Mars hill program

Jamerson Blount, Free Safety

Head Coach Chris Hatcher. . . . . . . . . . 4

Sports Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Bulldog Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Assistant Coaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Athlete Q&A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Samford University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Football Support Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Fall Sports Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Athletics Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Returning Players. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Seibert Stadium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Southern Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Signees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Cooney Family Field House . . . . . . . . 42

National Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Today’s Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Academic Enhancement Program. . . . 48

Cheerleaders/Dance/Band. . . . . . . . . 72

Around the SoCon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Andrew Westmoreland. . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Players in the NFL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Football Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Martin Newton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Year-by-Year Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Rosters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Athletics Administration. . . . . . . . . . . 54

Team Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Depth Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Head Coaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Individual Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Opponent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Assistant Coaches/Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Opponent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

NCAA Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Editor: Joey Mullins Senior Graphic Designer: Stephanie Sides Contributors: Herb Brooks, Sam Chandler, Andy Dawson, Mike Grace, Bo Kerr, Zac Schrieber Photographers: Caroline Summers, Rebecca Long, Jimmy Mitchell, David Johnson, Beth Hall

Produced by Samford Division of Marketing and Communication

A division of Samford athletics, Samford Sports Properties manages the media rights and sponsorship opportunities for the Samford University athletics department. Under the direction of Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs Bo Kerr, Samford Sports Properties is responsible for revenue generation through corporate sponsorships.

Samford Sports Properties provides sponsors with a single source for multiplatform sponsorship opportunities across all Samford athletics. For more information on Samford Sports Properties and existing sponsorship opportunities, contact Joerdan Simpson at jsimpson@ samford.edu or 205-726-4307.

SOCIAL MEDIA Samford fans can keep up with the Bulldogs 24/7 through the following social media outlets:

facebook.com/SamfordSports twitter.com/samford_sports youtube.com/samfordsportsnetwork instagram.com/samfordsports

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INTERNET The official website of Samford University athletics is samfordsports.com. A partnership of Samford athletics and SideArm Sports, the internet home of the Bulldogs, is full of the most up-to-date information on football and Samford’s 16 other varsity sports. With news stories, coaches’ and student-athletes’ 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.

ESPN3

For the second-straight season, all Samford home games not picked up by the American Sports Network will be broadcast live on ESPN3.

ESPN3 is available in approximately 75 million homes to fans who receive their internet connection from an affiliated service provider. The network also can be accessed at no cost by 21 million U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel. ESPN3 programming is also available to subscribers through Xbox LIVE and through the free WatchESPN app.

The American Sport Network consists of commercial TV stations owned by the Sinclair Broadcast Group and reaches close to 40 percent of all TV households in the United States with 167 stations in 77 markets. A full list of ASN affiliates will be announced each week.

RADIO

All 11 Samford football games will be broadcast live on 99.1 FM The Game.

Mike Grace will return for his 10th year as executive producer of the Samford Sports Network and as “Voice of the Bulldogs.”

An expanded Bulldog broadcast crew for 2016 will also include longtime voice of the Birmingham Barons and returning play-by-play announcer for Samford women’s basketball Curt Bloom, former Ole Miss Rebel football player Chad Pilcher, former Bulldogs Ben Neill and Jay Galloway, along with Samford University journalism and mass communication major Hattie Breece.

539 screaming fans

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The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

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BULLDOGS HEAD COACH

CHRIS HATCHER

C

hris Hatcher was named Samford’s 36th head football coach on Dec. 11, 2014.

Entering his second season at ­Samford, Hatcher boasts a career record of 127-62 in 16 years as a college head coach, having previously coached at Murray State, Georgia Southern and Valdosta State.

In Hatcher’s first season at Samford in 2015, the Bulldogs 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, ending the season with a pair of Southern Conference road wins at Wofford and Mercer.

The 6-5 record marks Samford’s fifth-straight winning season, tying for the longest streak in program history. The 2015 team also ­produced Chris Hatcher a pair of All-Americans: cornerback James ­Bradberry and place-kicker Anthony Pistelli.

Hatcher came to Samford after serving as head coach at ­Murray State University from 2010 to 2014. In five seasons as head coach of the Racers, Hatcher’s teams employed the highpowered “Hatch Attack” offense to top the Division I-FCS football charts. In 2014, the Racers ranked second in the nation in passing offense, averaging 327.2 yards per game. The team also ranked 15th in total offense at 468.3 yards per contest.

MSU used a balanced attack in 2013. The Racers rushed the ball 424 times, while throwing it 458, in averaging 398.6 yards of offense. The offense was spearheaded by All-American wide receiver Walter Powell, who hauled in 66 passes for 837 yards and 13 touchdowns in just 10 games.

The 2012 Murray State offense led the Ohio Valley Conference for the third-straight season. MSU averaged a school-record 484.4 yards of offense per game while setting a single-season record by averaging 348.9 yards through the air.

The 2011 season saw the Racers go 7-4 and post back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since the 1999–2000 seasons.

MSU closed the season winning five of its final six games, including going on the road and knocking off nationally ranked Tennessee Tech.

The Racer offense was among the most prolific in the ­nation.

MSU ranked third in scoring offense, fourth in total offense and seventh in passing offense. The 5,070 yards of total offense marked the fifth time in school history MSU amassed more than 5,000 yards, while the 460.9 yards per game were the third-most all time. The Racers also rushed for 152.27 yards per game.

In 2010, the Racer offense led the OVC in passing offense, total offense and scoring offense, while ranking fourth nationally in passing offense, fifth in total offense and fifth in scoring offense.

Hatcher served as head coach at Georgia Southern from 2007 to 2009. In 2007, he led GSU to the second-best regular season turnaround in program history, a plus-4 improvement from 2006.

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The Eagles ranked among the national leaders in various categories on offense, defense and special teams. He also coached five All-America players, including quarterback Jayson Foster, the second Walter Payton Award winner at GSU. The Eagles returned to the national rankings after a 14-week hiatus as the Hatcher era got off to a 4-1 start. GSU climbed as high as No. 11 after the Eagles recorded three straight victories at No. 5 Appalachian State, ending the Mountaineers’ 30-game home winning streak, at home against No. 25 The Citadel, and at No. 10 Wofford.

The prolific offense ranked first in rushing, eighth in total offense, eighth in ­scoring offense and 23rd in sacks allowed. The defense was 14th in turnover margin and 17th in fumbles recovered, while the special teams ranked 25th in net punting.

The 2008 season saw Hatcher guide the Eagles to the program’s 25th winning season in 27 years.

In late October, the Eagles set an NCAA record for the largest fourth-quarter comeback as GSU erased a 31-3 deficit for a 38-31 overtime victory at Western Carolina. The OT contest was just the first of an NCAA-record four overtime games played by the Eagles in 2008.

Hatcher’s team provided impressive numbers in all three phases. The offense ranked 20th nationally in passing and scoring, while the defense ranked 26th in sacks and 22nd in tackles-forloss. The special teams units finished 14th in punt returns and 36th in kickoff returns.

All of this was done as Hatcher and his staff were forced to play close to 30 freshmen on a consistent basis throughout the season.

Five Eagles received All-SoCon honors, and seven freshmen representing offense, defense and special teams were named to the inaugural SoCon All-Freshman team.

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. In his first year back at VSU, Hatcher took a 4-7 squad the previous year and produced a 10-2 overall record (8-1 in GSC action) and a berth in the Division II playoffs. He coached quarterback Dusty Bonner, who was a two-time winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy as the NCAA Division II Player of the Year, an award Hatcher won himself in 1994.

Hatcher’s 2001 and 2002 teams posted back-to-back un­defeated records during the regular season, part of a Gulf South Conference–record 35 straight victories during the regular season.

During the 2004 championship season, the Blazers lost their season opener before rattling off 13 consecutive victories, capped by a 36-31 victory over Pittsburg State in the title game. Hatcher was named National Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association and was the offensive coordinator for the East squad at the Hula Bowl.

In 2005, Valdosta opened the season ranked No. 1 for four

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The Hatchers

THE HATCHER FILE

straight weeks and saw the season culminate with a sixth-straight NCAA postseason appearance. Despite an 8-2 record in 2006, the 10th-ranked Blazers did not receive an invitation to the playoffs, marking the first time that occurred in the Hatcher era.

The 2006 team finished sixth nationally in passing offense (283 ypg), 12th in scoring offense (34.9 ppg) and 19th in total offense (389.9 ypg). In addition to the offensive success, the 2006 defense ranked 27th nationally in scoring defense (15.7 ppg), while the special teams ranked third in punt returns (17.3 ypr) and blocked seven kicks.

The Macon, Georgia, native spent one year as quarterbacks/tight ends coach at the University of Central Florida, where he worked with future NFL quarterback Daunte Culpepper. He then spent three years working with the quarterbacks at the University of Kentucky, where he worked under former VSU Head Coach Hal Mumme. During his time with the Wildcats, he coached the No. 1 NFL draft pick, All-American quarterback Tim Couch.

While at UK, Hatcher and the Wildcats played in the 1999 Outback Bowl, the program’s first New Year’s Day Bowl in 47 years, and followed that the next year with a berth in the ’99 Music City Bowl. It marked the first time the Wildcats had consecutive bowl appearances in 15 years.

Hatcher was a two-time All-American quarterback at VSU (1993 and 1994.

He threw for 11,363 yards and 121 touchdowns during his career. During his senior year in 1994, he led the Blazers to their first postseason berth, advancing to the quarterfinals, and set 29 VSU passing and total offense records.

Among the national records he once set were a 68.5 career completion percentage and a streak of 20 straight completions in a game against New Haven. Hatcher held 14 Valdosta State, 13 Gulf South Conference and 17 Division II national records. He also started 41 consecutive games, posting a 29-10-2 record.

Not only did Hatcher excel on the field, he was also 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.

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

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 (2001), Division II Hall of Fame (2005) and Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame (2014).

Hatcher graduated from Valdosta State in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education.

He and his wife, Lori, also a graduate of VSU, are the parents of a son, Ty, and a daughter, Talley.

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COACHING EXPERIENCE 2015–Present Head Coach, Samford 2010–14 Head Coach, Murray State 2007–09 Head Coach, Georgia Southern 2000–06 Head Coach, Valdosta State 1999 Assistant Coach, Quarterbacks/ Receivers, Kentucky 1997–98 Graduate Assistant, Quarterbacks, Kentucky 1996 Assistant Coach, Quarterbacks/ Tight Ends, UCF 1995 Volunteer Assistant, Quarterbacks, Valdosta State PLAYING EXPERIENCE 1991–94 Valdosta State EDUCATION High School College Degree

PERSONAL Birthday Hometown Family

Mount de Sales Academy Valdosta State (1995) B.S./Health and Physical Education

Feb. 18, 1973 Macon, Ga. Wife, Lori Son, Ty Daughter, Talley

AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Inducted into the Division II Hall of Fame in 2005 • Inducted into the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame in 2014 • 2004 American Football Coaches Association National Coach of the Year • Led Valdosta State to the 2004 Division II National Championship • Four-time Atlanta Touchdown Club Coach of the Year • 1994 CoSIDA Academic All-American of the Year • Led teams to six playoff appearances, including two appearances in the National Championship game • Served as the offensive coordinator for the East squad in the 2004 Hula Bowl • 1994 recipient of the Harlon Hill Trophy (Division II Heisman) • Two-time All-American quarterback at Valdosta State (1993–94) • Set 29 passing records as the quarterback at Valdosta State

BILL D’OTTAVIO ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

B

ill D’Ottavio enters his 10th season as Samford’s defensive coordi­ nator and his sixth as assistant head coach.

D’Ottavio’s defenses have produced four National Football League Draft picks during his time at Samford, including the three highest NFL Draft picks in program history. Cornerback Corey White was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2012 draft, while defensive lineman Nick Williams was taken in the seventh round of the 2013 draft.

In 2015, safety Jaquiski Tartt became the highest NFL Draft pick in school history when the San Francisco 49ers selected him in the second round of the draft. The latest addition to the list came in 2016 when cornerback James Bradberry was taken in the second round by the Carolina Panthers.

In 2014, D’Ottavio’s defense led the nation in fewest passing yards allowed. The unit also led the Southern Conference and ranked seventh nationally in pass efficiency defense.

D’Ottavio’s 2012 defense led the

Southern Conference in interceptions with 14.

In 2009, D’Ottavio’s defense ranked in the top 20 in the nation in total defense, scoring defense, sacks and tackles for a loss.

In his second season at Samford in 2008, D’Ottavio produced one of Samford’s strongest defenses. The Bulldogs led the Southern Conference in scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense, opponent first downs and turnover margin.

D’Ottavio came to Samford from Tulane University, where he served as assistant head coach from 2004 to 2006, coaching cornerbacks. In 2005, the Green Wave ranked first in Conference USA in pass defense.

D’Ottavio served on the coaching staff at the University of Central Florida from 1999 to 2003. He coached linebackers, and served as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2002 and 2003. In 2000, the UCF defense ranked sixth in the nation in sacks and tied for 10th in the nation in turnovers gained.

From 1997 to 1998, D’Ottavio served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at his alma mater, Millersville University in Pennsylvania. He helped

Millersville to a 15-5 record over those two seasons, and the team won the 1998 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division championship.

D’Ottavio worked at Middle Tennessee State University in 1995 and 1996. He coached the secondary and assisted with the special teams, specifically on kickoff coverage.

Prior to his time at Middle Tennessee, D’Ottavio served on the coaching staff at Indiana University of Pennsylvania from 1989 to 1994. He coached the secondary from 1989 to 1992 and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1993. He coached the defensive line while coordinating the defense in 1993 and 1994. While at IUP, D’Ottavio helped lead the team to a 65-11-1 record, five appearances in the NCAA semifinals and two appearances in the NCAA finals.

D’Ottavio served as a graduate assistant at the University of Pittsburgh in 1987 and 1988. He began his coaching career as a student assistant at Millersville in 1985, and he served the school as a graduate assistant in 1986. A native of Roxbury, New Jersey, he is a 1986 graduate of Millersville University.

RUSS CALLAWAY OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR/WIDE RECEIVERS

R

uss Callaway enters his second season on the Samford football coaching staff and his first as the squad’s offensive coordinator. Callaway will continue to coach the team’s wide receivers.

In his first season, the offense ranked third in the nation in passing offense and seventh nationally in total offense. The unit set a school record for total offense in a game with 752 yards in a win over Florida A&M. In that first season, Callaway tutored SoCon Freshman of the Year Kelvin McKnight, and All-SoCon receivers Karel Hamilton and Emmanuel Obajimi.

Callaway comes to Samford after spending the last two seasons on Head Coach Chris Hatcher’s staff at Murray State. At MSU, he worked with the wide receivers, while also serving as the

recruiting coordinator.

In his first season, Callaway mentored a group of receivers that saw seven receivers catch at least 15 passes and combine for 20 touchdowns. The group was anchored

by All-American Walter Powell, who caught 66 passes for 837 yards and 13 touchdowns in 10 games.

Jeremy Harness and Paul Rice also had breakout seasons. Harness hauled in 40 passes last season, after catching just 13 the season before. Rice had 32 catches in 2013 after catching only one pass as a freshman.

Callaway also mentored freshman Jesse Blackburn into one of the top pass catchers in the OVC. Blackburn ended the year with nine catches for 170 and a pair of touchdowns in the Racers’ victory over Eastern Kentucky.

Callaway joined the Racers after winning back-to-back BCS National Championships as a defensive analyst on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama. He assisted

defensive coordinator Kirby Smart with the inside linebackers. The Tide defense posted four shutouts, and held six opponents to 10 points or less. As a unit, they led the country in rush defense (76.36), total defense (250.00) and scoring defense (10.93).

Callaway played as a quarterback at Valdosta State. He was a two-time captain and had his most productive season in 2009 when he went 26 for 45 for 350 yards and three touchdowns. He joined the Blazers in 2007, helping the team to the school’s second National Championship.

After his playing career was cut short by injury, Callaway spent his final year working with the quarterbacks as a student assistant at VSU. Callaway graduated from VSU in 2010 with a degree in business management.

His father, Neil, is a coaching veteran, and is currently the offensive line coach at USC. Callaway and his wife, Taylor, have a daughter, Maris Faye Callaway, and a son, Samuel Ingram Callaway.

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SHAWN BOSTICK OFFENSIVE LINE

S

hawn Bostick enters his second season on the Samford coaching staff. He coaches the Bulldogs’ offensive line.

In his first season at Samford, Bostick’s offensive line helped the unit lead the Southern Conference in scoring offense and total offense. Two of his offensive linemen, Armando Bonheur and Gunnar Bromelow, earned All-SoCon honors.

Bostick came to Samford after spending the previous five years on Head Coach Chris Hatcher’s staff at Murray State.

In his first season with the Racers, Bostick took an offensive line that was considered a work in progress and turned it into one of the top offensive lines in the OVC. The 2011 offensive line had four players start at least 10 games. They helped the Racer offense accumulate 5,070 yards of total offense, marking just the fourth time it has happened in school history.

The 2012 offensive line paved the way for an offense that amassed 5,328 yards of total offense, including 3,838 through the air.

The offensive line helped produce one of the nation’s most balanced attacks in 2013.

The Racers rushed for 1,886 yards, the most in nearly a decade. The team rushed for over 200 yards in four games, including rushing for 296 yards in an overtime victory at Jacksonville State.

Bostick came to MSU after serving as the offensive line coach at Georgia Southern the previous three seasons.

His arrival in Statesboro, Georgia, ended an 18-year affiliation with Valdosta State, from his playing days to assistant coach.

