By: Curtis Ford, Associate AD for Athletic Communications
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | The Grambling State University football team had four players named to the preseason All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) football teams on Monday morning. The preseason All-SWAC teams were voted on by the conference head coaches and Sports Information Directors.
Defensive end
Bryce Cage and punter
Johnny Schifano earned first team honors, while defensive back
Blake Davis and offensive lineman
Tahj Martin garnered second team recognition.
Cage established himself as one of the best defensive ends in the SWAC last season, racking up 49 total tackles (25 solo) with 11 tackles for loss, four sacks, five QB hurries and one forced fumble. His efforts culminated with earning the 2024 Bayou Classic MVP award for his outstanding defensive performance versus arch-rival Southern, where he put up a season-high nine total tackles.
Schifano provided a big boost for Grambling State, using his strong leg to put GSU defense in advantageous field position last season. Schifano averaged 40.9 yards per punt eight punts of 50+ yards, with two punts over 60 yards. He also pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line 30 times. His longest boot of the season was a 65-yard punt in GSU's opener at Louisiana.
Davis was one of the best defenders for the Tigers in 2024. Not only was he a strong tackler, but he was also a playmaker who turned takeaways into points. The Los Angeles, Calif. native made 31 solo tackles (41 total) with three interceptions, a fumble recovery and a blocked field goal. He also registered 3.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. He made his presence felt early in the season, making a game-high eight tackles (seven solo) and an interception in the season-opener at FBS opponent Louisiana. Two weeks later, he scored a defensive touchdown when he returned a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown in a win over East Texas A&M.
Martin was an anchor on the GSU offensive line. The Lewisville, Texas native helped the Tigers rank third in the SWAC in scoring offense (24.7 ppg). The Grambling State offense rushed for 1,340 yards. The Tigers also ranked sixth in sacks allowed.
The 2025 SWAC Football Media Day is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 at the Sheraton-Birmingham in Birmingham Ala. at 10 a.m. CST. The event will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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