DALLAS — BYU kick returner Keelan Marion was today named to the 2024 Football Writers Association of America All-America first team presented in partnership with the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
A total of 54 players, from 40 different schools were selected to the 81st edition of the prestigious FWAA All-America Team. Marion joins Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter of Colorado and Wyatt Milum of West Virginia as Big 12 Conference representatives on the first team.
A junior from Atlanta, Georgia, Marion has previously earned All-America recognition from Walter Camp, CBS Sports, College Football Network and Pro Football Focus. He is also one of three finalists for the Jet Award, which honors the premier return specialist in college football.
Marion is the FBS co-leader in kick-return touchdowns with two and is 12th nationally in yards per return at 26.2. He has returned 18 kickoffs for 472 yards. Following his 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown at Utah, Marion was named the Jet Award return specialist of the week on Nov. 11. His other kick return for a touchdown was for 100 yards against Wyoming in week three of the season.
In addition, Marion has 23 catches for 340 yards and a score in 2024, averaging 14.8 yards per reception as a receiver. He also has added 18 carries for 95 yards and two additional touchdowns.
Marion becomes the 15th BYU football player to be named to the FWAA All-America First Team. He joins Gifford Nielson (1976), Marc Wilson (1979), Nick Eyre (1980), Jim McMahon (1981), Gordon Hudson (1982 and 1983), Steve Young (1983), Jason Buck (1986), Pat Thompson (1988), Mohammed Elewonibi (1989), Chris Smith (1990), Ty Detmer (1990 and 1991), Luke Staley (2001) and Brady Christensen (2020).
In addition, three others won major FWAA national awards including LaVell Edwards (1984 Coach of the Year), Jason Buck (1986 Outland Trophy) and Mohammed Elewonibi (1989 Outland Trophy).
The FWAA All-America Team is one five teams used by the NCAA to select its consensus team each year. The others are The Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, The Sporting News and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. The NCAA will release the consensus All-America team on Dec. 19.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists, broadcasters, publicists, photographers and key executives in all areas of college football. The FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and honors, including an annual All-America team.