CLEVELAND, Ohio — Phil Steele revealed its Preseason All-Conference Teams on Friday, featuring six members of the Columbia football program. Punter William Hughes, linebacker Anthony Roussos, and defensive lineman Justin Townsend were named to the first team. Running back Joey Giorgi, center Mark Chapman, and linebacker Rocco Millia earned second team honors.
Hughes averaged 44.0 yards per punt this season, ranking sixth nationally, and enters 2024 as Columbia’s all-time leader in yards per punt (43.8). He had 18 punts over 50 yards and placed 19 inside the 20-yard line. Roussos led the Lions with 93 total tackles, second in the Ivy League, and 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 sacks rank fourth in program history.
Giorgi led the Lions’ rushing attack with 628 total yards, third in the conference, and added four touchdowns. Chapman started all 10 games, anchoring an offensive line that surpassed 200 rushing yards three times. Milia led the team with four takeaways (three interceptions and one fumble recovery) and posted 54 tackles after starting all 10 games last season.
The 2024 season kicks off on Saturday, September 21, against Lafayette at Robert K. Kraft Field at Wien Stadium.