2017 Samford Football Game Program--Kennesaw State Game by Joey Mullins

Game Day Program

From Seibert Stadium to the Bulldog Walk, we’re there.

At Alabama Power, we really love football and share a passion for the game’s rich traditions, friendly rivalries and team spirit. That’s why we’ll always cheer right alongside fans like you. We proudly support Samford football.

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

Sports Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Assistant Coaches/Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

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

Opponent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

NCAA Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

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

Athlete Q&A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Bulldog Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

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

Hall of Fame Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Samford University. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

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

Seibert Stadium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Athletics Facilities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Game. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House. . . . . . 46

Southern Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

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

Academic Enhancement Program. . . . . . . . . 52

National Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Fall Sports Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Andrew Westmoreland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Players in the NFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Football Feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Martin Newton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Rosters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Athletics Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Depth Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Head Coaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Editor: Joey Mullins Senior Graphic Designer: Scott Camp Contributors: Shelby Campbell, Mike Grace, Bo Kerr, Zac Schrieber Photographers: Caroline Summers, Rebecca Long, Jimmy Mitchell, David Johnson, Beth Hall, contributing NFL Teams

Produced by Samford Division of Marketing and Communication

VAN WAGNER SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment (VWSE) and Samford University athletics recently announced a long-term partnership naming VWSE as the athletics department’s exclusive multimedia rights partner and sales agent for the department’s corporate sponsorship program. As part of the agreement, the VWSE Collegiate Services division will oversee the locally based operation, Samford Sponsorships, which will work with university leadership to enhance the overall game-day experience, and create unique and meaningful opportunities for the program’s sponsors, business partners and a growing and dedicated Bulldogs fan base. The VWSE team, in collaboration with the Samford athletics department, will handle management, sales and integration of corporate sponsorship on all levels within multimedia resources, including the Bulldogs’ digital assets, venue signage, marketing, promotional rights to athletics marks and hospitality. For more information please contact General Manager Leon Ryan at 205-726-4717.

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 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.

TELEVISION BROADCASTS

For the third-straight season, most of Samford’s home games will be broadcast live on ESPN3. The Bulldogs’ home games against Kennesaw State, West Alabama, The Citadel, Chattanooga and East Tennessee State will appear on the network. For the ESPN3 broadcasts, Curt Bloom will handle play-by-play duties, Chad Pilcher will serve as color analyst, and Hattie Breece will be the sideline reporter. 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 through the free WatchESPN app. The home games against Kennesaw State and ETSU will also be televised on a new broadcast television network, branded as “College Football Down South” and operated by 7 Communications, a Raleigh, North Carolina–based production company. Samford’s home game against Furman (Nov. 18) will air on Stadium, a new 24/7, linear, multiplatform sports network with both digital and OTA broadcast feeds formed through a combination of Campus Insiders, 120 Sports and American Sports Network. To see which local station will carry Samford’s games on 7 communications and Stadium, check your local listings. RADIO

All 11 Samford football games will be broadcast live on 99.1 FM The Game. For more information, go to samfordsports.com. Blake Gardner, a 2016 Samford graduate, enters his first full season as play-by-play announcer and “Voice of the Bulldogs.” Gardner took over duties for men’s basketball and baseball last season, but will be in his first season as the play-by-play voice for the Samford football program.

138 screaming fans

The way you build up those around you, your dedication to supporting athletics, your inherent love of the game â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no matter the sport. You are the ones who make this community great, and we are honored to be a part of it. Every day, you inspire us to find ways to make banking easier, serve you better and help you keep life moving forward.

