WILLIAMSBURG — William & Mary standout cornerback Jalen Jones and linebacker Luke Banbury were selected to the Phil Steele Preseason FCS All-America Team.
Jones earned first-team distinction and was selected as the CAA Defensive Player of the Year by the publication, while Banbury was named to the fourth team.
The honor marked Jones’ third first-team preseason All-America accolade, as he was also recognized by Stats Perform and FCS Football Central. Additionally, he was chosen to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000, which is a list that recognizes the nation’s top 1,000 all-star game eligible players who will be considered for the 2026 NFL Draft class.
A first-team All-America selection by numerous organizations last season, Jones was chosen a finalist for the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award for FCS national defensive player of the year. The Chesapeake, Va., native ranked first nationally in passes defended (22), passes defended per game (1.8) and pass breakups (20). Additionally, the two-time All-CAA standout ranked tied for eighth in the conference in interceptions (2) and tied for sixth in forced fumbles (2).
Jones enters his fourth season as a starter and one of the most accomplished players in school history, as he ranks sixth at W&M in career passes defended (39). Additionally, he has also totaled six interceptions, a pick-six, 89 tackles, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
A grad transfer from Cornell who was recently selected to the preseason All-CAA first team, Banbury earned first-team All-Ivy League honors in 2024 after totaling a league-leading 87 tackles with 2.5 sacks, 6.0 TFL, two interceptions, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
During his time with the Big Red, Banbury appeared in 30 games and totaled 141 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8.0 TFL, two interceptions – including a pick-six – seven passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
Including Jones and Banbury, eight W&M standouts garnered preseason All-CAA honors by Phil Steele, highlighted by seven first-team selections – Jones, Banbury, fullback/halfback Trey McDonald, tight end Sean McElwain, offensive lineman Ryan McKenna, defensive lineman Davin Dzidzienyo and punt returner Carson Jenkins. Additionally, defensive lineman Ty Gordon earned second-team distinction.
W&M enters the 2025 campaign having posted four consecutive winning seasons, marking the first time the program has accomplished the feat in the last 25 years. The Tribe opens its season at Furman on Aug. 30, while it will host Maine for its home opener on Sept. 6. Season tickets, as well as mini plans, are available at TribeAthletics.com.
