- BEST IN STATE -

Narii Gaither, Davius Richard share ‘Best In State’ MVP honors for offense

NCCU quarterback and Gardner-Webb running back tops in FCS

Published

August 21, 2023

Davius Richard Narii Gaither NCCU Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb's Narii Gaither and NC Central's Davius Richard share our Best In State FCS preseason offensive MVP honors. (Photos courtesy GWU Athletics and NCCU Athletics).

With the college football season at our doorstep, NC Football News turns its attention to the FCS ranks, where seven in-state schools will be vying for conference championships and playoff berths in the months ahead.

In this post, we announce our FCS Best In State preseason most valuable players for offense. Stay tuned for Best In State defensive MVP, our MVP linemen, our MVP special teams player and our full Best In State FCS top players list.

MVP Offense

RB Narii Gaither (Gardner-Webb) and QB Davius Richard (NC Central)

It was tough to separate these two, so we’ll give them both the honor to preseason top offensive player among North Carolina’s FCS teams. Both have received preseason All-America recognition. Both appear on the watch list for the Walter Payton Award, given to the national offensive player of the year in the FCS. Only 35 players start the season on that list.

Gaither is pursing career rushing records at Gardner-Webb, going into the season with 2,462 yards on the ground. He rushed for 1,019 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago. One of his biggest outings came in a playoff win over Eastern Kentucky – 245 yards and two scores.

Richard guided the Eagles to an overtime win in the Celebration Bowl last December, picking up offensive MVP honors. He earned the MEAC player of the year award for offense during the year and is listed second in career passing yards at Central with 6,814 total and 52 passing touchdowns.

The only thing missing is as head-to-head showdown between these two standout players. Gardner-Webb plays Elon, Appalachian State and East Carolina in its non-conference schedule. NC Central faces Winston-Salem State, Campbell, Elon and NC A&T as part of its in-state calendar. But no Bulldogs vs. Eagles this season, alas.

Both schools and their superstars kick off the regular season Saturday, Sept. 2. GWU goes to the Rock to face App State at 3:30 p.m. Central hosts former CIAA rival Winston-Salem State in the same window at 4 p.m.

—> FCS Schedules

—> MASTER SCHEDULE (All 35 NC Teams, week by week)