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BULLDOGS HEAD COACH

CHRIS HATCHER

hris Hatcher was named Samford’s 36th head football coach on Dec. 11, 2014. Entering his third season at Samford, Hatcher boasts a career record of 134-67 in 17 years as a college head coach, having previously coached at Murray State, Georgia Southern and Valdosta State. Last season, Hatcher led the team to a 7-5 record and a spot in the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs. The 7-5 record marked the program’s sixth-straight winning season, the longest streak in program history. Under Hatcher’s tutelage, quarterback Devlin Hodges set school records for single-season completions (375), attempts (530), passing yards (4,088) and touchdown passes (36). Hodges was named the SoCon’s Offensive Player of the Year and a third-team All-American at the conclusion of the season. As a unit, the Samford offense ranked third Chris Hatcher among all FCS schools in passing offense, averaging 349.4 passing yards per game. The offense also ranked sixth in the nation in red zone offense (90.2%), 11th in team passing efficiency (155.24), 12th in scoring offense (35.1 ppg) and 14th in total offense (446.2 ypg). In 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 a pair of All-Americans: cornerback James B radberry 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 high-powered “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. 4

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. 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 r ankings 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 v ictories 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 s coring 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-for-loss. 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

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THE HATCHER FILE

The Hatchers 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 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, AllAmerican 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. 6

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

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

PERSONAL Birthday Hometown Family

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

ill D’Ottavio enters his 11th season as Samford’s defensive coordinator 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

uss Callaway enters his third season on the Samford football coaching staff and his second as the squad’s offensive coordinator. Callaway will continue to coach the team’s wide receivers. In 2016, Callaway’s offense ranked third among all FCS schools in passing offense, averaging 349.4 passing yards per game. The offense also ranked sixth in the nation in red zone offense (90.2%), 11th in team passing efficiency (155.24), 12th in scoring offense (35.1 ppg) and 14th in total offense (446.2 ypg). Callaway worked with Karel Hamilton in his record-setting season in 2016. The firstteam All-American, set single-season Samford records for receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,389). He also holds school career records for receptions (279) and receiving yards (3,803), and he has tied the career record for touchdown receptions (31). In Callaway’s 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 AllAmerican 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. 7

SHAWN BOSTICK ASSISTANT COACH, OFFENSIVE LINE

hawn Bostick enters his third season on the Samford coaching staff. He coaches the

Bulldogs’ offensive line. Under Bostick’s tutelage in 2016, Armando Bonheur was named second-team All-SoCon. Nick Nixon was named to the Southern Conference’s All-Freshman team. 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. In Bostick’s second season, Bonheur was named second-team AllSoCon by the league’s coaches. 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 runnerup 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 ASSISTANT COACH, DEFENSIVE LINE

ictor Cabral enters his third season on the Samford football coaching staff. He serves as defensive line coach. Cabral has mentored a defensive line that has been one of the strengths of the defense. Following the 2016 season, defensive lineman Ahmad Gooden was named firstteam All-SoCon by the media and second team by the coaches. Roosevelt Donaldson was named second-team All-SoCon by both the media and the coaches. In 2015, Cabral coached two All-SoCon players, Michael Pierce (first team) and Gooden (second team). In 2016, Gooden and Donaldson were both named All-SoCon. 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 8

Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year Brent Russell, who became the Eagles’ career sacks leader in 2012. Cabral joined the Eagle program after spending three years as defensive line coach at Georgia Military College, where he also served as special teams coordinator 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 semifinal 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 ASSISTANT COACH, RUNNING BACKS

errick Foster enters his second season on the Samford football coaching staff. He coaches running backs. Foster came 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 full-time 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 coordinator 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 Kansas City Chiefs. 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 COORDINATOR

ike Krysl enters his second season on the Samford coaching staff and serves as the special teams coordinator. In his first season, Krysl’s special teams units led the Southern Conference in kickoff coverage. Samford also ranked second in the SoCon in PAT kicking and net punting, and 12th in the nation in net punting. Individually, Kelvin McKnight ranked second in the SoCon in punt return average, and Reece Everett was second in the league in PAT kicking. 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 s eason 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.

ROSS NEWTON

ASSISTANT COACH, LINEBACKERS/DIRECTOR OF RECRUITING

oss Newton enters his 12th season as an assistant coach at Samford. Newton is in his seventh season coaching the linebackers after working with the defensive line for his first five years on the staff. Newton also serves as Samford’s director of recruiting. During his time at Samford, Newtoncoached players have posted some impressive achievements. He has coached eight All-Conference players, one All-American and one SoCon Defensive Player of the Year. In 2016, Shaheed Salmon ranked second on the team and ninth in the Southern Conference in tackles with 93, and he was named first-team All-SoCon by the league’s coaches, and second team by the media. 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 and a consensus All-American. 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 three sons, Thomas, William and Patrick.

