SAMFORD FOOTBALL | OFFICIAL GAME PROGRAM BOBBY BOWDEN FIELD at F. PAGE SEIBERT STADIUM #ALLFORSAMFORD BULLDOGS NATHAN LINEBACKEREAST
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1 Head Coach Chris Hatcher 4 Football Coaching Staff 7 Football Support Staff 8 Returning Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Signees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 National Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Today’s Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Around The SoCon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Schedule/Results 23 Football Player Feature 24 Samford Roster 26 Opponent Roster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Samford Depth Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Opponent Depth Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Student-Athlete Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Seibert Stadium 36 Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House 39 Academic Achievements 41 Charles Williams Memorial Jersey . . . . . . . . . 42 Samford President Dr . Beck Taylor . . . . . . . . . 45 Athletics Director Martin Newton . . . . . . . . . . 46 Head Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Samford University 50 Samford Athletics Hall of Fame 52 Southern Conference 54 Bulldog Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Athletic Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Bulldogs in the NFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Sponsor Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Editor: Joey Mullins Senior Graphic Designer: Scott Camp Contributors: Haley Sue Harbison and Ashlee Torres Photographers: Chase Cochran and Parker Freedman Produced by Samford Division of Marketing and Communication
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SOCIAL MEDIA Samford fans can keep up with the Bulldogs 24/7 through the following social media outlets:
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
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
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
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
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
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2 samfordsports.com DAVID ACCOUNTASHLEEGENERALLANEMANAGERTORRESEXECUTIVE VAN WAGNERSAMFORD SPONSORSHIPS 800 THIRD AVE. 28th FL. NEW YORK, NY 10022 212.699.8400 SAMFORD UNIVERSITY 800 LAKESHORE DRIVE BIRMINGHAM, AL 35229 RICHARD M. SCHAPS CHAIRMAN & CEO, VAN WAGNER GROUP JOHN MASSONI CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, VAN WAGNER GROUP MIKE CHIEFMARKPRESIDENTPALISIDONLEYREVENUE OFFICER DIANA LEPORE VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & OPERATIONS
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
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3 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.
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) .
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 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 .) .
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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 .
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Bulldogs Head Coach Chris Hatcher (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 .
Individually, Welch was named the SoCon’s CoOffensive Player of the Year for the spring 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 .)
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
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.
Childrens AL .org/ Concussion
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.
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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.
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 .
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 .
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 1990sThe. honors continued to add up even after his playing days .
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Hatcher graduated from Valdosta State in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical educationHeand 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 .
place-kicker Anthony Pistelli
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 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 .
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
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 .
7 2022 FOOTBALL Ricky Turner Assistant Head Coordinator/WideCoach—OffensiveReceivers 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 Football Staff
8 samfordsports.com Alexis Roberts Director of AcademicStudent-AthleteServices 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 CommunicationsStrategic Tara Goolsby Director of ManagementFootball Rocky Sabbatini Football Video Coordinator Zach Mathers Assistant AD for Sports Performance and Project SAMson Support Staff
10 samfordsports.com 2022 SyPLAYERSSENIORBarnett WR 18 GRADUATETayBerry DT 44 SOPHOMOREKasraBojnordi OL 74 SOPHOMOREWesleyCarlock WR 85 SOPHOMOREDanielBethel K 43SOPHOMOREAlexApplefield LS 61 SOPHOMOREHenryBishop K 41 DakotaGRADUATEChapman RB 30 CadeJUNIORBlackmon QB 15 LukeJUNIORByrne OL 54SOPHOMOREZachBrown OL 77 NathanJUNIORBarham TE 86 SOPHOMOREDanielBettis DE 93 JabariJUNIORBrooks OL 62 ZachJUNIORBond OL 63 SOPHOMOREKeatonCarter CB 23 DavidFRESHMANColtrane LB/S 3FRESHMANJohnCollins RB 49JuddSENIORCockett WR 80 SOPHOMOREDavidColeman QB 13
Master of MasterAccountancyofBusinessAdministration Elevate your career with a degreegraduatefrom Samford University’s Brock School of Business. Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer. Apply by Dec. 1 for the spring 2023 semester. Entry exam waived for applicants with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
