CLINTON, S.C. – A dynamic weapon in the special teams unit, rookie Darriel Harper of the Presbyterian College football team was selected as a Freshman All-American by FCS Football Central (a channel of Sports Illustrated) on Monday afternoon.

Part of the fourth annual Freshman All-America listing, Harper (included as a punt returner) is one of five players in the Pioneer Football League to make the cut. In total, 62 individuals were chosen from 46 different programs.

Harper was one of the most exciting players for a PC team that soared to new heights in 2025, achieving their third 10-win season in school history and reaching as high as #16 in the AFCA national poll.

The Blue Hose never lost at home in six attempts for the first time since 1998, going on a program-record 11-game overall winning streak and placing second in the PFL.

Presby set a new team record with 11 all-conference honorees last week, led by PFL Coach of the Year and AFCA Region 4 Coach of the Year Steve Englehart.






 
HEAT FOR HARPER

 
- No player in the Pioneer League registered more total yardage in punt return duties than Harper (303), ranking second in the division with an average of 14 yards per try.

- During a 21-point comeback against Furman which also served as Harper's second collegiate game, he busted out a season-best 37-yard return. He also added a 36-yarder versus Valparaiso.

- The Florida native witnessed two 20+ yard efforts during a 42-7 Homecoming victory over Stetson, aiding the Blue Hose to a 7-0 start. He would grab his first PC touchdown on a seven-yard wide receiver sweep in the 1^st quarter of the aforementioned Valpo win.


 
FOUR FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICANS

 
- Since Englehart arrived at Presbyterian prior to the 2022 season, he has directed one Freshman All-American in each of those four years (either by Phil Steele Magazine or FCS Football Central).

- Future PC record-breaker Dominic Kibby was a Freshman All-American three years ago, as was kicker Mack Mikko in 2023. Quarterback Collin Hurst continued the trend last season before being named the PFL Offensive Player of the Year last week.


 
2025 FCS Football Central Freshman All-America

 
Offense

QB – Braden Atkinson (Mercer)

QB – Caden Pinnick (UC Davis)

RB – Xai'Shaun Edwards (Houston Christian)

RB – Tre Page III (Tarleton State)

RB – Mitchell Summers (Sacred Heart)

RB – Nick Herman (Drake)

RB – Chase Bingmon (Prairie View A&M)

WR – Tony Diaz (UT-Rio Grande Valley)

WR – Brooks Davis (Montana)

WR – Ernest Campbell (Sacramento State)

WR – Evan James (Furman)

WR – Rico Bond (Lindenwood)

WR – Owen Sweeney (VMI)

WR – Rashawn Cunningham (Charleston Southern)

TE – Reis Kessel (North Dakota State)

TE – Jeter Purdy (Northern Arizona)

OL – Shane Willenbring (South Dakota State)

OL – Gavin Marks (Mercer)

OL – Braden Zimmer (Montana State)

OL – Sawyer Prementine (Mercyhurst)

OL – Isaac Cariveau (North Dakota)

OL – Braden Smith (Tarleton State)

OL – Nick Hughes (UT-Rio Grande Valley)

OL – Nate Tastad (North Dakota State)

OL – Brady Pickett (The Citadel)

OL – Colin Amick (Montana)

OL – Brian Williams, Jr. (Jackson State)


 
Defense

DL – Lamont Lester, Jr. (Monmouth)

DL – Zach Vanderpool (North Dakota State)

DL – Kobe McInnis (Mercer)

DL – Ka'Von Chisolm (South Carolina State)

DL – Justin Kruger (William & Mary)

DL – Evan Aubrey (Southeastern Louisiana)

DL – Dallin Havea (Utah Tech)

LB – Montreze Smith, Jr. (Austin Peay)

LB – Jaiden Haygood (UT-Rio Grande Valley)

LB – Dexter Niekamp (Illinois State)

LB – Ramere Davis (Northern Arizona)

LB – Anthony Feltrinelli (Valparaiso)

LB – Beckham Dee (Lafayette)

DB – Drew Cofield (UC Davis)

DB – Darius Malcolm, Jr. (Wofford)

DB – Tyran Chappell (Houston Christian)

DB – Carson Williams (Montana State)

DB – Chase Hatton (Marist)

DB – Grant Noland (North Dakota)

DB – Nick Yatsko (Indiana State)

DB – Anthony Hawkins (Villanova)

DB – Alijah Prosser (UT-Rio Grande Valley)

DB – RJ Stewart (South Dakota)

DB – Caleb Ricks (Idaho)


 
Special Teams

K – Nicholas Romero (Wagner)

K – Noah Piper (Yale)

P – Bobby Engstler (Florida A&M)

P – Lachie Pozzobon (Stephen F. Austin)

KR – Ryan Ricketti (Valparaiso)

KR – Sidney Webb (Morehead State)

KR – LaDamian McDowell (Lamar)

PR – Braden Reed (Villanova)

PR – Darriel Harper (Presbyterian)

AP – Christopher Bennett, Jr. (Lindenwood)

AP – Cru Newman (Portland State)