JAMAEL LETT ASSISTANT COACH, SECONDARY

amael Lett, a former Bulldog defensive back, enters his first season on the Samford football coaching staff. He will coach the team’s secondary. Lett comes to Samford after serving as a graduate assistant coach who worked with the defensive line at Ohio University during 2016. He worked with MAC Defensive Player of the Year Tarell Basham and with the team that earned the MAC East Division Championship. In addition to his coaching duties, Lett recruited from Alabama, the Florida pan handle, Kansas, Texas and California junior colleges. He also was responsible for offensive scouting and tracking offensive tendencies during games. In 2015, Lett worked as an assistant with the defensive backs at the University of Tennessee at Martin. He also handled offensive scouting, opponent breakdown and tracking offensive tendencies during games. The Skyhawks ranked 24th in the nation among FCS schools in third-down conversion. 10

Lett’s defensive backs recorded 30 pass break-ups and six interceptions that season. Lett also coached All-OVC defensive back Marquis Clemons. Lett recruited North Alabama, California, Kansas and Iowa junior colleges while at UT Martin. Additionally, he was responsible for organizing on-campus visits for up to 50 guests. During the 2014–15 academic year, Lett coached defensive backs and taught mathematics at Davidson High School in Mobile. He was responsible for installing defensive coverages for the secondary, coaching and teaching secondary techniques, and running the scout team offense. He coached one cornerback who went on to play NCAA Division I football. Lett began his coaching career as defensive backs coach at Brainerd High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He assisted with installation and execution of the defensive system and defensive play calling. Lett was a four-year starter in the secondary at Samford. He collected 110 tackles, four interceptions, 16 pass break-ups and two forced fumbles as a Bulldog.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Samford in sports medicine in 2011. He received a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Tennessee Tech in 2012. His wife, Julia, is also a Samford graduate.

C.J. BENNETT

QUARTERBACKS/WIDE RECEIVERS ASSISTANT

. J. Bennett enters his second season on the Samford football coaching staff. He serves as an assistant, working with the quarterbacks and wide receivers. During his first season in 2016, Bennett worked with Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Year quarterback Devlin Hodges. He assisted with an offense that ranked third in the nation in passing offense (349.4 ypg), sixth in red zone offense (.902), 11th in team pass efficiency (155.24), 12th in scoring offense (35.1 ppg) and 14th in total offense (446.2 ypg). Bennett also assists with passing and situation game planning. He is also responsible for recruiting the South Florida area, and he handles the self-scout breakdown and tendency report. Prior to coming to Samford, Bennett served as an offensive quality control coach at Maryland (2015), quality control coach and defensive backs assistant at Florida Atlantic (Spring 2015) and a student assistant at Murray State (Spring 2014). Bennett played three seasons as a quarterback at South Alabama, and then spent one season playing under current Samford Head Coach Chris Hatcher at Murray State. As a senior, Bennett was named a team captain.

WIL ROBINSON LINEBACKERS ASSISTANT

il Robinson enters his second season assisting Ross Newton with the linebackers. Robinson scouts the opponent’s offense, assisting with the run game preparation throughout the week and handling personnel on game day. He also has numerous responsibilities on the special teams, assisting Mike Krysl in all phases. Robinson is responsible for the recruiting areas of Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, central Florida and central Mississippi. In his first season with the Bulldogs, Robinson assisted in coaching All-American linebacker Shaheed Salmon, who registered 93 tackles, with 50 of those being solo tackles. Robinson was part of a defensive unit that finished fifth in the country in defensive touchdowns, with three of the four touchdowns coming from the linebacker core. Between seasons at Samford, Robinson spent the summer of 2016 with the Philadelphia Eagles on the Bill Walsh Minority Internship. He learned from Eagles personnel while assisting with daily practice preparations and operational duties. During the 2015 season, Robinson served as defensive quality control and linebackers coach assistant at his alma mater, Tennessee State University. In 2014, he worked as the full-time defensive line coach at William Penn University while earning his master’s degree. Robinson played at Tennessee State University in Nashville from 2010 to 2013. He was a part of the All-OVC Newcomer team, a defensive captain, and a member of a 2013 FCS playoff team whose playoff loss came only to Jimmy Garoppolo and the Eastern Illinois Panthers. Robinson earned his undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2013 with a concentration in mass communications and psychology. He earned his master’s in business leadership from William Penn in 2016.

