2022 Samford Football vs VMI

Coach

Stadium

Family Field House

Achievements

Charles Williams Memorial Jersey

President

VAN WAGNER COLLEGE

Van Wagner College and Samford University athletics announced a long-term partnership naming Van Wagner as the athletics department’s exclusive multimedia rights partner and sales agent for the department’s corporate sponsorship program in the summer of 2017 As part of the agreement, the Van Wagner Collegiate Services division oversees the locally based operation, Samford Sponsorships, which will work with university leadership to enhance the overall gameday experience, and create unique and meaningful opportunities for the program’s sponsors, business partners and a growing and dedicated Bulldogs fan base The Van Wagner team, in collaboration with the Samford athletics department, handles management, sales and integration of corporate sponsorship on all levels within multimedia resources, including the Bulldogs’ digital assets, venue signage, marketing, promotional rights to athletics marks and hospitality For more information please contact Ashlee Torres at 205 726 4718 or by email at afincher@samfordas com

SOCIAL MEDIA

Samford fans can keep up with the Bulldogs 24/7 through the following social media outlets: SamfordSports samfordsports samfordsportsnetwork samfordsports

INTERNET

The official website of Samford University athletics is samfordsports com A partnership of Samford athletics and SideArm Sports, the internet home of the Bulldogs, is full of the most up-to-date information on football and Samford’s 16 other varsity sports With news stories, coaches’ and studentathletes’ biographies, plus team rosters, statistics, schedules, game notes, results and video, the most comprehensive

coverage of the Bulldogs can always be found online at samfordsports com

BROADCASTS

For the seventh-straight season, Samford’s home games will be broadcast live on ESPN platforms, either on ESPN3 or ESPN+ For the ESPN broadcasts, Curt Bloom will handle play-by-play duties Damian Mitchell will provide color commentary, while Blake Gardner will serve as the sideline reporter Both ESPN3 and ESPN+ can be accessed via the ESPN App across most internet-connected media devices or on ESPN com ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-toconsumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC, Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films It is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans, and is also be available through ESPN com

There’s no better feeling than cheering on your team.

Nothing brings us all together like game day. That’s why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is a loyal sponsor of sports programs across the state and why we’re proud to be your trusted teammate when it comes to your health insurance.

Learn more at AlabamaBlue.com/RightForYou.

Bulldogs Head Coach Chris Hatcher

Chris Hatcher was named Samford’s 36th head football coach on Dec . 11, 2014 . Entering his eighth season at Samford in 2022, Hatcher boasts a career record of 161-93 in 22 years as a college head coach, having previously coached at Murray State, Georgia Southern and Valdosta State . In his time at Samford, his teams have consistently been among the Southern Conference and FCS leaders in several categories

In the fall of 2021, Hatcher’s offense produced the FCS’ all-purpose yards leader in Montrell Washington (176 18 ypg ) Quarterback Liam Welch also put up impressive numbers, ranking seventh in the nation in passing yards per game (306 0 ypg )

As a team last fall, the Bulldogs ranked 10th in the nation in total offense (448 .7 ypg .), ninth in passing offense (307 5 ypg ) and sixth in scoring offense (37.9 ppg .) .

Hatcher led his team in the first-ever spring season in the spring of 2021, after the 2020 fall season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic During the spring season, the Samford offense led the Southern Conference in scoring offense (40 3 ppg ), total offense (513 9 ypg ), passing offense (353 . 1 ypg .) and pass efficiency (148 . 1) . On the other side of the ball, the Bulldog defense led the league in opponent third-down conversions (31 .0%) and turnovers caused (18) .

Individually, Welch was named the SoCon’s CoOffensive Player of the Year for the spring season Welch and safety Chris Edmonds were both named All-Americans following the season

In 2019, the Bulldogs led all of FCS football in punt return average (19 .41 ypr .), and the team ranked second nationally in fewest penalties per game

(3 58) Samford also led the SoCon in first downs (22 .6 pg .), and the team ranked second in the league in scoring offense (32 2 ppg ) and passing offense (239 .2 ypg .) .

Hatcher’s 2018 team posted the program’s eighth-straight winning season, the longest streak in program history . Also during the season, quarterback Devlin Hodges became the FCS’ all-time leader in career passing yards . Hodges also earned the highest individual honor at the FCS level, winning the Walter Payton Award Additionally, he was named the Southern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year for a third-straight season .

Also in 2018, Hodges set school records for single-season completions (388), attempts (550), passing yards (4,283) Hodges was named the SoCon’s Offensive Player of the Year and a third team All-American at the conclusion of the season .

In 2017, Hatcher led the team to an 8-4 record and a spot in the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs for a second-straight season for the first time since 1992

As a unit, the 2016 Samford offense ranked third among all FCS schools in passing offense, averaging 349 4 passing yards per game The offense also ranked sixth in the nation in red zone offense (90 2%), 11th in team passing efficiency (155 24), 12th in scoring offense (35 . 1 ppg .) and 14th in total offense (446 .2 ypg .) .

In his first season at Samford in 2015, Hatcher put his stamp on the Bulldog program . Samford finished the season third in the nation in passing offense (332 .9 ypg .), seventh in the nation in total offense (479 .7 ypg .) and seventh in fourth down conversions (66 7%) Hatcher’s special teams also stood out, ranking fifth nationally in kickoff return average (24 34 ypr )

Hatcher led the Bulldogs to a 6-5 record that first season, ending the season with a pair of impressive Southern Conference road wins at Wofford and Mercer . The 2015 team also produced a pair of All-Americans in cornerback James Bradberry and

A concussion is nothing to play with.

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should be taken seriously. Although fewer than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness, it is important to understand the dangers and not take them lightly. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be removed from play, evaluated by a doctor, monitored and not left alone.

To make an appointment, please call 205-934-1041.

place-kicker Anthony Pistelli

Hatcher came to Samford after serving as the head coach at Murray State University from 2010 to 2014 Hatcher is no stranger to the Southern Conference, as he served as the head coach at Georgia Southern from 2007 to 2009

Prior to his time at GSU, Hatcher molded Valdosta State into one of the most dominant teams in Division II

The winningest coach in Blazers’ history, Hatcher was 76-12 at his alma mater Hatcher led his alma mater to its first NCAA Division II national championship in 2004, and he coaches Dusty Bonner, who was a two-time Harlan Hill Award winner, an award Hatcher won as a quarterback at VSU in 1994 .

Hatcher carried his success on the playing field to help him develop into one of the nation’s winningest coaches A two-time All-American quarterback at VSU (1993 and 1994), Hatcher threw for 11,363 yards and 121 touchdowns during his stellar career . During his senior year in 1994, he led the Blazers to their first postseason berth, advancing to the quarterfinals, and when it was all said and done, set 29 VSU passing and total offense records .

Among the national records he once set were a 68 .5 career completion percentage and a streak of 20-straight completions in a game against New Haven Hatcher held 14 Valdosta State, 13 Gulf South Conference and 17 Division II national records . He also started 41 consecutive games, posting a 29-10-2 record .

Not only did Hatcher excel on the field, he was just as successful in the classroom Twice he received the Gulf South Conference’s Commissioner’s Trophy which is awarded to the league’s most outstanding student-athlete . He finished his senior year by winning several national honors, including the NCAA Top Eight Award, the CoSIDA Academic All-America National Player of the Year and a postgraduate scholarship from the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame .

At the time when Hatcher won the Harlon Hill Trophy, he won by the second-largest voting margin in the then-19-year history of the award . Hatcher was also voted to the GSC Football team of the 1990s .

The honors continued to add up even after his playing days . Hatcher was named to the Valdosta State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001, in his first year of eligibility He was also elected into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame the same year .

In 2005, Hatcher was inducted into the Division II Hall of Fame . Hatcher was also inducted into the inaugural class of the GSC Hall of Fame in 2014 . Hatcher graduated from Valdosta State in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education

He and his wife, Lori, also a graduate of VSU, are the parents of a son, Ty, and daughter, Talley . Ty is in his fifth season as a quarterback on the Samford team .

Football Staff

Ricky Turner Assistant Head Coach—Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers

Chris Boone Defensive Coordinator

Mike Krysl Special Teams Coordinator/ Tight Ends

Andrew Gray Cornerbacks

Darien Moody Defensive Line

Kurt Kennedy Tackles/Tight Ends

Brandon Cooper Linebackers

Shawn Bostick Associate Head Coach/ Offensive Line

Terrance Malone Outside Linebackers

K.D. Humphries Runningbacks

Support Staff

Alexis Roberts Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services

James Carlson Assistant AD for Facilities, Game Ops and Equipment Whitley Williams Head Football Athletic Trainer

Lewis Freeman Director of Football Operations

James Ruby Assistant Athletic Trainer

Will Dauksher Defensive Quality Control

Andrew Harris Offensive Quality Control

Tyler Brain Director of Strategic Communications

Tara Goolsby Director of Football Management

Rocky Sabbatini Football Video Coordinator

Zach Mathers Assistant AD for Sports Performance and Project SAMson

All-Americans and National Honors

All-Americans

All-Americans/Freshman All-Americans

Austin Barnard 2017, Punter (3rd Team, AP, Phil Steele)

Fred Bishop 1999, Linebacker

Bobby Bowden 1952, Quarterback

James Bradberry 2015, Cornerback (3rd Team, STATS)

Wally Burnham 1963, Linebacker

Trimarcus Cheeks 2019, Linebacker (Freshman All-Ameri can)

Norman Cooper 1936, Center

Marcus Durgin 1991, Cornerback (2nd Team, Sports Network; 3rd Team, AP)

1992, Cornerback (3rd Team, AP)

Chris Edmonds 2021 Spring, (1st Team, Stats Perform, Associated Press, Athlon Sports, HERO Sports)

Surkano Edwards 1992, Running Back (HM, Sports Network)

Cortland Finnegan 2002, Safety 2003, Safety (3rd Team) 2005, Safety (AFCA)

Jimbo Fisher 1987, Quarterback

Sam Goldman 1940, End

Ahmad Gooden 2017, Defensive Lineman (1st Team, AFCA, Phil Steele, Walter Camp; 2nd Team, AP, STATS)

2018, Defensive Lineman (1st Team, AP, HERO Sports; 2nd Team, STATS)

Karel Hamilton 2016, Wide Receiver (1st Team)

Tim Hamrick 1987, Punter

Efrem Hill 2003, Wide Receiver 2004, Wide Receiver

Harold Hill 1937, End

Devlin Hodges 2016, Quarterback (3rd Team)

2017, Quarterback (2nd Team, AFCA)

2018, Quarterback (1st Team, Consensus)

Scott Holmes 1994, Punter

Harley Hopkins 1938, End

Bobby Jackson 1962, Quarterback

Anthony Jordan 1994, Running Back

Nelson Jordan 2018, Defensive Lineman (Freshman All-American)

Jim Lovette 1966, Running Back

Kelvin McKnight 2017, Wide Receiver (2nd Team, AFCA; 3rd Team, STATS; 4th Team, Phil Steele)

2018, Wide Receiver (1st Team, Walter Camp, HERO Sports, AFCA; 2nd Team, AP; 3rd Team, STATS)

Joe Milazzo 1960, Quarterback

Anthony Pistelli 2015, Kicker (1st Team, AP, Walter Camp)

David Primus 1989, Kick Returner

Shaheed Salmon 2017, Linebacker (3rd Team, STATS; 4th Team, Phil Steele)

Justin Shade 2013, Linebacker (1st Team)

Bryce Smith 2010, Linebacker

Bennie Story 1961, Defensive Tackle

James Tarrant 1940, End (Honorable Mention) 1941, End (3rd Team)

Jaquiski Tartt 2012, Safety (1st Team) 2013, Safety (2nd Team) 2014, Safety (1st Team)

Fabian Truss 2012, Kick Returner (2nd Team) 2013, All-Purpose (1st Team)

Michael Vice 2019, Tight End (Freshman All-Ameri can)

Montrell Washington 2019, Return Specialist (1st Team: STATS, 2nd Team: HERO and Phil Steele)

2021 Fall, All-Purpose (1st Team, Consen sus)

Liam Welch 2021 Spring, (2nd Team, Stats Perform)

Mike Williams 2017, Offensive Lineman (Freshman All-American)

Other National Honors

Jefferson Adcock 2007, NFF National Honor Society 2007, FCS Academic All-Star

Joe Collins 2011, Capital One Academic All-District

Devlin Hodges 2018 Walter Payton Award 2018 FCSADA Offensive Player of the Year 2018 Columbus TD Club Offensive Player of the Year

Graham Lemmond 2006, NFF National Honor Society 2006, FCS Academic All-Star

Ty Levie 2009, FCS Academic All-Star 2009, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District

Michael O’Neal 1991, CoSIDA Academic All-American (2nd Team)

TODAY’S GAME

Hatcher On The Verge Of History

Samford head coach Chris Hatcher, now in his eighth season in charge of the program, enters this week with 47 wins during his time at Samford . The 47 wins tie him with former head coach Pat Sullivan as Samford’s all-time winningest coach . For his career, including stints at Valdosta State, Georgia Southern and Murray State, he has an overall record of 168-94 .

