FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION

• Szczur, Thomas headline All-CAA team

  Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Villanova and Richmond, the last two FCS champions, lead the way on the Preseason All-CAA Football Team with eight and seven selections, respectively.

  Villanova senior Matt Szczur was named in two spots, at wide receiver and return specialist, as well being named the CAA's preseason offensive player of the year. Wildcats senior linebacker Terence Thomas was selected as the conference's preseason defensive player of the year.

  The two were joined on the All-CAA squad by five teammates who played for the national champions last season: quarterback Chris Whitney, offensive tackle Ben Ijalana, offensive guard Brant Clouser, place-kicker Nick Yako and safety John Dempsey.

  Richmond, the 2008 national champion, boasts All-CAA preseason selections with fullback Kendall Gaskins, wide receivers Tre Gray and Kevin Grayson, offensive tackle Drew Lachenmayer, defensive tackle Martin Parker, linebacker Eric McBride and cornerback Justin Rogers.

  The CAA's preseason poll will be released at its football media day July 28 in Baltimore.

  Preseason All-Conference Team Offense QB- Chris Whitney, Villanova. RB- John Griffin, Massachusetts; Jonathan Grimes, William & Mary. FB- Kendall Gaskins, Richmond. WR- Tre Gray, Richmond; Kevin Grayson, Richmond; Matt Szczur, Villanova. TE- Emil Igwenagu, Massachusetts. OL- Brant Clouser, Villanova; Keith Hill Jr., William & Mary; Ben Ijalana, Villanova; Drew Lachenmayer, Richmond; Theo Sherman, James Madison Defense DL- Ronnell Brown, James Madison; Yaky Ibia, Towson; Brian McNally, New Hampshire; Martin Parker, Richmond. LB- Tyler Holmes, Massachusetts; Eric McBride, Richmond; Terence Thomas, Villanova; Jake Trantin, William & Mary. S- Anthony Bratton, Delaware; John Dempsey, Villanova. CB- Justin Rogers, Richmond; Dino Vasso, New Hampshire Special Teams Return Specialist- Matt Szczur, Villanova. PK- Nick Yako, Villanova. P- David Miller, William & Mary

  07/21 16:06:36 ET