RICKY TURNER GENERAL MANAGER

icky Turner enters his first year as general manager after serving as director of football operations 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.

JAMES CARLSON

DIRECTOR OF EQUIPMENT SERVICES

ames Carlson begins his 16th 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. He also oversees Samford’s football facilities, including Seibert Stadium and the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House 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 Athletic Equipment Managers Association. He and his wife, Brena, reside in the Birmingham area.

ROCKY SABBATINI

FOOTBALL VIDEO COORDINATOR

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. He earned his Bachelor of Science in mass communication with emphasis on video production, and he held a minor in coaching. Sabbatini and his wife, Breanna, have one son, Joey.

HUNTER MacKAY

DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL

unter MacKay enters his first season as director of player personnel. He spent the 2016 season on the Samford football staff as an offensive quality control. MacKay worked closely with the offensive line, doing breakdowns and blitz charts. He assisted with second-team All-SoCon offensive guard Armando Bonheur and Nick Nixon, offensive tackle, who was named to the SoCon’s AllFreshman team. Before coming to Samford, MacKay served as wide receivers coach at Mount De Sales Academy. He worked under Head Coach Keith Hatcher for one season as receivers coach and one year as strength and conditioning coach. MacKay walked on at Mercer University as a wide receiver for the Bears. He earned a scholarship and played in all 24 games his junior and senior year. After earning his B.B.A. in sports business in 2015, he spent time as a volunteer helping coach receivers at his alma mater.

BEN ASHFORD MATT PRICE DIRECTOR OF STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

en Ashford enters his third season as director of strength and con ditioning, working specifically with the football team. He came 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). Ashford is certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the NSCA.

HEAD FOOTBALL ATHLETIC TRAINER

att Price enters his fourth 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 fulltime athletic trainer at Marshall, he worked with the football and men’s and women’s golf teams. 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.

SUPPORT STAFF

Nick Anderson Offensive Quality Control

Justin Bates Offensive Quality Control

David DeLozier Operations and Recruiting Assistant

James Mahan Defensive Quality Control

Paige Mathis Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services

Brett Montgomery Offensive Quality Control

Taylor Payne Assistant Football Athletic Trainer

Andre Roper State Trooper

Nick Serritelli State Trooper

Cody Spoon Director of Social Media

Dustin Springer Defensive Quality Control

Jay Trotter Offensive Quality Control

Wes Wilhoite Assistant Equipment Manager

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TODAY’S GAME

amford football opens the 2017 season by hosting the Kennesaw State Owls Thursday at 6 p.m. in Seibert Stadium. Samford returns five starters on offense and seven starters on defense from the 2016 team. Last season, the Bulldogs posted a record of 7-5 overall and 5-3 in Southern Conference play. Kennesaw State returns nine starters on offense and seven starters on defense. The Owls finished with a record of 8-3 overall and 3-2 in the Big South Conference in 2016.