Bostick served as assistant head coach in charge of the offensive line for eight years at VSU. His O-Line was part of one of the most productive offensive units in Division II. Bostick was part of the 2004 National Championship team and the national runner-up in 2002.

From 1994 to 1995, he worked as a student assistant coach under Hal Mumme.

Bostick was part of the 1994 coaching staff, leading Valdosta State to its first-ever playoff appearance.

In 1996, he worked with the running backs as the Blazers won their first conference championship. During the 1997 campaign, he served as a graduate assistant coach under Mike Kelley, returning to the offensive line. The next season, he moved into his first full-time coaching position and worked with the offensive line every year since.

Bostick played at Valdosta State from 1991 to 1993, starting as a walk-on but eventually earning a scholarship. A 1997 graduate of Valdosta State, Bostick received his bachelor’s degree in education.

He and his wife, Sheila, have a daughter, Emma, and a son, Walker.

VICTOR CABRAL DEFENSIVE LINE

V

ictor Cabral enters his second season on the Samford football coaching staff. He serves as

defensive line coach.

In his first season at Samford, Cabral mentored a strong defensive line. In the group, he coached two All-SoCon p ­ layers, Michael Pierce (first team) and Ahad Gooden (second team).

Cabral spent the 2014 season as the director of player personnel at his alma mater, Georgia Southern.

For four years (2010–13), he served as defensive line coach at Georgia Southern.

Cabral worked with several standout players, including four-time All-American and 2011 Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year Brent Russell, who became the Eagles’ career sacks leader in 2012.

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Cabral joined the Eagle program after spending three years as defensive line coach at Georgia Military College, where he also served as special teams coordi­ nator for the Bulldogs. In 2007, the GMC defensive unit earned a No. 1 ranking in rushing defense in the NJCAA. The next season, the Bulldogs ranked third nationally in total defense.

With success at the team level, the Bulldogs also had several individuals earn national accolades. Leroy Burgess was selected as a third-team NJCAA AllAmerican, and in 2008, Torrey Ball earned second-team All-America honors.

Under the tutelage of Cabral, Markeith Wylie was recognized as first-team Academic All-American in 2007. Thirteen GMC players coached by Cabral received scholarships to NCAA Division I programs during his three seasons in Milledgeville.

Cabral returned to Georgia Southern for the 2005 campaign, coordinating video

and quality control for the Eagles. During the winter and spring of 2006, Cabral assisted with the defensive line, including the preparation of daily practice plans and on-field evaluation and coaching.

A four-year Georgia Southern starter and letterwinner, Cabral was part of the winning tradition that included the 2000 National Championship, two NCAA semi­ final playoff appearances and four conference titles during his career. Following his collegiate playing career, Cabral was the 24th overall draft pick by the Montreal Alouettes in 2005.

The former GSU team captain earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern in May 2006 and graduated with his master’s degree in May 2013. Cabral and his wife, Erin, have a son, Zac, and a daughter, Lucy.

DERRICK FOSTER RUNNING BACKS

D

errick Foster enters his first season on the Samford football coaching staff. He coaches running backs.

Foster comes to Samford from Northwestern State University, where he coached running backs in 2013, and wide receivers in 2014 and 2015. While at NSU, Foster tutored some of the top receivers in program history.

Under Foster’s tutelage, Ed Eagan set the school single-season receptions record with 73 catches, surpassing the old mark by 19.

Eagan also tied the single-game receptions record of 13 and established a new benchmark for single-game receiving yards, torching McNeese State for 238 yards.

Foster was instrumental in helping Bryant Mitchell make his way to the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos and

guided Cody Jones to a productive junior campaign in his second season as a fulltime wide receiver.

All of this came one season after Foster made the NSU running backs extremely productive in 2013.

Foster arrived at NSU in January 2013 from Derek Dooley’s 2012 coaching staff with the Tennessee Volunteers.

Foster joined Dooley’s staff for the 2012 season, assisting the offensive coordinator and helping coach running backs. The Volunteers finished third in the Southeastern Conference in total offense with 5,711 yards. He had office recruiting duties for junior colleges in California, Texas, Kansas, New York, Arizona and Illinois.

His coaching career began at Valdosta State in 2011, where he assisted Head Coach David Dean, offensive coordi­ nator Robby Brown and the special teams coordinator, working with the punt team and the return teams. He worked with wide

receivers and helped produce an All-Gulf South Conference selection (32 catches, 551 yards, 6 TDs). Ten wide receivers had at least one catch, and while at Valdosta, Foster coached Seantavius Jones, now a receiver with the New Orleans Saints.

Foster was a three-year starting receiver at Southwest Baptist, including a recordshattering 2007 campaign. Foster played in 41 of 44 games and had 93 career receptions. In 2007, he ranked sixth in the conference with 44 catches. He was a 1,000-yard rusher at Goshen High and an All-County running back.

A native of Goshen, Alabama, Foster graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sport management from Southwest Baptist in 2010 and a master’s in public administration from Valdosta State in 2013. He is married to the former Bianca Cooper.

MIKE KRYSL SPECIAL TEAMS/OFFENSIVE TACKLES/TIGHT ENDS

M

ike Krysl enters his first season on the Samford coaching staff and serves as the special teams coordinator. He will also coach the tackles and tight ends.

Krysl spent two seasons at Georgia Southern University as director of player development, while also assisting head coach Willie Fritz with special teams. In 2015, Georgia Southern ended the season with a 9-4 overall record and claimed a berth in the program’s first-ever bowl game.

The Eagles defeated Bowling Green, 58-27, in the GoDaddy.com Bowl. Krysl was named special teams coordinator during the Eagles bowl prep.

In 2015, the Eagles’ punt return unit and kickoff return unit finished number one in the Sun Belt Conference, helping returner Derek Keaton earn All-Sun Belt honors as a returner for the second-straight season. Also in 2015, the kickoff unit finished first in the Sun Belt while also claiming the number one

spot in FBS. In 2014, Georgia Southern finished the season with a 9-3 overall record and 8-0 in the program’s first season in the Sun Belt Conference, claiming the outright conference title. Also in 2014, Georgia Southern’s kickoff return unit finished the regular ­season ranked 16th in the FBS. Prior to joining the program at Georgia Southern, Krysl served as offensive line/tight ends coach at West Virginia State University in 2013. Aside from his duties leading the offensive line and tight end units, he also served as the program’s strength and conditioning coordinator. West Virginia State junior offensive tackle Ricardo Figueroa earned All-Mountain East honors after ­starting every game on the offensive line for the Yellow Jackets.

In 2012, Krysl served as the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Lexington (Missouri) High School under Head Coach Andy Lierman. Prior to joining the Lexington program, Krysl served as an offensive graduate assistant at his alma mater, the University of Central Missouri,

during the 2010 and 2011 campaigns.

In 2011, the Central Missouri program ­finished with an 8-4 overall record and earned a trip to the Kanza Bowl. The season also saw the Mules finish sixth in the nation in passing offense.

Central Missouri had its most successful season to date in 2010, finishing with an 11-3 overall record and 8-1 in the MIAA conference. Central Missouri celebrated its first-ever playoff victory, 55-35, over West Texas A&M. The Mules finished the season as national semifinalists after making it to the third round of the national playoffs. The Mules finished the 2010 season ranking fourth in the nation in passing offense and scoring offense,and sixth in total offense.

Krysl earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education, and master’s degree in sports and business administration from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. He is originally from Hillsboro, Missouri, where he attended Hillsboro High School.

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ROSS NEWTON LINEBACKERS/DIRECTOR OF RECRUITING

R

oss Newton enters his 11th season as an assistant coach at Samford. Newton is in his fifth season coaching the linebackers after working with the defensive line for his first five years on the staff. Newton is also in his fifth season as Samford’s director of recruiting.

During his time at Samford, Newtoncoached players have posted some impressive achievements. In 2014, Justin Cooper led the team and ranked fourth in the Southern Conference with 93 tackles, including 73 solo stops. Cooper also led the squad and placed sixth in the SoCon with 103 tackles as a senior in 2015.

In 2013, senior linebacker Justin Shade was named the Southern Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year.

In 2011 and 2012, Newton coached a

group of experienced linebackers that was one of the strengths of Samford’s defense.

The defensive line saw great improvement in Newton’s five seasons with the group. In 2010, defensive linemen Alex Davis and John Michael Clay were named to the All-Conference teams for the Southern Conference.

In 2009, Samford’s defense ranked in the top 20 in the nation in total defense, scoring defense, sacks and tackles for a loss. Also, Clay was named second-team All-Conference by both the league coaches and media at the conclusion of the season.

In 2008, defensive lineman Patrick Hatcher was named to the Southern Conference Media Association’s All-Conference team.

Overall, the Samford defense led the Southern Conference in scoring defense, total defense and rushing defense in 2008.

Newton came to Samford in 2006

after spending the previous season as a graduate assistant coach for defense at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Newton was a member of the Samford football team from 2000 to 2003. As a Bulldog, he registered 143 tackles and eight sacks. He was selected a team ­captain in his senior year in 2003.

As a senior, Newton also won the Kenny Morgan Leadership Award.

A native of Homewood, Newton played high school football for his father, Bob, at Homewood High School.

Newton graduated from Samford in 2004 with a B.A. in history with a minor in political science. He has worked toward a master’s degree in education at UAB. Newton is married to the former Allison Lyn Swartz, a fellow Samford graduate. They have two sons, Thomas and William.

SAM SHADE SECONDARY

S

am Shade is in his eighth season as an assistant coach at Samford. He has coached the cornerbacks for his entire time on the staff. In 2014, he was put in charge of the squad’s special teams and was named the defensive passing game coordinator.

In 2015, Shade’s secondary led the Southern Conference in pass defense efficiency (109.8), and the unit was second in the league in interceptions (16). James Bradberry was named first-team All-SoCon as a senior in 2015, and he was drafted in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

Shade’s 2014 group led the nation in passing yards allowed per game (139.1 ypg). The unit also led the Southern Conference and ranked seventh nationally in pass efficiency defense (101.96).

Individually, Bradberry earned AllSoCon honors following the 2014 season.

Entering the 2015 season, he was named a preseason All-American. Punter Greg Peranich was also named All-SoCon ­following the 2014 season.

In 2011, Shade worked with the 10

secondary that ranked third in the Southern Conference in pass defense. Shade also tutored 2012 NFL Draft pick Corey White.

Shade came to Samford after having served as a volunteer coach at Briarwood Christian School since 2004. He coached the defensive backs, helping lead the team to a 5A state runner-up finish and a 14-1 overall record. During his time at the school, he coached former Samford player Will Tumlin and former Furman player Matthew Gordon.

Shade played in the National Football League from 1995 to 2003. He played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1995 to 1999.

Shade led the Bengals in tackles in 1997 and was second in the category in 1998.

For his last two seasons in Cincinnati, his defensive coordinator was NFL Hall of Fame coach Dick LeBeau.

Shade played for the Washington Redskins from 1999 to 2003 for three head coaches (Norv Turner, Marty Shottenheimer and Steve Spurrier). He also played for three defensive coordinators (Mike Nolan, Ray Rhodes and Marvin Lewis).

In April of 2000, Shade won the Redskins’ Unsung Hero Award for on-thefield commitment and community service accomplishment. In the summers of 2000

to 2005, Shade held youth football camps in Washington and Birmingham. He also worked as a color commentator for the NBC Network from 2003 to 2004.

Shade played college football at the University of Alabama from 1991 to 1994.

He was a member of the 1992 national championship team, and he was named a permanent captain as a senior in 1994. At the conclusion of his playing career, Shade was drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL Draft.

A Birmingham native, Shade attended Wenonah High School and was named a Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete award ­winner following his senior year.

Shade and his wife, Jacquetta, have four children: sons Justin and Jacoby, and daughters Jaila and Jamyia. His oldest son, Justin, graduated from Samford in 2014 after playing four seasons for the Bulldogs.

TAYLOR EDWARDS DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL

T

aylor Edwards enters his first year on the Samford football staff. He serves as the program’s director of player personnel.

Edwards is responsible for instructing and training student-athletes on the rules and fundamentals of their sport, while assisting Head Coach Chris Hatcher with all phases of the operation of the football program.

Edwards comes to Samford from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he has served as the program’s director of recruiting since 2014. He oversaw all aspects of recruiting for the Blazers.

In addition, he served as the program’s liaison with NFL scouts, and he assisted with summer camps for the program.

Edwards worked as the player personnel assistant at Jacksonville State University from 2013 to 2014. He assisted with all aspects of recruiting and assisted with pro liaison duties with NFL scouts.

Edwards earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Montevallo in May of 2011. He also received a Master of Science degree in sport and fitness management—sport administration from Troy University in May of 2013.

RICKY TURNER DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS

R

icky Turner enters his first year as Samford’s director of football operations after serving the staff in a part-time capacity last season.

Turner served the 2015 season as the special teams quality control coach and player personnel assistant. He was responsible for analyzing and breaking down opponent special teams film, assisting with the preparation of the special teams game plan each week, and making practice

schedules and scout cards. He also assisted with on-campus recruiting.

Prior to coming to Samford, Turner served as a football intern at Kennesaw State from January to April of 2015. He also worked as a student assistant at the University of South Carolina from 2011 to 2014.

Turner is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, graduating cum laude from the school with a B.S. in sport and entertainment management.

11

JAMES CARLSON DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT SERVICES

J

ames Carlson begins his 14th season as a member of the Samford staff. He oversees and coordinates all equipment services for all Samford sports, working specifically with the football program.

Carlson orders and maintains all equipment for the football team. He also organizes and oversees transport of all football equipment for road games, and handles the coaches’ sideline communication.

In his role as football facilities coordinator, Carlson coordinates the use and security of Seibert Stadium.

Before joining the Samford staff, Carlson spent three seasons as the football equipment manager and video coordinator at Henderson State University, where he handled day-to-day operations of the equipment room, film breakdown and computer scouting. At Henderson State, he worked for two seasons under former Samford Offensive Coordinator Doug Meacham and former Assistant Coach Patrick Nix. A native of Warner Robins, Ga., Carlson is a member of the National Equipment Manager’s Association. He and his wife, Brena, reside in the Birmingham area.

MATT PRICE HEAD FOOTBALL ATHLETIC TRAINER

M

att Price enters his third season as head football athletic trainer at Samford. He is responsible for the prevention, management, treatment and rehabilitation of athletic injuries for football student-athletes.

Price came to Samford after working as assistant athletic trainer at Marshall University from August 2013 until joining the Samford staff in August 2014. While a full-time athletic trainer at Marshall, he worked with the football and men’s and women’s golf teams.

12

Before being hired on a full-time basis at Marshall, Price worked as a graduate assistant with the Thundering Herd from August 2011 to May 2013. As a GA at Marshall, Price worked with the baseball, cheerleading and football teams.

Price began his athletic training career as a student assistant at the University of Alabama. He gained experience working with the women’s basketball and football teams, as well as with teams at Tuscaloosa County High School and the University Orthopedic Clinic.

As a student at Alabama, Price also worked at several camps, including the

Gatorade Camps, Nike Football Camp, Judy Green Volleyball Camp and Nick Saban Camps.

In addition to his work in college athletics, Price served as an intern with the Atlanta Falcons in February 2009.

Price earned his B.S. in athletic training with a minor in food and nutrition from Alabama in 2011. He earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Marshall in 2013.

BEN ASHFORD DIRECTOR OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

B

en Ashford enters his second season as the director of strength and conditioning, working specifically with the football team.

He comes to Samford from the University of Alabama, where he served on the strength and conditioning staff from 2012 to 2015.

Ashford started at the University of Alabama in January of 2012 as an intern in the strength and conditioning department. He worked with an assortment of athletic programs, including

football, ­women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s rowing, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, and cheerleading.

As an intern with the Crimson Tide, Ashford was responsible for programing and coaching team and individual workouts. He also assisted with the rehabilitation for injured players, helped facilitate proper lifting technique for freshman athletes, and conducted speed and agility testing.

After working as an intern in the Crimson Tide strength and conditioning department for 18 months, Ashford assumed a full-time role when he was

promoted to strength and conditioning coach in 2013. As a full-time staff member, Ashford worked with the football, baseball and men’s tennis teams.

Ashford earned his master’s degree in human performance from Alabama in May of 2013. He earlier completed a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Auburn University in 2004. After completing his undergraduate degree, Ashford spent five years working with three Birmingham construction companies: Rives Construction (2004), The Stewart Perry Company (2005–08) and Doster Construction (2008–09).

ROCKY SABBATINI FOOTBALL VIDEO COORDINATOR

R

ocky Sabbatini is in his 10th season as video coordinator.

He coordinates the filming and editing of all practices and games, as well as video exchange with opponents.

Sabbatini had served as a video assistant with the Atlanta Falcons since 2003.

He filmed games, practices and meetings, and edited the films. He prepared weekly film breakdowns for coaches and players, and created NFL draft profile tapes. He also assisted with team motivational tapes.

Before his stint with the Falcons, Sabbatini served as a video department intern with the St. Louis Rams from 2002 to 2003. He organized and delivered video stills on game days, intercut practice tapes, copied and distributed practice tapes, and organized videotapes for each season.

In the fall of 2001, Sabbatini was the video coordinator for Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was in charge of organizing and managing that season’s videotapes. In addition to videotaping all practices and games, he also scouted opposing teams.

From 1996 to 1999, Sabbatini was a

video assistant for the Southeast Missouri State University football team. He was in charge of videotaping and copying practices and games, and he was responsible for videotape exchange.

Sabbatini is a 2002 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in mass communication with emphasis on video production, and he held a minor in coaching.

