2024 Conference USA All-Conference Defense & Special Teams: A Breakdown of the Year’s Top Performers
As the 2024 Conference USA football season comes to a close, it's time to highlight the defensive and special teams standouts who made a lasting impact on the field. These athletes not only dominated their positions but consistently put their teams in the best positions to succeed, many providing crucial game-altering plays. Here’s an in-depth look at the year-end All-Conference USA defense and special teams selections, their accomplishments, and the stats that set them apart.
All-Conference Defense
1. Brendan Harris, Safety, Middle Tennessee State University
101 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown
Harris was the anchor of MTSU's defense, bringing a combination of physicality and football IQ that allowed him to be everywhere on the field. His 101 tackles led the Blue Raiders’ defense and showcased his ability to stuff the run and chase down ball carriers from sideline to sideline. With 3 interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, Harris also made his presence felt in the secondary, providing key stops in crucial moments.
2. Anthony Johnson Jr., Cornerback, Western Kentucky University
99 tackles, 3 interceptions
Johnson was a force in WKU’s secondary, combining an aggressive approach in run support with the ball-hawking skills of a true cover corner. His 99 tackles are an impressive stat for a cornerback, highlighting his ability to come downfield and help in the open field. Adding 3 interceptions to his resume, Johnson showed his versatility, capable of both locking down receivers and disrupting opposing offenses.
3. Kory Chapman, Safety, University of Texas at El Paso
90 tackles, 6 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries
Chapman was arguably the most dynamic defensive back in Conference USA this season. His 6 interceptions not only led UTEP but were also among the best in the conference. A relentless playmaker, Chapman was constantly around the ball, returning one interception for a touchdown, while also creating havoc with 2 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries. His ability to force turnovers and change momentum in games made him a nightmare for opposing offenses.
4. Tyrell Roby, Cornerback, Middle Tennessee State University
57 tackles, 7 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns
Roby’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular. His 7 interceptions were among the highest in the nation, and his ability to turn defense into offense with 2 defensive touchdowns was a game-changer for the Blue Raiders. While his tackle total (57) may seem modest, Roby’s role as a lockdown corner meant he spent much of the year taking away his opponent’s best receiver, helping MTSU solidify their defensive dominance.
5. Hezekiah Masses, Defensive Back, Florida International University
50 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Hezekiah Masses lived up to his reputation as a game-changing defensive back for FIU. Despite tallying only 50 tackles, his true impact came from his ability to score and disrupt the ball. Masses recorded 3 defensive touchdowns, more than any other defender in the conference, and his 5 interceptions only further highlighted his knack for finding the football. Additionally, his forced fumble and fumble recovery added extra layers to his impressive season.
6. Demetrius Warren, Defensive Back, New Mexico State University
73 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 4 pass defenses
Warren was a rock-solid presence in the Aggies’ secondary, contributing across the board. His 73 tackles showed his consistency and reliability as both a tackler and a defender in space. Warren was also effective in disrupting the passing game with 4 pass defenses and often made key tackles in the backfield with his 3 tackles for loss. Though his numbers didn’t include interceptions, his role as a strong safety and run stopper was crucial for NMSU.
All-Conference Special Teams
Kickers
1. Nick Brown, Placekicker, Liberty University
17-21 field goals, 51-51 extra points, 101 total points
Nick Brown was automatic this season, particularly on extra points where he was a perfect 51-51. His 17-21 field goal record demonstrated his reliability under pressure, and his ability to score 101 total points made him the top-scoring kicker in the conference. Whether it was from distance or in clutch moments, Brown delivered consistently for Liberty.
2. Garrison Rippa, Placekicker, Jacksonville State University
12-15 field goals, 36-37 extra points, 72 total points
Rippa’s steady leg was a key part of Jacksonville State’s offensive success, hitting 12-15 field goals with an impressive accuracy rate. His consistency on extra points (36-37) further cemented his role as a dependable scorer, totaling 72 points for the season.
Punters
1. Max Morgan, Punter, Liberty University
30 punts for 1,446 yards, 9 touchbacks, 8 punts inside the 20-yard line, 48-yard average
Morgan’s booming leg made him a key weapon in Liberty’s ability to control field position. His 48-yard average ranked among the best in the conference, and his 8 punts inside the 20 showed his ability to pin opponents deep. With 9 touchbacks, he balanced power and precision, helping to keep Liberty’s defense in favorable positions.
2. Joshua Huiet, Punter, Kennesaw State University
24 punts for 1,133 yards, 5 touchbacks, 8 punts inside the 20-yard line, 47-yard average
Huiet was consistent and effective in his role, averaging 47 yards per punt. His ability to place 8 punts inside the 20-yard line made him a crucial part of Kennesaw State’s field control strategy, and his low number of touchbacks (5) reflected his accuracy as a punter.
Kick Returners
1. Mike Jackson, Wide Receiver, Florida International University
18 returns for 348 yards, 28-yard long return
Jackson was a dynamic threat in the return game, averaging nearly 20 yards per return on 18 returns. His explosiveness set up FIU with great field position time and again, with a long return of 28 yards.
2. Michael Pettway, Wide Receiver, Jacksonville State University
17 returns for 338 yards, 37-yard long return
Pettway consistently put Jacksonville State in great starting positions with his impressive 17 returns for 338 yards, including a 37-yard long return that swung momentum in key moments.
3. Kellen Stewart, Wide Receiver, Middle Tennessee State University
14 returns for 295 yards, 1 return touchdown for 100 yards
Stewart provided the most exciting special teams play of the year for MTSU with his electrifying 100-yard kickoff return touchdown. His ability to change games in an instant made him a valuable asset in the return game, amassing 295 yards on 14 returns.
Punt Returners
1. Ife Adeyi, Wide Receiver, Sam Houston State University
10 returns for 177 yards, 1 return touchdown for 64 yards
Adeyi’s return prowess came to the forefront with a 64-yard punt return touchdown, one of the top punt return plays of the season. His 177 total return yards on 10 returns made him a consistent field-flipping threat for Sam Houston.
2. Bryce Dopson, Wide Receiver, Kennesaw State University
10 returns for 106 yards, 24-yard long return
Dopson’s 24-yard long return was one of the highlights of his solid punt return season. His 106 total yards on 10 returns helped Kennesaw State consistently gain favorable field position in key moments.
These standout players made a lasting impact on the Conference USA landscape in 2024, proving themselves as game-changers on defense and special teams. With a combination of skill, effort, and playmaking ability, these athletes set the bar for future stars in the conference.
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