Hampton's Mays, Villanova's Avit Receive National FCS Weekly Awards
Rob Washburn
RICHMOND, Va. (October 7, 2024) – Two CAA Football players have received national recognition for outstanding performances last Saturday.
Hampton senior quarterback
Malcolm Mays was selected as the HBCU+ FCS National Player of the Week. Mays came off the bench to complete 24-of-28 passes (85.7%) for 253 yards and four touchdowns in the Pirates’ narrow 46-44 double-overtime setback to Rhode Island. He added 37 yards and a TD on the ground and was responsible for five of Hampton’s six touchdowns after entering the game late in the first quarter.
Villanova freshman running back
David Avit was chosen as the Stats Perform FCS National Freshman of the Week. Avit rushed for a career-high 183 yards and four touchdowns on only 13 carries as Villanova rallied past Stony Brook, 42-24. He broke loose for scoring runs of 59 and 72 yards in the second half and added a pair of 1-yard TD’s. Avit’s 186 rushing yards are the most-ever for a Villanova freshman and the most by any FCS freshman this season.
Richmond running back
Zach Palmer-Smith, Bryant wide receiver
Landon Ruggieri and Delaware running back
Marcus Yarns received honorable mention for FCS National Offensive Player of the Week, Villanova linebacker
Brendan Bell earned honorable mention for FCS National Defensive Player of the Week and New Hampshire kicker
Nick Mazzie garnered honorable mention for FCS National Special Teams Player of the Week. In addition,
Towson received honorable mention as FCS National Team of the Week.