Sabbatini and his wife, Breanna, have one son, Joey.

13

Support Staff

C. J. Bennett Offensive Quality Control/ Quarterbacks Assistant

Sarah Chaffee Director of Performance Nutritionl

Alec Hulmes Football Operations/ Player Personnel Assistant

Hunter Mackay Offensive Quality Control

Paige Mathis Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services

Bo Morgan Offensive Quality Controll

Michael Nysewander Offensive Quality Control

Taylor Payne Assistant Football Athletic Trainer

Will Pullins State Trooper

Wil Robinson Defensive Quality Control

Nick Serritelli State Trooper

Jay Trotter Offensive Quality Control

Wes Wilhoite Assistant Equipment Manager

Dan Wylie Defensive Quality Control

J. J. Roupe Player Personnel Assistant

14

15

2016 PLAYERS

RS-FRESHMAN

28

David Abee

H

RS-JUNIOR

22

Ladarius Banks

20

Roland Adams

RB

RS-JUNIOR

53

Austin Barnard

DL

P

SOPHOMORE

SOPHOMORE

63

Alfred Brown

OL

RS-FRESHMAN

23

Drew Couto

RB

16

SOPHOMORE

21

SENIOR

75

Royus Amos

OL

RS-FRESHMAN

19

Nick Barton

DB

RS-FRESHMAN

51

RS-JUNIOR

87

Justin Anderson

RS-SENIOR

RS-FRESHMAN

27

Jamerson Blount

FS

RS-FRESHMAN

13

RS-SENIOR

RS-FRESHMAN

RS-SOPHOMORE

14

33

Justin Curry

RB

Matt Azemar

SENIOR

LB

OL

48

Z

X

Gordon Crozier

Daniel Aust

OL

Rickenson Charles

58

55

RS-JUNIOR

X

Cory Carter

Wen Burnette

RS-SENIOR

DB

Frank D’Alonzo

Y

62

Armando Bonheur

OL

RS-JUNIOR

39

Chaz Claunch

DB

RS-SENIOR

15

Roosevelt Donaldson

DL

26

Emerson Brooks

DB

RS-FRESHMAN

49

Ben Cottingham

H

RS-FRESHMAN

54

Clark Dupree

LB

KNOW what to do in case of

SUSPECTED CONCUSSION

A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull.

Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.

Any athlete with a suspected concussion:

n Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n Should be urgently assessed medically n Should not be left alone n Should not drive a motor vehicle

www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER 17

RS-FRESHMAN

71

Anthony Eads

37

Reece Everett

OL

PK

RS-FRESHMAN

49

Stephen Gibbs

DB

RS-JUNIOR

38

Troy Forrest

RS-SOPHOMORE

RS-FRESHMAN

31

99

Jamond Glass

DB

Ahmad Gooden

DL

34

11

32

74

Matthew Holland

OL

RS-FRESHMAN

42

Dorsett Johnson

LB

Xavier Forrest

RS-FRESHMAN

RS-SOPHOMORE

RS-FRESHMAN

90

DL

SOPHOMORE

LB

JUNIOR

Y

RS-SOPHOMORE

Aaron Harris

18

RS-JUNIOR

Andrew Harris

X

SENIOR

91

Jared Holloway

DT

RS-SENIOR

93

Jake Kingree

DL

Darius Harvey

76

RS-FRESHMAN

RS-FRESHMAN

81

56

Justin Foster

DL

SENIOR

3

George Grimwade

Karel Hamilton

RS-JUNIOR

RS-FRESHMAN

OL

72

Robert Hatcher

Z

41

Lewis Freeman

LS

RS-FRESHMAN

47

Alec Happel

LB

RS-SOPHOMORE

8

Luke Hill

Devlin Hodges

OL

SENIOR

RS-SOPHOMORE

RS-SOPHOMORE

RS-SOPHOMORE

27

94

78

70

Ryan Hughes

James Huston

OL

Z

JUNIOR

SOPHOMORE

17

K’rondis Larry

RB

88

Kevin Marion

Y

Z

QB

DB

Emeka Ikezu

DL

RS-JUNIOR

10

Alex Matthews

QB

Antwan Johnson

OL

RS-JUNIOR

2

Marquis McCullum

CB

19

SOPHOMORE

6

Kelvin McKnight

46

Carter McManes

Y

LB

RS-SENIOR

RS-JUNIOR

29

Tonne Osaigbovo

LB

RS-JUNIOR

52

Connor Rafferty

OL

RS-JUNIOR

13

Tyler Small

H

JUNIOR

12

Omari Williams

DB

20

JUNIOR

41

Sam Pettway

S

SOPHOMORE

97

Horace Roberts

SOPHOMORE

84

Clarke Miller

RS-FRESHMAN

44

35

Terrell Woods

DL

79

JUNIOR

RS-SOPHOMORE

DL

36

Anthony Preston

OL

FB

JUNIOR

RS-SENIOR

RS-FRESHMAN

5

83

45

Shaheed Salmon

25

Christian Stark

DB

SENIOR

59

Matt Wylie

PK

Devon Schmitt

H

RS-FRESHMAN

15

Jes Sutherland

QB

RS-SOPHOMORE

61

Chase Zeegers

LS

9

Emmanuel Obajimi

Matthew Pittarelli

LB

RS-SENIOR

Jalen Nash

Deion Pierre

SOPHOMORE

SENIOR

43

Albert Mitchell

JUNIOR

RS-SENIOR

DL

4

QB

LB

Mitchell Smith

RS-FRESHMAN

H

DL

96

RS-JUNIOR

X

60

Tyler Queen

ATH

RS-FRESHMAN

38

Chris Shelling

Anquavis Simpson

JUNIOR

RS-SENIOR

WR

20

Ryan White

DB

DB

25

Denzel Williams

RB

21

2016 SIGNEES 2016 SIGNEE

16

Robert Adams

WR

2016 SIGNEE

19

24

Aaron Atkinson

LB

2016 SIGNEE

18

Jarious Creamer

William D’Armond

2016 SIGNEE

2016 SIGNEE

WR

73

Reid Hulgan

OL

2016 SIGNEE

64

Jordan Weaver

PK

22

2016 SIGNEE

DB

77

Nate Lee

OL

2016 SIGNEE

7

Liam Welch

QB

2016 SIGNEE

23

William Bryant

DB

2016 SIGNEE

66

Pete Dorsten

OL

2016 SIGNEE

98

Armond Lloyd

DL

2016 SIGNEE

50

Mike Williams

OL

2016 SIGNEE

40

Clay Buchweitz

2016 SIGNEE

30

Jake Burdeshaw

LB

DB

2016 SIGNEE

2016 SIGNEE

82

Yassar El-Amin

WR

2016 SIGNEE

1

TaDarryl Marshall

WR

10

Koi Freeman

DB

2016 SIGNEE

57

Nick Nixon

OL

2016 SIGNEE

21

Jashua Carter

DB

2016 SIGNEE

95

Brett Granger

DL

2016 SIGNEE

28

Coutrell Plair

DB

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S

amford plays its 2016 season opener against Mars Hill 6 p.m.

Thursday at Seibert Stadium.

Samford is coming off a season in which the Bulldogs posted a record of 6-5 overall and 3-4 in Southern Conference play. Samford returns eight starters on offense and seven starters on defense from last year’s squad.

Mars Hill posted a record of 6-5 overall and 5-2 in the South Atlantic Conference in 2015. The Lions return eight starters on offense and seven starters on defense.

The Series Samford and Mars Hill are meeting for the third time, with Samford winning both of the two previous meetings. The teams first met on Nov. 3, 1973, with Samford earning a 45-27 win at Seibert Stadium. The second meeting in the series came on Oct. 29, 1988, and Samford came away with a 30-13 victory, also at Seibert Stadium.

Preseason SoCon Honors Samford placed eight players on the preseason All-SoCon team. The ­Bulldogs have four players on the first team: Armando Bonheur (OL), Karel Hamilton (WR), Ahmad Gooden (DL) and Jamerson Blount (DB). Secondteam honorees are Devlin Hodges (QB), Kelvin McKnight (WR), Xavier Forrest (DL) and Austin Barnard (P).

Preseason National Honors Samford seniors Armando Bonheur and Jamerson Blount were named preseason All-American by STATS and College Sports Madness. College Sports Madness also named freshman ­TaDarryl Marshall as its preseason Freshman of the Year.

Samford at Seibert Stadium Samford has an all-time record of 153-80-4 in games played at Seibert Stadium. This season, Samford has five home games on its schedule, with Thursday night’s game marking the first of those contests.

Last season, Samford posted a record of 3-3 in home games. In the last five years, Samford has a

Heach Coach Chris Hatcher

combined record of 20-8 when playing in the friendly confines of Seibert Stadium.

The Last Time Out Samford wrapped up the 2015 season with a 47-21 win at Southern Conference rival Mercer.

In the win, Samford overcame a 14-9 halftime deficit, outscoring Mercer, 38-7, in the second half.

Devlin Hodges completed 30 of 44 passes for 392 yards and one touchdown. K’rondis Larry rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown. Emmanuel Obajimi caught eight passes for 157 yards and a touchdown, while Karel Hamilton hauled in eight passes for 101 yards in the win.

Defensively, Justin Cooper led the way with 15 tackles. James Bradberry had an interception in the victory.

Samford in Home Openers Samford has an all-time record of 64-27-7 in home openers. Last season, Samford won its first home game, earning a 45-16 win over Central Arkansas.

Over the last 10 years, Samford is 8-2 in the first home game of the season. In home season openers, the Bulldogs are 32-13-2. This marks the second-straight season Samford has opened the season at home.

Samford in Season Openers Samford has an all-time record of 44-51-4 in season-opening games.

Last season, the Bulldogs earned a 45-16 win over Central Arkansas in the season opener for both teams.

Samford has won two of its last three season openers. Over the last 10 seasons, Samford is 6-4 in season openers. The Bulldogs are 5-1 over that stretch in season openers played at home.

Looking Ahead After Thursday night’s game against Mars Hill, Samford will travel to Central Arkansas on Sept. 10. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. kickoff in Conway, Arkansas.

25

AROUND THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE CURRENT STANDINGS

TEAM Chattanooga ETSU Furman Mercer Samford The Citadel VMI Western Carolina Wofford

SOCON OVERALL RECORD PCT HOME AWAY NEUTRAL RECORD PCT HOME 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0

CHATTANOOGA (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 1 Shorter Sept. 10 Presbyterian Sept. 17 at Furman* Sept. 24 SAMFORD* Oct. 1 at ETSU* Oct. 8 Mercer* Oct. 15 at The Citadel* Oct. 22 VMI* Oct. 29 at Western Carolina* Nov. 12 Wofford* Nov. 19 at Alabama THE CITADEL (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 1 at Mercer* Sept. 10 Furman* Sept. 17 at Gardner-Webb Oct. 1 at Western Carolina* Oct. 8 North Greenville Oct. 15 Chattanooga* Oct. 22 at Wofford* Oct. 29 ETSU* Nov. 5 SAMFORD* Nov. 12 at VMI* Nov. 19 at North Carolina ETSU (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 3 at Kennesaw State Sept. 17 vs. Western Carolina* Sept. 24 at Wofford* Oct. 1 Chattanooga* Oct. 8 at VMI* Oct. 15 Furman* Oct. 20 West Virginia Wesleyan Oct. 29 at The Citadel* Nov. 5 at Mercer* Nov. 12 Cumberland Nov. 19 SAMFORD*

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m.

1 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

11 a.m.

3 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

TBD

FURMAN (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 2 at Michigan State Sept. 10 at The Citadel* Sept. 17 Chattanooga* Sept. 24 at Coastal Carolina Oct. 1 Kennesaw State Oct. 8 SAMFORD* Oct. 15 at ETSU* Oct. 29 at VMI* Nov. 5 Wofford* Nov. 12 Western Carolina* Nov. 19 at Mercer*

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

TBD

MERCER (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 1 The Citadel* Sept. 10 at Georgia Tech Sept. 17 Tennessee Tech Oct. 1 at VMI* Oct. 8 at Chattanooga* Oct. 15 Western Carolina* Oct. 22 at Austin Peay Oct. 29 at Wofford* Nov. 5 ETSU* Nov. 12 at SAMFORD* Nov. 19 Furman*

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

12 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

SAMFORD (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 1 Mars Hill Sept. 10 at Central Arkansas Sept. 24 at Chattanooga* Oct. 1 Wofford* Oct. 8 at Furman* Oct. 15 VMI* Oct. 22 Western Carolina* Oct. 29 at Mississippi State Nov. 5 at The Citadel* Nov. 12 Mercer* Nov. 19 at ETSU*

AWAY 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

NEUTRAL 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 p.m.

5 p.m.

2 p.m.

12 p.m.

11 a.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

3 p.m.

2 p.m.

VMI (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 3 at Akron Sept. 10 at Morehead State Sept. 24 at Bucknell Oct. 1 Mercer* Oct. 8 ETSU* Oct. 15 at SAMFORD* Oct. 22 at Chattanooga* Oct. 29 Furman* Nov. 5 at Western Carolina* Nov. 12 The Citadel* Nov. 19 at Wofford*

TIME/RESULT 5:30 p.m.

5 p.m.

2 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

WESTERN CAROLINA (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 3 at East Carolina Sept. 10 Gardner-Webb Sept. 17 vs. ETSU* Oct. 1 The Citadel* Oct. 8 Wofford* Oct. 15 at Mercer* Oct. 22 at SAMFORD* Oct. 29 Chattanooga* Nov. 5 VMI* Nov. 12 at Furman* Nov. 19 at South Carolina

TIME/RESULT 5 p.m.

5 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBD 6 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

3 p.m.

TBD

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

12 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBD 1 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

WOFFORD (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 1 at Tennessee Tech Sept. 10 at Ole Miss Sept. 17 Johnson C. Smith Sept. 24 ETSU* Oct. 1 at SAMFORD* Oct. 8 at Western Carolina* Oct. 22 The Citadel* Oct. 29 Mercer* Nov. 5 at Furman* Nov. 12 at Chattanooga* Nov. 19 VMI*

TIME/RESULT 5 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

*Southern Conference game All times are Central; dates and times are subject to change.

26

JAMERSON BLOUNT: PLAYING THE GAME HE LOVES

by Joey Mullins, Samford Athletics Communication

S

amford senior free safety Jamerson Blount has always wanted to be involved in sports.

“My dad and I used to throw the football around, and he noticed I was good at it, so I just started playing it more and more,” Blount said.

He grew up playing football in Tallahassee, Florida, but he did not always play in the secondary as he does now.

“When I first started playing, I was a running back,” Blount said. “I could make people miss and score. In high school, I was moved into the secondary because they needed somebody back there.”

Blount became a star at Lincoln High School. He had a stellar senior season in 2012, leading his team to a 12-2 overall record. He had 90 tackles, including 59 solo stops. He also had seven interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

At the conclusion of his senior season, Blount was named first-team All-State. He was also named Defensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week during his final high school season.

Blount was recruited by Louisiana–Lafayette, Middle Tennessee and Florida International in addition to Samford.

“One of the things that caused me to come to Samford was the campus itself,” he said. “Also, I really liked the level of education I could get at Samford.”

Blount enrolled at Samford in the fall of 2013. He Samford senior free safety Jamerson Blount saw limited action on Samford’s Southern Conference championship team that season. Blount said the adjustment from high school to college was not always easy.

“The speed of the game was a lot faster than in high school,” Blount became one of the leaders of the Samford defense durhe said. “The mental aspect was much broader than in high ing his junior season, and he was named first-team All-SoCon for school, too.” his efforts.

As a sophomore, Blount really came into his own as a college As one of the top returners to the Samford defense, Blount football player. He played in all 11 games, starting 10 contests enters his senior season with high expectations. He was named at strong safety. That season, he had 56 total tackles, including preseason first-team All-SoCon by both the coaches and the media 44 solo stops. He also intercepted two passes, including one he last month. He was also named preseason All-American by STATS returned 55 yards for a touchdown in the season opener at TCU. and College Sports Madness.

After the season was over, Blount was named second-team All Entering his final season in a Samford uniform, Blount said he SoCon. He credits one of his teammates with helping him progress has high expectations for himself. that season.

“My goal is to win a championship. That’s first and foremost,” “I did have more confidence that season,” Blount said. “And he said. “After that, I want to get at least 10 interceptions this having Jaquiski [Tartt] there as a mentor was big. He helped me season.” through the whole season.”

As a team, Samford has been picked to finish third in the The following season, Blount moved to free safety to take the Southern Conference by the coaches and fifth by the media. Blount place of Tartt, who was drafted in the second round of the 2015 and his teammates hope to exceed those predictions.

NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Despite having to fill Tartt’s Following his Samford career, Blount says he hopes to stay shoes, Blount said he felt ready for the challenge. involved in football, either as a player or in another role.

“It wasn’t intimidating; it was more like a competition,” Blount “I want to try my luck in the NFL,” he said. “After that, I want to said. “I was ready for it because of how I had prepared every day work as a scout or maybe a general manager of a team.” in camp and in the summer.”

As a junior in 2015, Blount adjusted to his new position well.

He tallied 75 tackles, including 43 solo stops. He led the team with three interceptions, and he also had eight pass break-ups, the second-highest total on the team.

