ATLANTA, GA | The 2024 football season marked a new era for Morehouse College under first-year head coach Terance Mathis. Though the Maroon Tigers finished 1–9 (1–7 SIAC), the season was filled with flashes of brilliance, especially on defense. Individual accolades, a nationally televised win, and strong showings in HBCU showcase games defined a campaign full of effort, growth, and pride.

Season Overview

Morehouse opened the season with promise and fight, but a string of turnovers and inconsistent quarterback play limited the team's ability to finish games. Despite that, the Maroon Tigers showed measurable improvement throughout the season, highlighted by an upset win in the Chicago Football Classic, a suffocating defense, and several weekly conference awards. From a season-opening touchdown on the first play to a walk-off touchdown in the Chicago Football Classic, the Maroon Tigers competed with grit. Despite inconsistency on offense and a grueling schedule, the defense carried the team through multiple matchups, and Morehouse continued to gain national exposure in showcase events like the HBCUNY Classic and the Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic.

Key Victories and Performances

• Chicago Football Classic Comeback (vs. Kentucky State): In front of 25,000 fans at Soldier Field, Morehouse pulled off a dramatic 31-28 comeback win behind Miles Scott's 369 passing yards and 4 total touchdowns. Ajani Williams caught five passes for 144 yards and a touchdown, including two explosive plays that set up key scoring drives.

• HBCUNY Classic at MetLife Stadium (vs. Howard): Despite the loss, the Maroon Tigers offense came alive as Scott threw for three touchdowns with Ajani Williams hauling in two and Kamrin Brunson adding another. The defense, led by Caleb Grant, Sean Johnson, and Stephen Rowser, combined for multiple sacks and stops, showing resilience against an FCS opponent before a crowd of over 30,000.

Defensive Identity

• The Morehouse defense established itself as one of the most physical in the SIAC. Morehouse finished the season #1 in SIAC pass defense in conference play (159.9 YPG). The team recorded:

  • 28 sacks (led by Grant's 9.5)

  • 10 interceptions

  • Grant and Johnson combined for 158 total tackles, while the defensive line consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks and forced key turnovers throughout the year.

  • 3 defensive touchdowns (INT returns, safeties)

  • Caleb Grant led the team and ranked among SIAC leaders in nearly every defensive category: 81 total tackles (3rd in SIAC), 14.5 tackles for loss (1st), and 9.5 sacks (t-2nd). He earned First-Team All-SIAC honors and was named SIAC Defensive Player of the Week twice.

  • Sean Johnson emerged as a defensive playmaker, including a 12-tackle effort in the Chicago Classic and another 12-tackle, 2.5-TFL performance that earned him SIAC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 4.

  • Seve Spruill, II made special teams headlines with a standout performance against Benedict, earning SIAC Specialist of the Week for his 38.7 punt average and four punts inside the 20.

Offensive Highlights

• Ajani Williams was the top offensive weapon:

  • 32 receptions for 628 yards (19.6 avg) and 6 touchdowns, averaging nearly 90 yards per game.

  • Opened the season with a 51-yard TD catch on the first offensive play vs. Edward Waters.

  • Had multiple 100-yard games, including 157 yards vs. Johnson C. Smith and 144 vs. Kentucky State.

  • Invited to the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Minicamp, becoming the latest Maroon Tiger to earn a shot at the professional level.

• Quarterback play saw rotation due to injuries and inconsistency:

  • Khamar Carlisle started the opener with a 51-yard TD pass.

  • Patrick Blake and Miles Scott rotated in mid-season. Scott solidified the starting role after his breakout performance against Kentucky State.

Notable Games Recap

• Season Opener vs. Edward Waters (L, 28-11):
  The defense starred with 12 tackles and 3 sacks by Grant and a pick-six by Johnson. Offense struggled after early success.

• vs. Johnson C. Smith (L, 37-13):
  Despite miscues, Williams recorded 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The team suffered from penalties and turnovers.