12 samfordsports.com CooperJUNIORFrazier OL 57 TySENIORHatcher QB 18 JasonJUNIORHouston WR 87 WillSENIORHudson QB 11 EmmanuelGRADUATEFlowers S 15 CarsonFRESHMANGoold WR 21 DonovanJUNIORHawkins OL 79 AustinSENIORGuyse OL 65 JalenJUNIORHenderson RB 47TySENIORHardimon S 4 MichaelJUNIORHiers QB 10 JUNIOR Caleb Durham-Honer WB 33 GRADUATENathanEast LB 5 TreSENIORElston CB 27 QuincyFRESHMANCrittendon QB 2 DariusJUNIORDaniel WR 36 BraydenSENIORDevault-Smith LB 22SOPHOMOREEvanCraighead LB 41JosiahJUNIORCotton LB 28 FredJUNIORFlavors DB 38 SOPHOMOREDeuceFlowers WR 82 LandonSENIORGuidry S 31 QuadirSENIORIsmail WR 19 NickJUNIIORJackson DE 97 JacquetSENIORJiles RB 24
13 2022 FOOTBALL MilesJUNIORMorris QB 17 SOPHOMOREIanPitt DL 37 JUNIOR Jayme Motley-Simmons OL 75 SheltonSOPHOM0REQuarlesJr. S 10 SOPHOMOREMitchellOwen CB 26 BrendenFRESHMANReed DT 68 JaylenJUNIORParks DE 46 HakeemGRADUATEJohnson CB 16 SOPHOMOREJohnnyJohnson DE 55 KourlanJUNIORMarsh CB 1 NoahJUNIORMartin LB 32 JosephSENIORMera DE 35 MichaelFRESHMANMitchler TE 89 DrewSENIORMims LB 29JoshuaSOPHOMOREMathiasen DL 98 ThomasJUNIORNeville LB 45 ChrisJUNIORNoble OL 58 FRESHMANJ.P.Oliver DL 69 TorreneGRADUATEPollard CB 14 GRADUATEGavinOrr OL 72 BradleyGRADUATEPorcellato P 7 SOPHOMOREMillerKarrh CB 34 SENIORTyKing WR 12 CamdenFRESHMANKuhn LB 20 PeterSENIORRenkoski OL 67
15 2022 FOOTBALL JamallFRESHMANThompson DE 81 WadeJUNIORWhite S 40 DeAndreGRADUATEWilliams RB 29 SOPHOMORETateTaylor P/LB 51 J.R.SENIORTran-Reno WR 8JaylanSENIORThomas LB 6 KendallGRADUATEWatson WR 84 NikJUNIORScalzo QB 4 PeytonSENIORRinger WR 37 BraedenSENIORRoyal DT 92 FRESHMANNickSperos WR 35CamdenSOPHOMORESimons TE 31 SENIOR SOPHOMORE Chandler Smith WR Nour Tayara WR 0 48 GRADUATESethSimmer DT 99 JaySENIORStanton RB 20 MidnightSOPHOMORESteward S 9 J.T.SENIORSwansoon S 25KobeFRESHMANStewart DE 91 SOPHOMOREJordanRussell LB 42 KhalidSENIORThomas CB 2 SOPHOMORED.J.Rias WR 11 IsaiahSENIORRichardson DB 21 ZachSENIORWilliams K 59
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17 2022 TRUE FRESHMENFRESHMANThomasD’Armond WR 83 JohnerioFRESHMANHolt DL 52 CadeFRESHMANFunderburk WR 36 FRESHMANAidenBarr LS 56 FRESHMANGageGeren WR 42 LucaFRESHMANChuecos DE 90 MakhiFRESHMANGilbert DL 94 CameronFRESHMANHarris WR 88 FRESHMANTreHenry RB 38 FRESHMANJalenNelson CB 6 FRESHMANBrentTaylor S 8 FRESHMANJustinPerritt OL 73 FRESHMANNoahYoung WR 23ChristianFRESHMANRoberts QB 12 ConnorFRESHMANMasters QB 19 MichaelFRESHMANRyan WR 27 FRESHMANGavinMorris LB 39 FRESHMANEvanBarnes LS 53 FRESHMANAlexJarrell LB 60 CharlieFRESHMANComer LS 70 HarrisonFRESHMANWeathington K 30
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Jimbo Fisher 1987, Quarterback
Other
Nelson Jordan 2018, Defensive Lineman (Freshman All-American)
Bobby Bowden 1952, Quarterback
Scott Holmes 1994, Punter Harley Hopkins 1938, End Bobby Jackson 1962, Quarterback Anthony Jordan 1994, Running Back
Joe Milazzo 1960, Quarterback
James Tarrant 1940, End (Honorable Mention) 1941, End (3rd Team)
James Bradberry 2015, Cornerback (3rd Team, STATS) Wally Burnham 1963, Linebacker
Chris Edmonds 2021 Spring, (1st Team, Stats Perform, Associated Press, Athlon Sports, HERO Sports)
Austin Barnard 2017, Punter (3rd Team, AP, Phil Steele)
Harold Hill 1937, End Devlin Hodges 2016, Quarterback (3rd Team) 2017, Quarterback (2nd Team, AFCA) 2018, Quarterback (1st Team, Consensus)
Sam Goldman 1940, End Ahmad Gooden 2017, Defensive Lineman (1st Team, AFCA, Phil Steele, Walter Camp; 2nd Team, AP, 2018,STATS)Defensive Lineman (1st Team, AP, HERO Sports; 2nd Team, STATS)
Bennie Story 1961, Defensive Tackle
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 All-AmericanAcademic(2ndTeam) All-Americans and National Honors All-Americans
All-Americans/Freshman All-Americans
Bryce Smith 2010, Linebacker
Jaquiski Tartt 2012, Safety (1st Team) 2013, Safety (2nd Team) 2014, Safety (1st Team)
Jim Lovette 1966, Running Back
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)
Michael Vice 2019, Tight End (Freshman All-Ameri can)
Mike Williams 2017, Offensive Lineman (Freshman All-American)
Liam Welch 2021 Spring, (2nd Team, Stats Perform)
Fred Bishop 1999, Linebacker
Surkano Edwards 1992, Running Back (HM, Sports Network)
David Primus 1989, Kick Returner
Anthony Pistelli 2015, Kicker (1st Team, AP, Walter Camp)
Fabian Truss 2012, Kick Returner (2nd Team) 2013, All-Purpose (1st Team)
Shaheed Salmon 2017, Linebacker (3rd Team, STATS; 4th Team, Phil Steele)
Justin Shade 2013, Linebacker (1st Team)
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Kelvin McKnight 2017, Wide Receiver (2nd Team, AFCA; 3rd Team, STATS; 4th Team, Phil 2018,Steele)Wide Receiver (1st Team, Walter Camp, HERO Sports, AFCA; 2nd Team, AP; 3rd Team, STATS)
Montrell Washington 2019, Return Specialist (1st Team: STATS, 2nd Team: HERO and Phil Steele) 2021 Fall, All-Purpose (1st Team, Consen sus)
Cortland Finnegan 2002, Safety 2003, Safety (3rd Team) 2005, Safety (AFCA)
Karel Hamilton 2016, Wide Receiver (1st Team) Tim Hamrick 1987, Punter Efrem Hill 2003, Wide Receiver 2004, Wide Receiver
Samford In Season Openers
Samford At Seibert Stadium
Samford wrapped up the 2021 season with a 41-34 loss at home to the Furman Paladins . The loss ended Samford’s season with a mark of 4-7 overall and 3-5 in SoCon play .
Graduate linebacker Nathan East is this season’s winner of the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey . The jersey honors former Samford player Charles Williams, who died in a car accident on May 23, 2003 . Since the 2005 season, a different senior has worn the No . 5 jersey in Williams’ honor .
Samford has an all-time record of 48-54-4 in season opening games .
Senior Jai’Rus Creamer had five catches for 30 yards and a score .