27

Numerical Rosters

SAMFORD BULLDOGS

28

NO

NAME

POS

HT

WT

CL

HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 27 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 38 39 40 41 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

TaDarryl Marshall Marquis McCullum Karel Hamilton Albert Mitchell Devon Schmitt Kelvin McKnight Liam Welch Devlin Hodges Emmanuel Obajimi Koi Freeman Alex Matthews Andrew Harris Omari Williams Carson Croy Tyler Small Rickenson Charles Justin Curry Roosevelt Donaldson Jes Sutherland Robert Adams Mason Favre K’rondis Larry Carlos Figueroa Matt Sterling William D’Armond Jarious Creamer Nick Barton Roland Adams Ryan White Jashua Carter Wen Burnette Ladarius Banks William Bryant Drew Couto Aaron Atkinson Cooper Cross Denzel Williams Christian Stark Emerson Brooks Jamerson Blount James Huston Coutrell Plair David Abee Tonne Osaigbovo Jake Burdeshaw Jamond Glass Darius Harvey Frank D’Alonzo Aaron Harris Terrell Woods Anthony Preston Reece Everett Troy Forrest Anquavis Simpson Chaz Claunch Clay Buchweitz Sam Pettway Luke Hill Dorsett Johnson Jalen Nash Deion Pierre Shaheed Salmon Carter McManes Alec Happel Matt Azemar Stephen Gibbs Ben Cottingham Mike Williams Cory Carter Connor Rafferty Austin Barnard Clark Dupree Daniel Aust Lewis Freeman Nick Nixon Gordon Crozier Matt Wylie Tyler Queen Chase Zeegers Armando Bonheur Alfred Brown Jordan Weaver Baker Richardson

WR CB Z QB H Y QB QB X DB QB X DB QB H DB RB DL QB WR DB RB LB DB DB WR DB RB DB DB X DL DB RB LB QB RB DB DB FS Z DB H LB DB DB DB Y LB DL FB PK Y DB DB LB S Z LB DL LB LB LB LB Z DB H OL LB OL P LB OL LS OL OL PK ATH LS OL OL PK OL

6-0 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-4 5-8 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-1 6-1 6-4 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-2 5-10 5-6 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-3 5-10 5-10 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-2 6-1 5-8 6-0 6-3 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-0 5-11 5-10 5-6 6-0 6-2 6-0 5-11 6-4 6-0 6-1 6-0 5-11 5-11 6-1 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-0 6-1 5-8 5-11 6-0 6-5 6-1 6-3 6-4 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3

180 188 202 195 230 185 185 213 200 185 215 185 190 208 235 160 205 265 190 190 180 150 180 160 190 210 195 198 187 185 196 255 190 186 215 195 215 183 185 180 180 170 176 220 160 170 175 217 228 250 220 180 235 180 186 221 202 184 201 245 230 226 200 220 170 195 215 277 205 290 200 225 280 220 260 290 203 210 275 305 256 195 288

Fr. RS-Jr. Sr. RS-Jr. RS-Sr. So. Fr. RS-So. RS-Sr. Fr. RS-Jr. So. Jr. Fr. RS-Jr. RS-Fr. RS-Fr. RS-Sr. RS-Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. So. Jr. Fr. So. RS-Jr. Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. Fr. RS-Sr. So. RS-Fr. Sr. RS-So. Fr. RS-Fr. RS-Sr. Fr. RS-Fr. RS-So. RS-So. RS-So. Sr. Jr. RS-Jr. RS-Jr. RS-Fr. RS-Jr. Fr. RS-Jr. RS-Fr. RS-Fr. RS-Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. RS-Fr. RS-Jr. RS-Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. RS-Jr. RS-Jr. RS-Fr. RS-Sr. RS-Fr. Fr. RS-Sr. Sr. RS-So. RS-So. RS-Sr. So. Fr. RS-Fr.

Leeds, Ala./Leeds HS Birmingham, Ala.ULM Valrico, Fla./Strawberry Crest HS Nashville, Tenn./Christ Presbyterian Academy Alpharetta, Ga./King’s Ridge HS Bradenton, Fla./Manatee HS Augusta, Ga./Aquinas HS Kimberly, Ala./Mortimer-Jordan HS Miami, Fla./Everglades HS Leeds, Ala./Leeds HS Lake Oswego, Ore./University of Pennsylvania Canton, Ga./Cherokee HS Birmingham, Ala./Parker HS Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood HS Tampa, Fla./Jefferson HS Miami, Fla./Northwestern HS Fort Smith, Ark./Northside HS Cutler Bay, Fla./Western Michigan College Park, Ga./Woodward Academy Montgomery, Ala./Trinity Presbyterian Bay St. Louis, Miss./St. Stanislaus HS Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington HS Homewood, Ala./Homewood HS Winter Springs, Fla./Winter Springs HS Baton Rouge, La./Episcopal Rome, Ga./Rome HS Brentwood, Tenn./Ravenwood HS Florence, Ala./Florence HS Hahira, Ga./Valwood HS Birmingham, Ala./Ramsay HS Huntsville, Ala./Grissom HS Dallas, Ga./Vanderbilt Leesburg, Ga./Lee County HS Tarpon Springs, Fla./East Lake HS Hazel Green, Ala./Hazel Green HS Marietta, Ga./Lassiter HS Columbiana, Ala./Shelby County HS Norcross, Ga./Wesleyan HS Madison, Ala./Madison Academy Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln HS Lilburn, Ga./Parkview HS Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy Gainesville, Ga./Lakeview Academy Kennesaw, Ga./Harrison HS Homewood, Ala./Homewood HS Atlanta, Ga./Grady HS Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln HS Mobile, Ala./Saint Paul’s Episcopal Norcross, Ga./Southern Mississippi Boaz, Ala./Boaz HS Bradenton, Fla./IMG Academy Clinton, Miss./Clinton HS Cullman, Ala./Cullman HS Lanett, Ala./Lanett HS Brea, Calif./Lutheran HS Roswell, Ga./Fellowship Christian Mobile, Ala./UMS-Wright Franklin, Tenn./Franklin HS Memphis, Tenn./Central HS Huntersville, N.C./Army Pembroke Pines, Fla./Somerset Academy Tampa, Fla./Land O’ Lakes HS Alpharetta, Ga./Blessed Trinity HS Arlington, Texas/Lamar HS Johns Creek, Ga./Johns Creek HS Davie, Fla./Western HS Marietta, Ga./Pope HS Bessemer, Ala./Bessemer Academy Fayetteville, Ga./Stars Mill HS Tampa, Fla./Robinson HS Fayetteville, Ga./University of Miami Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay HS Hoover, Ala./South Alabama Dunwoody, Ga./Dunwoody HS Hendersonville, Tenn./Pope John Paul II HS Fort Lauderdale, Fla./Aquinas Palmetto, Fla./Valdosta State Birmingham, Ala./Vestavia Hills HS Fayetteville, N.C./Fayetteville Christian Orange Park, Fla./Fleming Island HS Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County HS Norcross, Ga./Wesleyan School Nashville, Tenn./Lipscomb Academy

NO

NAME

POS

HT

WT

CL

HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL

66 67 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 86 87 88 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Pete Dorsten Garrett Brasher Ryan Hughes Anthony Eads Robert Hatcher Reid Hulgan Matthew Holland Royus Amos George Grimwade Nate Lee Antwan Johnson Matthew Pittarelli Will Bazemore Justin Foster Yassar El-Amin Chris Shelling Clarke Miller Sam Fleming Justin Anderson Kevin Marion Xavier Forrest Jared Holloway Devin Hill Jake Kingree Emeka Ikezu Brett Granger Mitchell Smith Horace Roberts Armond Lloyd Ahmad Gooden

OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR DL WR WR H WR X Y DL DT DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL

6-4 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-0 6-4 6-3 6-7 6-6 6-5 6-6 6-6 6-0 6-5 5-10 5-9 6-1 6-3 5-9 6-3 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-9 6-4 6-5 6-2 6-3 6-1

270 234 297 245 360 280 280 345 290 310 300 265 200 255 195 170 215 201 204 226 280 290 250 220 230 223 270 295 270 240

Fr. Fr. Sr. RS-Fr. RS-Jr. Fr. RS-Fr. Sr. RS-Fr. Fr. RS-So. RS-Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. So. Fr. RS-Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. RS-Sr. RS-So. Fr. RS-Sr. So. Fr. RS-So.

Thompsons Station, Tenn./Independence HS Alpharetta, Ga./Mount Pisgah HS Rainsville, Ala./Plainview HS Harpersville, Ala./Coosa Valley Academy Leesburg, Ga./Lee County HS Fort Payne, Ala./Fort Payne HS Mobile, Ala./St. Luke’s Episcopal Deerfield Beach, Fla./DBHS-Atlanta Tech Miami, Fla./Gulliver Prep Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes HS Thomasville, Ala./Thomasville HS Marietta, Ga./Pope HS Forsyth, Ga./Mary Persons HS Anniston, Ala./The Donoho School Douglasville, Ga./Douglas County HS Lawrenceville, Ga./Army Tampa, Fla./Plant HS Suwanee, Ga./Lambert HS Brentwood, Tenn./TCU Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort HS Nashville, Tenn./Ensworth HS Mobile, Ala./St. Paul’s Episcopal Milledgeville, Ga./GMC High School Johns Creek, Ga./Chattahoochee HS Greensboro, N.C./Hargrave Military Helena, Ala./Helena HS Canton, Ga./Sequoyah HS College Park, Ga./Banneker HS Birmingham, Ala./Oak Mountain HS Talladega, Ala./Talladega HS

CL

HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL

MARS HILL LIONS NO

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 38 39 41 42 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56

NAME

Keshaun Taylor Jamel Harbison Jeremiah Hay Chris Moseley Gilbert Johnson Joshua Murphy Austin Brown Chris Leamon Craig Rucker David Salmon Anthony Carson Nicolas Sanders Jacob Johnston Scott Brantley Christopher Ferdinand Khalil Fuller Malik Prescott Cameron Ray Carl Mattox Robert Morgan Jr. Jeremy Middleton Germell Jenkins Ventray Belton Jacari Williams Preston Lockwood Cruz Galaviz Reggie Battle Calum Kramer Malik Sims Joshua Dawkins Jerjuan Edwards Yusuf Baskin Jamel Hall Aundreas Hill Kedar Bryant Taylor Hardigree Landon Loukos Jamel Brintley Austin Horne Joseph Bruner Bryce King Tray Smith Jaylon Harvey Ricky Hawks Tyler Guy Parrish Michael Warren

POS

WR WR DB DB WR DB QB OLB RB QB DB DB QB WR DB RB RB DB DB DB DB DB DB LB DB RB RB P/K LB DB LB LB FB LB TE LB LB DE WR K/P OL LB OLB LB DL DL

HT

6-1 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-6 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-7 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-1 6-3 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-0 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-4 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-3 6-5

WT

180 190 185 175 200 190 180 190 165 210 185 180 190 200 200 175 205 170 190 160 190 195 190 210 190 180 210 215 210 175 195 190 250 200 235 220 205 225 185 160 300 215 200 230 240 275

Jr. RS-Sr. Sr. So. So. So. RS-So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. RS-Sr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. So. Fr. RS-So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. RS-Fr. RS-Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. RS-So. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr.

Homestead, Fla./Homestead Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek Miami, Fla./Chattanooga McLeansville, N.C./Page Homestead, Fla./Homestead Creedmoor, N.C./Heritage Asheville, N.C./Erwin Woodruff, S.C./Woodruff Leesburg, Fla./Edgewater Raleigh, N.C./Campbell Columbus, N.C./Polk County Sandersville, Ga./Washington County Macon, Ga./Mary Persons Boogertown, N.C./Hunter Huss Homestead, Fla./West Hills CC Abbeville, S.C./Abbeville Screven, Ga./Screven County Asheville, N.C./Asheville Athens, Ga./Prince Avenue Christian North Augusta, S.C./North Augusta Ocoee, Fla./Ocoee Grayson, Ga./Grayson Abbeville, S.C./Abbeville Brunswick, Ga./Brunswick Mint Hill, N.C./Independence Robbinsville, N.C./Robbinsville Asheville, N.C./Asheville Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla./Ponte Vedra Athens, Ga./Athens Christian Gastonia, N.C./Forestview Charlotte, N.C./West Mecklenburg Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek Greeneville, Tenn./Greeneville Asheville, N.C./A. C. Reynolds Kingsland, Ga./Furman Athens, Ga./Athens Christian Concord, N.C./Concord Orlando, Fla./Winter Park Asheville, N.C./Asheville Concord, N.C./J. M. Robinson Dillon, S.C./South Carolina Merritt Island, Fla./Merritt Island Fairburn, Ga./Sandy Creek Orlando, Fla./Colonial Bethlehem, Ga./Prince Avenue Christian Jacksonville, N.C./Elon

29

Numerical Rosters 58 59 60 6162 63 65 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 75 76 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 93 94 96

30

Josh Chapman Jake Sell Joe Hillin Avery Brumlow Andrew Blanton Cole Handte Michael Foster Darius Daniels Hunter Payne Dylan Blanchard Travis James Eldric Wilson Chris Russo Brandon Wilson Michael Baker Deshavius Swint Wesley Stripling Justin Holder D’Amonte Knight Brandon Helms Tyler Stewart Markece Cunningham Brenden McWilliams Shadow Christenson Matthew Maennle Pierre Lockwood Tyler Ferguson Jordan Patterson Chris Daniels Charles Gilcrest DaJon Montague Keon Cezar Detrious Almon Elijah Beaufort Steven Beck Bryson Buckner Isiah Burris Michael Cantrell Reazhom Chapman Jordan Cody Dalton Combs Jermarcus Durham Noah Eberhardt Marcus Foster Lenorris Gaines Andrew Gilbert Trace Goldsmith Keshun Gray Cole Handte Terry Harrell Jr. Dion Hill Joshua Jernigan Trizton Johnson Tracey Jones Ezekiel King Daniel Knight Marquise Lyles David Mackey Steven Martinez Bobby McBride Colton Millsaps Tate Payne Anthony Phillips Nolan Purgason Jake Reneau Emmanuel Robinson Chris Smith Malik Spatcher Jay Spencer Davis Stafford Cameron Stanley Jamaad Stephens C. J .Tillman Coal Webb Ethan Wilder Chance Woods

OL OL/DL OL OL OL OL OL DL C/LS OL OL DL OL DL DL OL OL OL WR/DB WR K DE TE WR WR WR WR TE DE DL DE DL DB DB LB TE/DE WR ATH DB/WR DB QB DE/LB DB ATH WR OL QB DB OL DL DB ATH OL DB DL DL LB OL OL DL QB DL/OL DL TE DL DB DL WR OLB FB/LB QB TE DL LB WR OL/DL

6-1 6-1 5-11 6-1 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-2 6-4 6-3 6-0 6-5 6-0 6-2 6-1 5-10 5-11 6-0 5-8 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-3 5-7 5-7 5-10 6-4 5-9 5-7 5-9 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-9 6-3 5-10 5-9 6-0 6-2 5-10 5-9 510 5-8 6-1 5-11 5-9 5-11 5-8 6-2 6-4 6-2 5-9 6-0 5-8 6-2 5-10 6-1 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-0

260 250 300 265 285 290 280 335 260 250 245 320 240 290 275 315 315 280 180 210 165 245 200 170 175 175 165 245 265 235 245 240 170 180 215 230 170 175 175 185 180 220 175 200 175 270 200 170 290 250 155 180 300 170 240 325 225 300 250 275 175 260 240 230 245 170 250 140 192 215 190 225 160 215 190 270

RS-Jr. RS-So. RS-Jr. Fr. RS-So. Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. RS-So. Fr. Jr. Sr. RS-So. RS-So. Sr. Fr. Fr. RS-So. RS-Sr. So. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. RS-Fr. RS-Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.

Charlotte, N.C./Porter Ridge Greeneville, Tenn./Greeneville Atlanta, Ga./Fullerton CC Cornelius, N.C./Hough Monroe, N.C./Central Academy Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville Kingsport, Tenn./Dobyns Bennett Sugar Hill, Ga./Lanier Candler, N.C./Enka Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville Gastonia, N.C./Forestview Tallahassee, Fla./Tallahassee CC Atlanta, Ga./Georgia State Tallahassee, Fla./Tallahassee CC Concord, N.C./Concord Jackson, Ga./Jackson Knoxville, Tenn./Bearden Zebulon, N.C./Bunn Sanford, Fla./Seminole Hickory, N.C./Hickory Thomaston, Ga./Upson-Lee Tryon, N.C./Polk County Monroe, N.C./Parkwood Candler, N.C/Enka Bryson City, N.C./Swain County Mint Hill, N.C./Independence Dandridge, Tenn./Loudon County Clinton, S.C./Clinton Robbinsville, N.C./Robbinsville Jamestown, N.C./Ragsdale Garner, N.C./Dean College Charlotte N.C./North Mecklenburg Homestead, Fla./Miami Southridge Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek Morganton, N.C./Freedom Candler, N.C./Enka Gastonia, N.C./Ashbrook Candler, N.C./Enka Gastonia, N.C./Hunter Huss Bryson City, N.C./Swain County Goshen, N.C./Wilkes Central Union, S.C./Union County Asheville, N.C./A. C. Reynolds Union, S.C./Union County Clewiston, Fla/Clewiston Waxhaw, N.C./Central Academy of Technology and Arts Zirconia, N.C./East Henderson Spartanburg, S.C./Dorman Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville Charlotte, N.C./West Mecklenburg Homestead, Fla./Miami Southridge Goldsboro, N.C./Rosewood Kernersville, N.C./East Forsyth Florida City, Fla./Homestead Mount Airy, N.C./Mount Airy Marion, S.C./Benedict Greenwood, S.C./Greenwood Maggie Valley, N.C./Pisgah Gastonia, N.C./Hunter Huss Spartanburg, S.C./Dorman Robbinsville, N.C./Robbinsville Gastonia, N.C./Forestview Orlando, Fla./University High Gillsville, Ga./East Hall Oviedo, Fla./Oviedo Raleigh, N.C./Broughton Charlotte, N.C./Vance Homestead, Fla./Miami Southridge Hendersonville, N.C./East Henderson Raleigh, N.C./Holly Springs Newton, N.C./Newton-Conover Flowery Branch, Ga./National Monroe, N.C./Central Academy Hendersonville, N.C./East Henderson Concord, N.C./Concord Marietta, Ga./Wheeler

Depth SAMFORD ChartsBULLDOGS OFFENSE QB 8 Devlin Hodges

7 Liam Welch OR 15 Jes Sutherland X 9 Emmanuel Obajimi

11 Andrew Harris H 5 Devon Schmitt

88 Kevin Marion Y 6 Kelvin McKnight

84 Clarke Miller Z 3 Karel Hamilton

1 TaDarryl Marshall F 20 Roland Adams

14 Justin Curry LT 78 Antwan Johnson

79 Matthew Pittarelli LG 62 Armando Bonheur

76 George Grimwade C 58 Gordon Crozier

77 Nate Lee RG 52 Connor Rafferty

70 Ryan Hughes RT 75 Royus Amos

63 Alfred Brown

6-1 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-1 6-4 6-3 5-8 6-1 6-1 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-6 6-6 6-3 6-6 6-1 6-5 6-3 6-5 6-7 6-3

DEFENSE SLB 29 Tonne Osaigbovo

42 Dorsett Johnson MLB 34 Aaron Harris OR 44 Deion Pierre WLB 45 Shaheed Salmon

24 Aaron Atkinson FCB 31 Jamond Glass

39 Chaz Claunch

6-0 220 RS-Sr. 6-1 201 RS-Fr. 6-0 228 RS-So. 6-3 230 Jr. 6-1 226 Jr. 6-0 215 Fr. 5-11 170 RS-Fr. 6-1 186 RS-Jr.

