CANTON — The Mid-American Conference hosted its annual Football Media Day on Friday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Reigning MAC football champion Miami (Ohio) was tabbed the No. 1 team and Toledo was picked to finish second in the league’s 2024 coaches preseason poll. They were the top two teams year ago, too.
Here are five takeaways from the event in Canton:
Matt Salopek, Scot Loeffler, Jason Candle return to Northeast Ohio
The event featured coaches and players from all 12 MAC schools, including three individuals with local ties: Miami senior linebacker Matt Salopek, Bowling Green coach Scot Loeffler and Toledo coach Jason Candle.
Salopek, a Archbishop Hoban High School graduate, is entering this sixth year of college at Miami and is a returning All-MAC player. He earned his bachelor’s degree last year and is set to receive his master’s later this year.
Salopek was named to Phil Steele 2024 Preseason All-American team as a third-team selection. Steele also placed Salopek on his Preseason All-MAC first-team.
Candle, a West Branch High School and Mount Union graduate, is entering his ninth season as Toledo’s coach. MAC coaches picked the Rockets to finish second in the league this season.
Loeffler, a Barberton High School and Michigan graduate, is entering his sixth season as Bowling Green’s coach. MAC coaches picked the Falcons to finish third in the league this season.
One of Loeffler’s top returning players is tight end Harold Fannin Jr., a junior from Canton McKinley High School.
Fannin is a first-team preseason All-MAC selection by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports.
Bennett Adler, Bryan McCoy lead Akron Zips into 2024 football season
Senior defensive lineman Bennett Adler, junior linebacker Bryan McCoy and coach Joe Moorhead represented the Akron Zips in Canton.
The Zips were picked to finish 11th in the MAC after going 2-10 in each of the past two seasons.
The following Akron players were named to Phil Steele’s All-MAC preseason team:
- First-team: junior linebacker Bryan McCoy and senior defensive lineman CJ Nunnally IV
- Second-team: senior linebacker Antavious Fish
- Third-team: senior wide receiver Alex Adams and junior punt returner Bobby Golden
- Fourth-team: junior defensive lineman Lama Lavea
The following Akron players were selected to Athlon Sports All-MAC preseason team:
- First-team: Nunnally and McCoy
- Second-team: Adams, Fish and redshirt junior cornerback Darrian Lewis (St. Vincent-St. Mary graduate)
- Third-team: Adler, redshirt junior cornerback Devonte Golden-Nelson and redshirt junior safety Daymon David
Tahj Bullock, Ben Finley in running to be Akron quarterback
Moorhead said Akron has a “great quarterback competition” between redshirt juniors Tahj Bullock and Ben Finley.
Bullock is in his second season with Akron after transferring from Virginia Tech. He split time under center last season with DJ Irons and Jeff Undercuffler Jr., who both graduated.
Bullock completed 32 of 66 passses for 271 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions, and ran for 165 yards and four TDs on 62 carries.
Finley is in his first season with Akron after transferring from California.
Tommy Ulatowski to open camp as Kent State’s QB1
Tommy Ulatowski will start camp as Kent State’s first-string quarterback, but coach Kenni Burns adds there will be a “healthy competition” between Ulatowski and Devin Kargman.
Ulatowski threw for 737 yards, seven TDs and two interceptions in 10 games (seven starts) for the Flashes last season. His 229 yards and three TDs against Akron put Kent State on the brink of a win before the Zips rallied late. Kargman threw for 297 yards and two TDs in three games in 2023.
The Flashes were picked to finish 12th in the MAC after going 1-11 last season.
Kent State’s Chrishon McCray looks to build off breakout year
Mass transfer portal departures put the Flashes behind the eight ball heading into last season.
Receiver Chrishon McCray seized the opportunity it gave him. Despite missing the final three games with an injury, McCray led Kent State with 41 receptions, 610 receiving yards and four TD catches. He made first team All-MAC and is a first-team selection on multiple preseason all-conference teams this year.
The following Kent players were named to Phil Steele’s All-MAC preseason team:
- First-team: redshirt sophomore wide receiver Chrishon McCray and senior kicker Andrew Glass
- Second-team: graduate senior punt returner Luke Floriea and senior long snapper Gus Goodell
- Third-team: redshirt senior running back Ky Thomas, graduate senior wide receiver Luke Floriea and graduate senior cornerback Dallas Branch
- Fourth-team: graduate senior offensive tackle Cameron Golden, junior defensive end Stephen Daley, graduate senior linebacker Khalib Johns and senior safety Alex Branch (Twinsburg graduate)
The following Kent players were selected to Athlon Sports All-MAC preseason team:
- First-team: McCray and Glass
- Third-team: Thomas, Daley and Floriea (punt returner)
Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.com and is on Twitter at @MBeavenABJ. Mike Popovich can be reached at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com and is on Twitter at @mpopovichREP.
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