boxtorow.com
North Carolina A&T completed the most successful season in its history of college football last season. The Aggies went undefeated and were named HBCU national champions for the second time in three years.
It’s hard to think the Aggies won’t repeat in 2018 with all of the weapons they have returning. Quarterback Lamar Raynard is the reigning MEAC Offensive Player of the Year having led the MEAC in passing yards (2,932), completion percentage (63.7), passing touchdowns (27) and pass efficiency (161.7). First Team All-MEAC running back Marquel Cartwright also returns having led the MEAC in rushing yards (1,190), rushing touchdowns (14) and carries (244). Junior wide receiver Elijah Bell is the best receiver in the MEAC and also returns after leading the MEAC in receptions (64), receiving yards (953) and receiving touchdowns (11). On defense, cornerback Mac McCain returns for this sophomore season after registering six interceptions, returning three for touchdowns.
There are also some challenges the Aggies must face. Rod Broadway retired after seven seasons at the helm, winning three MEAC championships and two HBCU national championships after taking over a program in 2011 that was in disarray. Defensive coordinator Sam Washington takes over the program in his first-ever head coaching stint. Marcus Pettiford is the only starter who returns to an offensive line that averaged 427 yards of total offense per game. The Aggies also lose two-time BOXTOROW All-American linebacker Jeremy Taylor and a few other pieces on defense.
Further, the competition in the MEAC should be further improved this season. Howard came out of nowhere last year to finish 7-4, tied for second place in the MEAC and have one of the more talented players in the MEAC in quarterback Caylin Newton who completed 51 percent of his passes for 2,432 yards (second in MEAC) with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and rushed for 753 yards, averaged 4.5 yards per carry and 12 touchdowns. He also has two talented receivers returning in Jequez Ezzard (preseason first team All-MEAC) and Kyle Anthony who combined to catch 74 passes for 1,649 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Bethune-Cookman also finished tied for second in the MEAC and even though the Wildcats lose quarterback Larry Brihm’s production, keeps talent. North Carolina Central returns running back Isaiah Totten and his 718 yards rushing and 5.7 yards per carry average, as well as adding a newcomer in four-star running back Jamal Currie-Elliott, who originally signed with Oregon. Plus the Eagles return quarterback Chauncey Caldwell who had a solid freshman campaign, completing 54 percent of his passes for 1,411 yards, throwing for 10 touchdowns and just three interceptions while rushing for another 494 yards and five touchdowns. The Eagles also return Preseason Defensive Player of the Year defensive back Devanta Reynolds who recorded six interceptions and 54 tackles (36 solo).
Florida A&M should also be improved with quarterback Ryan Stanley returning as he completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,190 yards with 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Offensive guru Willie Simmons also takes over the program after a successful three-year stint as the head coach at Prairie View A&M.
Below is a podcast preview of all 10 MEAC schools in our predicted order of finish. Click on the school to download or listen to the podcast:
North Carolina A&T
North Carolina Central
Howard
Bethune-Cookman
Norfolk State
Florida A&M
South Carolina State
Morgan State
Savannah State
Delaware State