213 185 190 200 185 230 226 185 215 202 180 198 205 300 265 305 290 290 310 290 297 345 256

RS-So. Fr. RS-Fr. RS-Sr. So. RS-Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Fr. So. RS-Fr. RS-So. RS-Fr. RS-Sr. RS-Fr. RS-Sr. Fr. RS-Jr. Sr. Sr. So.

SS

FS

BCB

ST

T

N

E

46 Carter McManes 25 Christian Stark 27 Jamerson Blount 41 Sam Pettway 12 Omari Williams 32 Darius Harvey 99 Ahmad Gooden 93 Jake Kingree 90 Xavier Forrest 96 Mitchell Smith 97 Horace Roberts 91 Jared Holloway 15 Roosevelt Donaldson 81 Justin Foster

6-0 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 6-1 6-4 6-2 6-5 6-2 6-0 6-2 6-5

200 183 180 202 190 175 240 220 280 270 295 290 265 255

Jr. So. Sr. RS-Jr. Jr. RS-Jr. RS-So. RS-Sr. Jr. RS-Sr. So. Sr. RS-Sr. RS-Fr.

SPECIAL TEAMS P 53 Austin Barnard PK 37 Reece Everett

64 Jordan Weaver LS 60 Tyler Queen

56 Lewis Freeman

6-4 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-1

200 180 195 210 220

RS-Jr. RS-Jr. Fr. RS-So. RS-Fr.

SLB

MLB

WLB

LCB

FS

SS

RCB

5-11 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-0 6-1 6-0 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-3 5-10 6-1 5-10 5-10

195 215 200 230 220 190 190 175 185 180 200 160 195 170 185

Jr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. So. Jr. RS-Sr. Jr. Sr. So. So. Sr.

6-0 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-11 5-11 5-11 6-1 5-7 5-11 5-11

165 Jr. 160 215 Fr. 165 Jr. 160 215 Fr. 165 Jr. 160 215 Fr. 260 Jr. 185 Fr. 175 Jr. 190 RS-Sr. 180 So. 165 Fr. 175 Jr. 190 RS-Jr.

MARS HILL LIONS OFFENSE SE 5 Gilbert Johnson

85 Shadow Christenson LT 72 Chris Russo

69 Dylan Blanchard LG 59 Jake Sell

76 Deshavius Swint C 60 Joe Hillin

65 Michael Foster

61 Avery Brumlow RG 50 Bryce King

63 Cole Handte RT 70 Travis James

78 Justin Holder TE 44 Kedar Bryant

41 Jamel Hall FL 1 Keshaun Taylor

86 Matthew Maennle QB 7 Austin Brown OR 11 David Salmon FB 41 Jamel Hall

84 Brenden McWilliams TB 2 Jamel Harbison

21 Khalil Fuller

6-6 5-10 6-0 6-3 6-1 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-1 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-11 5-9

200 170 240 250 250 215 300 280 265 300 290 245 280 235 250 180 175 180 210 250 200 190 175

So. RS-So. Sr. Fr. RS-So. Fr. Rs-Sr. Fr. Fr. RS-Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. RS-Jr. Jr. Sr. RS-Fr. Jr. RS-So. RS-So. RS-Sr. Fr.

DEFENSE DT 90 Chris Daniels

56 Michael Warren NT 71 Eldric Wilson

75 Michael Baker DT 55 Tyler Guy-Parrish

73 Brandon Wilson RE 47 Jamel Brintley

83 Markese Cunningham

6-2 6-5 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-2

265 275 300 275 240 290 225 245

RS-Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

38 Jerjuan Edwards 51 Tray Smith 42 Aundreas Hill 54 Ricky Hawks 45 Taylor Hardigree 24 Carl Mattox 30 Preston Lockwood 17 Chris Moseley 12 Anthony Carson 13 Nicolas Sanders 20 Christopher Ferdinand 25 Robert Morgan Jr. 27 Germell Jenkins 23 Cameron Ray 3 Jeremiah Hay

SPECIAL TEAMS PK 82 Tyler Stewart

49 Joseph Bruner

34 Calum Kramer P 82 Tyler Stewart

49 Joseph Bruner

34 Calum Kramer KO 82 Tyler Stewart

49 Joseph Bruner

34 Calum Kramer LS 67 Hunter Payne

48 Austin Horne HO 86 Matthew Maennle

2 Jamel Harbison KR 15 Keshaun Taylor

10 Craig Rucker PR 86 Matthew Maennle

2 Jamel Harbison

31

TODAY’S OPPONENT MARS HILL LIONS

University Information School: Mars Hill University Location: Mars Hill, North Carolina Founded: 1856 Enrollment: 1,250 Nickname: Lions Colors: Royal Blue and Gold Classification: Division 2 Conference: South Atlantic President: Dr. Dan Lunsford Athletics Director: David Riggins

Head Coach Information Head Coach: Tim Clifton Alma Mater, Year: Mercer, 1976 Record at School: 125-117 (23 seasons) Career Record: same Football Office Phone: 828-689-1219

Assistant Coaches

Kevin Barnette, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Chuck Phifer, Defensive Line Tom Weaver, Linebackers Jonathan Sarratt, Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers Justin Polizzi, Running Backs Jim Beatty, Offensive Line

32

Team Information

Offensive Starters Returning/Lost: 8/4 Defensive Starters Returning/Lost: 7/4 Specialists Returning/Lost: 1/4 Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 30/15 2015 Overall Record: 6-5 2015 South Atlantic Record/Finish: 5-2/T-2nd

SAMFORD VOLLEYBALL: MOTIVATED SENIORS

by Herb Brooks, Samford Athletics Communication

I

n 2015, the Samford University volleyball team was projected to with the Southern Conference for the third consecutive season, but the Bulldogs fell short of their goal after the squad exited the SoCon Tournament Championship early with a five-set loss to ETSU in the opening round of play.

That feeling is one a group of seniors will never forget or want to experience again.

“There was a lot of regret and a lot of what-if moments after we were eliminated,” senior right side Gabbi Greenwald said.

Middle blocker T. J. Russell, a redshirt junior who will graduate with this senior class in May, echoed Greenwald’s sentiments. “It felt like we let down the underclassmen,” she said.

Samford won its first ever SoCon Tournament Championship in 2011. Since then, the Bulldogs have had five straight graduating classes that have been a part of a SoCon Tournament Championship team and went on to NCAA postseason play.

After the 2011 championship, the Bulldogs followed up their success with a trip to the SoCon semifinals in 2012; a shot at the tournament title in 2013, where the team came up short against eventual champion Georgia Southern in a four-set match; and their second SoCon Tournament Championship in 2014 when the team downed rival Furman University in a five-set thriller in Greensboro, North Carolina.

That success was part of the foundation that the team became accustomed to over the years, so the early exit in the 2015 tournament put the team in uncharted waters going into the off-season.

“It was a wake-up call for us after we were put out in the first round because that hasn’t happened since we’ve been here,” senior outside hitter Erin Bognar said. “We worked really hard during this offseason to get back to playing Samford volleyball. We worked on being better teammates and being on the same page as one another.”

This year’s group of true freshmen and sophomores has not had the opportunity to experience what it is like to win a SoCon champion­ship. It’s something this senior class wants to give to the young group that is the future of the program.

Senior setter Erika Pifer believes that the work put in during the offseason to become better teammates will help the team achieve that goal but, more importantly, solidify the foundation of what it means to be a Samford volleyball player.

“We have to hold ourselves to that standard of being good role

models for the underclassmen, and that means working hard on and off the court so we can set an example for them to follow after we are gone.” Pifer said. “If we do that, we can achieve our goals of winning a SoCon championship and making it back to the NCAA Tournament. We have to actively show we are being better teammates on the court, in the weight room and in the community.”

The 2016 SoCon Championship Tournament will be played on Samford’s home court at Pete Hanna Center for the first time since the team captured its first SoCon Tournament Championship in 2011. It will be a welcomed experience for the entire team but a special one for this year’s senior class.

“We’ve been looking toward it since our freshman year.” Bognar said. “We knew when we came into the program that it was going to be back here by our senior year, so we are really excited to have the chance to compete for a SoCon championship on our home court.”

For two seniors, Greenwald and Pifer, the opportunity brings back memories from the 2011 championship tournament. The pair was committed to Samford and in attendance when the Bulldogs won the championship.

“It was an amazing atmosphere to be a part of,” Greenwald said.

“The gym was packed and full of energy. I couldn’t wait to get out there and play.”

Pifer, an early enrollee in the spring of 2012, recalls her experience during the Bulldogs SoCon Tournament Championship run.

“I was committed and here for all three rounds including the championship game,” Pifer recalled. “It was just an experience that I couldn’t wait to be a part of.”

In the end, it’s not just about winning a SoCon Championship for this senior class. It’s about leaving a unique mark on the Samford volleyball program, one that will resonate within the community moving forward.

“We want to get the community more involved with the program,” Russell said. “We want to be that school everyone talks about in the state; when people talk about good volleyball, they immediately think about Samford.”

33

Q&A WITH OFFENSIVE LINEMAN GORDON CROZIER

by Joey Mullins, Samford Athletics Communication

Why did you choose Samford?

I came to a great academic institution, and I fell in love with it the first time I was here. Also, Samford has a very competitive football team.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Putting on my Packers jersey backwards when I was probably 5 years old.

If you could play any other position, what would it be and why?

I would play quarterback. I played quarterback when I played flag football growing up, and it was the first position I was kind of good at.

What are your goals for your senior season?

Ultimately, I want to win a national championship. But first, I want to win every single game and an outright conference championship.

What will you miss most about Samford?

The guys. The locker rooms. The bus rides. Just hanging out with my best friends every day.

Gordon Crozier

How would you like to be remembered after you leave Samford?

As somebody who came to work every day, and did what I had to do. Not always leading with my words but always with my actions.

What would like to accomplish before leaving ­Samford?

Football has been the main priority of my time growing up. I really would love to finish this year strong, with excellence in everything I do — excellence in the classroom, on the football field, with my relationships, with my fiancée — and loving the people right in front of me in everything I do.

What is your favorite movie?

Step Brothers What is your favorite song?

Anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers What was it like to play on back-toback state and national championship teams in high school?

It was a long time ago, but it was definitely something special. You could feel it every day when you came to the locker room for practice. And, it’s starting to feel like that around here, too.

What are your plans after graduation?

Hopefully, I’ll find a job in south Florida in either a marketing or finance department.

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2016 SAMFORD UNIVERSITY FALL SPORTS Sept. 1 Sept. 10 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19

FOOTBALL

MARS HILL at Central Arkansas at Chattanooga* WOFFORD* at Furman* VMI* WESTERN CAROLINA* at Mississippi State at The Citadel* MERCER* at ETSU*

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

12 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBD 1 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

*Southern Conference game

Aug. 14 Aug. 19 Aug. 21 Aug. 26 Aug. 28 Sept. 2 Sept. 4 Sept. 9 Sept. 13 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 25 Sept. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 16 Oct. 21 Oct. 23 Oct. 29 Nov. 4 Nov. 6

SOCCER

at Michigan State (exhibition) at South Alabama TROY at Georgia AUBURN at Rice at Houston BAYLOR ALABAMA KENNESAW STATE at Wofford* at Furman* MERCER* THE CITADEL* at Chattanooga* WESTERN CAROLINA* ETSU* at UNCG* at VMI* SoCon Tournament SoCon Tournament SoCon Tournament

*Southern Conference game

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

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1 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

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6 p.m.

1 p.m.

TBD TBD TBD

Aug. 26 Aug. 26 Aug. 27 Aug. 30 Sept. 2 Sept. 2 Sept. 3 Sept. 3 Sept. 9 Sept. 10 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Sept. 16 Sept. 16 Sept. 17 Sept. 17 Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 14 Oct. 15 Oct. 19 Oct. 21 Oct. 22 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 9 Nov. 11 Nov. 19–21

VOLLEYBALL NICHOLLS STATE †

INDIANA STATE SOUTH ALABAMA† at Alabama NORTHWESTERN STATE†† RADFORD†† NCCU†† TENNESSEE TECH†† at Wyoming‡ vs. Eastern Washington‡ vs. Cal State Northridge‡ vs. Wichita State vs. UTEP‡ ‡ at UT–Arlington‡ ‡ vs. Houston Baptist‡ ‡ vs. New Mexico‡ ‡ CHATTANOOGA ETSU at Western Carolina MERCER THE CITADEL at UNCG at Wofford at Chattanooga WESTERN CAROLINA FURMAN at The Citadel at Mecer at ETSU at Furman WOFFORD UNCG SoCon Tournament †

*SoCon game † Samford Invitational †† Samford-UAB Challenge ‡ Wyoming Open ‡ ‡ UTA Invitational

CROSS COUNTRY

Sept. 2 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Oct. 29 Nov. 12 Nov. 21

Jacksonville State University Memphis Twilight Vanderbilt Commodore Classic Southern Conference Championships NCAA South Regional NCAA Championships

Home events are in CAPS. All times are Central; dates and times are subject to change.

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12 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

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7 p.m.

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SEIBERT STADIUM

S

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

The stadium is named for the late F. Page Seibert, a Daytona Beach, Florida, businessman who donated money for the completion of the stadium in 1961 with the addition of stands on the west side.

Originally, the stadium had the current gatehouse and seating on the east side.

The first game was played Friday, Sept.

26, 1958, with Samford losing to Sewanee, 21-0. Bobby Bowden brought Samford (then known as Howard College) its first win at Seibert on Oct. 3, 1959, as the

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Bulldogs defeated the Tennessee Tech “B” team, 34-0. The first win against varsity competition came two weeks later when the Bulldogs defeated Millsaps, 26-0.

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

The facility includes locker rooms, training rooms, meeting rooms and coaches offices for Samford’s football program.

A second-level terrace overlooks Seibert Stadium. A third level provides for future university expansion.

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

The four-level Bashinsky Press Tower was completed before the 1989 season.

This Georgian-Colonial structure contains complete facilities for print and electronic media on the third level, reserved seating for 51 guests on the second level, and a concession stand and restroom facilities on the ground floor. A partially covered film deck is located atop the facility, and an elevator serves all levels.

At the same time, 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. The improvements have made Samford’s football facility one of the finest in the nation at the Division I-FCS level.

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SEIBERT STADIUM BUILT: Gatehouse and East Stands, 1958; West Side Stands, 1961; Bashinsky Press Tower, 1989; Electronic Message Board, 1994; Video Board, 2005; Sullivan-Cooney 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)

LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: 73 points (Salem 82, Samford 9), 1984

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

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

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

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

Chattanooga, 2013

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

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

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

Chattanooga, 2013

SAMFORD OVERALL RECORD AT SEIBERT (232 GAMES): 152-76-4 (.664)

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

MOST COMPLETIONS: 36, Andy Summerlin, vs. Elon, 2013

SAMFORD DAY RECORD AT SEIBERT (164 GAMES): 101-59-4 (.628)

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

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

SAMFORD NIGHT RECORD AT SEIBERT (68 GAMES): 51-17-0 (.750)

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

MOST COMMON OPPONENTS AT SEIBERT: C hattanooga 14, Jacksonville State 11, Tennessee–Martin 10, Mississippi College 9, Tennessee Tech 9

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

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

MOST SAMFORD POINTS: 72 vs. Maryville (10), 1987 LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: 62 points(Samford 62, Faulkner 0), 2008 (Samford 72, Maryville 10), 1987 MOST OPPONENT’S POINTS: 82, by Salem (Samford 9), 1984 40

FACTS

LONGEST SAMFORD PUNT RETURN: 76 yards, Anthony Jordan, vs. Alcorn State, 1994 LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN: 100-yard touchdown, Karel Hamilon vs. Chattanooga, 2015; 100-yard touchdown, Fabian Truss vs. Western Carolina, 2013 LONGEST INTERCEPTION RETURN: 100-yard touchdown, Ricky Fields, vs. Concord, 1990

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

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

Brock School of Business and Samford Athletics: THE FOUNDATION FOR PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS

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Charles Williams Memorial Jersey

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.