Preseason SoCon Honors Samford placed six players on the Southern Conference’s coaches’ preseason All-SoCon team. The Bulldogs had five players on the first team: Devlin Hodges (QB), Kelvin McKnight (WR), Ahmad Gooden (DL), Shaheed Salmon (LB) and Omari Williams (CB). Austin Barnard (P) was named to the second team. Preseason National Honors Samford linebacker Shaheed Salmon (second team), quarterback Devlin Hodges (third team) and cornerback Omari Williams (third team) were each named to the STATS Preseason AllAmerica team. Hodges was also named to the watch list for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top player in FCS football. The Series Samford and Kennesaw State meet for the first time ever in football. KSU started its football program in 2015. Samford Against Big South Conference Teams Samford has an all-time record of 13-4 against current members of the Big South Conference. Samford has played the following Big South teams: Charleston Southern (2-0), Gardner-Webb (6-2), Liberty (2-2) and Presbyterian (3-0). Samford’s most recent meeting with a Big South team came in 2012 when the Bulldogs earned a 44-23 win at Gardner-Webb.

Quarterback Devlin Hodges plays at Youngstown State in the first round of the 2016 FCS Playoffs.

Samford at Seibert Stadium Samford has an all-time record of 158-80-4 in games played at Seibert Stadium. This season, Samford has six home games on its schedule, with Thursday night’s game marking the first of those contests. Last season, Samford posted a record of 5-0 in home games. In the last six years, Samford has a combined record of 25-8 when playing in the friendly confines of Seibert Stadium. Samford in Home Openers Samford has an all-time record of 65-27-7 in home openers. Last season, Samford won its first home game, earning a 77-7 win over Mars Hill. Over the last 10 years, Samford is 8-2 in the first home game of the season. In home season openers, the Bulldogs are 33-13-2. This marks the third-straight season Samford has opened the season at home.

Samford in Season Openers Samford has an all-time record of 45-51-4 in season-opening games. Last season, the Bulldogs earned a 77-7 win over Mars Hill in the season opener for both teams. Entering this season, Samford has won four of its last five 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. Statistical Comparison (2016 statistics) SAM KSU Points Scored* 35.1 38.9 Total Offense* 446.2 479.5 First Downs 266 248 Rushing Yards* 96.8 320.6 Passing Yards* 349.4 158.9 Time of Possession* 24:35 31:36 Third Down Percentage 35% 49% Points Allowed* 27.2 21.7 Yards Allowed* 420.7 321.8 Rushing Yards Allowed* 211.4 130.3 Passing Yards Allowed* 209.2 191.5 *per game

AROUND THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE CURRENT STANDINGS

SOCON OVERALL TEAM RECORD PCT HOME AWAY NEUTRAL RECORD PCT HOME The Citadel 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 ETSU 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 Furman 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 Mercer 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 Samford 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 Chattanooga 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 VMI 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 Wofford 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0 Western Carolina 0-0 .000 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 .000 0-0

CHATTANOOGA (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Aug. 26 vs. Jacksonville State Sept. 9 at LSU Sept. 16 UT Martin Sept. 23 at VMI* Sept. 30 Western Carolina* Oct. 7 Furman* Oct. 14 at Mercer* Oct. 21 The Citadel* Oct. 28 at SAMFORD* Nov. 4 at Wofford* Nov. 18 ETSU* THE CITADEL (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 2 Newberry Sept. 9 Presbyterian Sept. 16 at ETSU* Sept. 30 at SAMFORD* Oct. 7 Mercer* Oct. 14 Wofford* Oct. 21 at Chattanooga* Oct. 28 VMI* Nov. 4 Western Carolina* Nov. 11 at Furman* Nov. 18 at Clemson ETSU (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 2 Limestone Sept. 9 at James Madison Sept. 16 The Citadel* Sept. 23 Mercer* Sept. 30 at Furman* Oct. 7 Robert Morris Oct. 14 at Western Carolina* Oct. 28 Wofford* Nov. 4 VMI* Nov. 11 at SAMFORD* Nov. 18 at Chattanooga*

TIME/RESULT 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 3 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1 p.m.