Last season, Samford opened the season with a 52-14 win over Tennessee Tech In season openers at home, Samford has a mark of 35-13-2 The Bulldogs are 5-2 in season openers under head coach Chris Hatcher The team has won all five of the season openers at home under Hatcher
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In the loss for Samford, quarterback Liam Welch completed 26-of-40 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns . He also rushed 10 times for 54 yards and a touchdown
Samford and Kennesaw State are meeting for just the fourth time ever in football, with KSU holding a 2-1 series lead The first meeting came in the 2017 season opener, with Samford taking a 28-23 victory at Seibert Stadium The teams also met in the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs that season, with the Owls earning a 28-17 win at KSU . The squads then squared off in the 2018 season at KSU, with the Owls winning by a score of 24-10 .
The Last Time Out
Last season, Samford posted a record of 2-3 in home games In the last nine-plus years, Samford has a combined record of 42-15 when playing in the friendly confines of Seibert Stadium .
In seven seasons under head coach Chris Hatcher, Samford has a record of 25-11 when playing at home .
The Series
The Samford football team will open the 2022 season by playing host to the eighth-ranked Kennesaw State Owls Thursday, Sept . 1, at 6 p .m . at Seibert Stadium .
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ Samford returns eight starters on offense and seven starters on defense from a team that went 4-7 overall and 3-5 in Southern Conference play in 2021 Kennesaw State returns five starters on offense and seven on defense from a squad that went 11-2 overall and 7-0 in the Big South a year ago
East Named Winner Of Charles Williams Memorial Jersey
Samford has an all-time record of 175-84-4 in games played at Seibert Stadium This season, Samford has five home games on its schedule, with Thursday’s game marking the first of those contests
TODAY’S GAME
Chris Hatcher, Head Coach Nathan East
Senior Montrell Washington caught six passes for 43 yards and a touchdown .
22 samfordsports.com Around the SoCon SOCON OVERALL TEAM RECORD PCT HOME AWAY NEUTRAL RECORD PCT HOME AWAY NEUTRAL Chattanooga 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 1-0 1 000 1-0 0-0 W1 ETSU 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 Furman 0-0 0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 .000 0-0 0-0 Mercer 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 Samford 0-0 0.000 0-0 0-0 --- 0-0 0.000 0-0 0-0 --The Citadel 0-0 0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 .000 0-0 0-0 VMI 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 W Carolina 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 Wofford 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 000 0-0 0-0 ThisLast(0-0,TheThisLast(0-0,CHATTANOOGA0-0SoCon)week:N/Aweek:vs.WoffordCITADEL0-0SoCon)week:N/Aweek:atCampbell (0-0,VMI 0-0 SoCon) Last week: N/A This week: at Wake Forest (0-0,ETSU 0-0 SoCon) Last week: N/A This week: vs. North Greenville WESTERN CAROLINA (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) Last week: N/A This week: at Charleston Southern (1-0,MERCER0-0 SoCon) Last week: vs. Morehead State, W, 63-13 This week: at Auburn ThisLast(0-0,WOFFORD0-0SoCon)week:N/Aweek:atChattanoogaSAMFORD(0-0,0-0SoCon)Lastweek:N/AThisweek:vs.KennesawState For the latest in standings, log on to soconsports.com (0-0,FURMAN0-0 SoCon) Last week: N/A This week: vs. North Carolina A&T
2022 FOOTBALL 2022 SAMFORD SCHEDULE/RESULTSFOOTBALL FOOTBALL Sept. 1 (Thur.) Kennesaw State 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at Georgia 3 p.m. Sept. 17 at Tennessee Tech 6 p.m. Sept. 24 Western Carolina* 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at Furman* 1 p.m. Oct. 8 Wofford* 12 p.m. Oct. 22 at ETSU* 2:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at The Citadel* 1 p.m. Nov. 5 VMI* 2 p.m. Nov. 12 at Chattanooga* 12:30 p.m. Nov. 19 Mercer* 12 p.m. *SoCon Game All times Central and subject to change
By Joey SamfordMullinsAthletics
Entering this season, he was given the top honor a Samford football player can receive He was named the winner of the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey The jersey, the No 5, honors former Samford player Charles Williams, who died in a car accident on May 23, 2003 . During the 2003 and 2004 seasons, what would have been Williams’ junior and senior seasons, no one wore the number . Since the 2005 season, a different senior leader has been awarded the jersey . East talked about how he learned he had been chosen as this season’s winner .
“I think it is a little extra pressure, but it’s not bad pressure,” East said . “It’s more accountability . It’s motivational, and it keeps me accountable to be a leader and do the right thing and to encourage guys and do their best on and off the field .”
“I was very excited and thankful,” East said “Since freshman year, I knew how important it was, one to Charles Williams’ family and just what it meant to the program It was something that I always strived for, on and off the field, just being a leader in that locker room So, I’m thankful that I get to wear it ”
East was told in front of his teammates and coaches about the honor He said being chosen for the award meant a great deal to him
Samford linebacker Nathan East is entering his sixth season as a member of the Bulldog football program in the 2022 campaign He has contributed a great deal to the football program and the university while at the school
Nathan East
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“It was at the football banquet for the seniors,” East said . “We had Martin Newton there, the AD, and Gary Cooney was there, and he came up and revealed the results of the vote .”
Wearing the number automatically puts East in a leadership role on the team He said it puts a little more pressure on him, but it is a pressure that he welcomes .
East enters the 2022 season coming off his best season so far in a Samford uniform . Last season, East led the team and ranked second in the Southern Conference, averaging 9 . 7 tackles
Student-Athlete Feature:
Regardless of how this season ends, the group has made a major impact on the Samford football program and on Samford University .
“I just want to be thought of as a good teammate and good friend,” East said . “Someone who is kind to everybody and shows love on and off the field, in the locker room, outside . Somebody that my teammates can call five years from now if they’re in trouble and know that they can rely on me .”
East and his fellow seniors will wrap up their college football careers this season .
Entering this season, Samford has a completely new defensive staff . Chris Boone has been brought in to serve as the defensive coordinator, and Brandon Cooper is now coaching the linebackers, East’s position . He talked about how the transition has gone so far with the new coaches . “It’s been awesome,” East said . “They’ve done really well in building personal relationships and getting to know us, but also showing us what we have to improve on if we want to be good, not sugar-coating anything and preparing us to be a dominant defense .”
East talked about what his goals are for his final season at Samford .
