CHARLOTTE, NC- Fayetteville State University earned 12 All-CIAA football honors following the 2025 season, highlighting a strong campaign in which the Broncos finished 6-4 overall and 6-1 in conference play. The selections recognize standout performances that helped FSU secure its winning record in CIAA competition.
 

2025 All-CIAA First Team

Tight End 

Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah, a redshirt-senior computer science major from Philadelphia,  PA, has been a reliable and productive target in Fayetteville State's passing game throughout the 2025 season. With a strong combination of size, hands, and route-running ability, Ashley-Diarrah totaled 36 receptions for 358 yards and 2 touchdowns, ranking 27th in the CIAA in receiving.

His most explosive performance came against Elizabeth City State, where he recorded a season-high 54 receiving yards, including a 32-yard catch, his longest of the season. He also hauled in a touchdown against N.C. Central and Winston-Salem State, showcasing his ability to contribute in the red zone and in contested catch situations.

Offensive Linemen

Benjamin Hick, a redshirt-sophomore business administration major from Mooresville, NC, has been the cornerstone of Fayetteville State's offensive front this season, delivering consistency, toughness, and leadership in the trenches. Grading out at an impressive 85% overall, Hicks has anchored the line with a combination of physicality and discipline that has set the tone for the Broncos' offense. 

Hicks has racked up 15 pancake blocks, showcasing his ability to finish plays and create running lanes. His physical presence has been instrumental in Fayetteville State averaging 139.6 rushing yards per game and scoring 17 rushing touchdowns this season.

Hicks has been flawless in pass protection, allowing zero sacks on the year. His reliability has given the Broncos' quarterbacks the time needed to produce 1,535 passing yards and 13 touchdowns through the air.

Defensive Linemen

Shawn Robinson, a redshirt-senior computer science major from Charlotte, NC, has been a disruptive force on the defensive front for Fayetteville State in 2025, consistently applying pressure and making game-changing plays. In ten games, Robinson totaled 24 tackles (15 solo, 9 assisted), including 8.5 tackles for loss for 52 yards, and 7.5 sacks for 49 yards—ranking him 2nd in the CIAA in sacks and 9th in tackles for loss.

Robinson's ability to penetrate the offensive line was on full display in the November 1 win over Johnson C. Smith, where he recorded 2.0 sacks and 4 total tackles, capping off a season of consistent backfield disruption. He also leads the CIAA in forced fumbles with 3, showcasing his knack for creating turnovers and shifting momentum.

His versatility extends beyond the line of scrimmage, contributing 5 quarterback hurries, 1 pass breakup, and 1 blocked kick, making him a threat in both defensive and special teams situations.

Linebacker

Matthew Leach, a junior sports fitness and management major from Raeford, NC, has been the heartbeat of Fayetteville State's defense in 2025, leading the Broncos with 74 total tackles (39 solo, 35 assisted) over ten games. His production places him 6th in the CIAA in total tackles, a testament to his consistency, physicality, and field awareness.

Leach's standout performance came on November 1 against Johnson C. Smith, where he recorded a season-high 12 tackles, anchoring the defense in a pivotal conference matchup. He also ranks in the top 20 in the CIAA in tackles for loss, with 8.0 TFLs for 19 yards, regularly disrupting offensive backfields and forcing negative plays.

In addition to his tackling prowess, Leach has contributed 1.0 sack, 1 quarterback hurry, and a fumble recovery, showcasing his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Defensive Back

Keyshawn Monk, a redshirt-junior sports Management major from Cleveland, NC, has emerged as one of the most consistent and impactful defensive backs in the CIAA this season, anchoring Fayetteville State's secondary with poise, versatility, and playmaking ability. Across ten games, Monk has compiled 46 total tackles (23 solo, 24 assisted), including 3.5 tackles for loss and 6 yards lost, showcasing his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield.

His most dominant outing came against Johnson C. Smith on November 1, where he posted a season-high 8 tackles, anchoring the Broncos' defense in a key CIAA matchup.

Monk's ball-hawking instincts have been on full display, tying for third in the conference with 3 interceptions, while also contributing 5 pass breakups, totaling 8 passes defended—ranking him eighth in the CIAA. His coverage skills have consistently limited opposing receivers and created turnover opportunities for the Broncos defense.

In addition to his coverage and tackling, Monk has contributed on special teams with 2 blocked kicks, further demonstrating his all-around impact on the field.

2025 All-CIAA Second Team

Offensive Linemen
Jolen Thompson has been a dominant force on the Fayetteville State offensive line this season, combining power, precision, and consistency to anchor the Broncos' front. With an 84% overall grade, Thompson has proven himself as one of the most reliable and impactful linemen in the conference.