The Samford football team will return home to play host to the VMI Keydets Saturday at 2 p .m . at Bobby Bowden Field at Seibert Stadium . The game is Samford’s homecoming contest

Samford enters the game with a record of 7-1 overall and 5-0 in Southern Conference play The Bulldogs are coming off an impressive 38-3 win at The Citadel last Saturday The 7-1 start is the best start to a season for Samford since 1992

VMI currently has a record of 1-7 overall and 0-5 in SoCon play The Keydets hosted Mercer last Saturday, falling to the Bears by a score of 55-14

The Series

Samford and VMI are meeting for the 10th time, with Samford owning a 6-3 series lead VMI has won the last three meetings, all one possession games Last season, the Keydets earned a 46-45 win in Lexington, Virginia . In the spring 2021 season, VMI won, 38-37 in overtime at Seibert Stadium . In 2019, VMI took a 48-41 win in overtime at home .

Since VMI returned to the SoCon in 2014, Samford is 5-3 against the Keydets .

The Last Time Out

Samford took a dominating, 38-3 win at The Citadel last Saturday at Johnson Hagood Stadium .

Quarterback Michael Hiers had another huge game in the win . He completed 30-of-35 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns . Kendall Watson caught 10 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown . D .J . Rias had eight catches for 66 yards and a touchdown, while Chandler Smith hauled in six passes for 40 yards and a touchdown . Jay Stanton led the running attack with 15 rushes for 78 yards .

The Samford defense was led by Noah Martin with 12 tackles, including six solo stops .

Samford In The Southern Conference

Since joining the Southern Conference in 2008, Samford has posted a record of 64-50 in conference games All-time against the current members of the SoCon, Samford has a mark of 90-80-4, including a 6-3 record against VMI Samford’s all-time record against each current SoCon team is: Chattanooga (10-33-3), The Citadel (9-7), ETSU (7-3), Furman (12-13), Mercer (14-13-1), VMI (6-3), Western Carolina (17-3) and Wofford (15-5)

Samford At Seibert Stadium

Samford has an all-time record of 178-84-4 in games played at Seibert Stadium This season, Samford has five home games on its schedule, and the Bulldogs are currently 3-0 in those contests

Last season, Samford posted a record of 2-3 in home games . In the last nine-plus years, Samford has a combined record of 45-15 when playing in the friendly confines of Seibert Stadium .

In seven-plus seasons under head coach Chris Hatcher, Samford has a record of 28-11 when playing at home .

Kendall Watson

Nathan East

Around the SoCon

SOCON OVERALL TEAM RECORD PCT HOME AWAY NEUTRAL RECORD PCT HOME AWAY NEUTRAL

Samford 5-0 1.000 2-0 3-0 W5 7-1 .875 3-0 4-1 W6 Furman 5-1 833 2-1 3-0 W4 7-2 778 3-1 4-1 W4 Mercer 5-1 .833 3-0 2-1 W1 7-2 .778 4-0 3-2 W1 Chattanooga 4-1 800 3-0 1-1 L1 6-2 750 4-0 2-2 L1 Wofford 2-3 400 2-1 0-2 W2 2-6 250 2-2 0-4 W2

The Citadel 2-4 .333 1-2 1-2 L1 2-6 .250 1-2 1-4 L1

Western Carolina 1-4 200 1-1 0-3 L3 3-5 375 2-1 1-4 L3 ETSU 1-6 143 0-3 1-3 L3 3-6 333 1-3 2-3 L3 VMI 0-5 000 0-3 0-2 L5 1-7 125 1-4 0-3 L6

CHATTANOOGA (6-2, 4-1 SoCon)

Last week: at Furman, L, 20-24 This week: at The Citadel

The CITADEL (2-6, 2-4 SoCon)

Last week: vs. Samford, L, 3-38 This week: vs. Chattanooga

SAMFORD (7-1, 5-0 SoCon)

Last week: at The Citadel, W, 38-3 This week: vs. VMI

VMI (1-7, 0-5 SoCon)

Last week: vs. Mercer, L, 14-55 This week: at Samford

ETSU (3-6, 1-6 SoCon)

Last week: at Wofford, L, 41-48 This week: OPEN

WESTERN CAROLINA (3-5, 1-4 SoCon)

Last week: OPEM This week: vs. Wofford

FURMAN (7-2, 5-1 SoCon)

Last week: vs. Chattanooga, W, 24-20 This week: OPEN

MERCER (7-2, 5-1 SoCon)

Last week: at VMI, W, 55-14

This week: OPEN

WOFFORD (2-6, 2-3 SoCon)

Last week: vs. ETSU, W, 48-41

This week: at Western Carolina

For the latest in standings, log on to soconsports.com

FOOTBALL

2022 SAMFORD FOOTBALL SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Sept. 1 (Thur.) #8 Kennesaw State W, 27-17

Sept. 10 at #2 Georgia L, 0-33

Sept. 17 at Tennessee Tech W, 33-28

Sept. 24 Western Carolina* W, 35-12

Oct. 1 at Furman* W, 34-27

Oct. 8 Wofford* W, 28-14

Oct. 22 at ETSU* W, 55-45

Oct. 29 at The Citadel* W, 38-3

Nov. 5 VMI* 2 p.m.

Nov. 12 at Chattanooga* 12:30 p.m.

Nov. 19 Mercer* 12 p.m.

00000000000000*-Southern Conference game

ALL TIMES ARE CENTRAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

By Joey Mullins Samford Athletics

Student-Athlete Feature: Tay Berry

If anyone on the Samford football team could say they were born to play football, it would probably be graduate defensive lineman Tay Berry

Like a lot of college football players, his involvement with the game started at a very young age He said a couple of family members were influences in him starting to play

“I started playing football when I was around six years old,” Berry said “I was introduced to it by my dad It was something where they just wanted me to get tough and I stuck with it ever since then and I’ve had a bunch of mentors throughout my life . I had a cousin that was playing football at the time that influenced me, but he’s gone now, he died about two years ago . But he was playing football, he played nine years, he just influenced me to keep going . He was a mentor to me . ”

His love of the game of football started at that young age . But what was different about Berry is he mostly stayed with football only, barely trying other sports .

“I tried basketball,” Berry said . “But my heart wasn’t in basketball the way my heart was in football . ”

Berry said, even at that young age, he felt like

he understood the game quickly after picking the sport up

“When I first started playing football, it was nothing to me and it stuck with me,” Berry said “Football is a big part of my life I know football like the back of my hand now, I’ve been doing it for a long time I know the ins and outs of football ”

Berry is a native of Flora, Mississippi, and he attended Madison Central High School In his career for Madison Central, Berry accumulated 121 tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles and 13 quarterback hurries . He was a two-time team captain and two-time All-Region team member . As a senior, he was named first team All-State, tallying 53 tackles, three sacks, seven tackles for loss and one fumble recovery .

When Berry was going through the recruitment process, he almost missed the opportunity to come to Samford .

“One day I was working out, going through offseason training for high school and I got a phone call, and I actually missed the call,” Berry said . “I checked my voicemail, and it was Samford . He was like, hey, I’m calling from Samford and just wanted to let you know we were reaching out, so when I

returned the call, he told me he wanted to offer me a scholarship here . Samford offered a scholarship and Southeast Missouri State offered me a scholarship . But when I came up here, my parents fell in love with the school, I fell in love with the school . It just grew on me, and I felt like it was the place God wanted me to go . So, that’s where I ended up going . ”

Berry came to Samford in the fall of 2018 as a freshman . That season, he played in five games, tallying six tackles, including one solo stop . Berry said it was a tough transition from high school to college football, but he says once he caught on, he felt comfortable playing at the college level .

“It was a big challenge because once I got here, I wasn’t the biggest, the fastest guy on the field, every guy here was either as big or bigger, as strong or stronger, faster,” Berry said . “I had to adjust because the speed of the game was 10 times faster than high school was . I think I got my feet wet as a freshman and then I started playing more and more, once I got my feet wet, I was fine with it . ”

As a sophomore in 2019, Berry saw action in eight games, contributing 13 tackles, including four solo stops After the fall of 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Berry and the Bulldogs played a season in the spring of 2021 The Bulldogs played just seven games that spring, but Berry started all seven contests, finishing the season with 26 tackles, nine solo stops and two and a half tackles for loss In the 2021 fall season, he started nine games, playing in 10 contests, tallying 30 tackles, nine solo stops and four and a half tackles for loss

So far this season, Berry has played in all eight games He has contributed 22 total tackles, two and a half tackles for loss and one fumble recovery The Bulldogs enter today’s game against VMI with an impressive record of 7-1 overall and 5-0 in Southern Conference play . Berry talked about how he feels he has improved during his career at Samford .

“My knowledge of the game has improved a lot,” Berry said . “I know so many different things that I wish I knew when I was in high school that would help me be successful . My awareness in football has gotten better, I learned to take

studying film more seriously, that helps me a lot in my game . Breaking down film, recognizing blocks, recognizing offensive linemen’s stances, all those things have helped me tremendously and that has been a big area of growth for me . ”

Prior to the 2022 season, a new defensive coaching staff was brought in, led by defensive coordinator Chris Boone . Berry’s position coach as a defensive lineman is Darien Moody, also in his first season at Samford . Berry talked about how this season has gone with the new defensive staff .

“There’s a tremendous difference,” Berry said . “It’s more physical, you’ve got to take pride in doing your job . It’s a three-down front, so they’re trying to block three guys with five people, sometimes six, so we’re going against two people at a time, and we’re taking pride in doing our job and taking each play, play-by-play . This defense here, we are all brothers and we’re going to do what we do for the guy next to me and the guy next to him and we’re just going to lay it all on the line . ”

Berry has already received his degree from Samford in sport administration, and he is currently working on his MBA Berry said when he finishes at Samford, he would like to stay involved with the sport he loves

“My goal is to continue playing as long as I can,” Berry said “As long as God lets me play, I’ll continue playing Whether it’s NFL, CFL, XFL, USFL, any of those leagues, I’ll continue playing football That’s how much I love playing ball And also, once I’m done playing ball, I just want to give back the knowledge I have to guys that are younger than me and that’s why I want to go into coaching At the college level or the high school level, it doesn’t even matter I want to start at the college level and then maybe retire at the high school level ”

Berry’s love of the game of football is obvious when talking to him . Once his playing career is over, whether that is from college or professional football, there is no doubt he will be a positive influence on the young men he coaches .