During his time at Samford, East has steadily progressed as a player and as a person He talked a little about how he feels he has grown during his time as a Bulldog “I think personally, I’ve just matured,” East said “Between football and class, I’ve stayed busy, but it kind of teaches you how to be on time to places Coach Hatcher always talks about how football prepares you for life, giving you tools in your toolbox And in that aspect, I think I’ve matured a lot Footballwise, I’ve grown in understanding the game, understanding a little bit of what offenses are thinking in certain situations and why certain calls are made .”
“I think personally, it’s just to play the best I can play,” East said . “I want to limit missed assignments and mistakes . I want to just have a good defense and win a conference championship, something we haven’t done yet ”
Once his football playing career is over, East does want to go into physical therapy . He discussed what made him want to go into that field“I. think just growing up, playing sports, having injuries, seeing the impact that physical therapy can have on you,” East said “You are helping people get back to where they want to be, but you’re also building relationships, getting that personal time with them ”
25 2022 FOOTBALL
In addition to being in graduate school and being a student-athlete, last year East also got married to his wife, Raeley He said adding being a husband to his already busy schedule has made things easier
East is now working on his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Samford . He said, however, if the opportunity presents itself, he would love to continue playing football at the next level . “I do want to try professional football,” East said . “I want to put the best me on film and try to get to the next level, do everything I can . That’s always been my dream, so hopefully it will work out I have my fingers crossed on that one, going to try to put the work in to get there ”
per game .
“It’s probably been a little easier now that we’re married because I get to go home to her every day,” East said “I don’t have to sit in the dorm and face time her So, she’s kind of built into the schedule now I wake up next to her and go home to her It’s been good, she’s a good support system .”
When the 2022 season ends, East’s time with the Samford football program will come to an end . He talked about how he would like his coaches and teammates to remember him after he leaves .
26 samfordsports.com 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 NO NAME POS HT WT CL HOMETOWN/PREV. SCHOOL 2022 SAMFORD FOOTBALL NUMERICAL ROSTER
27 2022 FOOTBALL 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
28 samfordsports.com 2022 Kennesaw State Football Roster NO NAME POS HT WT CL HOMETOWN/PREV. SCHOOL 0 Gene Sledge RB 6-2 235 So Huntsville, Ala / Northern Colorado 1 Iaan Cousin RB 6-0 160 Jr Carrollton, Ga / Mount Zion HS 2 Preston Daniels RB 5-11 255 Jr Sandersville, Ga / Washington County HS 3 Nykeem Farrow RB 5-9 170 Jr . Cochran, Ga . / Bleckley County HS 4 Jonathan Murphy QB 6-0 190 Sr Los Angeles, Calif / Long Beach CC 5 Xavier Hill WR 6-2 205 Jr Pleasant Grove, Ala / Pleasant Grove HS 6 Sharmari Reed DB 6-0 205 Jr . Fayetteville, Ga . / Trinity Christian HS 7 Oscar Gonzalez WR 6-4 230 Sr Dalton, Ga / Southeast Whitfield HS 8 Xavier Shepherd QB 6-0 205 Jr Nashville, Tenn / Pearl-Cohn HS 9 Davis Bryson QB 5-9 175 Fr . Woodbridge, Va / Freedom HS 11 Je’Cory Burks DB 6-0 195 Sr Perry, Ga / Perry HS 12 Isaac Foster RB 5-10 175 Sr Summerville, Ga / Chattooga HS 13 DeAngelo Hardy QB 5-10 185 Jr Chattanooga, Tenn / McCallie School 14 Jalen Barnum LB 6-1 195 Jr . Jesup, Ga . / Wayne County HS 15 Braden Bohannon QB 6-1 180 Fr Woodstock, Ga / Etowah HS 15 Jayven Williams DB 6-2 170 Fr Mobile, Ala / Baker HS 16 Ryan Harris DB 5-10 170 Jr . Irmo, S .C . / Dutch Fork HS 17 Chavis Marshall WR 6-3 195 Jr Sylvester, Ga / Worth County HS 18 Nick Sawyer QB 5-11 160 Fr Harvest, Ala / Sparkman HS 19 Adam Diaz QB 5-11 180 Fr Shaker Heights, Ohio / Shaker Heights HS 20 Erwin Byrd DB 5-10 175 Jr . Powder Springs, Ga /Maryland 21 Markeith Montgomery DB 5-10 185 Sr Flintstone, Ga / Ridgeland HS 22 Elijah Kirby DB 6-1 210 Jr Sandy Springs, Ga / Riverwood HS 23 Kemari McGowan RB 5-10 160 Jr . Murfreesboro, Tenn . / Middle Tennessee Christian School 23 Sulaiman Bah DB 6-1 190 So Lilburn, Ga / Parkview HS 24 Jeremiah Compton DB 6-1 185 Sr Waverly, Ga / Camden County HS 