FURMAN (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 2 at Wofford * Sept. 9 Elon Sept. 16 at North Carolina State Sept. 23 at Colgate Sept. 30 ETSU* Oct. 7 at Chattanooga* Oct. 14 VMI* Oct. 21 Mercer* Oct. 28 at Western Carolina * Nov. 11 The Citadel* Nov. 18 at SAMFORD*

TIME/RESULT 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 12 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. TBD

MERCER (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Aug. 31 Jacksonville Sept. 9 Wofford* Sept. 16 at Auburn Sept. 23 at ETSU* Sept. 30 VMI* Oct. 7 at The Citadel* Oct. 14 Chattanooga* Oct. 21 at Furman* Nov. 4 SAMFORD* Nov. 11 at Western Carolina* Nov. 18 at Alabama

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m. 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m. TBD

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 12 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 12 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 12 p.m. 11 a.m. 2 p.m. 1 p.m.

SAMFORD (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Aug. 31 Kennesaw State Sept. 7 West Alabama Sept. 16 at Georgia Sept. 23 at Western Carolina* Sept. 30 The Citadel* Oct. 7 at VMI* Oct. 21 at Wofford* Oct. 28 Chattanooga* Nov. 4 at Mercer* Nov. 11 ETSU* Nov. 18 Furman*

TIME/RESULT 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

TIME/RESULT 5 p.m. 12 p.m. 11:20 a.m. 12 p.m. 12 p.m. 3 p.m. 12 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m.

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

VMI (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 2 at Air Force Sept. 9 Catawba Sept. 16 at Robert Morris Sept. 23 Chattanooga* Sept. 30 at Mercer* Oct. 7 SAMFORD* Oct. 14 at Furman* Oct. 21 Western Carolina* Oct. 28 at The Citadel* Nov. 4 at ETSU* Nov. 11 Wofford*

TIME/RESULT 1 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 11 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

WESTERN CAROLINA (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 2 at Hawaii Sept. 9 Davidson Sept. 16 at Gardner-Webb Sept. 23 SAMFORD* Sept. 30 at Chattanooga* Oct. 7 at Wofford* Oct. 14 ETSU* Oct. 21 at VMI* Oct. 28 Furman* Nov. 4 at The Citadel* Nov. 11 Mercer* Nov. 18 at North Carolina

TIME/RESULT 11 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. TBD

WOFFORD (0-0, 0-0 SoCon) DATE OPPONENT Sept. 2 Furman* Sept. 9 at Mercer* Sept. 23 Gardner-Webb Sept. 30 at Presbyterian Oct. 7 Western Carolina* Oct. 14 at The Citadel* Oct. 21 SAMFORD* Oct. 28 at ETSU* Nov. 4 Chattanooga* Nov. 11 at VMI* Nov. 18 at South Carolina

TIME/RESULT 5 p.m. 3 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. TBD

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

2017 SAMFORD FALL SPORTS Aug. 31 (Thurs.) Sept. 7 (Thurs.) Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18

FOOTBALL

KENNESAW STATE WEST ALABAMA at Georgia at Western Carolina* THE CITADEL* at VMI* at Wofford* CHATTANOOGA* at Mercer* EAST TENNESSEE STATE* FURMAN*

6 p.m. 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 2 p.m. TBD 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m.

*Southern Conference game

Aug. 12 Aug. 18 Aug. 20 Aug. 24 Aug. 27 Sept. 1 Sept. 3 Sept. 8 Sept. 10 Sept. 15 Sept. 17 Sept. 22 Sept. 24 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 8 Oct. 13 Oct. 15 Oct. 20 Oct. 22 Oct. 28 Nov. 3 Nov. 5

SOCCER

at #8 Auburn (exhibition) at Memphis at Alabama #14 FLORIDA STATE MICHIGAN STATE ALABAMA STATE at Kennesaw State GEORGIA at Western Kentucky at UC Davis at St. Mary’s at Western Carolina* at ETSU* CHATTANOOGA* UNCG* VMI* at Mercer* at The Citadel* WOFFORD* (Senior Night) FURMAN* SoCon Tournament SoCon Tournament SoCon Tournament

*Southern Conference game

7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 9 p.m. 2 p.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m. TBA TBA TBA

