Elon University safety Caleb Curtain has been named the Coastal Athletic Association Football’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
The prestigious award for the junior defensive back is the cherry on top of a long line of recognition this offseason, which include being named a preseason All-American and a nominee for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team.
Redshirt sophomore and defensive back Caleb Curtain takes off his helmet after a 49-yard pick-six on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023.
Curtain is coming off a fantastic sophomore campaign where he led Elon with 80 total tackles, 54 solo tackles and four and a half sacks. Curtain was a force of consistency, recording at least four tackles in all 11 games played. He tied for a team-high of two fumbles recovered and led the CAA with four interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Last year, Curtain was named to the First Team All-CAA.
At CAA Football Media Day on July 25, Curtain said he is excited about the award — as well as the opportunity to improve in this upcoming season.
“I appreciate all the accolades, the honors, but just focusing on getting better, developing this program and team, and just making sure we’re at a competitive standpoint where we’re trying to win a championship this year,” Curtain said during the event.
He also attributed this award to the help of his coaches and teammates.
“My teammates continue to push me every day,” Curtain said. “The staff puts in a big game plan every week and just trust that the things that we’re putting in are actually going to work.”
Senior Chandler Brayboy was also recognized along with Curtain, having been named preseason All-Conference at wide receiver and as a kick returner. In 2023, he averaged 26.9 yards per kick return, 19.6 yards per reception and 8.4 yards per carry. His five touchdowns averaged 48.2 yards, which was the eighth-highest in all of FCS Football.
Quarterback Matthew Downing spoke alongside Curtain and praised Brayboy’s abilities on and off the field.
“He's a leader in our locker room and every time that he steps on the field, you know Chandler is going to give it 100% every single time,” Downing said during the event. “He's a very selfless player, whether it's on special teams or on offense. Whatever is asked of him, whatever is required of him, he's going to step up and make that play.”
Elon head coach Tony Trisciani further spoke about the team’s preparation for the season when they get back on the field in August to practice.
“Just pushing everybody forward has been a focus and being process-driven has been a focus,” Trisciani said. “It's not about winning the NCAA championship or getting back to the playoffs when we start next Tuesday. The focus is improving every day and pushing the program forward one day at a time.”