25 Deontre Morris DB 5-11 185 So . Atlanta, Ga . / Therrell HS 26 Gabriel Benyard RB 5-10 175 So Ocilla, Ga / Irwin County HS 27 Cade Loden WR 6-0 180 Jr St Mary’s, Ga / Camden County HS 28 Tykeem Wallace RB 5-9 160 So Thomasville, Ga / Thomas County Central HS 29 Eli Leiataua RB 5-11 215 Fr . Hinesville, Ga . / Bradwell Institute 29 Joe Williams DB 6-0 170 Fr Thomasville, Ga / Thomasville HS 30 Qua Ashley RB 5-10 185 Fr Dublin, Ga / Dublin HS 30 Milon Jones DB 5-11 175 Fr . Marietta, Ga / Marietta HS 31 Chance Gamble DB 6-2 170 So Fitzgerald, Ga / Fitzgerald HS 32 Marquis Ledet RB 6-0 205 Jr Marietta, Ga / Osborne HS 33 Myles Beris DB 5-9 170 So Douglasville, Ga / South Paulding HS 33 Rob Brown RB 6-0 205 Fr . Trion, Ga / Trion HS 34 Jameel Avery RB 5-10 165 Fr Atlanta, Ga / Chamblee HS 35 Michael Benefield RB 5-7 190 So Atlanta, Ga / Butler 36 Remington Adams RB 5-6 165 Fr . Kennesaw, Ga . / Mount Paran Christian School 36 Danarius Johnson LB 5-11 195 Fr Patterson, Ga / Pierce County HS 37 Yesiah Clemons RB 5-10 200 Jr Griffin, Ga / Point Univ 37 Nehemiah McCoy LB 5-10 200 Fr . Ocilla, Ga . / Irwin County HS 38 Dylan Hand DB 6-0 195 So Dacula, Ga / Dacula HS 39 William Jenkins LB 6-0 215 Jr Decatur, Ga / Cedar Grove HS 41 Garland Benyard LB 6-1 200 So Ocilla, Ga / Irwin County HS 42 Montrel Jenkins LB 6-0 215 So . Acworth, Ga . / North Cobb HS 43 Jerrod Woods LB 6-1 210 So Leesburg, Ga / Lee County HS 44 Damarion Davis LB 6-0 185 Fr Lithonia, Ga / Lithonia HS 45 Mike Mincey LB 6-1 230 So . Waycross, Ga / Vanderbilt 46 Jordan Lay RB 5-11 205 Jr Hartwell, Ga / Hart County HS 47 Alexander Diggs RB 5-9 190 Fr Snellville, Ga / Brookwood HS 47 Antonio Ward LB 6-0 210 Jr Snellville, Ga / Georgia Knights Prep Academy 48 Donelius Johnson LB 6-0 215 Fr . Patterson, Ga . / Pierce County HS
29 2022 FOOTBALL 49 Juandarion Silas LB 6-1 200 Fr . Athens, Ga . / Cedar Shoals HS 50 Terrell Paxton OL 6-0 310 Sr Stone Mountain, Ga / Tucker HS 51 Kelcy Allen DL 6-1 280 Sr Smith Station, Ala / Glenwood School 52 Jordan Love OL 6-2 275 So Rockledge, Fla / Rockledge HS 53 Charlie Cooper P 5-11 185 Fr . Tucker, Ga / Tucker HS 54 Seth Adams OL 6-3 250 So Dawsonville, Ga / University of the Cumberlands (KY) 55 Seaburn Hines OL 6-2 305 So Helena, Ala / Helena HS / Georgia Southern 56 Demetric Barnes DL 6-4 235 Jr . Stone Mountain, Ga / Arabia Mountain HS 57 Tyler Scott DL 6-1 310 Jr Jackson, Ga / Jackson HS 58 Jahon Myers DL 6-3 255 Jr Luella, Ga / Luella HS 59 Cameron Donald DL 6-1 250 Jr Pelzer, S C / Woodmont HS 60 Caleb Newell OL 6-2 325 Fr . Pelham, Ala / Pelham HS 61 Darron Willis OL 6-2 255 Jr Alpharetta, Ga / St Francis HS 62 Tristan Love OL 6-2 300 Sr Rockledge, Fla / SEMO 63 Braden Whittenburg LS 6-1 195 So . Folkston, Ga . / West Virginia 64 Trey Butts OL 6-2 260 Fr Macon, Ga / Mount De Sales Academy 65 Zion Katina OL 6-2 285 Sr Franklin, Tenn / Independence HS 66 Matt Olson OL 6-3 285 Gr Cumming, Ga . / Forsyth Central HS 67 Matthew Gilliam OL 6-2 250 So Fayetteville, Ga / Fayette County HS 68 Trenton Jackson OL 6-0 290 Jr Hattiesburg, Miss / Oak Grove HS 69 Jacob Strom OL 6-3 280 Fr Hazlehurst, Ga / Jeff Davis HS 70 James Dawson OL 6-1 295 Jr . Opelika, Ala / Opelika HS 71 Nathan Wright OL 6-3 255 Fr Gardendale, Ala / Gardendale HS 72 Coy Pendergrass OL 6-3 275 Fr Lafayette, Ga / Lafayette HS 73 Mike Fangman OL 6-1 270 So . Naples, Fla . / Missouri St 75 Hall O’Neal OL 6-2 255 Jr Atlanta, Ga / Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School 76 Brian Habeck OL 6-3 235 Fr Jefferson, Ga / Jefferson HS 77 Conor Cummins K 6-1 175 So Marietta, Ga / George Walton Comprehensive HS 78 Ronnie Thomas LS 5-10 180 Fr . Warner Robbins, Ga . / Houston County HS 79 Dylan Hannon DL 6-2 290 Fr Alpharetta, Ga / Alpharetta HS 80 Connor Finer TE 6-2 215 So New Port Richey, Fla / River Ridge HS 81 Zane McCracken LS 6-2 200 Jr . Calhoun, Ga / Calhoun HS 82 Clayton Nelson WR 6-0 190 Sr Buford, Ga / Buford HS 83 Blake Bohannon WR 6-1 200 So Woodstock, Ga / Etowah HS 85 Rowan Darnell WR 6-4 210 Fr . Johns Creek, Ga . / Johns Creek HS 86 Carson Kent TE 6-4 230 Fr Milton, Ga / Cambridge HS 87 Carter Pinholster WR 6-1 190 Jr Fort Payne, Ala / Fort Payne HS 88 Nathan Robertson K 5-10 160 Gr Columbus, Ga / Northside HS 89 Acha Mbanwei K/P 5-11 230 So . Conyers, Ga . / Heritage HS / Presbyterian 90 Joshua Huiet P 6-2 205 So Johns Creek, Ga / Johns Creek HS 90 Ugonna Nwoha DL 6-3 365 Fr Austell, Ga / South Cobb HS 91 Joshua Agbenou DL 6-2 235 Jr . Bethlehem, Ga / Furman 92 Carlos Allen DL 6-0 290 Jr Atlanta, Ga / Frederick Douglass HS 93 Jayden Barron DL 6-2 280 Sr Thomaston, Ga / Upson-Lee HS 94 Kerick Reese DL 6-2 210 Jr Stockbridge, Ga / Stockbridge HS 95 Joel Parker DL 6-0 250 Sr . Birmingham, Ala / Pinson Valley HS 96 Travis Bell DL 6-1 305 Gr Montgomery, Ala / Jefferson Davis HS 97 Adam Watkins DL 6-0 285 So Dacula, Ga / Dacula HS 98 RJ Taylor DL 6-3 195 Fr . Gulf Shores Ala / Gulf Shores HS 99 Charles Remy LB 6-1 215 So Kennesaw, Ga / Harrison HS
