Spiders voted second in CAA Preseason Poll, five earn awards

Richmond, Virginia. The University of Richmond football team finished second in the Coastal Athletic Association Football preseason poll and five Spiders were honored with All-Conference honors Wednesday morning during the first day of the CAA's virtual media day, as decided by a vote of the league's 16 head coaches.

Last season, the Spiders earned a share of the CAA title for the first time since 2015 and reached the FCS Playoffs Second Round for the second straight year, while compiling a 9-4 record, including a 7-1 conference mark. Richmond reclaimed the Capital Cup with a thrilling 27-26 win over William & Mary, giving the Spiders a share of the CAA title and Russ Huesman's 100th win as head coach. After starting the season 3-5, Huesman and the Spiders went on a seven-game winning streak, including a surprise win over No. 22 Rhode Island.

The Spiders earned Preseason All-Conference honors at wide receiver Nick DeGennarodefensive end Jeremiah Grantpunt Aaron's Threats and defender/special team player Jabril HayesLine defender Wayne Galloway received an honorable mention.

Last season, DeGennaro started all 13 games en route to being named Second Team All-CAA. He tied the program record for touchdowns in a season with 11. He had 71 receptions for 904 yards and averaged 5.5 receptions and 54.8 yards per game. He had three touchdowns in a win over Maine, tying the program record for most in a game. Against No. 22 Rhode Island, he caught a career-long 69-yard reception and scored two touchdowns to help Richmond pull out an upset win.

Hayes played in 12 games, making 23 tackles, including 19 solo in the Spiders backfield and on special teams units. He made two pass breakups and a team-leading three interceptions. He recorded his first career pick six on a 48-yard interception return against North Carolina A&T and also had picks against Delaware State and Maine. He helped the Spiders rank eighth in the nation in takeaways with 23 and first in defensive touchdowns with five en route to being named First Team All-CAA on special teams.

Galloway earned Preseason Honorable Mention last season after playing in all 13 games and starting the last 11. He recorded 60 tackles, good for third on the Spiders, including 31 solo and 29 assists. He recorded 9.0 tackles for loss for a total of 25 yards and had four pass breakups. He recovered a fumble against Rhode Island and recorded two interceptions, taking both to the house for scores, including an 81-yard return against Delaware State and a 42-yard return against Campbell.

Grant was named Third Team All-CAA a year ago after playing in 11 games and making seven starts. He recorded 21 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, four sacks, five quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. Grant recorded three sacks in the upset of No. 22 Rhode Island, the most by a single player since Nov. 6, 2021.

Trusler was named First Team All-CAA last season, as well as Third Team AP All-American and Second Team All-American by Phil Steele and Stats Perform. He punted 63 times for 2,168 yards, including a long of 76 yards (t-1st longest in CAA) for an average of 41.6 yards per punt. He hit a CAA-high 26 inside the 20-yard line and accounted for seven of 50 yards and fired a career-long 76-yard punt, tied for the sixth-longest in program history, against William & Mary in the Capital Cup victory en route to being named FCS Punter of the Year semifinalist.

Richmond earned 189 points and one first-place vote and was tabbed to finish second in the preseason poll, trailing only Villanova with 217 points and nine first-place votes. UAlbany received three first-place votes and finished third with 179 points. William & Mary (175 points) was close behind in fourth place, and Delaware (163 points) received three first-place votes and came in fifth. Elon (157 points) was picked sixth, followed by New Hampshire (150), Rhode Island (142), Towson (114), Monmouth (95), Campbell (83), Hampton (62), Maine (57), North Carolina A&T (49), Bryant (46) and Stony Brook (42).

Richmond opens its season on August 31st when it travels to Charlottesville to play Virginia. Game time is set for 6:00 PM at Scott Stadium.

2024 CAA FOOTBALL PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM(Selected by a vote of the head coaches)

ATTACK
Connor Watkins, Villanova Gr. QB 6-3 225 Williamsport, Pa.