Thompson has racked up an impressive 27 pancake blocks, consistently driving defenders off the ball and setting the tone for a rushing attack that averages 139.6 yards per game and has produced 17 rushing touchdowns this season. His ability to finish blocks has been a key factor in Fayetteville State nearly doubling opponents' rushing output (139.6 vs. 82.8 yards per game).

Thompson has also been flawless in pass protection, allowing zero sacks all season. His consistency has given Fayetteville State's quarterbacks the time to throw for 1,535 yards and 13 touchdowns, keeping the offense balanced and effective.

Defensive Back 

Reginald Troutman, a redshirt-junior from Macon, GA, has been a steady force in Fayetteville State's defensive unit throughout the 2025 season, showcasing his ability to make plays in space and behind the line of scrimmage. Troutman leads the Broncos with 51 total tackles (35 solo, 14P6 assisted), ranking 18th in the CIAA, and has been especially effective in run support and pursuit.

He recorded a season-high 9 tackles in the November 1 matchup against Johnson C. Smith, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion in key conference games. Troutman also ranks in the top 20 in the CIAA in tackles for loss, with 7.0 TFLs for 11 yards, consistently disrupting offensive schemes and creating negative plays.

Throughout the season, Troutman has contributed across multiple phases of the defense, adding 2 pass breakups and a quarterback hurry, while maintaining discipline and consistency in coverage. His versatility and reliability have made him a valuable asset to Fayetteville State's secondary.

2025 CIAA All-Rookie Teams

Offensive

Braydn Kesselring, a redshirt-freshman cyber security major from North Augusta, SC, has made an immediate impact in his first season with Fayetteville State, showing maturity and poise well beyond his years. With an 83% overall grade, Kesselring has quickly established himself as a reliable and physical presence on the offensive line.

Kesselring has recorded 15 pancake blocks, consistently creating movement at the line of scrimmage and helping power a rushing attack that averages 139.6 yards per game and has produced 17 rushing touchdowns this season.

In his rookie campaign, Kesselring has been flawless in pass protection, allowing zero sacks. His consistency has been vital in protecting Fayetteville State's quarterbacks, who have thrown for 1,535 yards and 13 touchdowns this year.

Unique Kelly, a redshirt- freshman sports Management major fromChadbourn, NC, has made an immediate impact in his debut season at Fayetteville State, emerging as one of the top rookie receivers in the CIAA. With 28 receptions for 364 yards and 2 touchdowns, Kelly ranks 15th in the conference in receiving, a remarkable feat for a first-year player.

Kelly's ability to stretch the field and deliver in clutch moments has made him a go-to target in the Broncos' passing game. He recorded a season-high 85 receiving yards at UNC Pembroke and followed up with a 51-yard touchdown reception against Shaw—his longest catch of the season and a highlight of his big-play potential.

Defensive 

Freshman defensive standout Amari Best, a redshirt-freshman sports and Fitness Management from Whiteville, NC, has quickly established himself as a key contributor for Fayetteville State in his first season. Displaying poise, toughness, and playmaking ability, Best has been a consistent presence on the defensive side of the ball, finishing the year with 41 total tackles, including 30 solo stops.

Best's breakout performance came against UNC Pembroke, where he recorded a season-high eight tackles, showing his ability to read plays and finish in space. He also made his mark as a playmaker in the secondary, recording an interception against Virginia State, a highlight that underscored his ability to change momentum. His season opener against Benedict set the tone for his year, as he tallied six tackles and added a tackle for loss, immediately proving he could compete at a high level.

Freshman defensive lineman Christopher Gordon, a redshirt-freshman computer science from Sumter, SC, has made an immediate impact for Fayetteville State, showing flashes of dominance in his first season. In limited action, Gordon totaled eight tackles, including 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, proving his ability to disrupt opposing backfields and create pressure.

His breakout performance came against Virginia State, where he recorded three tackles and two sacks, a game that highlighted his explosiveness off the line and his ability to finish plays. Gordon also contributed three tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss against Elizabeth City State, further demonstrating his consistency as a disruptive force.

Jatavien Taylor, a redshirt-freshman from Monroe, NC, has quickly established himself as one of the most disruptive rookie defenders in the CIAA during his debut season. The freshman linebacker ranks second on the team in total tackles with 56 stops (42 solo, 14 assisted), placing him in the top 20 in the conference overall—a standout achievement for a first-year player.

Taylor's presence has been felt in critical moments, including a season-high 10 tackles against Johnson C. Smith on November 1. He has consistently made plays behind the line of scrimmage, recording 4.0 tackles for loss, and has shown his versatility with 1 quarterback hurry, 3 pass breakups, and 3 blocked kicks, making him a rare contributor on both defense and special teams.

His awareness and hustle were also on display with a fumble recovery in the win over Elizabeth City State, further highlighting his instinctive play and ability to capitalize on opportunities.

