NORFOLK, VA — Regardless of securing its first outright MEAC title in thirty years and competing for the HBCU nationwide title, Howard College’s soccer workforce continues to be searching for extra recognition.
“We left some gold on the market in Atlanta,” Howard security Kenny Gallop Jr. informed HBCU Gameday of his groups’ loss within the Celebration Bowl to Florida A&M. “We’ve nonetheless bought that bitter style in our mouth, in order that’s been the motivation all offseason.”
Howard College had a notable 2023 season, ending with a 6-6 general document and a 4-1 mark in MEAC play. This efficiency earned it the MEAC regular-season title and secured a spot within the Celebration Bowl. Howard excelled each offensively and defensively, rating second in complete offense with a median of 367 yards per sport, and holding the second-best protection within the MEAC, permitting simply 318 yards per sport.
Regardless of this vital achievement, Howard College will not be on the prime of the preseason predictions. Howard has been predicted to complete second within the MEAC preseason ballot, trailing North Carolina Central. HU earned 92 factors, falling wanting the NCCU 110 factors. Given HU’s spectacular 2023 season, is that this preseason rating a good reflection of its skills?
The Bison return appreciable expertise that warrants consideration. Graduate operating again Jarett Hunter, named the MEAC Preseason Offensive Participant of the Yr, led the workforce with over 600 dashing yards and 9 touchdowns final season. Hunter additionally had 25 catches for 257 yards and two further scores. Gallop Jr., a graduate security, was acknowledged because the Preseason Defensive Participant of the Yr, is likely one of the prime defensive backs in HBCU soccer and the FCS. Gallop completed 2023 with 59 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two pressured fumbles with one restoration.
Howard College’s energy is additional highlighted by its a number of first-team picks. Alongside Hunter and Gallop, the primary workforce consists of junior operating again Eden James, senior huge receiver Kasey Hawthorne, senior guard Darius Fox, senior defensive lineman Jamel Stewart, and senior placekicker Dylan West. This season marks the primary time two Howard operating backs have been named to the preseason first workforce. HU additionally options 5 gamers on the second workforce, together with senior huge receiver Richie Ilarraza and redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Tim Artis Jr.
Though Howard faces uncertainty on the quarterback place, with lack of multi-year starter Quinton Williams, its general depth and confirmed expertise recommend it shouldn’t be underestimated. The Bison’s roster, full of playmakers and leaders, positions it as a powerful contender regardless of the query mark at quarterback.
Given Howard College’s sturdy efficiency in 2023 and returning expertise, the query stays: ought to or not it’s ranked larger within the MEAC preseason ballot? Its achievements, together with its first outright MEAC title in thirty years and a big position as co-champions in 2022, make a powerful case for it being the preseason favourite.
“We nonetheless really feel like we’re disrespected. You realize what I’m saying?” Gallop mentioned earlier than the rankings have been launched on Tuesday. “When folks really feel prefer it was a fluke — and we must always have by no means been there. Lots of people thought (NC) Central was presupposed to be there. So we simply need to present this yr…and simply dominate this yr and go away little doubt who the perfect workforce within the MEAC is.”
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