FHSU Athletics
Fort Hays State seniors Josh Shaw and John Johnson have been named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List for the 2025 season. This is the second-straight year Johnson has been named to this list, while Shaw receives recognition on the list for the first time in his career. Both received All-MIAA honors in 2024, Shaw a first-team selection on the offensive line and Johnson a second-team selection at linebacker.
Shaw and Johnson were two of 11 players in the MIAA named to the watch list. Shaw helped the Tiger offense produce 402 yards per game last season, which ranked 26th in NCAA Division II. FHSU's 30.4 points per game was among the top 40 in NCAA Division II as well. Shaw was one of three Tiger offensive linemen to receive all-conference recognition last year. He is a two-time All-MIAA selection overall.
Johnson is the top returning tackler for a Tiger team that led the MIAA in scoring defense (16.9 ppg) and ranked second in total defense (330.1 yds/game) last year. Battling through an injury issue at one point in the year, he still managed 63 tackles in just eight games, averaging eight per contest. He also had an interception, a blocked kick, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last year. He is a two-time All-MIAA selection as well.