30 samfordsports.com OFFENSE QB 10 MICHAEL HIERS (6-1, 211, Jr ) 2 Quincy Crittendon (5-11, 190, Fr ) RB 20 JAY STANTON (6-0, 190, Sr .) 24 Jocquet Jiles (5-9, 177, Sr ) X-WR 11 D J RIAS (5-8, 188, So ) 12 Ty King (6-0, 173, Sr .) 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 ) 85 Wesley Carlock (5-10, 171, So .) 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 ) 41 Evan Craighead (6-3, 212, So .) 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 ) OR 22 Brayden Devault-Smith (6-3, 212, Sr ) NICKEL 4 TY HARDIMON (6-0, 201, Sr ) 40 Wade White (6-0, 191, Jr ) CB 38 FRED FLAVORS (5-9, 153 Jr ) 27 Trey Elston (6-1, 195, Sr ) ROVER 1 KOURTLAN MARSH (5-11, 189, Jr ) 15 Emmanuel Flowers (6-2, 199, Gr ) FREE 21 ISAIAH RICHARDSON (6-1, 204, Sr ) 13 David Coleman (6-0, 175, So ) CB 16 HAKEEM JOHNSON (6-3, 203, Gr ) 14 Torrence Pollard (5-8, 177, 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 43 DANIEL BETHEL (6-1, 195, So ) 59 Zach Williams (5-8, 182, Sr ) 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 ) KR 8 J R TRAN-RENO (6-1, 222, Sr ) 1 Kourtlan Marsh (5-11, 189, Jr ) 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 2022 SAMFORD FOOTBALL DEPTH CHART Chris Hatcher Head Coach
31 2022 FOOTBALL OFFENSE QB 8 XAVIER SHEPHERD (6-0, 205, Jr ) 4 Jonathan Murphy (6-0, 190, Sr ) 2B 2 PRESTON DANIELS (5-11, 255, Jr .) 46 Jordan Lay (5-11, 205, Jr ) SB 12 ISAAC FOSTER (5-10, 175, Gr ) 3 Nykeem Farrow (5-9, 170, Jr .) SB 26 GABRIEL BENYARD (5-10, 175, So ) 32 Marquis Ledet (6-0, 205, Jr ) WR 5 XAVIER HILL (6-2, 205, Jr .) 7 Oscar Gonzalez (6-4, 230, Sr ) WR 83 BLAKE BOHANNON (6-1, 200, So ) 17 Chavis Marshall (6-3, 195, Jr .) LT 71 NATHAN WRIGHT (6-3, 255, Fr ) 75 Hall O’Neal (6-2, 255, Jr ) LG 52 JORDAN LOVE (6-2, 275, So ) 68 Trenton Jackson (6-0, 290, Jr .) C 70 JAMES DAWSON (6-1, 295, Jr ) 73 Mike Fangman (6-1, 270, So ) RG 65 ZION KATINA (6-2, 285, Sr .) 50 Terrell Paxton (6-0, 310, Sr ) RT 54 SETH ADAMS (6-3, 250, So ) 71 Nathan Wright (6-3, 255, Fr .) DEFENSE DE 95 JOEL PARKER (6-0, 250, Sr ) 56 Demetric Barnes (6-4, 235, Jr ) DT 96 TRAVIS BELL (6-1, 305, Gr .) 51 Kelcy Allen (6-1, 280, Sr ) NT 92 CARLOS ALLEN (6-0, 290, Jr ) 97 Adam Watkins (6-0, 285, So .) DE 58 JAHON MYERS (6-3, 255, Jr ) 99 Charles Remy (6-1, 215, So ) MIKE 49 JUAN SILAS (6-1, 200, Fr ) 45 Mike Mincey (6-1, 230, So ) WILL 14 JALEN BARNUM (6-1, 195, Jr ) 39 William Jenkins (6-0, 215, Jr ) SAM 41 GARLAND BENYARD (6-1, 200, So ) 42 Montrel Jenkins (6-0, 215, So ) CB 11 JE’CORY BURKS (6-0, 195, Sr ) 16 Ryan Harris (5-10, 170, Jr ) CB 31 CHANCE GAMBLE (6-2, 170, So ) 15 Jayven Williams (6-2, 170, Fr ) FS 21 MARKEITH MONTGOMERY (5-10, 185, Sr ) 25 Deontre Morris (5-11, 185, So ) SS 38 DYLAN HAND (6-0, 195, So ) 29 Joe Williams (6-0, 170, Fr ) SPECIAL TEAMS KO 77 CONOR CUMMINS (6-1, 175, So ) 88 Nathan Robertson (5-10, 160, Gr ) PK 88 NATHAN ROBERTSON (5-10, 160, Gr ) 77 Conor Cummins (6-1, 175, So ) P 90 JOSHUA HUIET (6-2, 205, So ) 53 Charlie Cooper (5-11, 185, Fr ) HLD 90 JOSHUA HUIET (6-2, 205, So ) 12 Isaac Foster (5-10, 175, Gr ) LS 81 ZANE McCRACKEN (6-2, 200, Jr ) 78 Ronnie Thomas (5-10, 180, Fr ) KR 26 GABRIEL BENYARD (5-10, 175, So ) 12 Isaac Foster (5-10, 175, Gr ) PR 26 GABRIEL BENYARD (5-10, 175, So ) 12 Isaac Foster (5-10, 175, Gr ) 2022 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF Grant Chesnut, Offensive Coordinator Danny Verpaele, Defensive Coordinator Ossie Buchannon, Wide Receivers/Special Teams Stewart Cook, Tight Ends/Tackles Liam Klein, Defensive Line Darius Safford, Defensive Backs Tim Glanton, Running Backs Chandler Burks, Quarterbacks/B-Backs Greg Harris, Linebackers Kynjee Cotton, Defensive Ends 2022 KENNESAW STATE DEPTH CHART Brian Bohannon Head Coach
“A team goal would be to win the SoCon, of course . I only have one more year of eligibility, so a personal goal would be to go to the NFL, and I am trying to ”
32 samfordsports.com
What made you choose Samford?
