Football Posts Six on Phil Steele Preseason All-Ivy Team
8/3/2024 10:08:00 AM | Football
Hughes, Roussos and Townsend earned spots on the first team
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Phil Steele unveiled its Preseason All-Conference Teams Friday, which featured six members of the Columbia football program. Punter William Hughes, linebacker Anthony Roussos and defensive lineman Justin Townsend were named to the first team, while running back Joey Giorgi, center Mark Chapman and linebacker Rocco Millia secured second team honors.
Hughes averaged 44.0 yards per punt this season, which ranked sixth in the nation, and enters 2024 as the Lions' all-time leader in yards/punt (43.8). He had 18 punts over 50 yards and put 19 inside the 20-yard line. Roussos returns after leading the Lions with 93 total tackles, which was second in the Ivy League. He recorded 10.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Townsend led the Ancient Eight with 7.5 sacks in 2023, and his 13.5 career total ranks No. 4 in program history
Giorgi led the Lions' rushing attack with 628 total yards this season, good for third in the conference, and added four touchdowns. Chapman earned starts in all 10 games this season and anchored an offensive line that rushed for over 200 yards thrice. Milia led the team with four takeaways (three interceptions and one fumble recovery), and posted 54 tackles after starting all 10 games a season ago.
The 2024 season begins Saturday, September 21, against Lafayette at Robert K. Kraft Field at Wien Stadium.
Season tickets are on sale now, and single-game tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, August 7. For more information, contact the ticket office at 888-LIONS-11 or lionstickets@columbia.edu.
For the latest on the Columbia football team, follow @CULionsFB on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