SAMFORD FOOTBALL NUMERICAL ROSTER

0 Chandler Smith WR 5-10 188 Sr Marietta, Ga /Walton HS

1 Kourtlan Marsh CB 5-11 194 Jr Warrior, Ala /Mortimer-Jordan HS

2 Quincy Crittendon QB 5-11 193 Fr Decatur, Ala /Austin HS

2 Khalid Thomas CB 6-0 201 Sr Raleigh, N C /Harvard Univ

3 David Coltrane LB/S 6-3 203 Fr Alpharetta, Ga /Blessed Trinity HS

4 Nik Scalzo QB 5-11 195 Jr Fort Lauderdale, Fla /Univ of Kentucky

4 Ty Hardimon S 6-0 194 Sr Marietta, Ga /Wake Forest Univ

5 Nathan East LB 6-2 228 Gr McCalla, Ala /McAdory HS

6 Jaylan Thomas RB 5-9 185 Sr Carrollton, Ga ./Elon Univ

6 Jalen Nelson CB 6-1 178 Fr Flowood, Miss /Northwest Rankin HS

7 Bradley Porcellato P 5-11 156 Gr Melbourne, Australia/Aquinas College HS

8 J R Tran-Reno WR 6-1 222 Sr Birmingham, Ala /Vanderbilt

8 Brent Taylor S 6-0 193 Fr Loganville, Ga /Loganville Christian Academy

9 Midnight Steward S 6-1 180 So . Daphne, Ala ./Daphne HS

10 Michael Hiers QB 6-1 205 Jr Birmingham, Ala /NW Mississippi CC

10 Shelton Quarles Jr S 6-0 176 So Tampa, Fla /Calvary Christian HS

11 D J Rias WR 5-8 185 So Phenix City, Ala /Univ of Alabama

11 Will Hudson QB 5-11 194 Sr Marietta, Ga /Sprayberry HS

12 Ty King WR 6-0 165 Sr Wrens, Ga /Jefferson County HS

12 Christian Roberts QB 6-2 190 Fr Addison, Ala /Addison HS

13 David Coleman QB 6-0 171 So Dublin, Ga,/Trinity Christian HS

14 Torrence Pollard CB 5-8 175 Gr Ensley, Ala /Leeds HS

15 Cade Blackmon QB 5-11 184 Jr . Opelika, Ala /Opelika HS

15 Emmanuel Flowers S 6-2 205 Gr Chino Hills, Calif /Michigan State Univ

16 Hakeem Johnson CB 6-3 201 Gr Remington, Va /Univ of Sioux Falls

17 Miles Morris QB 6-2 188 Jr Macon, Ga /Tatnall Square Academy

18 Sy Barnett WR 6-1 205 Sr Williamston, Mich /Ferris State Univ

18 Ty Hatcher QB 5-8 163 Sr Homewood, Ala ./Bessemer Academy

19 Quadir Ismail WR 6-6 215 Sr Bel Air, Md /Villanova Univ

19 Connor Masters QB 5-9 172 Fr Louisville, Ky /Christian Academy of Louisville

20 Jay Stanton RB 6-0 185 Sr Crestview, Fla /Crestview HS

20 Camden Kuhn LB 6-4 197 Fr Knoxville, Tenn /Farragut HS

21 Carson Goold WR 6-5 197 Fr Memphis, Tenn /Houston HS

21 Isaiah Richardson DB 6-1 198 Sr Richmond, Texas/Rice University

22 Brayden Devault-Smith LB 6-3 227 Sr Nashville, Tenn /Vanderbilt Univ

23 Keaton Carter CB 5-10 188 So Springdale, Ark /Shiloh Christian HS

23 Noah Young WR 6-4 200 Fr Birmingham, Ala ./North Alabama

24 Jocquet Jiles WR 5-9 174 Sr Auburndale, Fla /Auburndale HS

25 J T Swanson S 6-0 178 Sr West Chester, Ohio/Morehead State

26 Mitchell Owen CB 6-1 169 So Atlanta, Ga /Marist School

26 Michael Haynes DB 5-10 175 Fr Atlanta, Ga /Brookwood HS

27 Michael Ryan WR 6-0 170 Fr Bainbridge, Ga /Bainbridge HS

27 Trey Elston CB 6-1 195 Sr Auburn, Ala /Auburn Univ

28 Josiah Cotton LB 5-11 220 Jr Macon, Ga /Mt De Sales Academy

29 DeAndre Williams RB 6-2 210 Gr Wetumpka, Ala /Jackson State

29 Drew Mims LB 6-1 222 Sr St John’s, Fla /Univ of South Florida

30 Dakota Chapman RB 6-2 238 Gr McCalla, Ala ./Jacksonville State

30 Harrison Weathington K 6-2 180 Fr Huntsville, Ala /Randolph School

31 Camden Simons TE 6-4 205 So Westfield, Ind /Westfield HS

31 Landon Guidry S 6-0 195 Sr Spring Hill, Tenn /Mississippi State Univ

32 Noah Martin LB 6-1 243 Jr . Chattanooga, Tenn ./The Baylor School

32 Dylan Lee WR 6-1 160 Fr Bessemer, Ala /Bessemer Academy

33 Caleb Durham-Honer WR 5-10 199 Jr San Antonio, Texas/Texas Tech

34 Miller Karrh CB 5-11 185 So Little Rock, Ark /Little Rock Christian HS

35 Joseph Mera DE 6-2 237 Sr Fort Myers, Fla /Bishop Verot HS

35 Nick Speros WR 5-10 160 Fr Alpharetta, Ga ./Mount Pisgah Christian School

36 Darius Daniel S 6-0 183 Jr Grayson, Ga /Grayson HS

36 Cade Funderburk WR 6-1 180 Fr Suwannee, Ga /North Gwinnett HS

37 Peyton Ringer WR 5-6 154 Sr Lithonia, Ga /The Lovett School

37 Ian Pitt DL 6-3 167 So . Henderson, Ky ./College of Dupage

38 Fred Flavors DB 5-9 153 Jr . Atmore, Ala ./Huntingdon College

38 Tre Henry RB 5-9 170 Fr Atlanta, Ga /Greater Atlanta Christian

39 Gavin Morris LB 6-1 210 Fr Cumming, Ga /South Forsyth HS

40 Wade White S 6-0 191 Jr Prattville, Ala /Prattville HS

41 Evan Craighead LB 6-3 218 So . Madison, Ala ./Navy Prep

41 Henry Bishop K 6-2 179 So Spartanburg, S C /Spartanburg HS

42 Jordan Russell LB 5-11 226 So Birmingham, Ala /Georgia State University

42 Gage Geren WR 5-11 175 Fr Louisville, Ky /Christian Academy of Louisville

43 Daniel Bethel K 6-1 185 So Clinton, Tenn /Univ of Tennessee

44 Tay Berry DT 6-2 290 Gr Flora, Miss /Madison Central HS

45 Thomas Neville LB 6-3 213 Jr Loganville, Ga /Dunwoody HS

46 Jaylen Parks DE 6-1 238 Jr Acworth, Ga /St Francis Univ (Pa )

47 Jalen Henderson RB 5-11 205 Jr Hoover, Ala /Mississippi College

48 Nour Tayara WR 6-0 190 So . Pass Christian, Miss /St Olaf

49 John Collins RB 5-9 185 Fr . Dora, Ala ./Walker HS

51 Tate Taylor LB 6-0 210 So Nashville, Tenn /Lipscomb Academy

52 Johnerio Holt DL 6-3 275 Fr Athens, Ga /Athens Academy

53 Evan Barnes LS 5-9 185 Fr Marietta, Ga /Walton HS

54 Luke Byrne OL 6-4 310 Jr . Forsyth, Ga /Mary Persons HS

55 Johnny Johnson DE 6-1 233 So St Amant, La /St Amant HS

56 Aidan Barr LS 6-0 205 Fr West Palm Beach, Fla /Cardinal Newman HS

57 Cooper Frazier OL 6-4 315 Jr Corinth, Miss /Corinth HS

58 Chris Noble OL 6-4 284 Jr Brewton, Ala /UAB

59 Zach Williams K 5-8 188 Sr . Louisville, Ky ./North Texas

60 Alex Jarrell LB 6-5 200 Fr Spanish Fort, Ala /Spanish Fort HS

61 Alex Applefield LS 5-10 208 So Dothan, Ala /Houston Academy

62 Jabari Brooks OL 6-3 338 Jr Sandersville, Ga /Washington County HS

63 Zach Bond OL 6-3 282 Jr . McHenry, Miss /N .W . Mississippi CC

65 Austin Guyse OL 6-4 274 Sr . Trinity, Ala ./West Morgan HS

67 Peter Renkoski OL 6-1 282 Sr Roswell, Ga /Blessed Trinity Catholic HS

68 Brenden Reed DT 6-4 250 Fr Brentwood, Tenn /Ravenwood HS

69 J P Oliver DL 6-0 245 Fr Jackson, Tenn /Trinity Christian Academy

70 Charlie Comer LS 6-0 175 Fr . Birmingham, Ala ./Mountain Brook HS

72 Gavin Orr OL 6-4 281 Gr Southside, Ala /Southside HS

73 Justin Perritt OL 6-2 270 Fr Covington, La /Northlake Christian School

74 Kasra Bojnordi OL 6-3 288 So Milton, Ga /Cambridge HS

75 Jayme Motley-Simmons OL 6-7 285 Jr Alabaster, Ala /UAB

77 Zach Brown OL 6-4 275 So . Loretto, Tenn ./Loretto HS

79 Donovan Hawkins OL 6-2 302 Jr Pinson, Ala /Pinson Valley HS

80 Judd Cockett WR 5-11 180 Sr Honolulu, Haw /Southern Utah

81 Jamall Thompson DE 6-3 248 Fr Sarasota, Fla /Sarasota HS

82 Deuce Flowers WR 6-4 172 So Cleveland, Tenn /Cleveland HS

83 Thomas D’Armond WR 6-0 198 Fr . Baton Rouge, La ./Episcopal HS

84 Kendall Watson WR 5-10 183 Gr Chattanooga, Tenn /McCallie School

85 Wesley Carlock WR 5-10 171 So Jackson, Tenn /Univ School of Jackson

86 Nathan Barham TE 6-4 204 Jr Ridgeland, Miss /N E Mississippi CC

87 Jason Houston WR 6-5 211 Jr . Bremen, Ga ./Bremen HS

88 Cameron Harris WR 6-2 185 Fr Pleasant Grove, Ala /Pleasant Grove HS

89 Michael Mitchler TE 6-3 219 Fr Roswell, Ga /Blessed Trinity Catholic HS

90 Luca Chuecos DE 6-4 240 Fr Atlanta, Ga /Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

91 Kobe Stewart DE 6-3 213 Fr Alabaster, Ala /Thompson HS

92 Braeden Royal DT 6-1 265 Sr . Tuscaloosa, Ala ./Tuscaloosa County HS

93 Daniel Bettis DE 6-0 239 So Tuskegee, Ala /Booker T Washington HS

94 Makhi Gilbert DL 6-3 270 Fr Phenix City, Ala /Central HS

97 Nick Jackson DE 6-1 249 Jr Orlando, Fla /Winter Park HS

98 Joshua Mathiasen DL 6-2 305 So Elmhurst, Ill / Olivet Nazarene

99 Seth Simmer DT 6-4 302 Gr Powder Springs, Ga ./Darmouth

NO NAME

2022 VMI Football Roster

POS HT WT CL HOMETOWN/PREV. SCHOOL

0 Eric Weaver DL R-Sr 6-3 300 Fort Meade, Md / Meade

1 Korey Bridy RB R-Sr 6-0 205 Chesterfield, Va / Monacan

1 Aljareek Malry DB Sr 6-0 195 Lanham, Md / Duval

2 Evan Eller LB Jr 6-1 210 Roanoke, Va / Lord Botetourt

2 Collin Ironside QB R-So 6-2 205 Knoxville, Tenn / Bearden

3 Jack Caussin WR R-Jr . 6-3 200 Springfield, Va . / West Springfield

4 Christian Dunn LB R-So 6-3 215 Richmond, Va / Benedictine

4 Seth Morgan QB R-Jr . 6-3 200 Pittsburgh, Pa . / Mount Lebanon

5 Rashad Raymond RB R-So 5-10 185 Newark, N J / Cinnaminson

5 Stone Snyder LB Sr . 6-3 225 Richmond, Va / Monacan

6 Chance Knox WR Jr 5-10 160 Charleston, W Va / Capital