“The academics and when I came, I met the class I was coming in with and they were my favorite thing by far . I also met the coaching staff that I came in with, and they made it feel like such a friendly atmosphere ” What is your best memory with the Samford football team?
What goals do you have for yourself and for your team?
10 Questions with Jay Stanton
“I look up to a former player here, Montrell Washington . His work ethic and the way he knows when to flip on a switch for game time and when to turn it off and have fun .”
“My freshman year, we had a water gun fight all over campus and that was my favorite!”
“The Galleria . I just like going in and looking at all the stores and seeing what they got I try not to spend my money but I’m failing sometimes . I just love going to Foot Locker and then Smoothie King ”
Where is your favorite place to go in Birmingham?
How would you describe the Samford football team?
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 our first edition, Marketing Assistant Haley Sue Harbison sat down with running back Jay Stanton .
What other player do you look up to?
“Goofy . Athletic . Loving . It’s just one big family . We’ve got people from everywhere and we understand each other’s backgrounds and how everybody just adds a flavor to the team ”
By Haley Sue Harbison Samford Athletics
What legacy do you want to leave?
33 2022 FOOTBALL
“I just want to make sure if you hear the name ‘Stanton’ you know the work and grind I put behind the name . I want to make sure my name holds that weight . “He’s focused . He’s going to do his job . And he’s going to do it well— not just well— he is going to do it great and be a very dependable guy .
What is your advice to younger, aspiring college athletes?
“If not the NFL, then I would like to become a sports psychologist or therapist for a team That would be nice . I got really big into psychology my senior year of high school because of one of my teachers, and I’d also like to stay in something around sports, so I feel like that’s a nice combination between the two .”
What are your plans after college?
“Never give up . If you truly want it, then put your mind to it I feel like you can do it— anybody can do it— you just have to make sure you work and stay focused .”
“No matter how hard life knocks you down, you can always get back up because God makes another day for us to have a new opportunity so we shouldn’t just dwell on the past ”
What is the best advice you have ever received?
#1In the Nation for EngagementStudent The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education 2022 For God. For Learning. Forever. samford.edu
35 2022 FOOTBALL
Originally, the stadium had the current gatehouse and seating on the east side
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 .
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
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
Seibert Stadium
. 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
samfordsports.com 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 .
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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
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
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
37 2022 FOOTBALL 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
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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 ”
Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House
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 .
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
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The. field house houses a locker room, players’ lounge, training room, weight room, equipment room, coaches’ offices, meeting rooms and a film room .
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
The field house, which is 39,400 square feet, cost approximately $8 million dollars, with all money privately donated .
40 samfordsports.com SponsorProudAthleticsSamfordofpapajohns.comVestavia(205)978-7272
samfordsports.com 41 97 % 75% 59 17 3.14 153 160 12 49 86 269 of student-athletes had cumulative GPA of 3.0 or 370averageCommissioner’sstudent-athleteshigher.earnedtheMedalstudent-athleteshada4.00GPAcumulativeGPAforstudent-athletesfortheacademicyear student-athletesAll-ConferenceAcademicFall2021 on the SoCon Academic Honor Roll student-athletes made Fall 2021 Dean’s List student-athletes made Spring 2021 Dean’s List teams had an average cumulative GPA above a 3.0 for the academic year All-ConferenceAcademicSpring2021 Graduation Success Rate
42 samfordsports.com CHARLESWILLIAMSMEMORIALJERSEY 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 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 . 2020-21201520102005 20162021 2022 20062011 200720122017 200820182013 200920142019
. Speakers include faculty members, coaches, administrators, business leaders and former student-athletes
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All AEP programming is designed to enhance and support the academic and athletic endeavors of student-athletes
The AEP environment includes a computer lab/classroom, private tutor rooms and quiet study spaceIn. 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 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
Academic Enhancement Program
Student-athletes are integrated within a foundation of the university’s general education core curriculum that emphasizes basic skills for academic achievement .
Commitment to Career Development: To encourage student-athletes to develop and pursue career and life goals
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
. 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
. This is done through workshops and seminars, campus partnerships and other programming throughout the year
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 .
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
LIFE PROGRAM
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 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
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SKILLS
. Topics include financial management, time management, media relations, spiritual development, choosing a major and a career, résumé writing, and sportsmanship
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 .
Commitment to Service: To engage studentathletes in service to their campus and surrounding communityThroughout 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
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
Bulldogs Fans, Gear Up! Samford SamfordUShop.comShop SCAN TO SHOP
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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
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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 .
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 2010-2021After 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 .
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+
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 .
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 .
Martin Newton, Director of Athletics
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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 .
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
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 .
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 .
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 .
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 .
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
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 .
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) standingsAcademically,. 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 .
47 2022 FOOTBALL KimballSOFTBALLCassady VOLLEYBALLKeylorChan W. GOLF Joe Davidson M. GOLF Al DelGreco W.DavidTENNISVest ToddSOCCERYeltonTRACK & FIELD Rod Tiffin BASEBALLTonyDavid W. CarleyBASKETBALLKuhnsM. OliverTENNISReynolds M.BuckyBASKETBALLMcMillan ChrisFOOTBALLHatcher Head Coaches
For the latest information on Samford athletics visit@SamfordSportsSamfordSports.comSamfordSportsSamfordSports 48 samfordsports.com
• been an employee of Samford University or is the spouse of an employee
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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
ONCE BOOSTER,BECOMEYOUA YOU NEVER LOSE THE IDENTITY OF A BOOSTER.
Do not do anything for prospective or enrolled studentathletes without specific authorization from the Samford Athletics Compliance Office
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A representative or booster is an individual or business that is or has ever done any of the following:
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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
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• 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
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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 .
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
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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
55 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
Only coaches and athletics department staff members are permitted to be involved in the recruiting process
Who is a “prospective student-athlete?”
• has ever made a donation of any kind to the Samford athletics department
Who is a “representative of athletic interest” or booster?
