The MEAC today announced its preseason predicted order of finish and player accolades. Norfolk State University was picked as the overwhelming favorite to repeat as conference champions, while North Carolina A&T running back Mike Mayhew and Howard linebacker Keith Pough were named preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, respectively.

Mayhew, a native of Charlotte, N.C., led the MEAC in rushing with 1,120 yards on 231 total attempts. He averaged 101.8 yards per game and recorded nine touchdowns. A fifth-year senior, Mayhew earned a share of the conference’s postseason Player of the Year honor last year. He also ranked 3rd in all purpose yards with 1,222 yards with 93 yards through the air.

Pough led the conference in total tackles with 120 including 10.9 per game. He posted 71 solo tackles and ranked second in the MEAC in tackles for loss with 21.0. He also added 3.0 sacks, two breakups, 11 hurries, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble. The senior linebacker from Orangeburg, S.C., helped Howard to a 4-4 finish in conference play and 5-6 overall record.

MEAC Football Norfolk State University