Elon Football: Messer Earns Athlon Preseason All-America Recognition

ELON, N.C. – Elon University senior linebacker Warren Messer is among the members of the Athlon Sports 2018 Preseason FCS All-America Team. This is the second preseason All-America honor for Messer who was also recognized by HERO Sports.

Athlon Sports 2018 Preseason FCS All-America Team

Messer earned All-America honors from both STATS FCS and Phil Steele following his junior campaign. The Garner, N.C., native finished 10th in the voting for the 2017 Buck Buchanan Award and ended the year ranked 25th nationally with 9.5 tackles per game. Elon’s first CAA Football first-team all-conference performer, Messer posted a team-best 114 total tackles, including 11.0 for a loss and 5.5 sacks. He intercepted two passes and broke up three others, while forcing two fumbles. He also posted a team-high eight quarterback hurries.

Messer posted 10 or more tackles in each of Elon’s first five games in 2017, including a career-best 15 tackles in a league win at No. 6 Richmond. He had seven total double-digit tackle performances a year ago. In the Phoenix’s victory over William & Mary, he had eight tackles, which included a sack for a safety. His interception at Rhode Island sealed a one-point victory for Elon. In a victory at No. 13 Villanova, Messer finished with five total tackles, including 3.0 for a loss and a pair of sacks.

Elon enters the 2018 campaign off of an 8-4 season in which the Phoenix made its second-ever appearance in the FCS Playoffs. Under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, Elon posted a six-game improvement from 2016 to 2017. Cignetti was named the CAA Football Coach of the Year and the team featured six all-conference players and the CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Phoenix defeated four ranked opponents and made its first appearance in the national polls since the 2010 campaign. The team won eight straight games during the season, the fourth longest such streak within a season in the history of the program.

Season tickets for the 2018 season are currently on sale. To purchase season tickets, order online or contact the Elon Ticket Office at 336-278-6750. Fans can also purchase season tickets in person by stopping by the Elon Ticket Office, which is located on Elon’s campus inside the Koury Athletic Center.

2018 Season Ticket Packages

Priority Seating (sections 202, 203, 205) – $120
Reserved Seating (sections 107, 201, 206, 207) – $90
Young Alumni Package (sections 105, 106) – 2008-2018 grads – $40
Family Fun Zone (sections 108, 109) – Four (4) season tickets – $120