2 A prospect remains a prospect even after he or she signs a Letter of Intent or financial aid agreement to attend the university
• assisted in providing any benefit to Samford enrolled student-athletes or their families been involved in promoting Samford athletics programs
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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
• helped to arrange or to provide employment for enrolled student-athletes or for prospects who have signed a National Letter of Intent
• been a contributor to the Samford Bulldog Club or has purchased tickets to a Samford athletics event
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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 .
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 countriesSamford 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 countryAmong 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 .
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 .
Samford University
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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 .
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Samford is ranked 1st in Alabama and 32nd nationally by LendEdu in its list of best colleges for financial aid (2020)
• 97% of undergraduate alumni are working or in further study within six months of graduation (2021) .
Samford Distinctions
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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 the top-ranked university in Alabama in national rankings by The Wall Street Journal (2022) .
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) .
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samfordsports.com SAMFORD ATHLETICS HALL Name Induction Year Sport Walter Barnes 2017 Men’s Basketball Lauren Blankenship 2017 Track and Field/Cross Country Bobby Bowden 2017 Football Wally Burnham 2017 Football Cortland Finnegan 2017 Football Charlie Owens 2017 Tennis 1998-99 MBB Team 2018 Men’s Basketball Billy Bancroft 2018 Football Craig Beard 2018 Men’s Basketball Jimbo Fisher 2018 Football Michael Marseco 2018 Baseball Alyssa Whitehead 2018 Soccer 1971 Football Team 2019 Football Cameron Bean 2019 Track and Field/Cross Country John Brady 2019 Men’s Basketball Gary Fleming 2019 Football Jimmy Harrison 2019 Men’s Basketball samfordsports.com
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES Emily London 2019 Women’s Basketball Efrim Hill 2020 Football Bobby Jackson 2020 Football Virgil Ledbetter 2020 Multiple Sports Michaela Ressor 2020 Volleyball Michael Seaman 2020 Track & Field Pat Sullivan 2020 Football 2022 Inductees Buddy Anderson Football Norman “Shorty” Cooper Football Jim Lovette Football/Baseball Shandra Moore Howard Women’s Tennis 1984 Football Team Football 2010-11 Women’s Basketball Team Women’s Basketball
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The Southern Conference
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 ChampionshipsTheSouthern 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
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 originationAcademic 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 second major shift occurred some 20 years later By 1952, the Southern Conference included 17 colleges and universities
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
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 .
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 The1933Southern 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
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
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
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
Membership history
Southern Conference
55 2022 FOOTBALL Virginia Current league members are The Citadel, ETSU, Furman, Mercer, UNCG, Samford, Chattanooga, VMI, Western Carolina and Wofford
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
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
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 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 .
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 .
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
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
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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
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
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 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
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
56 samfordsports.com 2021-22 Bulldog Club Excellence Fund Donors Varstiy Level and Above Gifts received by our Bulldog Club Excelence Fund donors position Samford Athletics to recruit, retain and develop the very best student-athletes. Thanks to this support, Samford is producing graduates who are prepared to make a difference in the world. CHAMPION’S CIRCLE Bill and Kimeran Stevens Rick and Beth Stukes HERITAGE CIRCLE Anthony & Robbin Allen Roy MarkCharlesToddAnderson&KarenCarlisle&JacquelineCulp&GwenMatthews 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
57 2022 FOOTBALL ALL-AMERICAN Scott & Kim Andersen Steve & Janet Ball Clay Carlock Wes & Jordan Caudell Drew & Julie Cundiff Randy & Daina Pittman Greg & Peggy Powell Josh & Andrea Rhodes ALL-CONFERENCE Jim & Cindy Anderson Scott & Laurie Applefield Tim & Cindy Bembry Whit & Alison Bishop Chris & Barbara Blackerby Jeff & Lisa Bramer Quentin & Julie Brown Janet & Scott Brown Frank & Marti Buck Larry Burgess-Moore & Catherine Sheridan-Moore Mike & Ginger Burkett Patsy & Jim Burks John & Susan Carroll Michael & Kathy Clay Mike & Jan Cobb Tom & Debbie Collins Nathan & Kristen Collums Devon & Blake Davidson Neil & Ginger Davis Davis Architects Steve & Krista Dillard Don & Lynne Eades Kent & Margaret Ellington Gary & Alta Faye Fenton John & Marsha Floyd Taylor & Kelly Foreman Laura & Patrick Foshee Jim & Sherri Foyt Randy & Tammi Frazier Dick & Donna Gardner Jonathan Gibson Beau & Rachel Green Mike & Anna Kathryn Hardin Pearlie & LaShawnda Harris Lee & Leigh Henderson 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 EddieMarcum&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 Interested in Learning More? Visit SamfordBulldogClub.com Rick & Barbara Schultz Gil & Leigh Simmons Todd & Jodi Skaggs Jimmy & Patsy Smithey Bob & Pat Terry Andy & Jan Thrower Mickey Tumlin Lida HowardRyanMikeVanOrman&TriciaVice&KandiWaddlesWalthall&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 HowardFelton&Kathy Finch Bob & Gail Greene Clayton & Teresa Hemphill Rod & Paula Hovater Joe BobbyMcDade&Kelly Patrick Reed & Jessica Rawlings Jim & Doris Ridgeway Larry & Kathleen Tyree Barbara & Vaughn Volpi
The Samford University athletics program has risen to regional and national recognition through its commitment to athletic and academic excellence .
Facilities in Seibert Hall have been renovated to accommodate academic programs and student recreation activities
At the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium, a new video board was added prior to the start of the 2021 soccer
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The facility includes locker rooms, a ticket office, a high-tech press box, a nine-lane track and a regulation soccer field .
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 athletics department is building its capital campaign efforts to raise funds to further assure Samford athletes of the finest playing facilities possible .
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 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
Paralleling the competitive success of the program, Samford’s athletics facilities also continue to develop .
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 NCAAAll-weathercourts field turf was installed at Seibert Stadium in the summer of 2005 .
Softball Field opened in spring 2013 .
Athletics Facilities
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 .
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Samford student-athletes have achieved much on the playing fields and in the classroom .
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 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 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 .
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
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 .
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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 .
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 .
NFL
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 .
Samford currently has five former players on either the active roster or practice squad of NFL teams. THE
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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 .
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