FCS Football Front Page: The latest news, notes, & recruiting updates: April 18

The second edition of the FCS Football Front Page is here. Each day we will bring you the top stories from around the country regarding FCS Football. From coaching changes to recruiting updates, and everything in-between the FCS Football Front Page has you covered. 

Former Austin Peay CB Announces Transfer To Samford 

Former Austin Peay cornerback Devin Smith announced his transfer to Samford on Monday. Smith will have one year of eligibility left for the Bulldogs. 

Smith transferred to Austin Peay from Georgia Tech prior to the 2021 season. He played in 22 games over his two years at Austin Peay. Smith finished with 27 total tackles, five pass breakups and one fumble recovery. 

The Bulldogs added an experienced piece to a secondary that must replace multiple starters going into next season. 

Let’s Work @SamfordFootball pic.twitter.com/8rylmcWSdM

— Devin Smith (@Devin21Smith) April 17, 2023

Jackson State Lands Commitment From Former Wofford DB

Former Wofford defensive back Jaheem Hazel announced his transfer to Jackson State on Monday. He is the second Wofford transfer to commit to Jackson State this offseason; joining his former teammate running back Irv Mulligan. 

Hazel saw action in 38 games with 11 starts over four seasons with the Terriers. He totaled 75 tackles and nine pass breakups over those four seasons. 

He will have one year of eligibility at Jackson State. Hazel joins a secondary that will replace multiple starters next season and enters with experience playing multiple positions in the secondary. 

Shoutout to @GoJSUTigersFB and The whole city!!! I had a great time and would like to announce that I’m 💯% committed… Ready to Ball #THEEiLove #PlayforTC #jsu pic.twitter.com/niyCo1KzU5

— Jaheem Hazel (@TheReal_MightyJ) April 17, 2023

ASUN & WAC Announces Rebrand As The United Athletic Conference

The ASUN-WAC football partnership is entering its third season in 2022 but announced that the partnership will operate as a single entity. The new football-only conference will be known as the United Athletic Conference (UAC). 

The nine participating institutions are Abilene Christian, Austin Peay, Central Arkansas, Eastern Kentucky, North Alabama, Southern Utah, Stephen F. Austin, Tarleton State, and Utah Tech. Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will join the conference in the fall of 2025. 

For the 2023 season, the conference will be limited to six conference games among the nine participating members. In 2024, the league will feature an eight-game single round-robin. The program with the best conference record will be declared conference champions and receive the FCS Playoffs automatic bid. 

Kajiya Hollawayne Announces Transfer From Grambling State

Former 4-star UCLA quarterback Kajiya Hollawayne announced his entry into the transfer portal for the second time. Hollawayne committed to Grambling State last season and made the transition to wide receiver over the offseason. 

Hollawayne finished the season with five receptions for 32 yards in five games this season for the Tigers. Coming out of high school, Hollawayne finished his career with 6,780 passing yards and 64 passing touchdowns. 

He will have three years of eligibility left at his next program. 

https://twitter.com/KajiyaHollaway1/status/1648058390893981697?s=20

Tarleton State Lands Former Eastern Washington DB

Former Eastern Washington defensive back Ely Doyle announced his transfer to Samford. He will have one year of eligibility left for the Texans. 

Doyle transferred to Eastern Washington from Arizona State prior to the 2020 season. Over three seasons for the Eagles, Doyle totaled 160 tackles and eight pass breakups. He led the team with 84 tackles last season, including six games with at least nine tackles. 

He set a new career high against Montana State this season with 12 total tackles and tied his career high two weeks later against Weber State. 

Blessed for this opportunity, ready to get to work! 🖤💜🤘🏿🙏🏿 #GoTexans pic.twitter.com/AzoCpnztdc

— Ely Doyle (@ElyToven) April 8, 2023

LATEST: FCS Football Front Page: The latest news, notes, & recruiting updates: April 17

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