A year ago had you told anyone that Coastal Carolina would turn into “America’s Team” in college football, you might have raised some eyebrows. However, following an undefeated regular season and the program’s first bowl appearance, no one is batting an eye about the Chanticleers chances this fall.
On Thursday, head coach Jamey Chadwell; sporting his new mullet hairstyle, along with LB Silas Kelly and TE Isaiah Likely spent the day in New Orleans at the Sun Belt Conference’s “Media Day” festivities. After being picked to finish last in the East Division preseason poll a year ago, media members are a bit more astute on CCU’s chances this fall. Coastal and Appalachian State share the top spot in this year’s preseason poll with Louisiana the favorite in the West Division. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Grayson McCall has been named the conference’s preseason “Offensive Player of the Year”, as eleven Chanticleers earned preseason “All-Sun Belt” honors.
Chadwell spoke on a wide array of topics during his media availability, including the proposal to expand the CFP playoffs. The Eddie Robinson Award winner says expansion would present a great opportunity for the Sun Belt Conference. “If you look at it last year, if it was in place, we’re the 12th seed and playing Notre Dame in the first round of the CFP, so that’s a huge benefit. All student/athletes want is the opportunity to compete for the highest prize.”
Coastal opens the 2021 campaign at home against The Citadel on Thursday, September 2nd. The following Friday, CCU goes for its third straight win over Big-12 foe Kansas.