7 Kyser Samuel DB R-Jr 5-9 165 Columbia, S C / Gray Collegiate Academy

7 Aidan Twombly TE Jr . 6-3 225 Waxhaw, N .C . / Marvin Ridge

8 Max Brimigion WR Sr 6-1 176 Weddington, N C / Weddington

9 Julio DaSilva WR Jr . 6-0 170 Philadelphia, Pa . / West Catholic

11 Andre Cooper WR R-So 6-5 195 Orlando, Fla / Lake Nona

11 Alex Oliver DB Jr 6-0 175 Mechanicsville, Va / Atlee

12 Wyatt Hagan QB Fr 6-0 175 Chantilly, Va / St John’s College

12 Jordan Smith DB Fr 6-2 185 Louisa, Va / Louisa County

13 Tahj Summey DB R-So 6-0 185 Herndon, Va / Westfield

14 Kaden Sonnabend TE Fr 6-5 215 Savannah, Ga / New Hampstead

15 Leroy Thomas WR Sr 5-11 180 Roanoke, Va / Patrick Henry

16 Jahleel Porter DB Fr 6-0 185 N Charleston, S C / West Ashley

16 Collin Shannon QB Fr 6-1 200 Sevierville, Tenn / Sevier County

17 Josh Knapp DB Jr 6-3 200 Abingdon, Md / Archbishop Curley

18 Miller Jay QB Fr . 6-3 195 Lexington, Va / Rockbridge County

18 Jason Johnson LB R-Fr 6-2 215 Glen Allen, Va / Glen Allen

19 Sam Clendenin QB R-Fr . 6-0 195 Castroville, Texas / Medina Valley

19 VJ Johnson WR R-So 5-10 165 Virginia Beach, Va / Catholic

20 Shamus Jones DB So 6-3 205 Chester, Va . / Thomas Dale

21 Amari Baylor LB Fr 6-4 215 Henrico, Va / Varina

22 Ty’rell Holley DB R-Jr 6-0 175 Gatesville, N C / Gatesville

22 Grant Swinehart RB R-So 6-1 190 Bridgewater, Va / Turner Ashby

23 Austin White DB Jr 5-11 175 Norfolk, Va / Maury

24 Hunter Rice RB So . 6-0 225 Daleville, Va . / Lord Botetourt

25 Ebenezer McCarthy RB Fr 5-11 190 Charlottesville, Va / Albemarle

26 Kouri Crump DB Fr 6-3 180 Charlotte, N .C . / Wiliam A Hough

27 Jason Armstrong WR R-Fr 6-0 182 Charlottesville, Va / Monticello

28 Marquan Jones DB R-Jr 5-9 178 Charlottesville, Va / Albemarle

29 Aladdin Elroumy LB R-Jr 6-2 185 Bedford, Va / Liberty

30 Robert Soderholm LS R-Sr 6-1 230 Stafford, Va / Mountain View

31 Noel Innocent DB R-Fr 6-1 170 Fredericksburg, Va / Colonial Forge

32 Bishop Cook DB Fr 5-10 175 Abingdon, Va / Abingdon

32 Montrell Stanley DB R-Jr 6-1 195 Battleboro, N C / Rocky Mount Prep

33 Aaron Horton DB Fr 6-1 160 Suwanee, Ga / Collins Hill

34 Steven Doldy DB R-Jr 5-10 165 Pennington, N J / Hopewell Valley

35 Stephen Dean LB Fr 6-2 205 Mineral, Va / Louisa County

36 Elijah Quamiley DB R-So . 5-10 170 Norfolk, Va . / Norfolk Academy

36 Ezra Varney RB Fr 5-9 185 Wytheville, Va / Fort Chiswell

37 Eric Rankin LB So 6-3 215 Ashland, Va / Hanover

38 Jason Cole LB Fr 6-0 190 Suffolk, Va / Kings Fork

39 Luke Schalow RB Fr . 5-10 190 Ashburn, Va / Briar Woods

40 Jake Liberatore LB R-So 6-0 205 Richmond, Va / Douglas Freeman

41 Jack Culbreath K/P Jr 6-4 175 Charlottesville, Va / Monticello

42 Gavin Hudson LB Fr 6-0 235 Oakboro, N .C . / West Stanly

43 Marquel Dawkins* DB Fr 5-10 Altavista, Va / Altavista

43 Mark Shelton

RB R-So 5-10 187 Stafford, Va . / Mountain View

44 Dorien Starnes DL So 6-2 250 Waco, N C / Burns

45 Ernie Campbell DL R-Jr . 6-2 220 Richmond, Va / Douglas Freeman

46 John Covert DL R-Fr 6-1 215 Winfield, W Va / Winfield

47 Tyrel Dobson LB Fr 5-11 195 Radford, Va / Radford

47 Jabary Haslem LB R-Fr 6-1 227 Woodbridge, Va / Woodbridge

48 Luke Mayr WR R-Fr 5-10 187 Lexington, Va / Rockbridge County

48 Bret McClung LB Fr 6-1 220 Lexington, Va / Rockbridge County

49 Jonathan Hunter-Horton LB R-Fr 6-1 195 Ashburn, Va / Broad Run

50 Tristan Mann OL R-Jr 6-6 245 North Chesterfield, Va / Monacan

50 Tyler Swann DL Fr 6-1 280 Mableton, Ga / Pebblebrook

51 Terrell Jackson DL R-Fr 6-1 265 Washington, D C / The Bullis School

53 Malachi Mills OL R-Jr 6-4 265 Richmond, Va / Douglas Freeman

54 Ayden Jilson OL R-Sr . 6-5 307 Fredericksburg, Va . / Colonial Forge

55 Charles Dixon DL R-Jr 6-0 250 Chesapeake, Va / Indian River

56 James Bangura LB Fr . 6-0 225 Dumfries, Va . / Potomac

57 Joseph Franson LS R-So 6-1 198 Reidsville, N C / Reidsville

58 Grayson Owens OL R-Jr . 6-3 205 Arlington, Va . / Yorktown

59 Justin Peterson LS R-So 5-11 205 Nokesville, Va / Patriot

60 Nathan Payne LS/T Fr 6-3 210 Burke, Va / Lake Braddock

61 Jayson Tarpeh OL R-Fr 6-6 295 Woodbridge, Va ./Freedom

62 Jacob Griles LB R-So 5-8 178 Chesterfield, Va / Manchester

63 Melsy Bonilla OL R-So 6-0 245 Charlotte, N .C . / Independence

63 Trey Reiter OL/DL Fr 6-0 265 Daleville, Va / Lord Botetourt

64 Jarvis Chandler OL R-Jr 6-5 270 Bon Air, Va / James River

65 Owen Ham DL Fr 6-0 245 Mechanicsville, Va / Atlee

68 Cole Holtz OL R-So 6-2 240 Richmond, Va / Douglas Freeman

70 Will Reid OL R-So 6-4 285 Richmond, Va / Douglas Freeman

71 Stephen Castle OL R-So 6-5 235 Mechanicsville, Va / Hanover

72 Michael Perry OL Fr 6-3 275 Fredericksburg, Va / St Michael the Archangel

73 Austin Doyle OL R-So 6-5 250 Lexington, Va / Rockbridge County

74 William Dixon OL Fr 6-4 220 Midlothian, Va / James River

75 Stacy Williams OL Fr 6-3 294 Salem, Va / Salem

76 Jacob Ashley OL Fr . 6-6 295 Mount Pleasant, S C . / Oceanside Collegiate

77 Tyriq Poindexter OL R-Fr 6-5 300 Roanoke, Va / William Fleming

78 Ben George OL R-So . 6-4 230 Clarksburg, W .Va / Robert C Byrd

79 John “Tommy” Inge OL R-Fr 6-3 277 Blackstone, Va / Kenston Forest

80 Isaiah Lemmond WR Fr . 6-0 185 Sterling, Va . / Broad Run

81 Trace Pedigo WR R-Fr 6-4 185 Roanoke, Va / Patrick Henry

82 Isaiah Crockett WR Fr 6-5 200 Woodbridge, Va / Gar-Field

83 Ivan Thorpe WR Fr 5-10 170 Philadelphia, Pa . / Springside Chestnut Hill

84 Ryan von Brandt TE Fr 6-7 215 Middletown, Del / Appoquinimink

85 Travis Buchanan WR R-So 5-7 155 Duluth, Ga . / Northview

85 Joe Comello WR Fr 6-0 190 Olney, Md / Our Lady of Good Counsel

86 Jimmy Murphy DL R-So 6-2 215 Golden Valley, Minn / Hopkins

87 Shane Washko TE R-So 6-4 225 Purcellville, Va / Loudoun Valley

88 Tice Toomy WR R-Jr 6-4 210 Glen Allen, Va / Glen Allen

88 Morgan McPhaul TE Fr 6-2 230 Kinston, N C / Arendell-Parrott Academy

89 Jaxson Clarke WR Fr 6-2 180 Christiansburg, Va / Christiansburg

89 Daniel Cox WR R-Jr 5-10 167 Roanoke, Va / Patrick Henry

90 Doug Sabol LS Fr 6-1 195 Woodstown, N J / St Augustine Prep

92 Max Cullen DL R-Fr 6-4 240 Richmond, Va / Trinity

93 Jerry Rice K/P R-Jr 5-7 146 Daleville, Va / Lord Botetourt

94 Hunter Robbins DL R-Fr 6-2 240 Mechanicsville, Va / Hanover

95 Aaron Vardell K/P R-Jr 5-9 175 Midlothian, Va / Midlothian

96 Kaleb Priddy DL R-So . 6-0 225 Springboro, Ohio / Springboro

97 Geoffrey Speight DL Fr 6-1 281 McDonough, Ga / Union Grove

98 Caden Beck K/P R-Fr . 5-9 155 Greenville, S C / Powdersville

99 De’Andre Robinson DL Fr 6-2 215 Goochland, Va / Goochland

2022 SAMFORD FOOTBALL DEPTH CHART

OFFENSE

QB 10 MICHAEL HIERS (6-1, 211, Jr )

2 Quincy Crittendon (5-11, 190, Fr )

RB 20 JAY STANTON (6-0, 190, Sr .)

6 Jaylan Thomas (5-9, 176, Sr )

X-WR 12 TY KING (6-0, 173, Sr )

11 D .J . Rias (5-8, 188, So .)

H-WR 80 JUDD COCKETT (5-11, 184, Sr )

8 J R Tran-Reno (6-1, 222, Sr )

TE 30 DAKOTA CHAPMAN (6-2, 232, Gr .)

8 J R Tran-Reno (6-1, 222, Sr )

YWR 0 CHANDLER SMITH (5-10, 186, Sr )

21 Carson Goold (6-5, 201, Fr .)

ZWR 84 KENDALL WATSON (5-10, 183, Gr )

37 Peyton Ringer (5-6, 153, Sr )

LT 65 AUSTIN GUYSE (6-4, 283, Sr )

75 Jayme Motley Simmons (6-7, 288, Jr .)

LG 58 CHRIS NOBLE (6-4, 261, Jr )

63 Zach Bond (6-3, 295, Jr )

C 62 JABARI BROOKS (6-3, 342, Jr .)

74 Kasra Bojnordi (6-3, 288, So )

RG 54 LUKE BYRNE (6-4, 307, Jr )

79 Donovan Hawkins (6-2, 312, Jr .)

RT 72 GAVIN ORR (6-4, 292, Gr )

77 Zach Brown (6-4, 277, So )

DEFENSE

WOLF 45 THOMAS NEVILLE (6-3, 209, Jr )

22 Brayden Devault-Smith (6-3, 212, Sr .)

NOSE 99 SETH SIMMER (6-4, 302, Gr )

98 Joshua Mathiasen (6-2, 320, So )

TACKLE 44 TAY BERRY (6-2, 281, Gr .)

92 Braeden Royal (6-1, 258, Sr )

BANDIT 35 JOSEPH MERA (6-2, 257, Sr )

97 Nick Jackson (6-1, 255, Jr )

MIKE 32 NOAH MARTIN (6-1, 224, Jr )

29 Drew Mims (6-1, 238, Sr )

STINGER 5 NATHAN EAST (6-2, 227, Gr )

28 Josiah Cotton (5-11, 220, Jr )

NICKEL 4 TY HARDIMON (6-0, 201, Sr ) 40 Wade White (6-0, 191, Jr )

CB 38 FRED FLAVORS (5-9, 153 Jr )

14 Torrence Pollard (5-8, 177, Sr )

ROVER 15 EMMANUEL FLOWERS (6-2, 199, Gr )

1 Kourtlan Marsh (5-11, 189, Jr )

FREE 21 ISAIAH RICHARDSON (6-1, 204, Sr )

13 David Coleman (6-0, 175, So )

CB 16 HAKEEM JOHNSON (6-3, 203, Gr .)