2025 CIAA Football Individual Awards

Coach of the Year: Maurice Flowers, Johnson C. Smith 

Offensive Player of the Year: Curtis Allen, Virginia Union 

Defensive Player of the Year: Kenyon Garner, Livingstone 

Lineman of the Year: Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith 

Special Teams Player of the Year: Brady Myers, Virginia Union 

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith 

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jaevon Branch, Elizabeth City State 

2025 All-CIAA First Team 

Quarterback

Kelvin Durham, Johnson C. Smith 

Running Backs

Curtis Allen, Virginia Union

Bobby Smith, Johnson C. Smith 

Wide Receivers 

Brandon Wiley, Bluefield State 

Brian Lane, Johnson C. Smith 

DeAndre Proctor, Johnson C. Smith 

Tight End 

Kahlil Ashley-Diarrah, Fayetteville State 

Offensive Linemen 

Jamari Mason, Johnson C. Smith

Bruno Onwuazor, Virginia State 

Benjamin Hicks, Fayetteville State 

Toriono Combs, Elizabeth City State 

Mathias Nielsen, Virginia Union 

Defensive Line 

Kenyon Garner, Livingstone

Shawn Robinson, Fayetteville State 

Jamal Jones, Bowie State 

Cadricus Stanley, Johnson C. Smith 

 Linebackers 

Chris Calhoun, Elizabeth City State 

Vincent Hill, Johnson C. Smith 

Matthew Leach, Fayetteville State 

Defensive Backs 

Keyshawn Monk, Fayetteville State 

Elijah McKenzie, Bowie State 

Samuel Graham, Bowie State 

Daryl Taybron, Johnson C. Smith

Placekicker 

Brady Myers, Virginia Union

Punter 

Danny Dales, Bluefield State 

Kick Return Specialist 

Isaiah Perry, Johnson C. Smith 

Punt Return Specialist 

Zyaire Tart, Virginia Union 

2025 All-CIAA Second Team 

Quarterback 

Rahsaan Matthews Jr., Virginia State 

Running Backs 

Micah Robinson, Bowie State 

Ri'Jon Hammond, Virginia State 

Wide Receivers 

Julian Crawley, Bluefield State 

Jaylen Pretlow, Virginia State 

Malik Hunter, Virginia State 

Tight End 

Reginald Hairston, Bluefield State 

Offensive Linemen 

Joseph Rounds, Virginia Union 

Tyleek McCoy, Virginia State 

Adrian Crespin, Virginia Union 

Robert Early, Johnson C. Smith 

Jolen Thompson, Fayetteville State 

Defensive Line 

Kamari Frederick, Virginia Union 

Sir'Sean Ingram, Elizabeth City State 

C.J. Brown, Winston-Salem State 

Jalen Alexander, Johnson C. Smith 

Linebackers 

Jamieson Alston, Winston-Salem State 

Mehkhi Johnson, Virginia State 

Damir McCrary, Bowie State 

Defensive Backs 

Evan Powell, Winston-Salem State 

Kamaree Wells, Bluefield State 

Donavan Howard, Virginia State 

Reginald Troutman, Fayetteville State 

Placekicker 

Lukasz Smolen, Johnson C. Smith 

Punter 

Joshua Mitchell, Virginia Union 

Kick Return Specialist 

Ty Lyles, Bowie State 

Punt Return Specialist 

Joseph Towler, Bowie State 

2025 CIAA Football All-Rookie Teams 

Offensive All-Rookie 

Bobby Smith – RB, Johnson C. Smith

Julian Crawley – WR, Bluefield State  

Isaiah Perry – WR, Johnson C. Smith 

Rahsaan Matthews Jr. – QB, Virginia State 

Brian Lane – WR, Johnson C. Smith 

Braydn Kesselring – OL, Fayetteville State 

Unique Kelly – WR, Fayetteville State 

Savion Witherspoon – QB, Bowie State 

Anton Chavis – OL, Elizabeth City State 

Jaylen Pretlow – WR, Virginia State 

Alexander Marsh – QB, Shaw 

Defensive All-Rookie 

Jaevon Branch – DB, Elizabeth City State

Amari Best – DB, Fayetteville State 

Taviun Chandler – DB, Bluefield State 

Jatavien Taylor – LB, Fayetteville State 

Javen Parker – CB, Livingstone 

Malachi Adkins – SAF, Livingstone 

Christopher Gordon – DL, Fayetteville State 

Joshua Jackson – CB, Livingstone 

Manuel Montout – LB, Elizabeth City State 

Michael Job – DL, Shaw 

Jason Parrilla – DL, Virginia State 

Freddie Vaughn Academic Award (2024-2025) 

Shaw University