Courtesy of Florida A&M Athletic Communications


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | The Florida A&M football team placed three student-athletes on the 2020 Hero Sports Preseason All-American teams on Thursday.
 
Punter Chris Faddoul (first team), wide receiver Xavier Smith (second team) and offensive lineman Keenan Forbes (third team) garnered All-American honors.

Faddoul, who earned BOXTOROW, Associated Press, STATS FCS, AFCA and Black College All-American honors last season, has been one of the most consistent punters over the past two years in NCAA Division I FCS. During his sophomore season, he led the country in punting and in 2019, the Wesley Chapel, Fla. native finished right behind Alex Pechin, of Bucknell, in the statistical category.
 
Last season, Faddoul showcased his powerful leg all season long with a 46.0 punting average. He registered 40 punts for 1,841 yards, with 19 punts placed inside the 20-yardline, with only five touchbacks. In addition, Faddoul had a season-long punt of 72 yards on Oct. 20 in an overtime win over nationally-ranked North Carolina A&T State.
 
Smith, who earned BOXTOROW, Hero Sports, AFCA and Black College All-American honors last season, had a phenomenal sophomore season. He led the MEAC in receiving yards (1,159) and receptions (77). Smith was the only receiver in the MEAC to go eclipse the 1,000-yard receiving mark last season, and was also second in the MEAC in TD receptions this season (11). In addition, Smith ranked fifth nationally in receiving yards per game, ninth in receptions per game, ninth in receiving yards and 16th in receiving touchdowns.
 
Forbes, who earned All-MEAC First Team honors last season, was a key member of an offensive line who did a phenomenal job in pass protection, giving up a league low eight sacks through 11 games. 
 
FAMU will open the 2020 season on Sunday, Sept. 6 in Miami Gardens, Fla., against Albany State in the Orange Blossom Classic.