL – Will Whitson, Coastal Carolina (Gr., DL – Cincinnati, Ohio)
DL – Eric O’Neill, James Madison (RS Jr., DL – Staten Island, N.Y.)
DL – Jordan Lawson, Louisiana (RS Jr., DL – Brandon, Miss.)
DL – Denzel Lowry, Old Dominion (RS Jr., DL – Virginia Beach, Va.)
DL – Wy’Kevious Thomas, South Alabama (RS Sr., DL – Riverdale, Ga.)
LB – Charles Willekes, Arkansas State (RS Sr., LB – Rockford, Mich.)
LB – Kevin Swint, Georgia State (Sr., LB – Carrollton, Ga.)
LB – KC Ossai, Louisiana (Sr., LB – Conroe, Texas)
DB – TJ Smith, Georgia Southern (RS Sr., DB – Atlanta, Ga.)
DB – Chauncey Logan, James Madison (Jr., DB – Salem, Va.)
DB – Tyrone Lewis Jr., Louisiana (RS Sr., DB – Hammond, La.)
DB – Kaleb Culp, Texas State (Sr., DB – Dallas, Texas)

Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team Special Teams

K – Michael Hughes, App State (Sr., K – Charleston, W.Va.)
P – Robert Cole, Troy (Sr., P – Coral Springs, Fla.)
RS – DeAndre Buchannon, Georgia Southern (So., RS – Atlanta, Ga.)
AP – Ja’Quez Cross, Arkansas State (RS Jr., AP – Hampton, Ark.)

^ Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team & Second Team Offense Expanded Due to Ties in Voting