Eight Named To All-NEC Preseason Football Team
Blue Devils tabbed to repeat in NEC coaches poll.
Eight members of the Central Connecticut State football team were named to the All-NEC Preseason Squad, announced Monday by the NEC office. Also announced on Monday was the NEC Coaches Preseason Poll, that tabbed the Blue Devils as the team to beat for the league crown.
The Blue Devils have four on the offensive side of the All-NEC Preseason Team, highlighted by the two reigning NEC Offensive Players of the Year - Elijah Howard (2024) and Donovan Wadley (2023). The other offensive selections are on the offensive line, with Isaiah DeLoatch, a 2024 First-Team honoree, and Precious Ekeh being honored by the league's coaches.
On the defensive side of the ball there are three Blue Devils, led by 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Christopher Jean. Linebackers Jack Stoll and Malachi Wright, both first-team selections are seaosn ago, are on the squad as well.
Jadon Turner was selected as the return specialist for the All-NEC Preseason Team.
CCSU received five first place votes in the preseason poll. Duquesne received two first place votes as is predicted as the runner-up. Robert Morris received the other first place vote, and was tied for third with LIU in the poll. Wagner, Saint Francis, Mercyhurst and Stonehill comprised the remainder of the poll. The Blue Devils are the defending league champions, going 7-6 last season and 5-1 in league play. CCSU was selected to finish last in the 2024 preseason coaches poll. Mercyhurst, along with league newcomer New Haven, are not eligible for the NEC automatic qualifier to the FCS playoffs.
CCSU begins the 2025 campaign on August 30th, travelling to UConn for a 2:00 pm game. The home opener, kicking off seven home games, comes September 6th when AIC visits Arute Field for a 6:00 pm contest. The complete 2025 schedule can be found here.