46

Ossie Buchannon 2005

T.C. Myers 2006

Jay McCurty 2007

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Brinson Porter 2014

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Devon Schmitt 2016

BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE SAMFORD BULLDOGS. AlabamaBlue.com 47

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

The academic success for Samford University student-athletes begins with the Academic Enhancement Program [AEP].

The AEP was developed in the early 1990s and is based on individual instruction with student-athletes who are integrated within a caring environment that is conducive to academic success.

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

Tutors and academic mentors assist athletes in writing courses, foreign languages, math, science and business, to name a few. With tutorial sessions incorporating improved study techniques,

Former Samford student-athlete Jerry Mathis 48

the AEP puts student-athletes in position to succeed and become independent learners.

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

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

The AEP strives to meet the needs, concerns and overall welfare of all student-athletes. Each May, the academic enhancement office honors studentathletes who have achieved a 3.0 GPA or better over the last two full terms.

LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM The Department of Athletics offers a variety of support programs for student-athletes, including some NCAA Student Affairs programming. This student development program exists to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting.

There are five focus areas that address student-athlete development.

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

Commitment to Athletic Excellence: To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletics programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of student-athletes Commitment to Personal Development: To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills Commitment to Career Development: To encourage studentathletes to develop and pursue career and life goals Commitment to Service: To engage student-athletes in service to their campus and surrounding community Throughout the year, studentathletes attend the programs in the five commitment areas that are most relevant and helpful to them at their current stage of development. This is done through summer workshops and seminars, the Samford Strong Leadership Academy, campus partnerships, and other programming throughout the year.

Topics include financial management, time management, media relations, spiritual development, choosing a major and a career, résumé writing, and sportsmanship. Speakers include faculty members, coaches, administrators, business leaders and former student-athletes.

All AEP programming is designed to enhance and support the academic and athletic endeavors of student-athletes.

Student-athletes gain preparation for success in life, develop enhanced interpersonal skills, build positive selfesteem, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

twitter.com/dreamcakesbham facebook.com/dreamcakesbham instagram.com/dreamcakesbham 49

Andrew Westmoreland President

A

ndrew Westmoreland became Samford University’s 18th president on June 1, 2006. With more than 5,200 students, Samford is the largest private university in Alabama. It is consistently recognized as one of the top comprehensive universities in the Southeast by various collegiate ranking organizations.

Prior to assuming the Samford presidency, Westmoreland was president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Before his selection as Ouachita’s president in 1998, he had served on the administrative staff for more than 19 years in various capacities.

Westmoreland is a graduate of Ouachita, having received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1979. He earned a master’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Westmoreland has had a long career in higher education. He led record-breaking fund-raising campaigns as vice president for development and later as president at Ouachita.

During his years at Samford, he has witnessed seven consecutive years of record-setting enrollment increases and has overseen fund-raising campaigns that have secured more than $250 million in gifts.

His involvement in civic and cultural affairs includes membership in the Rotary Club of Birmingham, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Health System of Birmingham, and membership on the Board of Directors of Brookwood Baptist Health. His past service has included terms on the boards of dozens of charities, organizations in support of higher education, banks, and health-care entities. He served two years as the chair of the Board of Trustees for the ­Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the accreditor for more than 800 colleges and universities located from Virginia to Texas.

As president of Samford, Westmoreland has continued to teach courses in political science as his schedule allows him to do so.

Westmoreland is the author of a book on Christ-centered leadership, Leading by Design, published in 2005. He has written widely on divergent topics in higher education.

A native of the Batesville, Arkansas area, Westmoreland graduated from Batesville High School in 1975. He is married to Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland, who served on the faculty and as dean of Ouachita’s School of Education before the family’s move to Birmingham. The Westmorelands have one daughter, Riley Elizabeth, a Samford graduate.

The Westmorelands enjoy entertaining and annually host more than 9,000 students, employees, alumni, donors and other friends of the university in the president’s home, in addition to the thousands whom they greet and host at on-campus events.

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51

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

MARTIN NEWTON

Martin Newton was introduced as Samford’s new athletics director at a press conference on March 9, 2011.

M

artin Newton was introduced as Samford’s director of athletics on March 9, 2011.

On the fields and courts, Samford’s teams have won 20 Southern Conference overall titles and two SoCon North Division crowns since Newton took over as director. The Bulldogs have won league or division titles in women’s tennis (2015 regular season and tournament), soccer (2011 regular season and tournament, 2014 regular season, 2015 regular season), softball (2016 tournament and regular season), volleyball (2011 and 2014 tournament, 2011 and 2012 North Division), men’s outdoor track and field (2014, 2015), women’s outdoor track and field (2014), women’s indoor track and field (2016), men’s tennis (2011, 2013 tournament, 2012 regular season) and women’s basketball (2012 tournament).

In 2014–15, Samford won the Southern Conference’s Germann Cup, which goes to the top overall women’s program in the league. Samford finished just a tenth of a point away from winning the Commissioner’s Cup for the top men’s program in the conference.

Academically, the school’s studentathletes have posted outstanding results, with 744 Samford student-athletes being named to the SoCon Honor Roll over the last five years. Samford’s student-athletes posted a 97.4 percent in the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report 52

released in October 2014. Over the last six semesters (fall 2013 to spring 2016), Samford’s 17 teams have a 3.03 GPA. Corporate sponsorships and annual giving reached record revenue totals in 2015–16. The Bulldog Club has been restructured to include a priority point system, and annual giving has increased to $1.3 million, nearly doubling since Newton arrived at the school.

Newton started the Samford Strong Leadership Academy in 2014, a program jointly developed between the athletics department and Samford’s Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership.

Its mission is to bring in successful athletes to share their personal stories — and the importance of faith and character to success in all areas of life — to Samford student-athletes.

A softball stadium and baseball/softball indoor hitting facility was completed in the spring of 2013. The athletics department also redesigned its website, and Samford’s radio network was reorganized.

Newton negotiated a school-wide footwear and apparel deal with Nike, which went into effect in the summer of 2013.

Also, the athletics department led the way in consolidating a university-wide licensing agreement with Learfield Communications Inc. Newton has been recognized nationally for his work. He was named to the NCAA Leadership Cabinet for the 2013–14 and 2014–15 seasons.

A 1983 Samford graduate, Newton returned to his alma mater after spending two years as director of basketball operations at the University of Kentucky.

Charles Martin Newton Jr. was selected following a national search led by Harry B. Brock III, Samford’s vice president for business and financial affairs.

“Martin had an important combination of factors that convinced us that he was an ideal choice to lead our athletics program,” Brock said. “His experience in higher education, his broad network built from his years in collegiate sports and the fact that he is a Samford graduate will help him continue moving our program forward.”

Brock cochaired a 12-member search advisory committee with Emily Hynds, associate professor of mathematics.

“Our committee was particularly impressed with Martin’s understanding of

the important balance between academics and athletics,” Hynds added. “Because he is a Samford graduate, he understands the importance of leading athletics to support the university’s mission.”

Newton graduated with a business degree. He was a four-year letterwinner in men’s basketball and was All-Conference honorable mention in 1980.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Westmoreland, the board of trustees and Buck Brock for this incredible opportunity to return to my alma mater as its athletics director,” Newton said. “Samford has always had a special place in my heart, and helped shape me both personally and professionally. I share Dr. Westmoreland’s vision for this university and our athletics department, and I look forward to serving our student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff as we continue to move Samford athletics to the next level.”

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

Newton was hired at Kentucky in 2009, where he managed an $11 million budget, along with fund-raising, compliance, scheduling, marketing and academic support for the men’s basketball program.

Newton is a member of the board for the Birmingham Bowl, and he is a member of the Birmingham Quarterback Club, Birmingham Tip-Off Club and Birmingham Kiwanis Club. He is also 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.

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ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATION

54

Martin Newton Director of Athletics

Michelle Durban Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services and Compliance/SWA

Bo Kerr Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development

Wanda Lucas Senior Associate Athletics Director for Business/Operations

Joe Davidson Assistant Athletics Director for Operations and Facilities

Harold Goss Assistant Athletics Director for Student Services and Academic Enhancement

Hal Langston Assistant Athletics Director for Development/Bulldog Club

Scott Schablow Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing and Digital Strategies

Joey Mullins Assistant Athletics Director for Communication

Beth Alexander Academic Counselor and Tutor Coordinator

Herb Brooks Assistant Director of Athletics Communication

James Carlson Director of Equipment Services

Sara Clemmons Athletics Administrative Coordinator

Tracy Fuller Business Manager

Mike Grace Director of Broadcasting

Aaron Greenwood Marketing Coordinator

Chris Hicks Assistant Director of Development/Bulldog Club

Sam Holloway Operations and Facilities Coordinator

Keisha Howard Athletics Administrative Coordinator

Cody Jackson Director of Compliance

Jordan Johnson Marketing Coordinator

Borden LeSieur Business Operations Coordinator

Jonathan McAfoos Director of Digital Media

Paige Mathis Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services

Julian McMillian Director of Operations and Facilities

B. J. Millican Video Coordinator

Sarah-Kate Roberts Assistant Director of Development/Bulldog Club

Zac Schrieber Director of Athletics Communication

Joerdan Simpson Director of Corporate Sales

Neil Teitelbaum Director of Ticket Operations

Wes Wilhoite Assistant Equipment Manager

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HEAD COACHES

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SOFTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

MANDY BURFORD

KEYLOR CHAN

MEN’S GOLF AL DELGRECO

BASEBALL CASEY DUNN

RAHIM ESMAIL

FOOTBALL

WOMEN’S GOLF

W. BASKETBALL

M. BASKETBALL

TRACK/CC

CHRIS HATCHER

RACHEL INGRAM

MIKE MORRIS

SCOTT PADGETT

ROD TIFFIN

W. TENNIS

SOCCER

DAVID VEST

TODD YELTON

MEN’S TENNIS

800 Drivers Mart Way, Pelham, AL 35124 Phone: 800-749-0929

medcentermazda.com

PROUD SPONSOR OF SAMFORD ATHLETICS 57

ASSISTANT COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF

PHYSICIAN

SOFTBALL

STRENGTH

M. BASKETBALL

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL

TRACK & FIELD

James R. Andrews Orthopedic Surgeon

Erin Arevalo Assistant Coach

Ben Ashford Director of Strength and Conditioning

Sidney ball Assistant Coach

Shawn Bostick Assistant Coach

Victor Cabral Assistant Coach

Russ Callaway Assistant Coach

David Clyburn Assistant Coach

ATHLETICS

BASEBALL

FOOTBALL

SOFTBALL

PHYSICIAN

TRAINING

TRAINING

TRAINING

Joe Collins Turf Manager

Tony David Assistant Head Coach

Bill D’Ottavio Assistant Head Coach

Megan Dowdy Assistant Coach

Benton Emblom Team Physician

Brandon Evans Head Athletic Trainer

Chappell Evans Athletic Trainer

Jonathan Farris Director of Strength and Conditioning

M. BASKETBALL

M. BASKETBALL

W. BASKETBALL

W. BASKETBALL

M. BASKETBALL

FOOTBALL

M. BASKETBALL

W. BASKETBALL

Brandon Gilbert Director of Operations

Jake Headrick Assistant Coach

Sally Higgins Assistant Coach

Ruth Ketcham Assistant Coach

Charles Newton Assistant Coach

Ross Newton Assistant Coach

Matthew Powell Video Coordinator

Jazmine Powers Assistant Coach

FOOTBALL

TRAINING

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL

BASEBALL

TRAINING

VOLLEYBALL

SOCCER

Matt Price Head Football Athletic Trainer

Thomas Rohling Strength and Conditioning Coach

Rocky Sabbatini Video Coordinator

Sam Shade Assistant Coach

Tyler Shrout Assistant Coach

Isaac Trujillo Athletic Trainer

Kayla Walton Assistant Coach

Alyssa Whitehead Assistant Coach

SOCCER Jay Yelton Assistant Coach

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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.

FIVE IMPORTANT RULES

FAQ

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

Who is a “prospective student-athlete?”

A “prospective student-athlete,” also known as a recruit or prospect, is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade, seventh for men’s basketball. 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.

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

3. The prohibition of contact with a prospect is intended to relate to unavoidable incidental contacts with a prospect by representatives of a member institution’s athletics interest.

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

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

5. Representatives of athletics interest (boosters) are reminded that NCAA rules regarding enrolled student-athletes 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.

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

A representative or booster is an individual or business that is or has ever done any of the following: • been a contributor to the Samford Bulldog Club or has purchased tickets to a Samford athletics event • been an employee of Samford University or is the spouse of an employee • has ever made a donation of any kind to the Samford athletics department • helped to arrange or to provide employment for enrolled student-athletes or for prospects who have signed a National Letter of Intent • assisted or have been requested (by the athletics department) to assist in the recruitment of students to participate in any of Samford’s athletics programs • assisted in providing any benefit to Samford enrolled student-athletes or their families • been involved in promoting Samford athletics programs

ONCE YOU BECOME A BOOSTER, YOU NEVER LOSE THE IDENTITY OF A BOOSTER.

FANS BE SURE TO FOLLOW SAMFORD FOOTBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA. TWITTER @Samford_Sports @SamfordFootball FACEBOOK Samford University Athletics Samford Football INSTAGRAM SamfordSports SNAP CHAT Samford_Sports

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Support our 350 Student-Athletes

Join the Bulldog Club Priority Program

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HERITAGE CIRCLE

OUR 2015–16 PRIORITY PROGRAM MEMBERS

Anthony & Robbin Allen * Mark & Gwenn Matthews Bill & Kimeran Stevens

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Todd & Karen Carlisle Larry & Donna Cox * Kevin & Meredith Kynerd * Richard & Marla Robey

ATHLETICS DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE Alabama Power Company Quentin Brown, Jr. Michael & Kathy Clay David & Stacy Hall Thomas & Charolette Hamby Rick & MaryAnn Moon Bob & Jodi Newton Michael & Carolyn Robinson Dr. Cole & Jill Sandlin III * Gene & Delee Sutherland Chris & Susan Travis ALL-AMERICAN BULLDOG Lynn & Kendall Boggs * Drew & Julie Cundiff * Ryan & Katie Grace * Fred & Judy Johnston, Jr. * Wayne & Donna Kendrick Dr. Tyler Levie Greg & Peggy Powell * University Fancards, LLC Stanley Nelson Woodall ALL-CONFERENCE PLUS Eric & Cassandra Adams Alternavisit LLC Roy & Anne Anderson BBVA Compass Bank Bennie & Sonja BumpersEd & Barb Carpenter Hon. John & Susan Carroll Rebecca Carter

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Coca-Cola Company Colin & Leslie Coyne Davis Architects, Inc. Mr. Donald & Beth Drennen III Lynn & Terry Easterling Dr. Howard & Kathy Finch Chad & Stacy Foreman Dr. Laura & Patrick Foshee Tim & Anita Haywood * Gene & Sharon Head Pat & Patti Henry Monty & Connie Hogewood Wayne & Judy Houston Howard Whatley RE/MAX Southern Homes Jimmy & Donna Jackson Mark & Allison Jackson Todd & Michelle Jones Bo & Whitney Kerr Bobby & Andrea Killingsworth Harold & Becky Langston David & Edith Lyon Joe W. McDade Tom & Wendy McDougal Eddie & Gayle Miller III * Moe’s Southwest Grill OnTime Service Park Moving and Storage Randy & Daina Pittman Dr. Jeffrey Price Regency Retirement Village Regions Bank Alan & Karen Register Josh & Whitney Reidinger Jim & Patsy Smithey Jeff & Ashley Stephens Taylor & Allison Strickland Bob & Pat Terry Clark & Debbie Watson Earl Wright Andrew & Pam Yantis * Rusty & Kimberly Yerkes ALL-CONFERENCE Cedric & Carolyn Adams

Jim & Ciny Anderson * Brad & Barbara Barnard Walter & Kay Barnes Warren & Donna Benjamin Dean Jeanie A. Box Brookdale University Park Jim & Patsi Burks Bobby & Kathy Calhoun Douglas Clark Michael & Cindy Cobb Tommy & Deborah Collins Richard & Kimberly Cross Tom & Teri D’Armond Judge Stephen & Krista Dillard Kevin & Alicia Eads Jerry & Sandi Favre Bob & Grace Freeman Leonard W. Gossett Jr. James and Brooke Graham Mike & Anna Kathryn Hardin Louis & Ovaline Hatcher Jimmy & Betsy Holloway Dean Joseph & Suzanne Hopkins Rodney & Paula Hovater Gene & Susanne Howard, III Suzanne Brown Jackson John & Bridgett Lee Tommy & Mary Anne Locke Lyn Perry Marcum Michael & Michelle Musto Vic & Janice Nichol, Jr. Bobby & Kelly Patrick Philip and Shellyn Poole Emily and Scott Rand Right at Home Healthcare Doug & Renita Rigney, Jr. Rodney Robinson Donald F. & Caroline Rochford Parker & Viveka Rosenberger John & Michele Small Katelyn Chatterton Stanier Bill & Sallie Stark John and Vicki Wilcox Doug & Anita Wilson

VARSITY BULLDOG Scott & Kim Andersen Wendell & Rita Bennett Blake & Devon Davidson Dr. James & Pearleen Graham Roddy & Lynn McCrory Robert & Betty Oliver Dr. Robert & Mary Powell David & Ashley Spurling Gil & Leigh Simmons

ROOKIE Academy Sports and Outdoors America’s First Federal Credit Union Steve & Janet Ball Birmingham Marriott BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama BoJangles’ Restaurants Incorporated Jack & Shirley Brymer Bud Weber Mortgages, LLC Chick-Fil-A Midtown Plaza Children’s of Alabama Cocina Superior Jordan & Augusta Cole Courtyard by Marriott Colonnade Courtyard by Marriott Homewood Dawson Memorial Baptist Church Williams & Rebecca Dorsten Dreamcakes Dreamland Bar-B-Que Drury Inn & Suites Lakeshore Mr. Clif Eason Mrs. Julie Dugal Edens Brock & Kristen Eson Express Oil Change & Tire Engineers Full Moon Bar-B-Que Jason & Stacy Gay Harold & Heather Goss, Jr. Corey Green Dr. Denise Gregory

Grille 29 Hamburger Heaven Hampton by Hilton Mountain Brook Larron & Lere Harper Hickory Tavern Mrs. Mavis Golden Hill Hyatt Regency Birmingham The Wynfrey Hotel Jimmy John’s Kevin & Angela Jones Woody Ketcham Linda Langston Limbaugh Toyota Mike & Peggy Lively Mainline Heating & Air Dr. Christopher Metress Ron & Cindy Mims National Bank of Commerce Newk’s Larry & Faye Nichols Nothing But Noodles Papa John’s Piggly Wiggly Food Stores Chad Pilcher Peter & Kim Powell Residence Inn Homewood Prof. William S. Ringler Dylan Scroggins Serra Toyota Sheraton Birmingham Smoothie King Steed’s Jeweler’s Inc. Taco Mama Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe` The Piedmont Group - Alabama Urban Cookhouse, Crestline Dr. Roderick & Christy White Fanci Worthington * Athletics Council Member

For Information call 205-726-2050

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63

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

S

amford University is Alabama’s top-ranked private university and provides nationally recognized academic programs rooted in its historic Christian mission. Founded in 1841 and located in suburban Birmingham, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It enrolls 5,206 students from 46 states and 32 countries in 10 academic units: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health.

