Photo by Gregory French/Sidelines Archive
Four MTSU football players were selected to be on the Conference USA Preseason Football team, as chosen by the league’s head coaches.
The league office announced the team on Wednesday, including MTSU quarterback Brent Stockstill, offensive lineman Maurquice Shakir, wide receiver Richie James and defensive back Jeremy Cutrer.
Athlon Sports honored Stockstill in 2015 by naming him Freshman All-American. That same year, Stockstill received C-USA Freshman of the Year honors. During only one season, he became Middle Tennessee’s all-time leader in 300-yard passing games with eight passes and already ranks ninth on the all-time passing lists with 4,046 yards. Stockstill is tied for eighth rank in touchdown passes with a total of 30 passes.
Shakir started a total of 12 games last season and led all offensive linemen with 991 snaps played. The California native played a crucial role in offense, setting single-season records in total offense, scoring and passing yards.
James started 12 of the 13 games in the 2015 season. He finished the season with 108 receptions for 1,346 yards and eight touchdowns. He also rushed 12 times for 146 yards and a score. James’ prowess set single-season and C-USA freshman records in receptions and receiving yards, which earned him Freshman All-American honors.
Cutrer was voted second-team All Conference-USA in 2015. Cutrer started nine of the 10 games he played last season and finished with 31 tackles. He ended the season with three interceptions and a 13 pass break-ups, the team’s most pass break-ups.
The Blue Raiders open the 2016 season on Sept. 3 at home against Alabama A&M with kickoff at 6:00 p.m. Season tickets are on sale now at GoBlueRaiders.com.
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To contact Sports Editor Connor Ulrey (@connorulrey), email sports@mtsusidelines.com.
