By: Bryan Shepherd, Sports Information Director
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The West Virginia State University football program continues to shine, placing 14 players on the Mountain East Conference (MEC) All-Conference teams for the 2024 season. Highlighted by three First-Team selections, this recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of the Yellow Jackets' student-athletes and coaching staff during an exciting campaign.
First Team All-Conference honors were awarded to:
- Joel Felder (Senior; Running Back; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.), who capped off a historic career by becoming WVSU's all-time leading rusher with 3,005 career yards. Felder rushed for 1,031 yards and 12 touchdowns on 176 carries in 2024, adding 34 receptions for 478 yards and 5 touchdowns. Over his four seasons, Felder rushed for 859 yards in 2022, 1,115 yards in 2023, and 1,031 yards in 2024, cementing his legacy as one of the program's greatest players.
- Dalton Hall (Sophomore; Offensive Lineman; Reynoldsburg, Ohio), a critical component in the trenches, helping anchor the Yellow Jackets' offensive line and paving the way for a high-powered rushing attack.
- Nick Blake (Junior; Cornerback; New York, N.Y.), a defensive standout who tallied 29 solo tackles and six assisted stops. Blake showcased his playmaking ability with six interceptions for 103 return yards and two touchdowns, along with seven pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Second Team All-Conference honorees include:
- Joe Jones (Senior; Running Back; Weaverville, N.C.), who provided a powerful one-two punch in the backfield alongside Felder.
- Justice Hutchison (Sophomore; Offensive Line; Chesapeake, Ohio), along with Hall, was a pivotal component of the run game.
- Corlyn Witcher (Graduate; Defensive Lineman; Gretna, Va.), who tallied 24 solo tackles and 14 assisted stops, with 5.0 tackles for loss totaling 9 yards and a forced fumble.
- LucRichard Rameau (Junior; Outside Linebacker; Raleigh, N.C.), who recorded 33 solo tackles, 13 assisted stops, 2.0 sacks for 17 yards, and 7.5 tackles for loss totaling 28 yards. Rameau also contributed one pass breakup and a forced fumble.
- Brennen Schmitt (Senior; Kicker/Punter; Fayetteville, Ga.), who delivered exceptional performances on special teams, averaging 42.9 yards on 38 punts with 11 inside the 20-yard line and nine punts of 50 or more yards. As a kicker, he converted 12-of-19 field goals, including a long of 50 yards, and handled kickoff duties with 64 kickoffs averaging 60.0 yards and 17 touchbacks.
Honorable Mention All-Conference:
As the Yellow Jackets celebrate these individual achievements, they look forward to building on this momentum and preparing for another strong campaign in 2025.