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 25 SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA† 12:30 p.m. OHIO† 7 p.m. Aug. 26 MURRAY STATE† 4 p.m. Sept. 1 vs. Milwaukee†† 8 p.m. Sept. 2 vs. Fairfield†† 11 a.m. Sept. 3 at Loyola†† Noon Sept. 8 vs. Delaware State‡ 9 a.m. vs. UTEP‡ 6 p.m. Sept. 9 vs. Abilene Christian‡ 10 a.m. at New Mexico State‡ 6 p.m. Sept. 12 ALABAMA 7 p.m. Sept. 15 vs. FGCU‡ ‡ 4 p.m. Sept. 16 at Indiana‡ ‡ 11 a.m. vs. UNLV‡ ‡ 4 p.m. Sept. 22 THE CITADEL* 7 p.m. Sept. 23 WOFFORD* 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at Western Carolina* 5 p.m. Sept. 30 at UNCG* 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at Chattanooga* 5 p.m. Oct. 7 at ETSU* 3 p.m. Oct. 11 MERCER* 7 p.m. Oct. 14 FURMAN* 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at Wofford* 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at The Citadel* 1 p.m. Oct. 27 UNCG* 7 p.m. Oct. 28 WESTERN CAROLINA* 7 p.m. Nov. 3 ETSU* 7 p.m. Nov. 4 CHATTANOOGA* 5 p.m. Nov. 8 at Mercer* 5 p.m. Nov. 10 at Furman* 7 p.m. Nov. 17-19 at SoCon Tournament TBA Dec. 1-3 at NCAA Tournament TBA *SoCon game † Courtyard by Marriott Invitational †† Loyola–Chicago Invitational ‡ New Mexico State Invitational ‡ ‡ Indiana Invitational

Sept. 1 Sept. 16 Sept. 30 Oct. 13 Oct. 28 Nov. 10 Nov. 18

CROSS COUNTRY Jacksonville State University Opener at Falcon Classic at Greater Louisville Classic at Crimson Classic at Southern Conference Championships at NCAA South Regional at NCAA Championships

All Day All Day All Day All Day All Day All Day All Day

Home events are in CAPS. All times are Central; dates and times are subject to change. 27

OMARI WILLIAMS

STAYS HOME TO PLAY FOR THE LOCAL TEAM by Joey Mullins, Samford Athletics Communication

amford senior cornerback Omari Williams grew up in Birmingham and attended Parker High School. When he was deciding where to continue his education and playing career, it was another Birmingham native who talked him into staying local and playing football at Samford. “Coach [Sam] Shade was the most honest coach who talked with me during the whole recruiting process.” Williams said. Shade, a former NFL star, also grew up in Birmingham. He coached Samford’s cornerbacks for eight seasons, leaving after the 2016 season to coach cornerbacks at Georgia State University. Shade’s honest approach to recruiting struck a chord with Williams, and having Williams on the team has definitely made the Samford defense better. Williams had a major impact on defense during his first three seasons as a Bulldog. The Samford coaches say he causes problems for the opponents’ offense each week. “He can neutralize the other team’s best receiver on any given Saturday,” Head Coach Chris Hatcher said at the Southern Conference’s annual media day in July. When Williams first started playing football as a young boy, he played quarterback. He continued to be a signal-caller until his sophomore season at Parker. For the rest of his high school career, Williams played both wide receiver and safety. As a senior in 2013, Williams served as a team captain and was named Most Valuable Player. He was also named to the all-state team for 5A following that season. Williams was a three-time member of the all-defense team, and he was the Fox 6 Sideline 5A Defensive Player of the Year. In his final season at Parker, Williams had five interceptions, seven pass breakups and 39 tackles. On offense, he caught 37 passes with five for touchdowns. Williams was an all-around athlete in high school, playing basketball and baseball in addition to football. In fact, he had offers from a few colleges to play basketball but chose to play football instead. Williams came to Samford in the fall of 2014 as a freshman. He said he felt like he made the transition from high school to college football fairly easily. “Football-wise, it wasn’t that tough because we ran a similar defense in high

