FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Feb. 8)

The latest news from around FCS football, including Benedict DB Ja'Voni Melidor to Tarleton State and a huge 3-star commitment for Cal Poly

The FCS Football Front Page will deliver the biggest and most important storylines across the FCS during the offseason.

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 VMI WR Chance Knox Transfers To Incarnate Word

Former VMI wide receiver Chance Knox announced his commitment to Incarnate Word. He will have two seasons of eligibility as a graduate transfer for the Cardinals.

Knox spent four seasons at VMI and earned All-Conference honors in 2022. He finished the season with 58 receptions for 535 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He earned SoCon All-Freshman honors and was named an FCS Freshman All-American as a return specialist. 

Over 30 career games, Knox recorded 144 receptions for 1,343 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns, and 684 return yards. He signed with VMI out of Capital High School in Charleston, West Virginia. He earned All-MSAC honors in back-to-back seasons. 

3-Star RB Jaedon Matthews Signs With Cal Poly

Three-star running back Jaedon Matthews officially signed with Cal Poly. He signed with the Mustangs over offers from Colorado, Washington State, Duke, and Arizona. He initially committed to Georgia Tech on June 17, but reopened his recruitment on Oct. 23. 

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound running back is from Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is the No. 99 running back and No. 25 player in Arizona, according to the On3 industry rankings.

Matthews finished his senior season with 957 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. He is the highest-rated commitment in program history and headlines one of the best recruiting classes in Cal Poly history.

He was a blur 🌫️ for defenses in high school in AZ and now he's bringing his talents to SLO!

Thrilled to add 3️⃣⭐️ running back Jaedon Matthews, who rushed for 957 yards and 18 TD's this past season and had offers from Arizona, ASU, Colorado, Georgia Tech, & Wisconsin! #RideHigh pic.twitter.com/cDoX2fzAIe

— Cal Poly Football (@calpolyfootball) February 7, 2024

Former Benedict DB Ja'Voni Melidor Transfers To Tarleton State

Former Benedict defensive back Ja'Voni Melidor announced his transfer to Tarleton State. He will have one season of eligibility remaining for the Texans. 

Melidor played three seasons at Benedict and helped lead the Tigers to back-to-back SIAC championships. He earned first-team All-Conference honors last season after recording 33 total tackles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups, and one forced fumble.

In 29 career games, Melidor totaled 51 tackles, one tackle for loss, five interceptions, nine pass breakups, and one forced fumble. The 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back signed with Benedict out of Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina. 

Ja’Voni Melidor joins the Texans, one of the most highly recruited guys who has ever signed at Tarleton, says Coach Whitten!

Welcome @Jtmelidor 🤝https://t.co/jY1EjtgOl2 pic.twitter.com/50Jp1i7wOu

— Tarleton Football (@TarletonFB) February 7, 2024

3-Star RB Jordan Washington Signs With Murray State

Three-star running back Jordan Washington has officially signed with Murray State. He signed with the Racers over offers from Appalachian State, Marshall, Southern Miss, UAB, and Troy. 

Washington is the No. 82 running back and No. 44 player in Alabama, according to the On3 industry rankings. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back is from Helena, Alabama. Over 30 career games, Washington finished his career with 4,390 rushing yards and 65 touchdowns. 

Washington was named the 2023 Shelby County Player of the Year and earned first-team All-State honors. He finished his senior season with 1,810 rushing yards and 24 rushing touchdowns. He had a career performance in the 6A playoffs against Wetumpka, totaling 430 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns. 

𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 270 ✍️

🪪 @jwash1ngton34
📊 Running Back
📍 Helena, Ala.#GoRacers🏇 pic.twitter.com/wRBTh63Fyr

— Murray State Football (@racersfootball) February 7, 2024

Iowa State WR Micheal Tweten Transfers To St. Thomas

Former Iowa State wide receiver Micheal Tweten announced his transfer to St. Thomas. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining for the Tommies. 

Tweten spent two seasons at Iowa State after joining the Cyclones as a preferred walk-on. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound wide receiver is from Buffalo High School in Buffalo, Minnesota.

Tweten earned second-team All-State honors and was named the Blue District Receiver of the Year in 2019. He led the state with 95 receptions for 1,386 receiving yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns. He ranks No. 2 all-time for single-season receptions (95) and holds the school record in all major receiving statistical categories. 

✍️ 𝓢𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓭 ‼️

Welcome Back Home 🏡@MichealTweten @GoBisonFootball @BHSBison #Leg24y | #RollToms | #NSD24 🔗🔒✅ pic.twitter.com/GwEbydRii2

— St. Thomas Football (@UST_Football) February 7, 2024

Top 2024 FCS Football Recruiting Classes

FCS Football Front Page: The Latest News, Notes, & Recruiting Updates (Feb. 7)