Kennesaw State’s Xavier Shepherd and Juandarion Silas earn notable achievements during football’s bye week.
KSU quarterback, Shepherd, was recently named to the watch list for the 2022 College Football Performance Awards FCS National Performer of the Year.
Shepherd was notably selected as a preseason All-American by HERO Sports. He was also named the ASUN Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.
Last season, Shepherd set the KSU single-season records for passing yards (1,341) and passing touchdowns (15). The junior quarterback also led the FCS in rushing touchdowns with 23.
Including Shepherd, a total of 38 student-athletes were selected to the list. KSU’s Shepherd is one of four ASUN players to be featured on the list.
The list takes into account performances from the opening week of the season.
In the first game of the season against Samford on Sept. 1, Shepherd broke his previously held 1,000 career rushing yards and 1,500 passing yards.
Shepherd is only nine completions away from reaching 100 total completions for his career with KSU. He may soon break this career record in the next game.
Shepherd is not the only Owl this week seeing major success.
Linebacker Juandarion Silas was recently named the ASUN Conference Freshman of the Week. Silas has only played two games in his career with KSU, so this is his first ASUN accolade and KSU’s first of the season.
Silas forced fumbles in both of the first two games, gaining three points for the Owls. While competing against reigning 2021 College Football Playoff semifinalist, Cincinnati Bearcats, Silas earned five tackles and one tackle-for-loss.
The linebacker is noted as the only freshman on KSU’s defense to record a start this season. So far this season, Silas has collected nine tackles which rank him third at KSU while the two forced fumbles put him in the team’s top slot.
Shepherd, Silas and the Owls football team will return from their bye week in their home opener at Fifth Third Bank Stadium against Wofford on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 6:00 p.m. Against the Terriers, the Owls have a 3-0 all-time series advantage.
Fans can “Fill the Bank” to secure their seats in KSU’s first home football game here.
In celebration of football’s accomplishments last season, the first 1,000 fans through the gates on Saturday, Sept. 24 will receive a replica of the 2021 Big South Championship ring.
The Owls will play at Fifth Third Bank Stadium six times this season. Season tickets remain on sale. This season’s season ticket sale is marked as the most affordable purchasing option in KSU football history.
In addition, new benefits have also been added to enhance the fan experience. Fans will have discounts at the first football concessions and also have the option to purchase a season-long parking pass.
Fans will also be able to tune into ESPN+ to watch the game.
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