27 Trey Elston (6-1, 195, Sr )

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK 59 ZACH WILLIAMS (5-8, 182, Sr )

43 Daniel Bethel (6-1, 195, So )

P 7 BRADLEY PORCELLATO (5-11, 158, Gr )

43 Daniel Bethel (6-1, 195, So )

KO 49 HENRY BISHOP (6-2, 187, So )

43 Daniel Bethel (6-1, 195, So .)

LS 61 ALEX APPLEFIELD (5-10, 200, So )

56 Aidan Barr (6-0, 203, Fr )

PR 0 CHANDLER SMITH (5-10, 186, Sr .)

80 Judd Cockett (5-11, 184, Sr )

KR 80 JUDD COCKETT (5-11, 184, Sr )

12 Ty King (6-0, 173, Sr .)

2022 SAMFORD FOOTBALL STAFF

Ricky Turner, Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator

Shawn Bostick, Associate Head Coach/Offensive Line

Chris Boone, Defensive Coordinator

Brandon Cooper, Linebackers

Andrew Gray, Cornerbacks

K.D. Humphries, Running Backs

Kurt Kennedy, Tackles/Tight Ends

Mike Krysl, Special Teams Coordinator

Terrance Malone, Outside Linebackers

Darien Moody, Defensive Line

Chris Hatcher Head Coach

OFFENSE

LT 70 WILL REID (6-4, 285, R-So )

76 Jacob Ashley (6-6, 295, Fr )

LG 73 AUSTIN DOYLE (6-5, 250, R-So .)

61 Jayson Tarpeh (6-6, 295, R-Fr )

C 54 AYDEN JILSON (6-5, 307, R-Sr )

68 Cole Holtz (6-2, 240, R-So .)

RG 79 JOHN INGE (6-3, 277, R-Fr )

53 Malachi Mills (6-4, 265, R-Jr )

RT 50 TRISTAN MANN (6-6, 245, R-Jr .)

78 Ben George (6-4, 230, R-So )

TE 7 AIDAN TWOMBLY (6-3, 225, Jr )

3 Jack Caussin (6-3, 200, R-Jr .)

X 80 ISAIAH LEMMOND (6-0, 195, Fr )

9 Julio DaSilva (6-0, 170, Jr )

H 6 CHANCE KNOX (5-10, 160, Jr )

19 VJ Johnson (5-10, 165, R-So .)

Z 15 LEROY THOMAS (5-11, 180, Sr )

8 Max Brimigion (6-1, 176, Sr )

RB 1 KOREY BRIDY (6-0, 205, R-Sr .)

24 Hunter Rice (6-0, 225, So )

QB 12 WYATT HAGAN (6-0, 175, Fr )

18 Miller Jay (6-3, 195, Fr .)

DEFENSE

DE 97 GEOFFREY SPEIGHT (6-1, 281, Fr .)

50 Tyler Swann (6-1, 280, Fr )

NT 55 CHARLES DIXON (6-0, 250, R-Jr )

94 Hunter Robbins (6-2, 240, R-Fr .)

DE 45 ERNIE CAMPBELL (6-2, 220, R-Jr )

44 Dorien Starnes (6-2, 250, So )

BANDIT 4 CHRISTIAN DUNN (6-3, 215, R-So .)

29 Aladdin Elroumy (6-2, 185, R-Jr )

2022 VMI FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

Bill Parker: Assistant Head Coach/Cornerbacks

Nick Reveiz: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers

Patrick Ashford: Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks

Chris Moore: Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends

Jack Abercrombie: Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator

Greg Wood: Specialists Coach/Video Coordinator

Kendrick Scott: Running Backs

Bilal Marshall: Wide Receivers

JB Lageman: Defensive Line

Dino Waites: Safeties

Dylan Almond: Defensive Assistant

Ben Housewright: Offensive Assistant

DEPTH CHART

WILL 2 EVAN ELLER (6-1, 210, Jr )

18 Jason Johnson (6-2, 215, R-Fr )

MIKE 5 STONE SNYDER (6-3, 225, Sr )

37 Eric Rankin (6-3, 215, So )

CB 11 ALEX OLIVER (6-0, 175, Jr )

7 Kyser Samuel (5-9, 165, R-Jr )

S 20 SHAMUS JONES (6-3, 205, So )

22 Ty’rell Holley (6-0, 175, R-Jr .)

S 13 TAHJ SUMMEY (6-0, 185, R-So )

23 Austin White (5-11, 175, Jr )

SPUR 1 ALJAREEK MALRY (6-0, 195, Sr )

36 Alijah Quamiley (5-10, 170, R-So )

CB 16 JAHLEEL PORTER (6-0, 185, Fr )

31 Noel Innocent (6-1, 170, R-Fr )

SPECIAL TEAMS

K 93 JERRY RICE (5-7, 146, R-Jr )

95 Aaron Vardell (5-9, 175, R-Jr )

H 95 AARON VARDELL (5-9, 175, R-Jr )

8 Max Brimigion (6-1, 176, Sr )

LS 30 ROBERT SODERHOLM (6-1, 230, R-Sr .)

59 Justin Peterson (5-11, 205, R-So )

P 41 JACK CULBREATH (6-4, 175, Jr ) 95 Aaron Vardell (5-9, 175, R-Jr .)

PR 6 CHANCE KNOX (5-10, 160, Jr )

80 Isaiah Lemmond (6-0, 195, Fr )

KR 1 KOREY BRIDY (6-0, 205, R-Sr .) 16 Jahleel Porter (6-0, 185, Fr )

Scott Wachenheim Head Coach

10 Questions with J.R. Tran-Reno

By Haley Sue Harbison Samford Athletics

In each game program this season, we will let you get to know a little more about a Samford football player with our series, “10 Questions With . ” For this edition, Marketing Assistant Haley Sue Harbison sat down with wide receiver J .R . Tran-Reno .

What made you choose Samford?

Straight out of high school, I had always had interest and known what Samford was being from Birmingham, but I had some bigger opportunities right out of high school, so I decided to take advantage of that Then I just really wanted to come back closer to home, be closer to my family I already knew Coach Hatch and what his offense brought to the table and what kind of culture Samford had with a lot of connections here, so that’s really why I wanted to come back home and represent Birmingham

What is your best memory with the team so far?

I have to say after the Kennesaw game, which was a really good, fun memory . Just having my high school quarterback (Michael Hiers) back here and

celebrating that win with him . Getting a big win over a highly ranked opponent just kind of sparked that season off . Oh, and also my first touchdown this year, then I was more excited to see my teammates so happy for me .

What was going through your mind after your first collegiate touchdown?

Michael Heirs actually handed me off my first high school touchdown and threw me my first college touchdown So, we’ve got a lot of good memories together and just being able to have that with him and all of these guys with me and years of hard work finally coming to fruition He probably doesn’t even remember this, but I met Michael when I was going into seventh grade and he was going into eighth, and he was the starting quarterback for the middle school team, and I was playing quarterback coming up and I remember the confidence he instilled in me He came over to me and was like, “hey, this is your team, you’ve got it ” I will never forget that .

How would you describe the Samford football team?

I would describe it as just a fun team full of good guys, honestly . I know transferring here there was not really even a transition really . I already knew someone on the team, so it was filled with a lot of people like me, too, so it is the place for me .

How do you get in the zone before a game?

You know it has really changed over the years . In high school, I was a music guy . Now I like worship music and reading my Bible and pray and be in the moment . Focus in .

What is your goal for yourself as a player and your goal for the whole team?

My goal for myself as a player is just to help out any way I can, whether that’s scoring touchdowns, making blocks, whatever they need me to do, I am willing to do it I am most excited about making a run for the SoCon championship with this team We are in a pretty good position Michael and I actually lost out on a high school state championship, so I am hoping we get a chance at redemption

Is there another player you look up to?

I have always looked up to Julio Jones Growing up here in the state of Alabama, that’s why I wear the number eight I think I like him because he always came and got his work done and was never causing problems off the field Now, I like to just keep up with my friends playing!

What is something nobody knows about you?

Skincare . I really try to not use anything without natural products . Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer- the whole nine . I like to take care of myself . I also use an eye mask when I sleep .

What is your favorite thing about the football team?

The camaraderie And the relationships the players have with the coaches Coming from another school it was kind of this hierarchy, but here we’ve got coach Drew and other guys that we can just talk to A closeknit bond between the team Nobody’s not friends with anyone

What legacy do you want to leave behind?

I want to leave a legacy of someone who was willing to do anything for the team- a selfless guy Not only willing to do anything for the team but also my friends outside of football and just be the best I can be .

In the Nation for Student Engagement

Seibert Stadium

Seibert Stadium has been home to the Samford football team since 1958, one year after the campus was moved from East Lake to its present site . Over the years, the stadium has seen some memorable football, including the Bobby Bowden era (1959–62), a one-loss season in 1971 and the Terry Bowden era, which ended with a 14-game Bulldog winning streak in the stadium .

The field is named after legendary Coach Bobby Bowden, while the stadium is named for the late F Page Seibert, a Daytona Beach, Florida, businessman who donated money for the completion of the stadium in 1961 with the addition of stands on the west side . Originally, the stadium had the current gatehouse and seating on the east side

The first game was played Friday, Sept . 26, 1958, with Samford losing to Sewanee, 21-0 Bobby Bowden brought Samford (then known as Howard College) its first win at Seibert on Oct . 3, 1959, as the Bulldogs defeated the Tennessee Tech “B” team, 34-0 The first win against varsity competition came two weeks later when the Bulldogs defeated Millsaps, 26-0

Seibert Stadium has undergone numerous improvements during the past few years . Before the 2009 season, the Cooney Family Field House was opened in the South end zone of the stadium . The field house was renamed the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House during the 2014 season

The facility includes locker rooms, training rooms,

meeting rooms and coaches offices for Samford’s football program . A second-level terrace overlooks Seibert Stadium . A third level provides for future university expansion

In fall 2005, the original grass surface was replaced with an LSR Blade Synthetic Surface The turf was replaced with a similar surface prior to the 2014 season .

The four-level Bashinsky Press Tower was completed before the 1989 season . This GeorgianColonial structure , which contains complete facilities for print and electronic media on the third level, reserved seating for guests on the second level, and a concession stand and restroom facilities on the ground floor, was renovated prior to the 2021 fall season .

Also in 1989, more than 200 theatre-type reserved seats were added in front of the press tower, bringing the seating capacity to 6,700 . Aluminum seating replaced the original wooden seats A scoreboard featuring an electronic matrix message board was added before the 1994 season

Prior to the 2019 season, a brand-new state-of-the art video board was added in the north end zone of the stadium

Seibert Stadium Facts

BUILT: Gatehouse and East Stands, 1958; West Side Stands, 1961; Bashinsky Press Tower, 1989; Electronic Message Board, 1994; Video Board, 2005; SullivanCooney Family Field House, 2009 .

