INDEPENDENCE, Kan. - Following a high powered offensive season, a trio of Pirate Wide Receivers who played a part in one of the nation's top passing attacks will continue their academic and football careers at the Division I level.
Ejani Shakir, the Pennsauken, New Jersey native and first team all KJCCC Wide Receiver has committed to the University of Maryland after a stellar sophomore campaign. Shakir led the Pirates in all receiving categories as he finished the year with 43 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns, all landing him within the top five in the conference ranks. Shakir highlighted his big play ability in a 26-0 win over Highland, where he had four catches for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns, one of which went for a season high 87 yards. Shakir also showed off his versatility, as he was also named a first team return specialist, finishing the year with 327 return yards. Maryland competes in one of the nation's top conferences, the Big Ten, home to the last three National Champions (Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana) as well as home to other NCAA powerhouses such as Oregon and USC. The Terrapins are looking to bounce back after a 4-8 season that saw them drop their final eight games of the season.
Sophomore Anthony Colon, will continue his career at NCAA Division I FCS Stephen F Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas. The 6’4 Hollywood, Florida native, had a strong season, amassing 22 catches for 202 yards and a pair of touchdowns in nine games. Colon’s best game came in an overtime loss at Butler where he hauled in three catches for 53 yards and a touchdown.
The Lumberjacks compete in the Southland Conference, and are coming off a fantastic season that saw them finish 11-3, a perfect 7-0 at home and berth in the FCS playoffs where they defeated Abilene Christian before falling to eventual National Champion Montana State in the second round.
The third and final Wide Receivier moving on has family football ties, Mekhi Penix, brother of Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Penix Jr, will take his talents to NCAA FCS Mississippi Valley State. Penix appeared in eight games for the Pirates and proved to be a downfield threat as he finished the year with 17 grabs for 234 yards and a pair of touchdowns. In his first game with the Pirates, Penix showcased the downfield talent as he hauled in a 49 yard receptions, his longest of the season.
Mississippi Valley State competes in the Southwest Athletic Conference, and will look to turn around a 2-10 season in 2025, after finishing the season on a high note, knocking off Florida A&M in their finale. Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Jerry Rice is a famous alum of Mississippi Valley State, as he competed for the Delta Devils from 1981 to 1984.