Howard Bison Football: Philyaw Named MEAC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Anthony Earns All-MEAC Honors

#7 ANTHONY PHILYAW
PHOTO COURTESY: HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

NORFOLK, Virginia – It's a new era for Howard football and it's starting with a bang as senior running back Anthony Philyaw was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Preseason Offensive Player of the Year on Friday. The high honor earned Philyaw a spot on the All-MEAC First Team, while sophomore wide receiver Kyle Anthony was placed on the All-MEAC Second Team.

Philyaw started 10 games for the Bison in 2016 and picked up postseason honors as an All-MEAC First Team selection. He had an outstanding season after rushing for 1,230 yards on 222 carries. The Los Angeles native averaged 123 yards per game and 5.5 yards per carry while scoring a team-high nine touchdowns. He twice rushed for over 200 yards in a game, including the season finale in which he rushed for a school-record 281 yards on 36 carries and two touchdowns. Philyaw also caught 21 passes for 215 yards and has compiled almost 2,000 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns in two seasons.

Anthony made his presence known during his rookie campaign, starting all 11 games. He grabbed a team-high 40 passes for 535 yards and six touchdowns. The 2016 All-MEAC Third Team honoree averaged almost 14 yards per catch and had two games with multiple touchdowns.

The Bison will open the 2017 season on Saturday, Sept. 2 at UNLV. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET in Sam Boyd Stadium.

by Candace Johnson, Assistant Director of Athletic Media Relations

HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS