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
- 2024 NC College Football Defensive Leaders: Tackles-For-Loss, Sacks, Interceptions
Wingate’s Fleming tallied most TFLs; Brevard’s Dorsey led in sacks; WCU’s Lowery had most INTs. - All-North Carolina Tackling Leaders: Wake’s Andersen, JCSU’s Black Swarmed On Defense
Five North Carolina reached 100 tackles in 2024, led by Wake Forest safety’s 122 - All-North Carolina Passing Leaders: Jalen Ferguson, Joey Aguilar break 3,000 yards in 2024
UNC Pembroke’s Colin Johnson topped the state with 36 touchdown passes - Notre Dame’s North Carolina Connection: 7 Players from NC Chasing National Title
Fighting Irish tapping into talent pool from Old North State - D2 Stat Champions: Lenoir-Rhyne, Wingate, UNC Pembroke kickers stayed busy in 2024
Highlighting the season’s top place-kicking performances in NC Division II football
