By: Michael Pitts
KENNESAW, Ga. - 13 Kennesaw State Owls received preseason Conference USA honors from College Football Network, the outlet announced Monday morning.
Running back Michael Benefield was named Preseason CUSA Newcomer and Offensive Newcomer of the Year while linebacker Donelius Johnson was tabbed as Preseason CUSA Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
Benefield and Johnson joined defensive lineman Adam Watkins on the First Team All-CUSA.
Punter Joshua Huiet, wide receiver Gabriel Benyard and defensive backs Sidney Porter and JeRico Washington Jr. were named to the second team.
On the Third Team All-CUSA were defensive lineman Pooda Walker, Benyard (as a punt returner) and linebacker Eli Leiataua. Defensive lineman Jordan Miles and linebacker Baron Hopson made the Honorable Mention All-CUSA team alongside offensive linemen Ethan Newman and Seaburn Hines.
Benyard, Newman, Porter and Walker were named to Conference USA's preseason watch list in July.
In 2024, Kennesaw State faces an exciting lineup during its Conference USA debut. The Owls enter only their 10th year of competition with home matchups against defending champion Liberty and bowl-winner Jacksonville State, along with five first-time opponents, including the first FBS home game Sept. 7 against Louisiana.
Head coach Brian Bohannon leads the program into a new era with new coordinators on both sides of the ball. Co-coordinators Chandler Burks and Stewart Cook take over offensive responsibilities. Since the start of KSU football, Cook has been on staff every season and Burks has played or coached in nine of the 10 campaigns.
Greg Harris leads as defensive coordinator after spending four years as the linebackers coach at Kennesaw State. Harris leads a defensive unit that held opponents to 17.9 points per game which ranked ninth in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
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2024 Kennesaw State football season tickets are on sale now and include the best seats for the Owls' six-game home slate in the inaugural FBS season in Conference USA. The schedule features FBS showdowns against Louisiana, Jacksonville State, Liberty and more at Fifth Third Stadium. Click HERE to become a season ticket holder today.
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