The 2024 HBCU football season starts in less than a month and the season awards continue to roll in.

This time around, STATS Perform has announced its FCS preseason All-American team, featuring nine HBCU names.

First team

Erick Hunter LB, Morgan State

Starting the list is Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter, who will be looking to build on what was a remarkable 2023 season. Hunter recorded 75 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in 10 games. In addition to being selected to the All-MEAC First Team, he was also a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award. There are high expectations for Hunter and Morgan State this season as they chase their first outright MEAC title since 1979 (they shared the conference title in 2014).

Kenny Gallop Jr. DB, Howard

Speaking of the reigning MEAC champions, their star defenseman Kenny Gallop was also selected to the FCS Preseason First Team. The reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and this year’s MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year was the heart and soul of Howard’s MEAC championship defense, recording 59 total tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups and a forced fumble. Gallop is hoping to become the first player to win consecutive MEAC Defensive Player of the Year awards since Darius Leonard (now Shaquille Leonard) did so in 2017.

Second team

Ckelby Givens DL, South

The first of two entries to the All-American Second team is SWAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year Ckelby Givens. After a solid freshman season in 2022, Givens took his game to a whole new level in his sophomore campaign. He was absolutely dominant, producing 61 total tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks and four forced fumbles. In a SWAC West division that could go either way, Givens will be a difference-maker as Southern seeks its first conference championship since 2013.

Kendall Bohler DB, Florida A&M

Meanwhile, the reigning champion Florida A&M Rattlers are represented by defensive back Kendall Bohler on the All-American Second Team. Bohler is one of three returning Rattlers who were named to the All-SWAC team last season. The Rattlers defensive back totaled 39 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, an interception and 14 pass breakups. Bohler is looking to help Florida A&M win its second consecutive Celebration Bowl, which would make them the first SWAC team to do so.

Third team

Nick Taiste OL, South Carolina State

South Carolina State offensive lineman Nick Taiste is the only HBCU offensive player to be named to the FCS Preseason All-American team. Last season, Taiste was named to his second consecutive All-MEAC team, anchoring the SCSU offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the conference. He will be a player to watch on a South Carolina State team in its first season without legendary head coach Buddy Pough on the sidelines in more than 20 years.

Malachi Bailey DL, Alcorn State

Malachi Bailey enters his third season at Alcorn State and has built a reputation as a premier playmaker on the Braves’ defensive line. Bailey totaled 38 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks and a forced fumble last season. He’ll be in contention for the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Award while also looking to return Alcorn State to the top of the conference.

Elijah Williams DL, Morgan State

Morgan State’s second-round pick, Elijah Williams, performed at a high level in his third year with the Bears, recording 50 total tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, a pass breakup and two forced fumbles. Williams has led the MEAC in tackles for loss in each of the last two seasons and is 12.5 shy of setting a new Morgan State school career record.

Rico Dozier LB, Alabama State

Rico Dozier is the only HBCU transfer-in player to be named to the preseason All-American team. Dozier, a native of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, was a bright spot on a Golden Lions team that finished last in the SWAC West last season, with 128 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble. Dozier will get a chance to put his skills to good use against what was the best defense in the SWAC last season.

Robert McMinn PR, Alabama State

Rounding out the list is the only HBCU special teams player to be named to the FCS Preseason All-American team: Alabama State punt returner Robert McMinn. McMinn averaged 13.2 yards on 28 punt return attempts, taking home one. He also averaged 29.3 yards on seven kick return attempts and scored a touchdown.