HAMPTON, Va. (July 29, 2025) … Five Hampton University football players were honored with selection to Phil Steele's Preseason All-Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) football team.
 
Senior running back Ja'Quan Snipes, who finished as Hampton's leading rusher in 2024 with 561 yards and six touchdowns while starting just five games, earned third-team recognition. A pair of devastating arm injuries had short-circuited his career. But, when injuries thinned Hampton's potent running attack last season, Snipes stepped in and excelled.  
 
The Pirates finished second in the CAA in rushing a year ago led by a strong offensive line. The Pirates averaged 195.8 yards per game with 32 touchdowns on the ground and increased their scoring output from 23.3 points per game in 2023 to 29.6 in 2024. Offensive linemen Omari Allen, a senior, and sophomore Jalen Williamson-Thomas anchored the much-improved offensive line and were named third-team all-conference.
 
On defense, sophomore Michael Matthews-Canty earned a spot on the third team. The linebacker finished the 2024 campaign with 19 solo tackles and 15 assists for 34 total stops. He also recorded 1.5 sacks while forcing a fumble and recovering another.
 
On special teams, long snapper Jonathan Ward was named to the second team all-conference squad. The senior has been Hampton's long snapper for the past two seasons.
 
Coach Trenton Boykin's team opens the 2025 campaign on the road at Jackson State on Aug. 30. The first home contest is set for Sept. 6 against Elizabeth City State at 6:00 p.m. at Armstrong Stadium.