Wildcats Kick-off 2024 Campaign: BlueDeath Defense Return Top Four Tacklers and more

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – The Shawn Gibbs era enters its third year this weekend as Fort Valley State kicks off its 2024 football season by hosting Clark Atlanta University on Saturday afternoon.

For the first time in five years, the Wildcats will start their season at home when they welcome Clark Atlanta for a 1 p.m. kickoff during the Military Appreciation event at Wildcat Stadium. Fans can watch the game live on HBCUGo.

Clark Atlanta vs. FVSU
Sat., Aug. 31, 1 p.m.
Wildcat Stadium
(A cashless facility)
Tickets/Parking/Tailgating
HBCUGo
2023 FVSU Stats

First Home Season Opener in Five Years

After starting each of the last three seasons in Montgomery, Ala., for the Red Tails Classic, the Wildcats return to their home field this weekend.

FVSU’s previous home season opener was on Sept. 7, 2019, when they lost to Miles College, 38-17.

Wildcats vs. Panthers Open SIAC Season

For the second consecutive year, FVSU kicks off its SIAC schedule against Clark Atlanta. Last fall, the Wildcats triumphed over the Panthers 40-17 in Atlanta on September 9.

FVSU vs. Clark Atlanta – 73rd Meeting

This matchup marks the 74th encounter between FVSU and Clark Atlanta. The Wildcats have won 53 of the first 73 games, boasting a winning percentage of .753 (53-16-4). They have beaten the Panthers in 10 of the last 12 meetings, including winning the last four contests (40-17 in Atlanta on September 9, 2023; 41-21 in Atlanta on October 22, 2022; 40-7 in Fort Valley on October 23, 2021; and a narrow 34-27 victory on October 26, 2019, in Atlanta).

FVSU has not lost to Clark Atlanta in Fort Valley since a close 21-19 game in 2018.

Last 15 Scores:
2023 – FVSU 40, @CAU 17
2022 – FVSU 41, @CAU 21
2021 – @FVSU 40, CAU 7
2019 – FVSU 34, @CAU 27
2018 – CAU 21, @FVSU 19
2017 – FVSU 41, @CAU 24
2016 – @FVSU 37, CAU 31 (3OT)
2015 – FVSU 35, @CAU 13
2014 – @FVSU 19, CAU 18
2013 – FVSU 12, @CAU 9 (2OT)
2012 – @FVSU 26, CAU 3
2011 – @CAU 16, FVSU 11
2010 – FVSU 40, @CAU 16
2009 – CAU 30, @FVSU 24 (2OT)
2008 – FVSU 24, @CAU 19

Gibbs Begins Third Year with Wildcats

After leading the Wildcats to winning seasons in his first two years, FVSU head coach Shawn Gibbs and his staff are gearing up for year three. Under Gibbs, the Wildcats have achieved eight victories in each of their first two seasons, boasting an impressive 16-5 overall record and a .762 winning percentage.

Following a successful 8-2 season in 2022, Gibbs’ team built on that with another strong 8-3 record last year, concluding with a victory over Johnson C. Smith in the Florida Beach Bowl.

Wildcats Ranked 2nd in SIAC Preseason Poll, Feature 6 All-Conference Players

As they enter the 2024 season, FVSU is ranked second in the SIAC Preseason Team Rankings, just behind Albany State. Leading the charge for the Wildcats is All-American punt and kick returner Dejuan Bell, who highlights a group of six players recognized on the Preseason Teams.

Returning as the SIAC’s top rusher, Brandon Marshall has earned a spot on the First Team, alongside kicker Daniel Gibbs. Defensively, sophomore Kamari Blankumsee is also a First Team selection at defensive back, while linebacker Malik Harp represents the Wildcats on the Second Team.

Durham and Marshall Set to Propel Wildcat Offense

Quarterback Kelvin Durham and running back Brandon Marshall are poised to lead FVSU’s offensive lineup once again. After battling a mid-season injury last year, Durham returns to helm the offense for a third consecutive year. The redshirt junior was named the 2022 SIAC Newcomer and Freshman of the Year. Despite missing two games last season, he threw for 1,832 yards with 17 touchdowns, averaging 203.6 yards per game.

Marshall, a graduate student, contributed significantly on the ground, leading the SIAC with 958 rushing yards on 218 attempts and scoring nine touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes for an additional 180 yards and two touchdowns.

In the receiving corps, Za’tarious Anderson and Dejuan Bell are back to lead the group. Anderson recorded 21 receptions for 422 yards and four touchdowns, while Bell had 18 catches for 177 yards and one score. Bell also excelled in the return game, with 29 kickoffs for 658 yards and one touchdown, plus 16 punt returns for 152 yards.

Kicker Daniel Gibbs was reliable last season, making 10 of 14 field goals and converting 41 of 42 extra points, with a long of 50 yards.

BlueDeath Defense Returns Key Players

The FVSU BlueDeath Defense welcomes back its top four tacklers from last year, including linebackers Malik Harp, Jaydn Walker, and DeMarcus Harris, as well as defensive back Kamari Blankumsee. Harp, a Second Team SIAC Preseason pick, led the squad with 70 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and two interceptions. Walker closely followed with 66 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two interceptions, while Harris recorded 42 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss.

In the secondary, Blankumsee returns as a First Team All-SIAC player, having made 43 tackles, two sacks, and four interceptions in his debut season.

Wildcats Face Thorobreds in Two Weeks

After their season opener on Saturday, the Wildcats will have a week off before hosting Kentucky State on Saturday, September 14, for their second game at 1 p.m.