Standout special teams performers punter Brendon Kilpatrick and long snapper Sam Merryman were named to the Stats Perform FCS All-America squad which was announced on Wednesday. Both standout Guins were named to the organizations third team.

Kilpatrick was recently named the FCS Punter of the Year while Merryman started 52 contests at long snapper during a dedicated career. Both players earned MVFC second-team laurels in November.

Kilpatrick had a spectacular year for the Penguins in 2024. He had 40 punts for an average of average of 46 yards per kick. He would rank in the top 10 nationally, but did not have enough attempts per game to qualify for the minimum. During the season he had 14 kicks of 50-plus yards while placing 19 inside the oppositions' 20-yard line. He boomed career longs of 65 vs. Villanova and South Dakota State. On a fourth down deep in YSU territory at Illinois State, he had a rush for eight yards and a first down late in the first half to help YSU run out that clock. He also had a standout year as the holder on placement kicks.

Merryman started 52 games at the long snapper position throughout his career. In 2024, he snapped on 39 PAT tries, 17 field-goal attempts and 40 punts in 2024. YSU led the nation in net punting at 43.88 yards per attempt.