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MEAC football preview, players to watch and predictions for 2021 season

By Jarrett Hoffman

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 05: Runningback Iasiah Totten #25 of the North Carolina Central Eagles on a running play during the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Bragg Memorial Stadium Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Rattlers defeated the Eagles 28 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 05: Runningback Iasiah Totten #25 of the North Carolina Central Eagles on a running play during the game against the Florida A&M Rattlers at Bragg Memorial Stadium Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Rattlers defeated the Eagles 28 to 21. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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STATESBORO, GA – SEPTEMBER 01: Corey Fields #2 of the South Carolina State Bulldogs looks for running room as he is chased down in the fourth quarter by Traver Vliem #49 and Alvin Ward Jr. #42 of the Georgia Southern Eagles on September 1, 2018 in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images)
STATESBORO, GA – SEPTEMBER 01: Corey Fields #2 of the South Carolina State Bulldogs looks for running room as he is chased down in the fourth quarter by Traver Vliem #49 and Alvin Ward Jr. #42 of the Georgia Southern Eagles on September 1, 2018 in Statesboro, Georgia. (Photo by Chris Thelen/Getty Images) /

MEAC football players to watch in 2021

  • Kevin Johnson, RB, Norfolk State

In the 2019 season, Norfolk State had the third-best rushing offense in the MEAC led by then-freshman running back Kevin Johnson. He tied for third place in the MEAC in total touchdowns (11) and tied for fourth in points scored (66). Under new head coach Dawson Odums, Johnson is almost certainly in line to have a breakout 2021 season.

  • Juwan Carter, QB, Norfolk State

Staying with the Norfolk State offense, Juwan Carter comes into his final college season as a potential contender for MEAC Offensive Player of the Year. He was selected to the All-MEAC second team following a 2019 season in which he ranked second in total passing yards (2,631), completion percentage (60.6), and tied for the most passing touchdowns (23). In addition, he scored six touchdowns on the ground.

  • Corey Fields, QB, South Carolina State

Corey Fields was one of two freshman quarterbacks to rank in the top five in the MEAC in passing alongside Davius Richard of North Carolina Central. However, Fields got the nod because he had the more efficient season throwing 15 touchdowns to just five interceptions the second-best touchdown-interception ratio in the conference. As a result, he was named the MEAC Rookie of the Year. It will not be easy for Fields, however, with former All-MEAC receiver Demontrez Burroughs and all-conference offensive lineman Alex Taylor both gone.

  • Stephen Stokes, DB, North Carolina Central

The North Carolina Central defense will look very different in the 2021 season now that their reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Darius Royster, defensive backs Bryan Mills, and Deonta Fair now gone. There is a number of other players that could fill the void for the Eagles’ defense but the leader of the clubhouse is defensive back Stephen Stokes. Stokes filled the stat sheet in his junior season posting two interceptions, eight passes defended, seven tackles for loss, 62 tackles, a sack, and two fumble recoveries. He will surely be in the discussion for MEAC Defensive Player of the Year.

  • Elton Jean-Baptiste, DL, Howard

While Howard is not expected to be a juggernaut this season, they have a man who could potentially be one in defensive lineman Elton Jean-Baptiste. He did not have the gaudiest numbers in his freshman season recording two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss, but he did rank second in the MEAC with two forced fumbles. He could potentially be in for a big season for a Howard defense filled with young talent.

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