SWAC Football Media Day 2024: A Season of Anticipation and Determination
The most anticipated preseason event of the year has arrived: SWAC Football Media Day. This is the time when every team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference steps forward with confidence, ranking predictions are revealed, and the journey to the Celebration Bowl begins. Every team holds themselves to high standards, and some are ready to walk the walk and talk the talk.
New Beginnings and High Hopes
Mississippi Valley State University's second year Head Coach Kendrick Wade encapsulated the spirit of the day with his statement, "The time is still now." Despite a challenging season last year with only one win, Coach Wade and his team have faced grueling changes during the offseason. Wade emphasized that last year was a learning experience for both him and his players. Now, they are focused on getting the team to where they need to be to win games and play exceptional football.
This sentiment was echoed by other new head coaches, all of whom are finding their way and aiming to lead their teams to the Celebration Bowl. The sense of renewal and determination was palpable among the coaches and players alike.
Community and Alumni: The Backbone of Success
Another key component of the conference is the community and alumni support, a point emphasized by Alabama State University's Athletic Director in an interview. He mentioned that part of their success stems from their strong connection with the community and the involvement of alumni. Keeping the alumni engaged has significantly influenced the course of the athletic department over the years.
Players with a Point to Prove
Many players have chips on their shoulders after seeing the Defensive and Offensive projected Players of the Year and the All-SWAC first and second teams. Malachi Bailey from Alcorn State University feels he was overlooked and firmly believes he is the best in the conference. He is eager to prove himself this season.
Meanwhile, Andrew Body, a new transfer to Alabama State University from Texas Southern University, faces a different kind of pressure. After suffering a shoulder injury that ended his junior year, Body took on Red Shirt eligibility to return for a new year in new colors. He boldly declared, "I am an NFL Quarterback," and is looking forward to proving his capabilities and loyalty to his new team.
Predictions and Realities
The preseason predictions have sparked much discussion, especially with defending champions Florida A&M University predicted to finish second behind Alabama State University in the East. Alcorn State is projected to top the West. These rankings have raised some eyebrows, but as Head Coach T.C. Taylor noted, a prediction is "just a prediction." Coaches across the conference are ready to hit the field in August and let their play speak for itself.
Commissionerβs Vision and the Road Ahead
The SWAC Commissioner added to the anticipation, hinting at exciting developments for the upcoming season. The conference is abuzz with anticipation as everyone waits for football season to commence in full force for the 2024-2025 season.
Complete Listing of the Preseason All-SWAC Teams, Individual Winners, and Predicted Order of Finish
2024 SWAC Football Predicted Order of Finish
SWAC East
Alabama State - 114 points (11)
Florida A&M - 104 points (6)
Jackson State - 87 points (2)
Alabama A&M - 76 points (4)
Bethune-Cookman - 47 points
Mississippi Valley State - 31 points (1)
SWAC West
Alcorn State - 112 points (11)
Prairie View A&M - 104 points (8)
Grambling State - 72 points (4)
Southern - 70 points (1)
Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 61 points
Texas Southern - 40 points
First place votes listed in parenthesis ( )
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Quarterback: Myles Crawley, Grambling State
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Defensive Lineman: Ckelby Givens, Southern
Preseason All-SWAC Football Team
All-SWAC First Team Offense Quarterback: Myles Crawley, Grambling State Running Back: Donovan Eaglin, Alabama A&M Running Back: Kendric Rhymes, Southern Offensive Lineman: Ashton Grable, Florida A&M Offensive Lineman: Arelious Dunn, Alabama State Offensive Lineman: Evan Henry, Jackson State Offensive Lineman: Tahj Martin, Grambling State Offensive Lineman: Joseph Church, Mississippi Valley State Wide Receiver: Fabian McCray, Jackson State Wide Receiver: Jacolby Hewitt, Alabama A&M Tight End: Tavarious Griffin, Alcorn State
All-SWAC First Team Defense Defensive Lineman: Malachi Bailey, Alcorn State Defensive Lineman: Ckelby Givens, Southern Defensive Lineman: Treqwan Thomas, Alabama State Defensive Lineman: CJ Pressley, Prairie View A&M Linebacker: Rico Dozier, Alabama State Linebacker: Jacob Williams, Texas Southern Linebacker: Demarkus Cunningham, Alabama State Defensive Back: Kendall Bohler, Florida A&M Defensive Back: Emari Pait, Alabama A&M Defensive Back: James Burgess, Alabama State Defensive Back: Deco Wilson, Florida A&M
All-SWAC First Team Specialist Place Kicker: Cameron Gillis, Florida A&M Punter: Matt Noll, Jackson State Return Specialist: Robert McMinn, Alabama State Long Snapper: Braxston Blackwell, Southern
All-SWAC Second Team Offense Quarterback: Jace Wilson, Texas Southern Running Back: Kelvin Dean, Florida A&M Running Back: Marcus Harris, Alabama State Offensive Lineman: Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M Offensive Lineman: Joshua Trask Jr., Southern Offensive Lineman: Mehdi Torrence, Texas Southern Offensive Lineman: Cameron Williams, Alabama A&M Offensive Lineman: N/A Wide Receiver: Jamari Gassett, Florida A&M Wide Receiver: Javon Robinson, Grambling State Tight End: Jaxson Davis, Mississippi Valley State
All-SWAC Second Team Defense Defensive Lineman: Jeremiah Williams, Jackson State Defensive Lineman: Allen Smith, Florida A&M Defensive Lineman: Michael Akins, Texas Southern Defensive Lineman: Jamal Marshall, Prairie View A&M Linebacker: Isaiah Bogerty, Texas Southern Linebacker: Dearis Thomas, Bethune-Cookman Linebacker: Derrick Williams, Southern Defensive Back: Amon Scarbrough, Alabama State Defensive Back: Esaias Guthrie, Jackson State Defensive Back: Edwin Summerour, Alcorn State Defensive Back: Javius Williams, Texas Southern
All-SWAC Second Team Specialist Place Kicker: Joshua Griffin, Southern Punter: Jeremy Baker, Arkansas-Pine Bluff Return Specialist: Jamari Gassett, Florida A&M Long Snapper: Clayton Thomas Jr., Bethune-Cookman
With Media Day behind us, the stage is set for an exciting season of SWAC football. The predictions are in, the players are motivated, and the anticipation is at an all-time high. Come August, the true test begins, and the journey to the Celebration Bowl will be underway.