• vs. Benedict (L, 21-5):
  Morehouse's defense dominated early. Grant and Johnson each recorded 9 tackles, and the defense scored a safety. However, offensive injuries hindered late-game execution

Key Games & Performances

• Chicago Football Classic (W, 31–28 vs. Kentucky State)

  • Miles Scott: 369 yds, 3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD

  • Ajani Williams: 5 rec, 144 yds, TD

  • Game-winning TD pass with 10 seconds left

• HBCUNY Classic (L, 35–21 vs. Howard)

  • Scott: 3 TDs, 0 INT

  • Williams: 2 TD catches

  • Defense: Grant (12 tackles), Rowser (2 sacks), Johnson (8 tackles)

• vs. Benedict (L, 21–5)

  • Seve Spruill, II: 9 punts, 38.7 avg, 4 inside the 20

  • Grant & Johnson: 9 tackles each

  • Defense scored 2 points on a safety

SIAC Weekly Award Winners

The Maroon Tigers earned four SIAC Player of the Week honors in 2024:

Week	Player	Award	Opponent
3	Caleb Grant	Defensive Player of the Week	vs. Howard (HBCUNY Classic)
4	Sean Johnson	Defensive Player of the Week	vs. Kentucky State (Chicago Classic)
5	Seve Spruill, II	Specialist of the Week	vs. Benedict
11	Caleb Grant	Defensive Player of the Week	vs. Clark Atlanta (Battle of the Big Cats)

Key Highlights & Honors

• Caleb Grant

  • First-Team All-SIAC Defense

  • 81 total tackles, 14.5 TFL (SIAC leader), 9.5 sacks (tied SIAC leader), Pick-6 vs. Clark Atlanta

  • 2× SIAC Defensive Player of the Week

• Sean Johnson

  • 77 total tackles (2nd on team), 4.5 sacks, 2 FF, 83-yard interception return

  • SIAC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 4)

• Ajani Williams

  • 32 receptions, 628 yards (19.6 avg), 6 TDs (all team highs)

  • Invited to Atlanta Falcons Rookie Minicamp

• Seve Spruill, II

  • Averaged 38.49 yards on 57 punts

  • Named SIAC Specialist of the Week after the Benedict game

2024 Season Statistical Leaders

Offensive Leaders

• Passing

  • Miles Scott: 1449 yds, 9 TDs, 9 INT (10 games)

  • Patrick Blake: 173 yds, 1 TD, 6 INT

  • Khamar Carlisle: 191 yds, 1 TD, 5 INT

• Rushing

  • Chase Devaughn: 85 att, 144 yds

  • Jaiden Jones: 33 att, 78 yds, 1 TD

• Receiving

  • Ajani Williams: 32 rec, 628 yds, 6 TDs

  • Kamrin Brunson: 17 rec, 203 yds, 2 TDs

  • Maurice Veney: 11 rec, 113 yds, 1 TD

  • Brogan Korta: 25 rec, 279 yds

Defensive Leaders

• Caleb Grant: 81 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 1 INT (65 yds, TD)

• Sean Johnson: 77 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT (83 yds)

• Stephen Rowser: 5.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 FF

• Isaiah Wimbush, Carlos Dunovant: Each had an interception

Special Teams

• Punting: Seve Spruill, II — 57 punts, 38.49 avg, long of 65

• Kicking: Khasen Kirkland — 11/13 PATs, 4/8 FGs (long of 40)

• Returns:

  • Zion Bouie: 13 KR, 312 yds (24.0 avg)

  • Brogan Korta: 7 KR, 192 yds; 1 PR for 25 yds

Looking Ahead

Coach Mathis laid a strong defensive foundation in Year One. With the graduation of Caleb Grant and the professional ambitions of Ajani Williams, the next wave of Maroon Tigers will need to step up. The quarterback position and offensive line remain areas for focus in recruiting and development. Graduating senior Caleb Grant leaves big shoes to fill, but Morehouse returns a talented nucleus led by Sean Johnson, Stephen Rowser, Kamrin Brunson, and several emerging contributors. The development of the offensive line and quarterback consistency will be key to building off the defensive foundation set this year. Coach Mathis enters Year Two with a solid foundation on defense and experience under center. The Maroon Tigers will look to turn narrow losses into victories as they address offensive consistency and build depth through recruiting. With names like Johnson, Rowser, and Brunson returning, the future is promising in Atlanta.

Final Word

The 2024 season planted seeds for a turnaround. From NFL interest in Ajani Williams to national television appearances and major SIAC weekly honors, the Maroon Tigers showcased elite individual talent. As the Terance Mathis era continues, this season will be remembered not just for the struggles, but for the fight—and for laying the groundwork for a winning culture. While the 2024 season ended with more losses than wins, the growth of key players, defensive grit, and memorable moments like the Chicago Classic victory and multiple SIAC weekly honors made this a meaningful first step in the Terance Mathis era. The Maroon Tigers showed they have the pieces to compete—and with continued development, the wins are sure to follow. Stay connected with Maroon Tigers baseball at www.morehouseathletics.com.