In 2015, U.S. News & World Report ranked Samford 4th among regional universities in the South and 5th in the South for best undergraduate teaching. Samford is ranked #87 nationally and #1 in Alabama

by The Economist. Samford also has been nationally ranked for academic programs, value and affordability by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, The Princeton Review and Colleges of Distinction, among others.

Samford offers 30 undergraduate and 64

graduate/professional degrees. There are 158 undergraduate majors, minors and concentrations. Graduate/professional degrees are offered in business, divinity, education, environmental management, law, music, nursing and pharmacy. The College of Health Sciences will bring many new undergraduate and graduate/professional programs online in the near future.

The student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, and no classes are taught by teaching assistants.

Among Samford’s 47,000-plus alumni are more than 60 U.S. congressmen, seven state governors, two U.S. Supreme Court justices, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy Award–winning artists, two national championship football coaches, and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes.

The university fields 17 varsity sports — eight men’s and nine women’s — that participate at the NCAA Division I level in the Southern Conference.

SAMFORD DISTINCTIONS • Samford is ranked #4 in the South for regional universities, #5 in the South for best undergraduate teaching and #15 in the South for best value by U.S. News & World Report (2016).

• Samford is ranked #87 nationally and #1 in Alabama by The Economist.

• Samford is ranked #30 among master’s level universities for the percentage of students studying abroad by the Institute for International Education (2015).

• Cumberland School of Law is ranked #6 nationally for trial advocacy by U.S. News & World Report (2015). Additionally, the law school is ranked #7 nationally for best quality of life and #9 nationally for best professors by The Princeton Review (2014). The law school was ranked #40 nationally for best law school by The National Jurist (2013) and placed first in the 2014 National Trial Advocacy Competition.

• Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing’s master’s programs are ranked #90 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2016).

• Brock School of Business is ranked in the top tier of “best business schools”

by U.S. News & World Report (2011).

• The Brock School of Business evening M.B.A. program is the oldest in the state and is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report (2015).

• The Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education elementary education program received a national award for effective teacher preparation from the U.S. Department of Education (2000).

• 93% of May undergraduate alumni were employed or pursuing continuing education within six months of graduation (2013–15).

• Samford is ranked #49 nationally for “best value” among private universities

by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (2016).

• Samford is listed in the top 30 most beautiful college campuses in the South by the Best Colleges website (2015).

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FACILITIES

T

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

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

The newest addition to Samford’s athletics facilities is the Samford Softball Field, which opened in the spring of 2013.

Also, the new 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 the fall of 2013.

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

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

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

The convocation/arena/fitness complex, Pete Hanna Center, was completed in fall 2007. The center provides outstanding playing facilities for volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball in a 5,000-seat center, a fitness/wellness complex for the entire student body, and state-of-the-art training facilities for Samford’s varsity

66

sports. Also included in the facility are offices, meeting space and support ­facilities for coaches and athletics ­administration.

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

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

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

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

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

The Samford softball field was named the Sports Turf Managers ­Association Softball Field of the Year for 2001. Future plans call for expanded seating and support facilities at the 300-seat stadium.

Bulldog Spirit Plaza, dedicated during

2005 Homecoming weekend, is the focal point of the area connecting Seibert Stadium, Joe Lee Griffin Field, Bashinsky Field House and Pete Hanna Center.

Organized by the Class of 2003, the landscaped plaza includes a bas relief of the Bulldog mascot and more than 100 bricks honoring Samford alumni, students, parents, employees, former athletes and friends of the university as a celebration of Samford’s more than 125 years of intercollegiate athletics competition.

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

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SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

The Southern Conference, which is in its 96th season of intercollegiate competition in 2016–17, is a national leader in emphasizing the development of the student-athlete, and in helping to build lifelong leaders and role models.

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

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

Academic excellence has been a major part of the Southern Conference’s tradition. Hundreds of Southern Conference student-athletes 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 volley­ ball player Rachel Woodlee earned the prestigious award.

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The conference currently consists of 10 members in six states throughout the Southeast and sponsors 21 varsity sports and championships that produce participants for NCAA Division I Championships.

The league added rifle, becoming just the second Division I conference to sponsor the sport, in 2016–17.

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

CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

The first Southern Conference Championship held after the formation of the league was the basketball tournament in Atlanta in 1922. The North Carolina Tar Heels won the tournament to become the first recognized league champion in any sport. The Southern Conference tournament remains the oldest of its kind in college basketball. The most recent SoCon addition, rifle, will crown its first champion in March 2017.

Commissioner Germann spearheaded the Southern Conference’s expansion to include women’s athletics during the 1983–84 season. That year, league women’s championships were held in ­volleyball, basketball and tennis. Cross country joined the mix in 1985, outdoor

track and field was added in 1987, and indoor and track and field followed in 1988. Most recently, the conference instituted golf and softball championships in the spring of 1994, and added soccer in the fall of 1994.

The Germann Cup, named in honor of the former commissioner, annually recognizes the top women’s athletics programs in the conference. From its humble beginnings, women’s athletics have become an integral part of the Southern Conference and its success.

The Southern Conference declares champions in 11 men’s sports — football, soccer, cross country, basketball, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, wrestling, baseball, lacrosse, tennis and golf — and nine women’s sports — soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, tennis, golf and softball. Rifle is a mixed sport.

FOOTBALL

The Southern Conference has also excelled as the premier Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) conference. Former Southern Conference member Appalachian State won three consecutive FCS titles from 2005 to 2007, becoming the first team to do so. The league boasts more than 250 players who have garnered All-America recognition, and numerous national player or coach of the year awards. The conference had at least one team in the top 10 of the final FCS poll for 28 consecutive years (1985– 2012), with at least two teams finishing in the final poll in every season from 1982 to 2013. Three Southern Conference teams — tri-champions Furman, Samford and Chattanooga — finished in the top 25 in 2013, while the Mocs finished in the top 10 in each of the last two seasons and The

Citadel finished in the top 15 in 2015.

The conference has placed multiple representatives in the FCS Playoffs in 27 of 32 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 17 years and in 18 of the last 24 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.

The league picked up two wins over FBS teams in 2015, with Furman downing UCF and The Citadel stunning South Carolina.

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 to 1930, league schools won five football national championships in a six-year span.

There are nearly 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 AllAmerica selection and the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1948 and 1949. In 1949, Justice earned first-team all-conference honors for the fourth consecutive season, becoming the first player in league history to achieve that feat. He was a member of the league’s inaugural Hall of Fame Class in 2009.

Another of the league’s football products who 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 firstteam 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

John Iamarino Commissioner

Geoff Cabe Senior Associate Commissioner

League for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. Also a member of the conference’s first Hall of Fame class, he was a five-time All-Pro linebacker and is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The newest addition is former Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore, who was enshrined 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/I-AA national titles (2005–07).

In recent years, the Southern Conference has continued to produce outstanding student-athletes. In 1999, Georgia Southern’s Adrian Peterson captured the Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the Football Championship Subdivision’s most outstanding offensive player. Furman’s Louis Ivory was awarded the honor in 2000, Georgia Southern’s Jayson Foster was presented with the 2007 trophy and most recently, Appalachian State’s record-setting quarterback Armanti Edwards became the first two-time winner in Payton Award history after claiming the honors in 2008 and 2009.

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. Terrell Owens went from catching passes at Chattanooga to a stellar NFL career. 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.

Sue Arakas Associate Commissioner

Doug King Jason Yaman Associate Commissioner Assistant Commissioner for Compliance for Media Relations

COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS

The Southern Conference has also been a breeding ground for some of college athletics’ most recognized coaches and administrators.

Legendary basketball coaches Adolph Rupp of Kentucky and Everett Case of North Carolina State both worked the sidelines in the Southern Conference.

Rupp guided the Wildcats to a 30-5 mark during the 1931 and ’32 seasons. Yet, for all his coaching accomplishments, Rupp never led Kentucky to a Southern Conference tournament championship.

Case mentored the Wolfpack to six consecutive Southern Conference tournament championships from 1947 through 1952.

Lefty Driesell coached Davidson to Southern Conference tournament championships in 1966, 1968 and 1969. He also won the league’s coach of the year award four straight times from 1963 through 1966. Former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins earned league coach of the year honors three times in the late ’70s and early ’80s while at Appalachian State and again in 2010–11 as head coach at the College of Charleston.

Terry Holland saw his basketball coaching career take off at Davidson when he returned to his alma mater in 1970. He was honored as the Southern Conference coach of the year for three consecutive seasons (1970–72) and led the Wildcats to the conference tournament title and an appearance in the NCAA tournament in 1970. J. Dallas Shirley, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, spent 21 years as the assistant to the commissioner and supervisor of officials in the Southern Conference. He also served as president of the International Association of Basketball Officials and the United States Olympic Basketball Committee.

The legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant got his coaching start in the Southern Conference as he guided the Maryland Terrapins in 1945. Another famous Southern Conference football coach is the late Frank Howard of Clemson, who guided the Tigers as a league member from 1940 to 1952. The incomparable Howard won 69 Southern Conference games.

The Southern Conference has been represented on the sidelines at five Super Bowls in recent years. Bobby Ross, who piloted the San Diego Chargers to the 1996 Super Bowl, was the head coach at The Citadel from 1973 to 1977. Former Buffalo Bills head coach Marv Levy, who coached the Bills in four Super Bowls, directed William & Mary from 1964 to 1968 and was succeeded there by Lou Holtz. William & Mary competed in the Southern Conference from 1936 to 1977.

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NATIONAL AWARDS

Bobby Bowden Quarterback 1952 All-Amercian

James Bradberry 2015 STATS All-American

Surkano Edwards Running Back 1992 Honorable Mention, Sports Network All-Amercian

Cortland Finnegan Safety OVC Defensive Player of the Year 2003 Third-Team All-American 2005 AFCA All-American

Jimbo Fisher Quarterback 1987 All-Amercian 1987 FB News Offensive Player of the Year

Sam Goldman End 1940 Honorable Mention All-Amercian

Scott Holmes Punter 1994 Associated Press All-Amercian

Harley Hopkins End 1938 Honorable Mention­ All-American

Bobby Jackson Half back 1962 All-Amercian

Anthony Jordan Jim Lovette Running Back Running Back 1994 Associated Press 1966 Honorable All-Amercian Mention ­All-American

Fred Bishop Linebacker 1999 All-American

Anthony Pistelli 2015 AP First Team All-American, , Walter Camp All-American

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David Primus Kick Returner 1989 Football News All-American

Justin Shade First-Team All-American Sports Network 2013

Wally Burnham Linebacker 1963 All-Amercian

Bryce Smith Linebacker 2010 Associated Press All-American

Norman Cooper Center 1936 All-Amercian

Philip Duplanis 1999 First-Team All-Independent 1999 Honorable Mention All-American

Tim Hamrick Punter 1987 Football News All-Amercian

Efrem Hill Wide Receiver 2003 OVC Male Athlete of the Year, Consensus All-­American, OVC Offensive Player of the Year, 2004 AFCA All-American

Bennie Story Defensive Tackle 1961 All-American

Joe Milazzo Quarterback 1960 All-American

Marcus Durgin Cornerback 1991 Second-Team Sports Network 1991, 1992 Third-Team Associated Press

Harold Hill End 1937 Honorable Mention All-Amercian

Michael O’Neal Kicker 1991 CoSIDA Academic Second-Team All-American

Jaquiski Tartt James Tarrant Safety End First-Team All-­American, 1940 Honorable 2014 Second-Team Mention ­All-American All-American, 2013 1941 Third-Team First-Team All-American All-American Sports Network Walter Camp 2012

Fabian Truss Kick Returner First-Team All-American, 2013 Second-Team All-American, Sports Network 2012

Cameron Yaw 2011 and 2012 All-American

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2016-17 DANCE TEAM

2016-17 CHEERLEADERS 72

BULLDOGS IN THE

NFL 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. He enters his second season with the 49ers.

COREY WHITE was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In 2014, he started nine games in the Saints’ secondary. In 2015, he played for the Dallas Cowboys. He is currently a member of the Buffalo Bills.

NICK WILLIAMS

was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He is currently a member of the Kansas City Chiefs.

JAMES BRADBERRY

was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

MICHAEL PIERCE

signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016.

He enters his first season with the Ravens this fall.

CORTLAND FINNEGAN

After being drafted in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, Cortland Finnegan has spent the last 10 seasons in the NFL. He has played with the Titans, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins and Carolina Panthers, including helping the Panthers to an appearance in the 2016 Super Bowl. He is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints.

73

YEAR-BY-YEAR LEADERS RUSHING

YEAR 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974–83 1984–85 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

NAME Bobby Jackson Bobby Jackson Reggie Allen Larry Lackey Richard Cruce Larry Lackey Jackie Clayton Jim Lovette Mike Ray Mike Ray Mike Cobb Walter McCoy Tommy Wheelis statistics not available no team statistics not available Jeff Price Shorty Smith Shorty Smith Brady Jones Brady Jones Surkano Edwards Surkano Edwards Damian Hines Anthony Jordan James Griffith Jerome Russell Rashad Brewer Jerome Russell Jerome Russell Kadell Wright Jason Ogletree Jason Ogletree Fred Gilliam Ray Nelson Justin Ray Marcus Rice Chris Evans Chris Evans Chris Evans Chris Evans Fabian Truss Fabian Truss Fabian Truss Denzel Williams Denzel Williams

PASSING

74

YEAR 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973

NAME Joe Milazzo Johnny Shoemaker Johnny Shoemaker Larry Wyatt Larry Wyatt Jerry Colvin Jim Lovette Jim Lovette Jim Lovette Waylan Trammel Waylan Trammell Waylan Trammell Jimmy Nipper Steve Loflin

ATT-YDS AVG 73-703 9.6 78-653 8.4 90-513 5.7 84-373 4.4 136-506 3.7 93-292 3.1 103-447 4.3 116-631 5.4 129-506 3.9 79-347 4.4 168-797 4.7 74-300 4.1 110-405 3.7

76-397 149-889 140-845 170-848 217-1102 143-824 187-1270 122-497 141-924 146-678 161-589 147-735 163-894 177-1236 122-521 113-667 94-428 110-430 167-799 122-479 67-322 185-1033 260-1284 241-1152 233-1106 150-847 206-1063 167-877 191-918 118-518

5.2 6.0 6.0 5.0 5.1 5.8 6.8 5.8 6.6 4.6 3.7 5.0 5.5 6.7 4.2 5.9 4.3 3.9 4.8 3.9 4.8 5.6 4.9 4.8 4.8 5.6 5.2 5.3 4.8 4.4

ATT-COMP-INT (TD) YDS 145-80 (5) 1248 65-31 (7) 634 91-54 (4) 624 57-20 (1) 264 91-30 (5) 424 193-89-20 (5) 1162 87-37 (3) 627 170-83-8 (12) 1190 150-56-12 (8) 729 149-66-11 (9) 912 135-63-7 (9) 884 119-61-10 (5) 790 149-81-3 (5) 855 123-54 (8) 808

