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.
—> RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: Does the Triangle have the best QB neighborhood in the nation?
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.
—> RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: NC Central, Gardner-Webb Ranked In FCS Top 25 Coaches Poll
—> MASTER SCHEDULE (All 35 NC Teams, week by week)
More Best In State Content from NC Football News
- Top returning QBs to watch in North Carolina this season
Twelve signal callers who could put up big numbers across all four NCAA divisions in 2024 - NFL Draft: Duke, NC State, UNC players picked early
Duke linemen, UNC quarterback, NC State linebacker get selected in rounds 1-3 - UFL rosters will feature plenty of North Carolina football talent
New spring pro league, a merger of the USFL and XFL, will kick off this weekend - Louisburg College puts 36 on academic honors list
Hurricanes enjoyed success on the field and in the classroom - Statewide Stats: Four rushers eclipsed 1,000 yards in 2023
All-American Jordan Terrell from Barton led the way with 1,732 over 11 games