FIRST GAME: Friday, Sept 26, 1958 (Sewanee defeated Samford, 21-0)

FIRST WIN: Oct 3, 1959 (Samford defeated Tennessee Tech “B” team, 34-0)

FIRST VARSITY WIN: Oct 16, 1959 (Samford defeated Millsaps, 26-0)

SAMFORD OVERALL RECORD AT SEIBERT (243 GAMES): 162-77-4 ( 675)

SAMFORD DAY RECORD AT SEIBERT (171 GAMES): 107-60-4 ( 637)

SAMFORD NIGHT RECORD AT SEIBERT (72 GAMES): 55-17-0 ( 764)

MOST COMMON OPPONENTS AT SEIBERT: Chattanooga 15, Jacksonville State 11, UT Martin 10, Mississippi College 9, Tennessee Tech 9

MOST SAMFORD POINTS: 72 vs Maryville (10), 1987

LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: 70 points (Samford 77, Mars Hill 7), 2016

MOST OPPONENT’S POINTS: 82, by Salem (Samford 9), 1984

LONGEST RUN FROM SCRIMMAGE: 81-yard run, Chris Evans, vs Austin Peay, 2007

LONGEST PASS COMPLETION: 92-yard touchdown, Andy Summerlin to Chris Cephus vs Chattanooga, 2013

LONGEST SAMFORD PASS COMPLETION: 92-yard touchdown, Andy Summerlin to Chris Cephus vs Chattanooga, 2013

LONGEST PUNT: 73 yards, Ray Collins, vs . Southwestern, 1961

LONGEST FIELD GOAL: 52 yards, Ray Early of Furman, 2010

LONGEST SAMFORD FIELD GOAL: 4 8 yards, Mark Prevost, vs Jacksonville State, 2007

LONGEST PUNT RETURN: 90-yard touchdown, Mick Edmonson of Jacksonville State, 1989

LONGEST SAMFORD PUNT RETURN: 76 yards, Anthony Jordan, vs Alcorn State, 1994

LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN: 100-yard touchdown, Karel Hamilon vs Chattanooga, 2015; 100-yard touchdown, Fabian Truss vs Western Carolina, 2013

LONGEST INTERCEPTION RETURN: 100-yard touchdown, Ricky Fields, vs Concord, 1990

MOST YARDS RUSHING: 249, Surkano Edwards, vs West Georgia, 1992

MOST CARRIES: 35, Derek Staley, vs . Tennessee Tech, 1995

MOST TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING: 4, Michael Eubank, vs VMI, 2014; 4, Steve Hayden, vs Morgan State, 1995; 4, Brady Jones, vs . Austin Peay, 1990; 4, Brady Jones, vs East Tennessee State, 1989

MOST PASS ATTEMPTS: 60, Ray Nelson, vs Jacksonville State, 2003

MOST COMPLETIONS: 39, Devlin Hodges, vs Mercer, 2016; 39, Devlin Hodges, vs Mars Hill, 2016

MOST YARDS PASSING: 495, Andy Summerlin, vs . Georgia Southern, 2013

MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES: 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs Ferrum, 1987; 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs Maryville, 1987

MOST RECEPTIONS: 16, Efrem Hill, vs Jacksonville State, 2003

MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS: 3, Efrem Hill, vs Eastern Kentucky, 2004; 3, Efrem Hill, vs West Alabama, 2004; 3, Efrem Hill, vs West Alabama, 2003; 3, Kelvin McKnight, vs Western Carolina, 2018

Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House

Prior to the start of practice for the 2009 season, the Samford football program moved into the Cooney Family Field House During the 2014 season, the facility was renamed in honor of then head coach Pat Sullivan and is now known as the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House .

The field house houses a locker room, players’ lounge, training room, weight room, equipment room, coaches’ offices, meeting rooms and a film room .

The field house, which is 39,400 square feet, cost approximately $8 million dollars, with all money privately donated .

The Cooney Family Field House was made possible with a lead gift from Birmingham business executive and Samford graduate Gary Cooney, vice chairman of McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc , one of the nation’s leading insurance brokerage firms .

Cooney said he wanted to honor his parents, the late John and Patricia Cooney, and other family members with the naming

“Our family has a long history with Samford, and my hope is that these gifts will encourage others to support this great university,” Cooney said at the time of the dedication . “We have great confidence in the leadership of Dr Westmoreland and our good friend, Coach Pat Sullivan, and we want to help have a positive influence on young student-athletes ”

Cooney graduated from Samford in 1974 . He was a member of the school’s 1971 team that won the NCAA Division II West Region Championship

average cumulative GPA for 370 student-athletes for the academic year

97 %

Graduation Success Rate

153

student-athletes made Fall 2021 Dean’s List

Academic All-Conference Fall 2021

of student-athletes had cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

student-athletes made Spring 2021 Dean’s List

Academic All-Conference Spring 2021

student-athletes earned the Commissioner’s Medal

student-athletes had a 4.00 GPA

teams had an average cumulative GPA above a 3.0 for the academic year

student-athletes on the SoCon Academic Honor Roll

CHARLES WILLIAMS MEMORIAL JERSEY

2010

2011

2005 2016 2021 2022

2006 2017

2012

2007 2018

2009

2013

2014

On May 23, 2003, Samford junior cornerback Charles Williams died in a car accident . In only two seasons on the team, Williams emerged as a starter in the secondary in 2002 In addition to his success on the field, Williams also maintained one of the highest grade point averages on the team . For the 2003 and 2004 seasons (what would have been Williams’ junior and senior seasons) no one wore jersey No . 5, the number that Williams wore Every year since then, a senior has been selected to wear the No 5, the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey . 2015 2020-21

2008 2019

Ossie Buchannon

Jon Weber

Justin Shade

T.C . Myers

Bryce Smith Brinson Porter

Jay McCurty

Sean Thompson

Carson Barnett

Devon Schmitt Shaheed Salmon Tyler Queen Nick Barton

Montrell

Washington

Liam Welch Nathan East

Rodney Shepherd

Ryan Dudchock

Academic Enhancement Program

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has strongly enforced academic reform this decade as it pertains to student-athletes’ continuing eligibility and ultimate college graduation Because of the tightening of new legislation, academic support services throughout the country have been highlighted to spearhead the additional success that is needed for student-athletes to earn a degree

The academic success for Samford University student-athletes begins with the Academic Enhancement Program [AEP] The AEP was developed in the early 1990s and is based on individual instruction with student-athletes who are integrated within a caring environment that is conducive to academic success

The AEP system is designed to provide Samford’s student-athletes with the necessary guidance, personal attention and academic skills— enhancement activities to help them have the most positive educational and personal experience possible . Student-athletes are integrated within a foundation of the university’s general education core curriculum that emphasizes basic skills for academic achievement .

Tutors and academic mentors assist athletes in writing courses, foreign languages, math, science and business, to name a few . With tutorial sessions incorporating improved study techniques, the AEP puts student-athletes in position to succeed and become independent learners .

The AEP environment includes a computer lab/classroom, private tutor rooms and quiet study space .

In conjunction with the Career Development Center, the Writing Center, the Academic Success Center and all student support services, the AEP is a bridge from freshman orientation to graduation and professional life .

The AEP strives to meet the needs, concerns and overall welfare of all student-athletes Each May, the academic enhancement office honors studentathletes who have achieved a 3 0 GPA or better over the last two full terms

LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM

The Department of Athletics offers a variety of support programs for student-athletes, including

some NCAA Student Affairs programming This student development program exists to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting There are five focus areas that address student-athlete development

Commitment to Academic Excellence: To support the academic progress of student-athletes toward intellectual development and graduation

Commitment to Athletic Excellence: To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletics programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of student-athletes

Commitment to Personal Development: To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills

Commitment to Career Development: To encourage student-athletes to develop and pursue career and life goals

Commitment to Service: To engage studentathletes in service to their campus and surrounding community

Throughout the year, student-athletes attend the programs in the five commitment areas that are most relevant and helpful to them at their current stage of development . This is done through workshops and seminars, campus partnerships and other programming throughout the year . Topics include financial management, time management, media relations, spiritual development, choosing a major and a career, résumé writing, and sportsmanship . Speakers include faculty members, coaches, administrators, business leaders and former student-athletes .

All AEP programming is designed to enhance and support the academic and athletic endeavors of student-athletes . Student-athletes gain preparation for success in life, develop enhanced interpersonal skills, build positive self-esteem, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their communities

Beck A. Taylor President

Dr. Beck A. Taylor began his tenure as the 19th president of Samford University in July 2021 Taylor, who served as dean and professor of economics for Samford’s Brock School of Business from 2005-2010, returned to Samford after serving as the 18th president of Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, from 2010-2021

After earning his undergraduate degree from Baylor with majors in economics and finance, Taylor was employed as an analyst for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in Houston, Texas He went on to earn his M S and Ph D in economics from Purdue University Shortly thereafter, he returned to Baylor as associate dean for research and faculty development for the Hankamer School of Business, and was named the first holder of the W.H . Smith Professorship in Economics . In 2002, he was appointed as a visiting scholar by Harvard University where he spent one year in residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education .

As dean of Samford’s Brock School of Business, Taylor led the rapid transformation of the business school, including its renaming to honor Harry B . Brock, Jr ., founder of Compass Bank . Taylor led the Brock School of Business to establish eight new academic programs, as well as the school’s new honors program . The school’s

entrepreneurship program was recognized in 2010 as the nation’s top emerging program by the U S Association for Small Business & Entrepreneur ship In an effort to build bridges between students and the Birmingham business communi ty, Taylor established the Samford Business Network, as well as a 45-member advisory board of the region’s top business leaders

As a scholar, Taylor has published dozens of studies in economics journals such as Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of Labor Economics, Journal of Human Resources and Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking Illustrating his diverse research interests and his connections to the social sciences, Taylor has also published groundbreaking research in public health and child developmental psychology . His research has been cited in testimony given before the U .S . Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, and the California State Assembly, and also has been referenced in publications such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Christian Science Monitor .

Taylor is a member of numerous professional and academic organizations, and he has served as a strategic business consultant for dozens of organizations . He and his wife, Julie, have three children .

Martin Newton, Director of Athletics

Samford University alumnus and director of athletics Martin Newton has transformed the Bulldogs into one of the Southern Conference’s most successful programs since taking the helm of the department on March 9, 2011 .

A recognized leader in collegiate athletics, Newton began a four-year appointment to the NCAA Division I Council and the Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee on July 1, 2019 . The Division I Council is a high-level group responsible for the day-to-day decision-making for Division I while the Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee ensures that appropriate oversight of men’s basketball is maintained and makes recommendations related to regular-season and postseason events Additionally, he was recently appointed to the NCAA Council Coordination Committee

On the fields and courts, the Bulldogs have captured 52 Southern Conference regular season and tournament championships during his tenure, including a school record nine titles in 2020-21

Additionally, in the most recent Southern Conference All-Sports standings, Samford won the Germann Cup (top women’s program) and placed third in the Commissioner’s Cup (top men’s program) standings .

Academically, 1,641 Bulldogs have been named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll . Samford’s studentathletes posted an impressive 99% in the most recent NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report, tying for the top score nationally .

Over the last 10 years, the Athletics Department has seen significant growth in corporate partnerships and annual giving, more than doubling philanthropic gifts and sponsorship revenues . In fiscal year 2021, Samford Athletics generated over $3 .2 million dollars in gift and corporate sponsorship revenue .

Facility enhancements have also been a hallmark of Newton’s tenure with the Bulldogs . Phase I of the Seibert Stadium project, a state-of-the-art video board, was completed in August 2019 . Phase II, which is scheduled to be completed prior to the

2021 season, includes a complete renovation of the Bashinsky Press Tower, new premium seating on the west side of the stadium and renovations to the east side Gate House .

In 2017, a goal of Newton’s was realized when the inaugural class of the Samford Athletics Hall of Fame was inducted . The first-class facility is housed on the third floor of the Pete Hanna Center .

Samford also completed a new softball stadium and the J . T. Haywood Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art indoor hitting facility for Bulldogs baseball and softball, in 2013 .

He has also negotiated an exclusive universitywide footwear and apparel deal with Nike, helped lead the way on a university-wide licensing agreement with the Licensing Resource Group and successfully turned Samford into an industry leader in campus-led broadcast production with all Samford home athletic events airing on ESPN3 or ESPN+

Newton started the Samford Strong Leadership Academy in 2014 The academy is a program jointly developed between the Athletics Department and the Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership Its mission is to bring successful athletes to campus to share their personal stories and the importance of faith and character

He has also been recognized nationally for his work, as Newton was named to the NCAA Leadership Cabinet for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons

A 1983 Samford graduate with a degree in business, Newton was a four-year letter winner in men’s basketball and was an All-Conference honorable mention selection in 1980 .

Following graduation, he worked in sports marketing for Converse for 13 years . Newton then spent 13 years in a similar capacity at Nike .

Prior to his return to Samford, Newton was hired at the University of Kentucky in 2009, where he managed the budget, fund-raising, compliance, scheduling, marketing and academic support for the men’s basketball program .