1974–83 1984–85 1986 Scotty King 1987 Jimbo Fisher 1988 Ted Darby 1989 Ted Darby 1990 Ted Darby 1991 Ben Wiggins 1992 Ben Wiggins 1993 Bart Yancey 1994 Bart Yancey 1995 Bart Yancey 1996 Bart Yancey 1997 Jake Rackley 1998 Mike Cain 1999 Josh Kellett 2000 Josh Kellett 2001 Ray Nelson 2002 Josh Kellett 2003 Ray Nelson 2004 Ray Nelson 2005 J. Adcock 2006 J. Adcock 2007 J. Adcock 2008 D. Taliaferro 2009 D. Taliaferro 2010 D. Taliaferro 2011 D. Taliaferro 2012 A. Summerlin 2013 A. Summerlin 014 M. Eubank 2015 D. Hodges

RECEIVING

no team statistics not available 155-84-7 (9) 996 252-139-5 (34) 2394 293-122-9 (13) 1773 317-159-13 (7) 1953 245-122-9 (8) 1709 395-207-13 (17) 2532 296-145-8 (16) 1907 278-145-15 (7) 1638 245-143-11 (10) 1633 273-140-16 (10) 1661 277-145-11 (9) 1568 208-112-6 (6) 1574 89-49-3 (5) 701 136-67-7 (4) 831 117-52-12 (4) 733 219-120-6 (13) 1466 225-130-11 (12) 1518 408-242-9 (23) 2759 460-258-10 (20) 2807 366-189-16 (18) 2338 169-91-7 (5) 915 411-225-12 (14) 2472 225-151-5 (13) 1745 321-190-9 (9) 1692 224-133-9 (5) 1427 372-233-10 (14) 2301 365-244-6 (10) 2269 478-300-13 (26) 3640 289-183-8 (12) 2136 288-200-6 (12) 230

YEAR NAME 1960 Buddy Bozeman 1961 Buddy Bozeman 1962 Buddy Bozeman 1963 Charles Jacob 1964 James Cecil Long 1965 Mike Bishop 1966 Jimmie Jackson 1967 John Easley 1968 Larry Cox 1969 Larry Cox 1970 Larry Cox 1971 Larry Cox 1972 Charles Clanton 1973 Steve Stewart 1974–83 no team 1984–85 statistics not available 1986 John Caradine 1987 Tim Richardson 1988 Tim Richardson 1989 Steve Miles 1990 Brian James 1991 Donnie Rory 1992 TeDarryl Marshall 1993 Scott McFadden 1994 Ron Green 1995 Mike Porter 1996 Michael Watson 1997 Michael Watson 1998 Jerome Russell 1999 Aryvia Holmes

REC-YDS 39-680 13-216 24-279 8-139 12-142 34-515 28-468 33-604 22-287 33-377 25-363 33-459 29-410 25-347 30-382 36-918 44-965 39-353 46-963 52-503 28-405 26-272 38-472 42-601 35-432 28-418 20-175 24-345

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Aryvia Holmes Aryvia Holmes Aryvia Holmes Efrem Hill Efrem Hill Jeff Moore Jeff Moore Jeff Moore Jonathan Lowery Chris Evans Quin Roberson Kelsey Pope Kelsey Pope Kelsey Pope Karel Hamilton Karel Hamilton

TOTAL OFFENSE

28-410 74-1042 84-1158 92-1387 71-984 53-669 49-668 61-996 27-457 38-172 31-474 86-810 68-552 68-789 55-877 75-880

YEAR NAME PLAYS-YARDS 1960 Joe Milazzo 169-1281 1961 Johnny Shoemaker 94-765 1962 Johnny Shoemaker 138-761 1963 Larry Wyatt 141-623 1964 Larry Wyatt 186-790 1965 Jerry Colvin 272-1189 1966 Jim Lovette 170-892 1967 Jim Lovette 286-1821 1968 Jim Lovette 249-1060 1969 Waylan Trammell 218-901 1970 Waylan Trammell 208-1026 1971 Waylan Trammell 202-983 1972 Waylan Trammell 232-1086 1973 statistics not available 1974–83 no team 1984–85 statistics not available 1986 Scotty King 253-1245 1987 Jimbo Fisher 327-2631 1988 Ted Darby 348-1599 1989 Ted Darby 366-1804 1990 Ted Darby 282-1548 1991 Ben Wiggins 433-2489 1992 Ben Wiggins 317-1897 1993 Bart Yancey 314-1597 1994 Bart Yancey 288-1510 1995 Bart Yancey 304-1595 1996 Bart Yancey 323-1568 1997 Jake Rackley ­287-1708 1998 Jerome Russell 163-894 1999 Josh Kellett 283-1593 2000 Josh Kellett 213-999 2001 Ramon Nelson 299-1692 2002 Josh Kellett 269-1589 2003 Ray Nelson 523-3140 2004 Ray Nelson 627-3606 2005 Jefferson Adcock 489-2703 2006 Jefferson Adcock 225-981 2007 Jefferson Adcock 433-2451 2008 Dustin Taliaferro 291-1805 2009 Dustin Taliaferro 407-1751 2010 Dustin Taliaferro 290-1564 2011 Dustin Taliaferro 437-2356 2012 Andy Summerlin 416-2218 2013 Andy Summerlin 537-3532 2014 Michael Eubank 379-2350 2015 Devlin Hodges 362-2557

75

TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL RECORDS SCORING Most Points Scored Game: 87, vs. Birmingham-Southern, 1907

Quarter: 32, vs. Troy State, 1961

Season: 517, by 1987 team Most Touchdowns

Game: 12, vs. Troy State, 1961

12, vs. Memphis Navy, 1961

Season: 74, by 1987 team RUSHING Most Net Yards Gained

Game: 463, vs. Austin Peay, 1999

Season: 3,439, by 1999 team Most Rushing Attempts

Game: 87, vs. University of Mexico, 1963

Season: 627, by 1999 team Most Touchdowns Rushing

Game: 10, vs. Troy State, 1961

Season: 41, by 1999 team

Anthony Jordan

Michael O’Neal

TOTAL OFFENSE Most Yards Gained

Game: 752, vs. Florida A&M, 2015

Season: 5,403, by 2013 team Most Plays

Game: 102, at Furman, 2013

102, at Southeast Missouri, 2004

Season: 911, by 2013 team Most First Downs

Game: 36, vs. Maryville, 1987

36, vs. Florida A&M, 2015

Season: 264, by 2015 team PUNTING Most Punts

Game: 12, vs. Nicholls State, 1988

12, vs. Chattanooga, 1968

Season: 75, by 2009 team

Tank Edwards

Jimbo Fisher

PASSING Most Yards Passing

Game: 521, vs. Southeastern Louisiana, 2013

Season: 3,806, by 2013 team Most Passing Attempts

Game: 70, at Furman, 2013

Season: 492, by 2013 team Most Pass Completions

Game: 44, at Furman, 2013

Season: 324, by 2015 team Most Passes Intercepted

Game: 6, vs. Jacksonville State, 1995

6, vs. Youngstown State, 1991

Season: 20, by 1985, 1969 and 1965 teams

Most Yards Punted

Game: 509, vs. Chattanooga, 1968

Season: 2,988, by 2013 team Highest Punting Average

Game (min. 5 punts): 54.2, vs. Chattanooga

(5-271), 2009

Season: 43.2, by 2015 team (48 for 2,073) INTERCEPTIONS Most Passes Intercepted

Game: 8, vs. Anderson, 1986

Season: 24, by 1971 team Most Yards Returned

Game: 142, vs. Hampden-Sydney, 1987

Season: 285, by 1987 team

Highest Completion Percentage

Season: 69.7, by 2015 team (324 of 465) Most Touchdown Passes

Game: 7, vs. Ferrum, 1987; vs. Maryville, 1987

Season: 40, by 1987 team Brady Jones 76

Ted Darby

TEAM DEFENSE Fewest Points Yielded

Season: 30, by 1909 team (eight games) Fewest First Downs Allowed

Game 2, vs. Louisiana College, 1966

Season: 93, by 1960 team Fewest Net Yards Rushing Allowed

Game -9, vs. Louisiana College, 1966

Season: 865, by 1971 team LOWEST AVERAGE NET YARDS Allowed Rushing (per game)

Season: 96.1, by 1971 team (865 in nine games) Passing

Game 0, vs. Georgetown (Ky.) and Maryville (Tenn.), 1960

Season: 49.0, by 1959 team (490 in 10 games)

Most Yards Gained

Game: 312, Surkano Edwards, vs. Tennessee–­Martin, 1992

Season: 1,284, Chris Evans, 2008

Career: 4,575, Chris Evans, 2007–10 Most Touchdowns

Game: 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

4, Jim Lovette, vs. Furman, 1966

Season: 17, Brady Jones, 1990

Career: 34, Brady Jones, 1989–90 PASSING Most Yards Gained

Game: 495, Andy Summerlin, vs. Georgia Southern, 2013

Season: 3,640, Andy Summerlin, 2013

Career: 7,950, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 Most Attempts

Game: 69, Andy Summerlin, at Furman, 2013

Season: 478, Andy Summerlin, 2013

Career: 1,248, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 Most Completions

Game: 44, Andy Summerlin, at Furman, 2013

Season: 300, Andy Summerlin, 2013

Career: 704, Ray Nelson, 2004

Cortland Finnegan

Jeff Moore

Most Interceptions

Game: 5: Jefferson Adcock, at Eastern Kentucky, 2007

5, Bart Yancey, vs. Jacksonville State, 1994

5, Jerry Colvin, vs. Southwestern Louisiana, 1965

Season: 20, Jerry Colvin, 1965

Career: 54, Bart Yancey, 1993–96 Highest Completion Percentage

Season (min. 50 att.): 67.1, Dustin Taliaferro (151-225), 2008

Career (min. 150 att.): 64.5, Andy Summerlin, (544-843), 2012-13

Jefferson Adcock

Efrem Hill

OFFENSE Longest Single Plays

Touchdown Run from Scrimmage: 94, K’rondis Larry, at Mercer, 2015

Touchdown Pass Completions: 94, Devlin Hodges to Emmanuel Obajimi, at Mercer, 2015 Punts: 79 yards, Bob Hooper, vs. Georgia Southern, 2008

Field Goals: 52 yards, Carmeron Yaw, at Chattanooga, 2012

Punt Returns for Touchdowns: 92, Mark Longnecker, vs. L­ ivingston, 1968

Kickoff Returns for Touchdowns: 100, Fabian Truss, vs. Western Carolina, 2013

100, Karel Hamilton, vs. Chattanooga, 2015

100, Fabian Truss, at Georgia State, 2013

100, Emmit Lewis, vs. ­Jacksonville State, 1971

Interception Returns: 100, Ricky Fields, vs. Concord, 1990

Most Touchdown Passes

Game: 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Ferrum, 1987

6, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Maryville, 1987

Season: 34, Jimbo Fisher, 1987

Career: 60, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 PASS RECEIVING Most Receptions

Game: 17, Kelsey Pope, at The Citadel, 2011

Season: 92, Efrem Hill, 2003

Career: 250, Kelsey Pope, 2010-13 Most Yards Gained

Game: 260, Jeff Moore, at Tennessee Tech, 2007

Season: 1,387, Efrem Hill, 2003

Career: 3,054, Efrem Hill, 2001–04

RUSHING Most Carries Game: 37, Chris Evans, at Wofford, 2009

Season: 260, Chris Evans, 2008

Career: 919, Chris Evans, 2007–10 77

Most Touchdown Receptions

Game: 3, Jeff Moore, at Tennessee Tech, 2007

3, Efrem Hill, vs. West Alabama, 2004

3, Efrem Hill, vs. Eastern Kentucky, 2004

3, Efrem Hill, vs. West Alabama, 2003

3, Mike Porter, vs. Nicholls State, 1995

3, Ron Green, vs. Central Florida, 1994

Season: 15, Efrem Hill, 2003

Career 31, Efrem Hill, 2001–04 TOTAL OFFENSE Most Yards

Game: 492, Andy Summerlin, vs. Georgia Southern, 2013

492, Ray Nelson, at Southeast Missouri, 2004

Season: 3,606, Ray Nelson, 2004

Career: 9,575, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 Most Plays

Game: 77, Ray Nelson, at Southeast Missouri, 2004

Season: 627, Ray Nelson, 2004

Career: 1,691, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 Most All-Purpose Yards

Game: 435, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Wingate, 1987

Season: 2,260, Anthony Jordan, 1994 (924 rush., 400 rec., 936 ret.)

Career: 6,640, Fabian Truss, 2010-13 (3,088 rush., 764 rec., 2,493 kickoff ret., 295 punt ret.)

Most Touchdowns (responsible for)

Game: 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Ferrum, 1987

6, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Maryville, 1987

6, Jim Lovette, vs. Furman, 1967

Season: 40, Jimbo Fisher, 1987

Career: 60, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 Most Points (responsible for)

Game: 36, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Ferrum, 1987

36, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Maryville, 1987

36, Jim Lovette, vs. Furman, 1967

Season: 244, Jimbo Fisher, 1987

Career: 480, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 PUNTING Most Punts

Game: 12, Tim Hamrick, vs. Nicholls State, 1988 12, Trent Chason, vs. ­Chattanooga, 1968

Season: 73, Bob Hooper, 2009

73, Brian Holmes, 1997

Career: 238, Trent Chason, 1967–70 Most Yards Punted

Game: 509, Trent Chason, vs. C­ hattanooga, 1968

Season: 3,026, Bob Hooper, 2009

Career: 9,469, Trent Chason, 1967–70 Highest Average

Game (min. 5 punts): 54.2, Bob Hooper, vs. Chattanooga (5-271), 2009

Season (min. 30 punts): 42.9, Greg Peranich (68-2,915), 2013

Career (min. 70 punts): 41.3, Scott Holmes (158-6,531), 1993–95

78

Most Punts Returned

Season: 33, Marcus Durgin, 1992

Career: 77, Jerome Russell, 1996–99 Most Punt Return Yards

Season: 396, Jim Lovette, 1965

Career: 769, Jerome Russell, 1996–99 Highest Return Average

Season (min. 10 ret.): 17.9, Julius Head (11-197), 1961

Career (min. 25 ret.): 17.7, Richard Cruce (30-530), 1961–64 KICKOFF RETURNS Most Kickoffs Returned

Season: 50, David Primus, 1989

Career: 106, David Primus, 1988–91 Most Kickoff Return Yards

Game: 263, Cortland Finnegan, vs. Murray State, 2002

Season: 1,411, David Primus, 1989

Career: 2,692, David Primus, 1988–91 Highest Return Average

Season (min. 10 ret.): 33.3, Marcus Durgin (15-499), 1992 (led NCAA Division I-AA)

Career (min. 20 ret.): 29.4, Fabian Truss(85-2,493), 2010-13 SCORING Touchdowns

Game: 4, Michael Eubank, vs. VMI, 2014

4, Fabian Truss vs. Gardner-Webb, 2012

4, Kelsey Pope, vs. Stillman, 2011

4, Steve Hayden, vs. Morgan State, 1995

4, Surkano Edwards, vs. Tennessee–Martin, 1992

4, Brady Jones, vs. Austin Peay, 1990

4, Brady Jones, vs. East Tennessee State, 1989

4, Jim Lovette, vs. Furman, 1967

Season: 18, Brady Jones, 1990

Career: 35, Brady Jones, 1988–90 Most Extra Points

Game: 10, Mike Bofamy, vs. Maryville, 1987

Season: 47, Mike Bofamy, 1987

Career: 142, Michael O’Neal, 1989–92 Most Field Goals

Game: 5, Anthony Pistelli, vs. Clark-Atlanta, 2015

Season: 23, Cameron Yaw, 2011

Career: 67, Cameron Yaw, 2009–2012

Most Points

Game: 24, Michael Eubank, vs. VMI, 2014

24, Fabian Truss at Gardner-Webb, 2012

24, Kelsey Pope, vs. Stillman, 2010

24, Surkano Edwards, vs. Tennessee–Martin, 1992

24, Brady Jones, vs. Austin Peay, 1990

24, Brady Jones, vs. East Tennessee State, 1989

24, Jim Lovette, vs. Furman, 1967

Season: 108, Brady Jones, 1990

Career: 303, Cameron Yaw, 2009-12

All records are from 1960 to present. All ­former ­players, coaches and individuals are ­encouraged to send corrections or additions, with supporting documen­tation, to the Samford Office of Athletics Communication.

Most Points by Kicking

Game: 19, Anthony Pistelli, vs. Clark-Atlanta, 2015

Season: 101, Cameron Yaw, 2011 101, Anthony Pistelli, 2015

Career: 303, Cameron Yaw, 2009–12 DEFENSE Most Interceptions

Game: 3, Josh Kimberlin, at Florida A&M, 2013

3, David Primus, vs. West Georgia, 1988

3, Billy Robison, vs. Millsaps, 1987

Season: 7, Jeff Morris, 1996

7, Marcus Durgin, 1991

7, David Primus, 1988

Career: 17, Marcus Durgin, 1990–93 Most Yards Returned Interceptions

Game: 100, Ricky Fields, vs. Concord, 1990

Season: 162, Jerome Beaman, 1987

Career: 226, Marcus Durgin, 1990–93 TACKLES Most Tackles

Season: 161, Craig Conner, 1989

Career: 481, Craig Conner, 1987–90 Most Defensive Plays

Season:165, Craig Conner, 1989

Career: 495, Craig Conner, 1987–90 Sacks

Season: 9.5, Justin Shade, 2013

Career: 24, James Taylor, 1995–98 FUMBLES Most Fumbles Recovered

Season: 4, Steve Tennin, 2004

4, Joe Acklin, 1996

4, Ernest Barbee, 1991

4, Ollie Sanders, 1990

Career: 10, Jeremy Perkins, 1991–94 Most Fumbles Caused

Season: 5, Tory James, 1993

Career: 7, Fred Bishop, 1996–99

79

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