ELON, N.C. – Elon University football had four student-athletes named Phil Steele FCS All-Americans Thursday, Jan. 3. Olisaemeka Udoh highlights the honors with a first team nod while CJ Toogood picked up third team honors and Warren Messer fourth team recognition. Skyler Davis was also honored as a Freshman All-American, earning first team laurels.
Udoh and Toogood both started all 11 games on the offensive line for the Phoenix this season and were named First Team All-CAA Football performers. Throughout the season, they helped Elon average 199.5 yards per game on the ground to finish second in the conference in the category. The duo also blocked for a running game that scored 22 of the team’s 31 touchdowns on the season and played a big role in keeping the quarterback upright with the offensive line only allowing 16 sacks.
Since the conclusion of the season, Udoh has earned All-America accolades from STATS FCS and HERO Sports. He has also accepted invites to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game. Toogood has garnered All-America honors from the Associated Press and AFCA.
Messer, also a First Team All-CAA Football honoree and a STATS FCS All-American, led Elon with 93 tackles – 44 solo – with 11.0 for loss and 4.0 sacks to go with an interception returned 86 yards for a touchdown in 2018. The senior picked up STATS FCS National Defensive Player of the Week honors after making 14 tackles with 2.5 for loss and 2.0 sacks with the interception return for a touchdown against Rhode Island. Messer has now been named a Phil Steele All-American two years in a row after picking up second team honors in 2017.
Following his stellar rookie season, Davis has now been named to two Freshman All-America squads after earning a place on the HERO Sports list last month. Throughout the year, Davis amassed a team-high 82 points, hitting 17-of-22 field goals while going 31-for-31 on PATs. Along the way, Davis hit 14-of-15 attempts from inside 40 yards. In the regular-season finale, he connected on a season-high four field goals at No. 16 Maine while hitting a 46-yard attempt to tie his long for the year. Earlier in the campaign, he also hit a 46-yard field goal against Furman. The Acworth, Ga., native also connected on a pair of field goals and recovered an onside kick in the win at No. 2 James Madison.
This year marks the most athletes Elon has had honored by Phil Steele in a single season. It topped the 2010 campaign, when Scott Riddle, Aaron Mellette and Rodney Austin all earned All-America accolades.
Season tickets for the 2019 season, the first under Trisciani, are on sale now though the Elon Ticket Office. To purchase tickets, order online by clicking here or contact the Ticket Office at 336-278-6750. Fans can also purchase season tickets in person by stopping by the Elon Ticket Office, which is located at Gate A of Schar Center. Season parking passes for the 2019 campaign will be on sale to Phoenix Club members at the Maroon & Gold ($250) giving level and above at a later date.
Elon’s Previous Phil Steele All-America Honorees
2010 | Second Team – Aaron Mellette, Wide Receiver
2010 | Third Team – Scott Riddle, Quarterback
2010 | Third Team – Rodney Austin, Offensive Lineman
2011 | First Team – Aaron Mellette, Wide Receiver
2011 | Fourth Team – Joshua Jones, Linebacker
2012 | First Team – Aaron Mellette, Wide Receiver
2017 | Second Team – Warren Messer, Linebacker
2017 | Freshman Team – Kortez Weeks, Wide Receiver
2018 | First Team – Olisaemeka Udoh, Offensive Lineman
2018 | Third Team – CJ Toogood, Offensive Lineman
2018 | Fourth Team – Warren Messer, Linebacker
2018 | Freshman Team – Skyler Davis, Kicker