2024 C-USA Offense All Conference Teams
Article By: 2024 All-Conference USA Offensive Players: End-of-Year Selections
As the 2024 Conference USA season comes to a close, it’s time to honor the standout offensive players who put up some incredible numbers. The competition was fierce, especially with dynamic offenses emerging across the conference, led by two of the top quarterbacks, Nicholas Vattiato from MTSU and Kaidon Salter from Liberty. These players not only fueled their teams' successes but also made significant impacts on the national stage. Here’s a breakdown of the top offensive players in Conference USA this season, split between First and Second Teams.
First-Team All-Conference USA
Quarterbacks (QB)
1. Nicholas Vattiato – MTSU
244 completions, 360 attempts, 4,092 yards, 36 TDs, 22 INTs, 184 QB Rating
Vattiato was the star of the season, leading MTSU with over 4,000 passing yards and 36 touchdowns. His explosive play made him the heart of MTSU’s high-powered offense and a top contender for the conference MVP.
2. Kaidon Salter – Liberty
192 completions, 297 attempts, 2,727 yards, 17 TDs, 16 INTs, 150 QB Rating
Despite a higher interception total, Salter showcased his playmaking ability, making the Liberty offense dangerous with over 2,700 yards through the air and leading the Flames to several key victories.
Running Backs (HB)
1. Quinton Cooley – Liberty
271 rushes, 1,822 yards, 19 TDs, 6.72 yards per carry
Cooley was the workhorse for Liberty, racking up nearly 1,900 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns. His ability to break big plays and consistently move the chains earned him the top HB spot in the conference.
2. Anwar Lewis – Jacksonville State
269 rushes, 1,762 yards, 13 TDs, 6.55 yards per carry
Lewis had an incredible season, pushing Jacksonville State’s offense forward with his tough, downhill running and finishing as one of the most consistent backs in the league.
Wide Receivers (WR)
1, Michael Pettway – Jacksonville State
54 receptions, 952 yards, 11 TDs
Pettway was a red zone threat and a game-changer, often finding ways to make big plays when his team needed them most.
2. Jaden Smith – UTEP
57 receptions, 932 yards, 8 TDs
Smith’s production was impressive, becoming the go-to guy for UTEP, especially on deep routes, where he consistently burned defenses.
3. Tykeem Wallace – Kennesaw State
57 receptions, 928 yards, 8 TDs
Wallace delivered big plays all season, proving to be a reliable target for Kennesaw State as they looked to establish their passing game.
Tight Ends (TE)
1. Holden Willis – MTSU
99 receptions, 1,715 yards, 18 TDs
Willis’s dominance at tight end was unparalleled, leading all tight ends and even most wide receivers in both yardage and touchdowns. His chemistry with Vattiato made him unstoppable this season.
1. River Helms – WKU
48 receptions, 854 yards, 6 TDs
Helms had a strong campaign, consistently moving the chains for WKU and providing a safety blanket for his quarterbacks.
Offensive Line (OL)
[i1. Otis Smith III – UTEP[/i]
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Smith was a physical force on the line, dominating defensive linemen and helping UTEP’s offense flourish on the ground and through the air.
2. Cam Jones – Jacksonville State
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Jones consistently opened running lanes for Anwar Lewis and gave his quarterback the time needed to make big plays downfield.
3. Markendrick Beall – Sam Houston
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Beall was a consistent force for Sam Houston, helping his team stay competitive through his dominant play up front.
4. Xavier Gray – Liberty[.i]
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Gray played a crucial role in Liberty’s success, paving the way for Quinton Cooley to have a stellar season.
[i]5. Clay Webb – Jacksonville State
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Webb’s strong blocking up front helped power Jacksonville State’s potent ground attack, making him one of the top linemen in the league.
Second-Team All-Conference USA
Quarterbacks (QB)
1. Jase Bauer – Sam Houston
216 completions, 323 attempts, 2,698 yards, 20 TDs, 141.4 QB Rating
Bauer quietly put together a solid season, leading Sam Houston’s offense with efficient passing and strong leadership.
2. Cade McConnell – UTEP
144 completions, 184 attempts, 2,671 yards, 25 TDs, 237.4 QB Rating
McConnell was one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league, throwing for 25 touchdowns with limited attempts.
Running Backs (HB)
1. Jevon Jackson – UTEP
256 rushes, 1,533 yards, 15 TDs, 5.99 yards per carry
Jackson was a tough, physical runner who consistently got it done for UTEP, finishing with over 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns.
2. Frank Peasant – MTSU
227 rushes, 1,162 yards, 13 TDs, 5.12 yards per carry
Peasant played a key role in MTSU’s balanced offense, finding the end zone 13 times and keeping defenses honest with his hard running.
Wide Receivers (WR)
1. PJ Johnson – NMSU
42 receptions, 875 yards, 9 TDs
Johnson was a deep threat all season for NMSU, making the most of his targets and finishing with nearly 900 yards.
2. Trey Goodman – UTEP
45 receptions, 832 yards, 10 TDs
Goodman’s ability to make plays in the red zone and consistently find the end zone made him a vital part of UTEP’s offense.
3. Omari Kelly – MTSU
46 receptions, 805 yards, 7 TDs
Kelly was a reliable target for Vattiato and contributed heavily to MTSU’s success with his steady production.
Tight Ends (TE)
1. Josiah Miamen – FIU
36 receptions, 698 yards, 4 TDs
Miamen had a solid season, providing a dependable option for FIU in the middle of the field.
2. Bentley Hanshaw – Liberty
42 receptions, 642 yards, 5 TDs
Hanshaw was another key target for Liberty’s offense, finding the end zone five times.
Offensive Line (OL)
1. James Dawn II – Sam Houston
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Dawn was one of the most dominant linemen for Sam Houston, consistently helping his team control the line of scrimmage.
2. Daveion Harley – Jacksonville State
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Harley was instrumental in opening lanes for Anwar Lewis, playing a key role in Jacksonville State’s running game.
3. Naeer Jackson – FIU
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Jackson was a physical presence up front, anchoring FIU’s offensive line.
4. Ethan Hagler – Sam Houston
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Hagler had a strong season, helping Sam Houston’s offense establish a powerful run game.
5. Jaleel Davis – FIU
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Davis rounded out the second team, consistently showing his ability to dominate defenders and provide protection.
These offensive players displayed incredible talent, discipline, and leadership throughout the season, earning their spots among the best in Conference USA. Congratulations to all the athletes who contributed to an exciting and high-powered 2024 season!
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