Newton is an active member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) .

Newton and his wife, Cindy, have three grown children, Katie, Madison and Charles . They also have two grandsons, Charlie and Sawyer .

Head Coaches

SOFTBALL

Kimball Cassady VOLLEYBALL

Keylor Chan

W. GOLF Joe Davidson

M. GOLF Al DelGreco

W. TENNIS David Vest SOCCER Todd Yelton TRACK & FIELD Rod Tiffin

BASEBALL Tony David

W. BASKETBALL Carley Kuhns

M. TENNIS Oliver Reynolds

M. BASKETBALL Bucky McMillan

FOOTBALL Chris Hatcher

Ask Before You Act

Compliance with NCAA rules is of utmost importance to Samford University . As a member of the NCAA, Samford is responsible for the actions of its coaches, student-athletes, employees, alumni, donors, boosters and friends As such, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these important items concerning NCAA rules and always remember to ASK BEFORE YOU ACT: 205-726-4244 | compliance@samford.edu Twitter: @Samford_Rules

FIVE IMPORTANT RULES

1 . Only coaches and athletics department staff members are permitted to be involved in the recruiting process . Alumni, friends and “other representatives of athletic interest” who are not employed by the university are not permitted to contact a prospect (or members of the prospect’s family) by letter, telephone or in person (on or off campus) for the purpose of soliciting participation in the athletics program Samford faculty members are permitted to have contact with prospects on campus only

2 A prospect remains a prospect even after he or she signs a Letter of Intent or financial aid agreement to attend the university . The prospect does not lose prospect status until the start of classes at Samford or the beginning of official team practice prior to the start of classes .

3 The prohibition of contact with a prospect is intended to relate to unavoidable incidental contacts with a prospect by representatives of a member institution’s athletics interest It is understood that such a contact is not prearranged by the athletics representative or an athletics department staff member; is not made for the purpose of recruitment of the prospect; and involves only normal civility For example, if you meet a high school student or junior college student-athlete, you can talk with him or her about anything except Samford athletics . If you are attending a public function and find yourself talking to the parents of a prospect, you can talk about anything that doesn’t relate to the athletics department

4 If a student-athlete accepts any benefits or special consideration based on his or her status as an athlete or because of athletic skill, the student-athlete will lose all eligibility for intercollegiate athletic participation Do not do anything for prospective or enrolled studentathletes without specific authorization from the Samford Athletics Compliance Office

5 . Representatives of athletics interest (boosters) are reminded that NCAA rules regarding enrolled studentathletes remain in effect throughout the entire year, including summer breaks . When student-athletes complete their final season of eligibility, they must abide by NCAA rules until the end of that academic year and/ or until they are no longer receiving athletics financial aid

FAQ

Who is a “prospective student-athlete?”

A “prospective student-athlete,” also known as a recruit or prospect, is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade, seventh for men’s basketball and softball In addition, any younger student who receives any benefits from the institution not available to prospective students generally would be considered a prospective student-athlete

Who is a “representative of athletic interest” or booster?

A representative or booster is an individual or business that is or has ever done any of the following:

• been a contributor to the Samford Bulldog Club or has purchased tickets to a Samford athletics event

• been an employee of Samford University or is the spouse of an employee

• has ever made a donation of any kind to the Samford athletics department

• helped to arrange or to provide employment for enrolled student-athletes or for prospects who have signed a National Letter of Intent

• assisted or have been requested (by the athletics department) to assist in the recruitment of students to participate in any of Samford’s athletics programs

• assisted in providing any benefit to Samford enrolled student-athletes or their families

• been involved in promoting Samford athletics programs

ONCE

Samford University

Samford is one of the country’s leading Christian universities and offers undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional programs through 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health . Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States It enrolls 5,758 students from 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 22 countries

Samford is regularly recognized as one of the best Christian universities in the United States, receiving high marks for academic quality and value . Samford is the top-ranked university in Alabama in national rankings published by The Wall Street Journal Additionally, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranks Samford 1st in the nation for student engagement Samford is ranked 37th nationally for best undergraduate teaching and 97th for best value by U S News & World Report

According to The Wall Street Journal /Times Higher Education, Samford students are more likely to recommend their university than students at any other college or university in the country

Among Samford’s 53,917 alumni have included more than 60 members of the U S Congress, eight state governors, two U .S . Supreme Court justices, one Secretary of State, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy award-winning artists, two national championship football coaches, and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes .

The university fields 17 varsity sports—eight men’s and nine women’s—that participate at the NCAA Division I level in the Southern Conference . Samford’s athletic teams earned a 97% Graduation Success Rate by the NCAA, tying for third place among all Division I universities in the nation, along with an impressive group of peer institutions .

Samford Distinctions

• Samford is ranked 1st in the nation for student engagement by The Wall Street Journal (2022) Student engagement assesses how challenged and inspired students feel inside and outside the classroom, as well as the breadth of courses their schools offer .

• Samford is ranked 34th in the nation among private universities and 115th among all public, private and liberal arts colleges and universities analyzed for Kiplinger’sPersonal Finance’s Best College Values list (2019) .

• Samford is the top-ranked university in Alabama in national rankings by The Wall Street Journal (2022) .

• 97% of undergraduate alumni are working or in further study within six months of graduation (2021) .

• Samford’s athletic teams earned a 97% Graduation Success Rate by the NCAA, tying for third place among all Division I universities in the nation, along with an impressive group of peer institutions .

• Samford is ranked 1st in Alabama and 32nd nationally by LendEdu in its list of best colleges for financial aid (2020)

SAMFORD ATHLETICS HALL

Name Induction Year Sport

Walter Barnes

Men’s Basketball

Blankenship 2017 Track and Field/Cross Country Bobby Bowden

Football Wally Burnham

Football Cortland Finnegan

Football Charlie

Tennis

Men’s Basketball Billy Bancroft

MBB Team

Football

Beard 2018 Men’s Basketball Jimbo Fisher 2018 Football Michael Marseco

Baseball

Alyssa Whitehead 2018 Soccer 1971 Football Team

Football Cameron Bean

Track and Field/Cross Country John Brady

Men’s Basketball Gary Fleming

Football Jimmy Harrison 2019 Men’s Basketball

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Southern Conference

The Southern Conference

The Southern Conference, which enters its 102nd year in 2022-23, is a national leader in emphasizing the development of the student-athlete and in helping to build lifelong leaders and role models

The Southern Conference has been on the forefront of innovation and originality in developing creative solutions to address issues facing intercollegiate athletics . From establishing the first postseason college basketball tournament (1921), to tackling the issue of freshman eligibility (1922), to developing women’s championships (1984), to becoming the first conference to install the 3-point goal in basketball (1980), the Southern Conference has been a pioneer .

The Southern Conference is the nation’s fifth-oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association Only the Big Ten (1896), the Missouri Valley (1907), the Pac-12 (1915) and the Southwestern Athletic (1920) conferences are older in terms of origination .

Academic excellence has been a major part of the Southern Conference’s tradition Hundreds of Southern Conference studentathletes have been recognized on CoSIDA Academic All-America and all-district teams . A total of 20 Rhodes Scholarship winners have been selected from conference institutions, most recently in 2012-13, when former Wofford volleyball player Rachel Woodlee earned the prestigious award

The conference currently consists of 10 members in six states throughout the Southeast and sponsors 20 varsity sports and championships that produce participants for NCAA Division I Championships

The Southern Conference offices are located in the historic Beaumont Mill in Spartanburg, South Carolina A textile mill that was in operation from 1880 until 1999, Beaumont Mill was renovated in 2004 and today offers the league first-class meeting areas and offices as well as a spacious library for storage of the conference’s historical documents

Membership history

On Feb 25, 1921, representatives from 14 of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (SIAA) 30 members met at Atlanta’s Piedmont Hotel to establish the Southern Intercollegiate Conference On hand at the inaugural meeting were officials from Alabama, Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn), Clemson, Georgia, Georgia School of Technology (Georgia Tech), Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi A&M (Mississippi State), North Carolina, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) and Washington & Lee

Dr S V Sanford of Georgia was chosen as acting chairman and N W Dougherty of Tennessee was named secretary The decision to form a new athletic conference was motivated by the desire to have a workable number of conference games for each league member . With 30 schools in the SIAA by the early 1920s, it was impossible to play every school at least once during the regular season and many schools went several years between playing some conference members In addition, in 1920, the SIAA voted down proposed rules that an athlete must be in a college a year before playing on its teams and refused to abolish a rule permitting athletes to play summer baseball for money

Play began in the fall of 1921, and a year later, six more schools joined the fledgling league, including Tulane (which had

attended the inaugural meeting but had elected not to join), Florida, Louisiana (LSU), Mississippi, South Carolina and Vanderbilt VMI joined in 1923 and Duke was added in 1929 .

By the 1930s, membership in the Southern Conference had reached 23 schools C P “Sally” Miles of Virginia Tech, president of the Southern Conference, called the annual league meeting to order on Dec 9, 1932, at the Farragut Hotel in Knoxville, Tennessee There, it announced that 13 institutions west and south of the Appalachian Mountains were reorganizing as the Southeastern Conference Members of the new league included Alabama, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Florida, Georgia, Georgia School of Technology, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Mississippi A&M, University of the South, Tennessee, Tulane and Vanderbilt

According to the minutes of the meeting, Georgia’s Dr Sanford stated that the division was made along geographical lines Florida’s Dr J J Tigert, acting as spokesman for the withdrawing group, regretted the move but believed it was necessary as the Southern Conference had grown too large . The resignations were accepted, and the withdrawing schools formed the new league, which began play in 1933

The Southern Conference continued with membership of 10 institutions, including Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Virginia, VMI, Virginia Tech and Washington & Lee

The second major shift occurred some 20 years later By 1952, the Southern Conference included 17 colleges and universities Another split occurred when seven schools – Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina and Wake Forest – departed to form the Atlantic Coast Conference, which began play in 1953 The revamped Southern Conference included members The Citadel, Davidson, Furman, George Washington, Richmond, VMI, Virginia Tech, Washington & Lee, West Virginia and William & Mary

A third major shift occurred in 2012-13, when five members announced their departures and three schools were added College of Charleston announced its decision to leave for the Colonial Athletic Association following the 2012-13 season, while Appalachian State (Sun Belt), Davidson (Atlantic 10), Elon (Colonial) and Georgia Southern (Sun Belt) announced they would depart following the 2013-14 campaign At the Southern Conference’s 2013 spring meetings in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the league officially extended invitations to former members ETSU and VMI, as well as Mercer, to join the league for the 2014-15 academic year

Today, the league continues to thrive with a membership that includes 10 institutions and a footprint that spans six states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and

Virginia Current league members are The Citadel, ETSU, Furman, Mercer, UNCG, Samford, Chattanooga, VMI, Western Carolina and Wofford

Football

The Southern Conference has also excelled as the premier Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) conference Former Southern Conference member Appalachian State won the three consecutive FCS titles from 2005-07, becoming the first team to do so The league boasts more than 250 players who have garnered AllAmerica recognition and numerous national player or coach of the year awards The conference had at least one team in the top 10 of the final FCS poll for 28 consecutive years (1985-2012), with at least two teams finishing in the final poll in every season from 1982-2013 . Mercer and VMI entered the FCS national rankings for the first time in program history in 2020-21, with the Keydets winning the league title for the first time since 1977 and making their first-ever appearance in the FCS playoffs VMI and ETSU finished the season inside the national rankings, with the Bucs doing so for the second time in the last three seasons ETSU would win its first outright SoCon title in 2021, earning the No 7 seed in the NCAA Division I Football Championship and finishing inside the top 10 in the national rankings

The Citadel, Samford, Chattanooga and Wofford each finished in the top 25 in 2016, giving the league four in the final poll for the first time since 2007

The conference has placed multiple representatives in the FCS Playoffs in 31 of 38 seasons, with 16 championship game appearances and eight national titles . The Southern Conference has had at least one team reach the semifinals in 12 of the last 23 years and in 18 of the last 30 seasons

