BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Tight end Faheem Diaab and return specialist Devin Jones each picked up first team nods, while defensive back Dante Bowlding and defensive lineman Taye Vereen each grabbed a spot on the second team, with the release of the All-Mountain East Conference Football Team on Tuesday afternoon.
 
Four offensive players – offensive lineman Gage Baldwin, wide receiver Trey Dixon, running back Joseph Early and quarterback Josh Jones – were lauded with honorable mention all-conference laurels, while linebacker John Jones was tabbed as an honorable mention pick as well.
 
A Charlotte native, Diaab logged career highs for both receptions (27) and receiving yards (368) in 2021, while also matching a career high with four touchdown grabs as well. The redshirt junior tallied two or more catches in seven contests, including a season-best six catches in the win at West Virginia State, while also posting a career-long 90-yard reception in UNCP's setback at eventual league co-champion Frostburg State.
 
A dangerous return man in multiple phases of the game, Devin Jones averaged 13.91 yards on 11 kickoff returns this season, while also averaging 20.0 yards on 18 punt returns as well. The redshirt senior from Mooresville tallied an 80-yard touchdown on a punt return against Glenville State, while also turning in a 29-yard punt return against the Pioneers as well. He also registered a 52-yard kickoff return on Saturday at Concord that set up the first points of the day for the Braves.
 
Bowlding, the league's freshman defensive player of the year in the spring, posted four interceptions in 2021 – the second-most pickoffs in program history – and ranked second on the team with 49 tackles, including 40 solo stops. The redshirt freshman from Fayetteville and Terry Sanford High School product, also registered a tackle for loss (-3 yards) and four pass break-ups as well.
 
Vereen, a Shallotte native, amassed 49 tackles (22 solo) on the season, including six tackles for loss (-24 yards) and a pair of sacks. He also turned in a trio of quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery and a pass break-up, as well as the game-sealing interception in UNCP's Homecoming victory over then MEC co-leader Charleston.
 
The Braves wrapped up their 2021 campaign with a 6-5 record, including a 3-2 mark at Grace P. Johnson Stadium. The Black & Gold is expected to return 14 starters for the 2022 campaign.