Nine ETSU Players Earn Preseason All-SoCon Recognition

The Southern Conference has announced its preseason All-Conference teams, with East Tennessee State University (ETSU) earning recognition for nine players. At the league’s media day held at the Hotel Hartness in Greenville, South Carolina, ETSU was also predicted to finish fourth in the annual coaches’ poll.

Devontae Houston, a standout running back, headlines the first-team selections alongside wide receiver Hakeem Meggett, offensive lineman Ashton Flinn, and pass rusher Nick Hunter. The second-team honors include offensive linemen Johnathan Cline and Micah Sumpter, defensive lineman Brenden LeBlanc, linebacker Ty Anderson, and kicker Ewan Johnson.

Houston, who played ten games during his inaugural season with the Bucs in 2024, averaged 5.4 yards per carry, amassing 648 rushing yards and ranking second on the team. His impressive performance included three games with over 100 rushing yards, highlighted by a season-best 126 yards against Appalachian State. His 80-yard touchdown run in that game remains the team’s longest of the season.

Meggett contributed significantly as well, featuring in all 12 games and making five starts. He secured 21 receptions for 427 yards and two touchdowns, leading the SoCon with an average of 20.3 yards per catch. In a standout performance against Mercer on November 2, he recorded four catches for 108 yards.

Flinn brings valuable experience to the team, having played 32 games at Murray State. His high school career at Jackson High School in Missouri was marked by a remarkable 50-3 record and multiple appearances in state finals, earning him the title of SEMO Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year twice.

Hunter’s versatility on defense was evident as he participated in all 12 games in 2024. He tallied 34 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Notably, he returned an interception for a touchdown against UVA Wise, making him the only SoCon player with both two or more sacks and interceptions that season.

Cline joins ETSU from UCF, where he spent the last two years. A former standout at Cartersville High School in Georgia, he was recognized as a first-team all-region player in 2022 and excelled in track and field as a regional qualifier in shot put and discus.

Sumpter made his collegiate debut last season, participating in ten games primarily on special teams. He first took the field on September 14 against North Dakota State.

LeBlanc made a significant impact on the defensive line, starting all 12 games. He finished the season with 32 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery, showcasing his best performance against Western Carolina with five tackles and a fumble recovery.

Anderson, entering his first season, also participated in all 12 games. He recorded 40 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks, including a rushing touchdown against North Dakota State. His highest individual performance came against the Bison, where he tallied seven tackles.

Johnson served as the Bucs’ primary kicker, successfully converting 13 of 20 field goals (65%) and achieving 17 touchbacks. His exceptional performance earned him the title of SoCon Special Teams Player of the Week on two occasions, and he capped off the season by kicking three field goals in a victory over VMI.

ETSU will kick off its 2025 season on August 30 against Murray State, with the game scheduled to take place at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, starting at 17:30. Fans interested in season tickets can reach out at 423-439-3878 or visit etsutickets.com for more information.

For ongoing updates and details about Buccaneer football, visit etsubucs.com and navigate to the football section.