Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
9 Raiders honored by Athlon
6/23/2016 1:41:00 PM | Football
James, Cutrer on first team
MURFREESBORO - Athlon released its Preseason All-Conference USA picks for the 2016 football season recently and Middle Tennessee was honored with nine selections.
First team picks were wide receiver Richie James and defensive back Jeremy Cutrer. James, a consensus Freshman All-American in 2015, reeled in a school record 108 receptions for 1,346 yards. Cutrer, a senior, led the Blue Raiders last year with 13 pass breakups to go with three interceptions and two blocked kicks.
Quarterback Brent Stockstill, offensive lineman Maurquice Shakir, defensive back Mike Minter and punt returner James all made the publications second team. Stockstill, the C-USA Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American, threw for 4,005 yards and 30 touchdowns to lead all freshman nationally.
Shakir, an honorable mention pick in 2015, played in all 13 games and earned 12 starts while leading all linemen with 991 snaps. Minter, a redshirt junior, was fifth on the team with 55 stops to go with nine breakups and an interception.
James, despite never returning a punt in his collegiate career, was put on the second team as a return specialist.
Defensive end Chris Hale was voted to the third team, while running back I'Tavius Mathers and offensive lineman Daniel Stephens, and defensive lineman Jimal McBride were all selected to the fourth team.
The Blue Raiders open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 at home against Alabama A&M. Kickoff is set for 6 PM and season tickets are on sale now at GoBlueRaiders.com.
First team picks were wide receiver Richie James and defensive back Jeremy Cutrer. James, a consensus Freshman All-American in 2015, reeled in a school record 108 receptions for 1,346 yards. Cutrer, a senior, led the Blue Raiders last year with 13 pass breakups to go with three interceptions and two blocked kicks.
Quarterback Brent Stockstill, offensive lineman Maurquice Shakir, defensive back Mike Minter and punt returner James all made the publications second team. Stockstill, the C-USA Freshman of the Year and a Freshman All-American, threw for 4,005 yards and 30 touchdowns to lead all freshman nationally.
Shakir, an honorable mention pick in 2015, played in all 13 games and earned 12 starts while leading all linemen with 991 snaps. Minter, a redshirt junior, was fifth on the team with 55 stops to go with nine breakups and an interception.
James, despite never returning a punt in his collegiate career, was put on the second team as a return specialist.
Defensive end Chris Hale was voted to the third team, while running back I'Tavius Mathers and offensive lineman Daniel Stephens, and defensive lineman Jimal McBride were all selected to the fourth team.
The Blue Raiders open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 at home against Alabama A&M. Kickoff is set for 6 PM and season tickets are on sale now at GoBlueRaiders.com.
Players Mentioned
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