(Maryville, Missouri) Northwest Missouri State University seniors Jake Fisher and Cahleel Smith have been named to D2Football.com’s Elite 100 Watch List.
The D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List was selected by the staff of D2Football.com with the input of numerous sitting head coaches as well
as professional football scouting veteran Josh Buchanan.
The players in this release represent the official watch list for the D2Football.com 2024 Elite 100 Team, which will be announced after the season. The team includes first—and second-team selections for offense, defense, and special teams, along with 25 “Squad” players for offense and defense. Squad players are equivalent to “honorable mention” in similar national recognition lists.
Fisher (Smithville, Mo.) was named to the D2Football.com’s Elite 100 Watch List second-team defense. Fisher gained first-team all-MIAA status last season after notching third-team honors in 2022 on the defensive line. Fisher has played in 34 games and has made 23 starts as a Bearcat. Fisher has registered 60 tackles, 26 tackles-for-loss, and 14 sacks in three seasons at Northwest.
Smith (Independence, Mo.) earned an honorable mention nod on the Elite 100 Watch List. Smith is a three-time first-team all-MIAA performer. Smith started all 36 games of his Bearcat career at cornerback. Smith has notched 103 career tackles, 22 passes defended, and four interceptions.
The Bearcat football team will open its 2024 season Thursday, Aug. 29, at home against the Minnesota State University Mavericks. Kick is set for 6 p.m. at Bearcat Stadium.