WICHITA, Kan. – Coming off their first conference championship since 2008, the Friends University Falcons are duly recognized on the 2025 KCAC Preseason Team, announced today (Aug. 13) by the conference office.
The defending KCAC Kessinger Division champions, the Falcons will now play in the Bissell Division this year and were picked to finish first in both preseason polls released earlier this week.
The eight Falcons that were named to the KCAC Preseason Team are listed below:
K'Vonte Baker
* Named KCAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year
* Rushed for a team-leading and career-high 1225 yards
* Finished tops in the KCAC Kessinger Division with 16 rushing touchdowns
* Was named the NAIA FCS First Round Offensive Player of the Game after rushing for 179 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons' 47-35 win over OUAZ for the program's first-ever NAIA FCS victory.
Kyree Watkins
* Earned AFCA-NAIA Coaches' first-team All-America and first-team All-KCAC Kessinger Division honors
* Served as an anchor for an offensive line unit that paved the way for the top rushing team in NAIA history at 5,351 yards this past season
* Also helped the Falcons rush for a nation-leading 58 touchdowns on the season
Kenyon Vigil
* Was selected as a first-team All-KCAC Kessinger Division performer
* Along with Watkins, was a huge part of the offensive line that fueled the best rushing team in NAIA history and led the nation in rushing for the third consecutive season
Nick Cordova
* Earned first-team All-KCAC Kessinger Division honors last season
* Ranked fifth in the Kessinger Division with 10 touchdowns along with 743 rushing yards in 2024
* Scored two touchdowns in the Falcons' 47-35 NAIA FCS win over OUAZ, including the first score of the day on the Falcons' opening possession
Samuel Becker
* All-KCAC Kessinger Division honorable-mention selection last season
* Caught one touchdown pass with 64 receiving yards in the Falcons' run-heavy offense
Barrett Roads
* Named to the KCAC Kessinger Division first-team last year
* Finished tied for first in the Kessinger Division with nine sacks and recorded 26 tackles, including 12 for loss
* Had 1.5 sacks in the Falcons' 47-35 victory over OUAZ in the NAIA FCS First Round game
Demarieo Sims
* Tallied 5.5 sacks last season
* Had 35 tackles and finished second on the Falcons with 12.5 tackles for loss
Elias Pino
* Averaged 24.5 yards on eight kickoff returns, with a long of 48 yards
* Earned first-team All-KCAC Kessinger Division honors at running back last season
* Ranked second on the Falcons with 892 rushing yards and was tied for third in the Kessinger Division with 11 rushing touchdowns
Following last year's program modern-era record 11 victories, the Falcons will begin the 2025 campaign at home on Aug. 30 vs. Bethany College.
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