In 2007, Appalachian State became the first FCS team to defeat a nationally ranked Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team, when the Mountaineers defeated No . 5 Michigan, 34-32, on Sept . 1 before a sellout crowd at Michigan Stadium Georgia Southern, in its final game as a member of the Southern Conference, downed the SEC’s Florida in Gainesville on Nov 23, 2013 The league picked up two wins over FBS teams in 2015, with Furman downing UCF and The Citadel stunning South Carolina . The Bulldogs added another Power 5 conference win in 2019, taking down Georgia Tech in overtime, 27-24 ETSU opened its 2021 campaign with a 23-3 win at Vanderbilt

Prior to the conference’s reclassification in 1981, Southern Conference football teams appeared in a total of 36 bowl games, posting a record of 16-18-2 From 1925-30, league schools won five football national championships in a six-year span There are more than 60 former Southern Conference players and coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame One of the most recognizable of these names is former North Carolina running back Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, who helped guide North Carolina to three bowl appearances He was a first-team All-America selection and the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1948 and 1949 In 1949, Justice earned first-team all-conference honors for the fourth consecutive season, becoming the first player in league history to achieve that feat He was a member of the league’s inaugural Hall of Fame Class in 2009

Another of the league’s football products that made it to the College Football Hall of Fame is Sam Huff of West Virginia Huff was a three-year starter on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Mountaineers In 1955, Huff earned first-team All-America honors on the field and was a first-team Academic All-American for his work in the classroom He played 12 seasons in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Washington

Redskins Also a member of the conference’s first Hall of Fame class, he was a five-time All-Pro linebacker and is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Former Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in December 2014 The winningest coach in Appalachian State and Southern Conference history, Moore compiled a 215-87 record in his 24 seasons at Appalachian State (1989-2012), including 10 SoCon championships, 18 postseason appearances and an unprecedented three straight NCAA Division I FCS/IAA national titles (2005-07) He was the Eddie Robinson Award winner in 2006

In 1999, Georgia Southern’s Adrian Peterson captured the Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the Football Championship Subdivision’s most outstanding offensive player Peterson, a four-time All-American who finished his career as the NCAA Division I leader in rushing yards with 6,559, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in December 2017

Furman’s Louis Ivory earned the Walter Payton Award in 2000, giving the SoCon consecutive winners, while Georgia Southern’s Jayson Foster was presented with the 2007 trophy and Appalachian State quarterback Armanti Edwards became the first two-time winner in Payton Award history, claiming the honors in 2008 and 2009 to make it three consecutive years a SoCon player took home the award

Record-breaking quarterback Devlin Hodges of Samford became the Southern Conference’s most recent Walter Payton Award winner in 2018, when the senior was also named the FCS ADA Offensive Player of the Year The consensus All-American, who led the FCS in passing yards and completion percentage that season, wrapped up his career with FCS records for passing yardage (14,584), pass attempts and completions

The league saw a pair of former players enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, as former Chattanooga standout Terrell Owens and Marshall star Randy Moss, who enjoyed a recordbreaking freshman year in the SoCon, earned the nod .

Appalachian State’s Dexter Coakley was a three-time all-conference selection and consensus All-American in 1994, ’95 and ’96 before going on to stardom with the Dallas Cowboys Coakley won a pair of Buck Buchanan Awards, given to Football Championship Subdivision’s top defensive player each year .

In 2020-21, VMI coach Scott Wachenheim became the Southern Conference’s fifth winner of the Eddie Robinson Award, joining The Citadel’s Charlie Taaffe (1992), Georgia Southern’s Paul Johnson (1998), Wofford’s Mike Ayers (2003) and App State’s Moore (2006) .

Western Carolina’s David Patten and Appalachian State’s Matt Stevens were both members of the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl champion team in 2002 and Patten also earned Super Bowl rings with the Patriots in 2004 and ’05 Appalachian State’s Daniel Kilgore appeared in Super Bowl XLVII for the San Francisco 49ers in 2013 and was a member of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LV squad in 2021 Chattanooga’s Keionta Davis was a member of the Patriots’ organization for New England’s appearance in Super Bowl LII in 2018, while Davis and Western Carolina’s Keion Crossen were teammates for the Super Bowl LIII-winning Patriots in 2019 . Former Samford safety Jaquiski Tartt played in Super Bowl LIV for the 49ers in 2020

In the spring of 2022 Chattanooga offensive lineman Cole Strange was taken with the 29th overall pick in the NFL Draft, becoming the SoCon’s first first-round pick since 1974 . Samford wide receiver Montrell Washington was later drafted in the fifth round, marking the seventh time since 2010 that multiple league players have been selected in the same draft

CHAMPION’S CIRCLE Bill and Kimeran Stevens

and Beth Stukes

HERITAGE CIRCLE Anthony & Robbin Allen Roy Anderson Todd & Karen Carlisle Charles & Jacqueline Culp Mark & Gwen Matthews

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Bennie & Sonja Bumpers Tommy & Charolette Hamby Mavis Hill David & Julie Jenkins Rickie

MaryAnn Moon Michael Robinson Bob

Piper Worthington

ATHLETICS DIRECTOR Amy & Taylor Beattie Lynn & Kendall Boggs Steve & Suzanne Davidson Bobby Emerson Tim Francis Tim & Anita Haywood Keith & Kelly Herron Betsy & Jimmy Holloway Bruce & Kathie Holmes Bobby & Andrea Killingsworth Ron & Cindy Mims Martin & Cindy Newton Brett & Kristie Taylor Charlie & Lisa Venable Drew & Pam Yantis

Clay Carlock

ALL-CONFERENCE

ALL-AMERICAN Scott & Kim Andersen Steve & Janet Ball

Wes & Jordan Caudell Drew & Julie Cundiff Randy & Daina Pittman Greg & Peggy Powell

& Andrea Rhodes

Jim & Cindy Anderson

& Laurie Applefield

& Cindy Bembry Whit & Alison Bishop

& Barbara Blackerby

& Lisa Bramer Quentin & Julie Brown Janet & Scott Brown Frank & Marti Buck

Larry Burgess-Moore & Catherine Sheridan-Moore Mike & Ginger Burkett

Patsy & Jim Burks

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Tom & Debbie Collins

Nathan & Kristen Collums Devon & Blake Davidson

& Ginger Davis Davis Architects

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& Lynne

& Margaret Ellington

& Alta Faye Fenton

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& Kelly Foreman

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& Tammi Frazier

& Donna Gardner

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Monty & Connie Hogewood Jerry & Harriette Hyche Jimmy & Donna Jackson Kenny & Chantel Jno-Finn Fred & Ruth Johnston John & Peggy Jones Boyd & Melissa Kaiser Jim & Alison Karrh Bo & Whitney Kerr Craig & Amy Kirby Bill & Laura Kugelberg Hal & Cindy Langston Anne & George Lawton Chad & April Luth David & Edith Lyon Lyn Marcum Eddie & Gayle Miller Malcolm & Betty Miller Jon & Greer Mills Vic & Janis Nichol Eddie & Betty Oliver Dixie & David Owens Dean & Joanne Parker Stephen & Kathy Peeples Jeff & Stephanie Prior Alan & Karen Register Brian & Molly Richey Al & Stella Ringer Jean & Darin Roberson Dan Rooney Lew & Mandy Sample

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Rick & Barbara Schultz Gil & Leigh Simmons Todd & Jodi Skaggs Jimmy & Patsy Smithey Bob & Pat Terry Andy & Jan Thrower Mickey Tumlin Lida VanOrman Mike & Tricia Vice Ryan & Kandi Waddles Howard Walthall & Rosemary Fisk Vicki & John Wilcox Mike & Linh Williams Chris & LeAnn Wood Stanley Woodall Mike & Susan Yarbro Dan & Linda Young VARSITY JChris & Leslie Corts Michael Eady Robyn Felton Howard & Kathy Finch Bob & Gail Greene Clayton & Teresa Hemphill Rod & Paula Hovater Joe McDade Bobby & Kelly Patrick Reed & Jessica Rawlings Jim & Doris Ridgeway Larry & Kathleen Tyree Barbara & Vaughn Volpi

Athletics Facilities

The Samford University athletics program has risen to regional and national recognition through its commitment to athletic and academic excellence . Samford student-athletes have achieved much on the playing fields and in the classroom .

Paralleling the competitive success of the program, Samford’s athletics facilities also continue to develop .

The newest addition to Samford’s athletics facilities is the new state-of-the-art video board in Seibert Stadium installed by the first home game of the 2019 season, which was Phase I of the stadium’s renovation project . Phase II, which is scheduled to be completed prior to the 2021 season, includes a complete renovation of the Bashinsky Press Tower, new premium seating on the west side of the stadium and renovations to the east side Gate House .

At the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium, a new video board was added prior to the start of the 2021 soccer season

Also, the Samford Softball Field opened in spring 2013 . The J . T. Haywood Field House, which houses an indoor hitting facility, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms for both baseball and softball, was officially opened in fall 2013

The Samford Track and Soccer Stadium opened in spring 2011 . The 1,200-seat facility opened by hosting the 2011 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships .

The facility includes locker rooms, a ticket office, a high-tech press box, a nine-lane track and a regulation soccer field .

The Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House for football opened in August 2009 . It includes coaches’ offices, meeting rooms, a locker room, weight room, training room, equipment room and players’ lounge The facility was renamed the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House in the fall of 2014 to honor former Head Coach Pat Sullivan and his family .

The convocation/arena/fitness complex, Pete Hanna Center, was completed in fall 2007 The center provides outstanding playing facilities for

volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball in a 5,000-seat center, a fitness/wellness complex for the entire student body, and state-of-the-art training facilities for Samford’s varsity sports Also included in the facility are offices, meeting space and support facilities for coaches and athletics administration .

The facility is adjacent to Bashinsky Field House and can be expanded up to 6,000 seats for commencement and other major nonathletics events .

The Pat M Courington Tennis Pavilion was completed in 2006 with three indoor courts, a support facility for locker rooms, offices and restrooms Samford’s Tennis Center also includes the Darwin C . Hardison Courts, featuring six outdoor NCAA courts

All-weather field turf was installed at Seibert Stadium in the summer of 2005 .

Facilities in Seibert Hall have been renovated to accommodate academic programs and student recreation activities

Joe Lee Griffin Field, home of the Samford Bulldogs baseball team, was remodeled in 2000 to include offices, locker rooms and other support services in a facility that complements the Georgian-Colonial architecture found throughout the Samford campus The Carl E Miller Press Box was added in 2009 .

Bulldog Spirit Plaza, dedicated during 2005 Homecoming weekend, is the focal point of the area connecting Seibert Stadium, Joe Lee Griffin Field, Bashinsky Field House and Pete Hanna Center Organized by the Class of 2003, the landscaped plaza includes a bas relief of the Bulldog mascot and more than 100 bricks honoring Samford alumni, students, parents, employees, former athletes and friends of the university as a celebration of Samford’s more than 125 years of intercollegiate athletics competition

The athletics department is building its capital campaign efforts to raise funds to further assure Samford athletes of the finest playing facilities possible .

BULLDOGS IN THE NFL

Samford currently has five former players on either the active roster or practice squad of NFL teams.

JAMES BRADBERRY

James Bradberry was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers Bradberry played four seasons with the Panthers and two with the New York Giants He was named All-Pro following the 2020 season . He is currently in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles .

MICHAEL PIERCE

Michael Pierce had success as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens He spent four seasons with the Ravens and two as a member of the Minnesota Vikings He returns to the Ravens for the 2022 season .

JAQUISKI TARTT

Jaquiski Tartt became the highest NFL Draft pick in Samford history when he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2015 Draft Tartt spent seven seasons with the 49ers and is entering his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles .

MONTRELL WASHINGTON

Montrell Washington was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos He was the first offensive player in Samford history to be selected in the NFL Draft .

NICK WILLIAMS

Nick Williams was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft Williams also played with the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and is now a member of the New York Giants .

Your drive makes us

Putting together a winning drive takes focus and determination.

But above all, it takes belief.

At Alabama Power, we know that belief—in a team, in our community, in each other, in our future—is a powerful energy that connects us all. It’s what drives us every day to help make tomorrow even better. It’s Power for a Better Alabama.

We proudly support the Samford Bulldogs.