BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — University of Charleston running back Chavon Wright was named Wednesday to the first team of a pair of All-America football teams.
 
Wright was one of four Mountain East Conference student-athletes to appear on one or both of the AFCA Division II Coaches’ All-America team and the D2 CCA All-America squad. Wright’s teammate at UC, offensive lineman Donovan McCollister, appeared on the second team on the AFCA and D2 CCA lists.
 
Glenville State defensive lineman Jamair Diaz and UNC Pembroke wide receiver Josiah Hayes made the AFCA Coaches’ All-America second team.
 
In addition to Wednesday’s pair of honors, Wright is a finalist for the 2024 Harlon Hill Trophy, which honors the Division II College Football Player of the Year. The winner will be announced Friday, December 20.
 
Wright, a 5-foot-8, 200-pound redshirt junior from Opa Locka, Florida, was named the 2024 Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of the Year after a record-breaking season for the nationally ranked Golden Eagles. Earlier this month, he was named the D2CCA All-Region Super 1 Offensive Player of the Year, the first running back to capture that honor since another MEC ball carrier, Jaleel McLaughlin, in 2018.
 
Wright rushed 355 times for 2,235 yards this season, as well as an NCAA Division II-record 38 rushing touchdowns. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry, led all divisions in touchdowns, had at least 100 rushing yards in all 12 of UC’s games, reached the 200-yard mark four times, and had multiple touchdowns in every regular season game.
 
McCollister, an MEC first-team all-conference pick, helped pave the way for Wright’s success. The 6-3, 280-pounder from Nelsonville, Ohio, is the only other Mountain East football student-athlete to appear on both the AFCA and D2 CAA All-America teams. McCollister was the only other MEC football player to join Wright on the D2 CCA All-Super Region 1 team.
 
Diaz, a 6-1, 235-pound pass rusher from Passaic, New Jersey, is a D2 CCA second team pick after winning the Mountain East Conference Defensive Player of the Year honor. The defensive lineman is among the national leaders in sacks with 12 in 11 games. The sophomore finished the 2024 regular season with 54 tackles, 21.0 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
 
Hayes, a 5-10, 175-pound pass catcher from Peanut City, Florida, was an All-Super Region 1 second team selection after a banner season at UNC Pembroke. The MEC first-team all-conference receiver led the league in receiving yards (1,025) and receiving touchdowns (17), while collecting 54 receptions.