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
- Week 10 Stat Champs: Louisburg DB returns interception for 106-yard TD
Tycorien Gist now has longest scoring play of the season in the Old North State - North Carolina’s College Football Saturday Shakes Up Title Races, Shatters Records
The old guard knocked off the upstart in one game, while the challenger defeated the reigning champ in another. A backup QB shined when given his moment. A team defended BBQ bragging rights for our state, while another broke the state’s “high score” for the season. These highlights and more made Week 10 of college… Read more: North Carolina’s College Football Saturday Shakes Up Title Races, Shatters Records - All-NC Rushing Leaders: Catawba’s LJ Turner, UNC’s Omarion Hampton have crossed 1,000-yard plateau
Davidson’s Mari Adams, NC Wesleyan’s Anthony Byrd, NC Central’s J’Mari Taylor on the doorstep of milestone - Week 9 Stat Champs: UNC Pembroke offense piles up points, yards
Braves produced the most points and top three performances in total offense, passing offense, rushing offense, receiving yards - It was a great day to be Sincere. Or Sincyr.
Campbell’s Sincere Brown, UNCP’s Sincere Baines and Shaw’s Sincyr Williams have big games Saturday
