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.
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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.
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—> MASTER SCHEDULE (All 35 NC Teams, week by week)
More Best In State Content from NC Football News
- NC College Football Rushing Leaders: Five players have joined 1,000-yard club
UNC’s Omarion Hampton, NC Wesleyan’s Anthony Byrd lead the way after Week 12 - Week 12 Stat Champs: UNCP goes out with a bang in Mountain East swansong
Conference players of the week Colin Johnson, Malik McKinzie lead the way - Week 12 NC College Football: Wingate claims title, UNC clinches bowl eligibility, WCU & Elon own Senior Day
D2 football playoff bracket will be released Sunday evening - Week 11 Stat Champions: Gardner-Webb, Mars Hill, UNC Pembroke Shine with Standout Performances
GWU defense dominates with 11 sacks, Mars Hill’s JR Martin excels, and UNCP leads in points scored. - What we’re talking about after Week 11: Wingate dominates; JCSU falls; Elon & GWU win at buzzer
A quick run through of the top storylines from our FCS, D2 and D3 divisions
