HOUSTON – The HCU redshirt freshmen duo of
Tyran Chappell and
Xai'Shaun Edwards were both named Freshman All-America honorees by Stats Perform on Wednesday morning.
Chappell impressed in his first full season, tying for the Southland Conference lead in interceptions, with four, and passes defended per game, averaging one per outing in his 11 games played. The Denton, Texas native returned one interception 82 yards for a score against Northern Colorado and also had picks in consecutive games against McNeese and Southeastern. He finished the year with 27 tackles, including two for a loss.
Edwards, meanwhile, racked up 1,414 all-purpose yards for the second-highest single-season total in program history while becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher all-time at HCU. He finished the year with 1,019 yards rushing while adding 289 yards on 10 kickoff returns and 106 yards receiving. His 12 rushing touchdowns also set a new single-season record at HCU. Edwards was a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, presented annually to the top freshman in the FCS, and finished third in voting.
The pair become the program's first Freshman All-America selections since 2021 when
Rodney Dansby and Tyson Thompson were recognized with spots on the HERO Sports Freshman All-America team.
2025 Stats Perform FCS All-America and Freshman Teams | Opta Analyst
