NASHVILLE — Tennessee State University's football program continues to make headlines, earning widespread recognition as seven Tigers secured eight spots on the 2024 All-Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Teams. Highlighting the accolades, Head Coach Eddie George was named Coach of the Year, and standout linebacker Sanders Ellis was named Defensive Freshman of the Year.
TSU's impressive season, culminating in a share of the Big South-OVC Football Association title and its first playoff berth since 2013, was reflected in the honors announced today.
George, a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, led the Tigers to a 9-3 overall record and their first conference championship since 1999, as well as the program's first FCS Playoff berth since 2013. TSU won nine games for the first time since 2013. Recognized as the Stats Perform HBCU Team of the Week twice this season, George's squad enters the postseason ranked in both National Top 25 polls. The Tigers scored 40 points in a game four times this season, had a four-game win streak from Sept. 28-Oct. 19, and did not lose consecutive games all season. Tennessee State ranks ninth in the country with 7.3 tackles-for-loss, had three defensive touchdowns, recovered 10 fumbles, owns the Association's top kickoff return average (26.79), has thrown the fewest interceptions (7), ranks first in the conference in passing defense (195.8) and pass efficiency defense (116.15) and lost the fewest turnovers (15).
Ellis, a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award as the nation's top freshman, was named Big South-OVC Freshman of the Week five times during his rookie campaign. In 12 regular season games, he had 72 tackles (42 solo) to go along with 11.5 tackles-for-loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups, a quarterback hurry and a fumble recovery. Ellis enters the postseason averaging 6.0 tackles/game, which ranks 11th in the Association, while his 0.96 TFL/game is seventh. Among freshmen he ranks sixth nationally in tackles.
First Team All-OVC Selections
CJ Evans has been a dynamic force in the return game for Tennessee State this season, earning a First Team All-OVC spot as a kick returner. Over 12 games, Evans tallied 524 yards on 14 returns, averaging an impressive 37.4 yards per return. His standout performances included two touchdowns, with long returns of 99 yards against Howard and 98 yards against UT Martin. His ability to turn kickoffs into explosive plays has been a crucial asset for the Tigers, with Evans consistently providing his team with excellent field position and electrifying the crowd with his breakaway speed.
Boogie Trotter has been a key defensive standout for Tennessee State this season, earning a First Team All-OVC selection as a defensive back. Trotter has posted impressive numbers with 56 total tackles, including 41 solo stops, and has contributed 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. He has also made his mark in the interception column, recording one interception against Eastern Illinois. Trotter's best performance came on November 9 at Western Illinois, where he posted a season-high seven tackles. His versatility on the field also includes three pass breakups and a blocked kick, further showcasing his impact on both the defensive and special teams units.
Connor Meadows, a key figure on the Tennessee State offensive line, has played an integral role in the team's success this season as the right tackle. His contributions have been pivotal in helping the Tigers average 228.92 passing yards per game and 111.8 rushing yards per game. As a primary blocker, Meadows has been crucial in protecting quarterback Draylen Ellis, allowing for 22 passing touchdowns. Additionally, his efforts in the run game have helped TSU gain 1,341 rushing yards, with 15 rushing touchdowns, despite the team averaging 3.5 yards per rush attempt. Meadows' ability to block both in the passing and running game is reflected in his consistent performances, enabling the Tigers to maintain a balanced offensive attack and rank among the top teams in total offense with 4,088 yards.
Second Team All-OVC Selections
CJ Evans has been a dynamic threat for Tennessee State in the 2024 season, making a significant impact as an all-purpose player. Through 12 games, Evans has accumulated 524 total yards, showcasing his versatility in the backfield, as a receiver, and on special teams. He has rushed for 286 yards and three touchdowns, including a season-high 63 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. In the receiving game, Evans has added 293 yards and four touchdowns, with a career-high 107 yards against Southeast Missouri State. His ability to contribute on kick returns has also been crucial, as he has tallied 524 yards on 14 returns, including two touchdowns. Evans' all-purpose yardage has been vital to the Tigers' offensive success, with his ability to make plays in multiple phases of the game making him a key weapon for TSU.
Ahmad Nelson has been a key contributor to the Tennessee State defense in the 2024 season. In 12 games, he has recorded 68 total tackles, including 45 solo and 23 assists. His standout performance came against Eastern Illinois, where he posted a season-high 12 tackles. Nelson has added 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 1 pass breakup. He has also been effective in limiting big plays, contributing to the Tigers' defensive efforts throughout the season.
Jalen McClendon has been a standout defender for Tennessee State in the 2024 season. The defensive back has posted 46 total tackles, including 18 solo stops and 28 assists, with his highest tackle total of 7 coming against Eastern Illinois. McClendon also recorded 1 interception at Howard and has been a consistent presence in the secondary. His ability to make key plays has earned him recognition as a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the top defensive player in FCS football.
Karate Brenson has been a key contributor to Tennessee State's offense in the 2024 season. The wide receiver has totaled 884 receiving yards on 60 catches, with 4 touchdowns, and his longest reception of the season was an 83-yard catch at Howard. Brenson's most productive game came against Howard on October 19, where he recorded 153 receiving yards. He also had a strong showing against Eastern Illinois, tallying 121 yards on 6 catches, including a touchdown. Brenson has been a consistent threat in the passing game, averaging 14.7 yards per reception.
Eriq George has been a strong defensive presence for Tennessee State in the 2024 season. The linebacker has totaled 49 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. His standout performance came against Lindenwood on October 5, where he registered 2 sacks and 22 yards lost. George also recorded a season-high 7 tackles in the game against UT Martin on November 2. His defensive versatility has been evident, with multiple tackles for loss in several games, including a 2.5 TFL performance against Mississippi Valley State. George has also contributed with pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
The Tigers now turn their focus to the FCS playoffs and Montana on Saturday evening.
2024 BIG SOUTH-OVC FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS AND ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Paxton DeLaurent, QB, Southeast Missouri
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Bryce Norman, LB, Southeast Missouri
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Gilbert Brown, P, Charleston Southern
OFFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Steve Hall, RB, Lindenwood
DEFENSIVE FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR
Sanders Ellis, LB, Tennessee State
COACH OF THE YEAR
Eddie George, Tennessee State
FIRST-TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
OFFENSE
QB – Paxton DeLaurent, Southeast Missouri
RB – Patrick Smith, UT Martin
RB – Steve Hall, Lindenwood
RB – MJ Flowers, Eastern Illinois
WR – Jeff Caldwell, Lindenwood
WR – Matthew Henry, Western Illinois
WR – Dorian Anderson, Southeast Missouri
WR – Cooper Willman, Eastern Illinois
TE – Camden Overton, Gardner-Webb
OL – Vance Van Every, UT Martin
OL – Drake Carroll, UT Martin
OL – Donnell Wilson, Tennessee Tech
OL – Gareth Warren, Lindenwood
OL – Kobe Sixkiller, Southeast Missouri
OL – Connor Meadows, Tennessee State
DEFENSE
DL – Daniel Rickert, Tennessee Tech
DL – Charles Perkins, UT Martin
DL – Darrius Bell, Charleston Southern
DL – Christian Dowell, UT Martin
DL – Nicholas Oliveira-Chace, Eastern Illinois
LB – Bryce Norman, Southeast Missouri
LB – Jaylon Sharpe, UT Martin
LB – Tevin Shipp, UT Martin
LB – Vincent King, Lindenwood
LB – Cayman Spaulding, Tennessee Tech
DB – Oshae Baker, UT Martin
DB – Boogie Trotter, Tennessee State
DB – Khalani Riddick, Southeast Missouri
DB – Tim Coutras, Tennessee Tech
DB – JaMichael McGoy Jr., UT Martin
SPECIALISTS
PK – DC Pippin, Southeast Missouri
P – Gilbert Brown, Charleston Southern
LS – Turner McLaughlin, Tennessee Tech
KR – CJ Evans, Tennessee State
PR – Oshae Baker, UT Martin
AP – Cooper Willman, Eastern Illinois
SECOND-TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
OFFENSE
QB – Nathan Lamb, Western Illinois
RB – Autavius Ison, Charleston Southern
RB – Jalen Mitchell, Tennessee Tech
RB – Cameren Smith, Western Illinois
WR – Karate Brenson, Tennessee State
WR – Tristan Smith, Southeast Missouri
WR – Cam Pedro, Southeast Missouri
WR – Trevonte Rucker, UT Martin
TE – Max Dowling, UT Martin
OL – Josiah Tingley, UT Martin
OL – Drew Wilder, Eastern Illinois
OL – Isaiah Foote, Western Illinois
OL – Cameron Cooper, Lindenwood
OL – Ryan Merklinger, Western Illinois
OL – Carter Guillaume, Southeast Missouri
DEFENSE
DL – Eriq George, Tennessee State
DL – McCoy Casey, Southeast Missouri
DL – Theron Gaines, Tennessee Tech
DL – Myles Parker, Tennessee Tech
DL – Nasim Cairo, Southeast Missouri
LB – Anthony Shockey, Eastern Illinois
LB – Trevor Moffitt, Gardner-Webb
LB – Ahmad Nelson, Tennessee State
LB – Chris Hunter Jr., UT Martin
LB – Aaron Swafford, Tennessee Tech
DB – Jalen McClendon, Tennessee State
DB – Caldra Williford, Tennessee Tech
DB – Justus Johnson, Southeast Missouri
DB – Ja'Kobe North, Charleston Southern
DB – Ty Leonard, Southeast Missouri
SPECIALISTS
PK – Logan Seibert, Lindenwood
P – Jacob Horvath, Eastern Illinois
LS – Colton Peoples, UT Martin
KR – Tremel Jones, Tennessee Tech
PR – Khalani Riddick, Southeast Missouri
AP – CJ Evans, Tennessee State
