Seven Great Danes Collect CAA Postseason Honors

RICHMOND – Seven student-athletes from the University at Albany football program collected 2024 Coastal Athletic Association postseason honors, the conference announced on Tuesday. 

Dontae Lunan led the way as the team’s lone First Team All-CAA representative. Ozzie Hutchinson followed with Second Team Honors while Jacari Carter and Dasean Dixon were named to the Third Team.  Seven McGee, Will Marotta, and Tyler Merwarth received Honorable Mention recognition. 

Lunan finished his first year as a Great Dane by leading the CAA in tackles, collecting 131 (72 solo, 59 assisted) through 12 games. The mark also put him third in the entire FCS at 10.9 per game. He twice finished with at least 18 tackles in a single contest, recording 18 against Elon and a season-high 19 against Rhode Island. The senior from Miami Gardens, Fla., finished the year with 12 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He was the only player in the CAA to record multiple interceptions in a single game.

Hutchinson finishes his career in the Purple and Gold as a two-time selection to the All-CAA Second Team. Hutchinson started six games in 2024 for UAlbany while battling through injury. He was a staple at left tackle, also serving as a key member on the team’s Leadership Council. He’s been a consistent force on the O-line since 2021, having joined the program in 2019.

Carter collected Third Team All-CAA honors as a punt returner. In his first year with the team, he finished the season with 151 punt return yards – the most of anybody in the CAA. He averaged 7.9 per return with a long of 23 yards. 

Dixon was named to the All-CAA Third Team after finishing the year with two sacks and six TFLs. The defensive lineman from Washington, D.C., also recorded a PBU, a QB hit, and a forced fumble while collecting a total of 34 tackles. 

McGee, Marotta, and Merwarth all received Honorable Mention honors. McGee finished as UAlbany’s top receiver, taking in 47 receptions for 644 yards and six TDs. Marotta wrapped up his UAlbany career with another 12 consecutive starts on the O-line, cementing his “Iron Man” status for dependability. Merwarth was recognized for his achievements on special teams, finishing the year with six total tackles. 

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