school,” Williams said. “It was pretty much just learning the different terminology and the speed of the game; it was a little bit faster.” Coaches moved Williams from safety and receiver to cornerback. He adjusted quickly, playing in all 11 games in the secondary for Samford as a freshman. He finished the season with 24 tackles, including 19 solo stops. He also intercepted one pass, broke up one pass and forced one fumble. “I think I picked it up pretty fast,” Williams said of moving to cornerback. “It was really just being an athlete and learning

the coverage and schemes. Learning schemes didn’t really take that long because we had done it before.” Of all of the positions Williams has played, he said he likes his current position the most. “Corner is my favorite because we play a lot of man coverage, so it ends up being a one-on-one matchup,” Williams said. “You say ‘hey, I’m not going to lose to the guy across from me.’ Sometimes you get left backside on an island, and everybody is depending on you, so you get to prove to your teammates that you are trustworthy.”

As a sophomore in 2015, Williams made even more progress on the field. He again played in all 11 games, earning seven starts. He posted 39 tackles, including 26 solo tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. He also picked off two passes and broke up five passes. During his junior season at Samford, Williams had a breakout year. He started all 12 games for the Bulldogs, and he tallied 68 total tackles, 41 solo. He also had four interceptions and 15 pass breakups to lead the Southern Conference in passes defended with 19. At the conclusion of the season, Williams earned first-team All-Southern Conference honors from both the league’s coaches and the media. The Bulldogs had a strong season as a team as well in 2016. Samford finished the season with a mark of 7-5 overall and 5-3 in Southern Conference play. The team earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs for the second time in the last four years. Entering his senior season, Williams was named preseason All-SoCon and third-team All-American. Williams said he feels like he has progressed well during his playing career at Samford. “I’ve grown a lot,” Williams said. “I had

never really played corner until I got to Samford, but I got a lot of tips, not just from coaches, but from a lot of good players who were here before me like James [Bradberry], Trey [Wesley] and Jaquiski [Tartt].” Coming into the 2017 season, Williams is one of seven returning starters on the Samford defense. As a senior, he will be looked to as one of the leaders of this year’s group. “The good thing is we lead as a group,” Williams said. “We have a bunch of seniors and people with experience on defense, so we are all pretty vocal and pick up the young guys and bring them along with us. Leadership is big right now on defense.” The Samford secondary will be fairly young this season. Williams said he feels like the group is coming along well as it prepares for the upcoming season. “We’ve gotten a lot better simply because we know that everybody can play,” Williams said. “It’s not like you just have your spot; the next guy could come in and take your reps if you’re not on it one day. So, we have good competition in the corner room, and it’s healthy competition.” As he prepares to begin his final season in a Samford uniform, Williams reflected on what makes Samford such a special place.

“Samford has really great people,” Williams said. “On campus and in the community, there are a lot of great people. I’ve been able to make a lot of connections with people for the future.” Williams and his fellow seniors begin their final season in Samford uniforms when the Bulldogs host Kennesaw State Thursday, Aug. 31, at Seibert Stadium. They expect this to be the best season of their careers. After his Samford career is over, Williams hopes to continue his playing career in the NFL. Samford defensive backs have had a lot of success with NFL careers, with Cortland Finnegan, Corey White, Jaquiski Tartt and James Bradberry all making names for themselves at the next level. If a career in the NFL does not work out for Williams, he plans to stay involved in sports. “Hopefully, I will be able to play at the next level,” Williams said. “But if not, my plan is to coach basketball at either the high school or college level.”

Numerical Rosters SAMFORD BULLDOGS

NAME

POS

HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 33 34 35 36 36 37 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

TaDarryl Marshall Jr. Marquis McCullum Kentre’vious Williams Treyvon Paulk Shaheed Salmon Kelvin McKnight Liam Welch Devlin Hodges Moise Satine Koi Freeman Cooper Cross Andrew Harris Kendall Watson Omari Williams Carson Croy Jordan Montgomery Rickenson Charles Justin Curry Adam Moon Jes Sutherland Ty Herring Robert Adams Mason Favre K’rondis Larry Carlos Figueroa C.J. Figueroa Jai’Rus Creamer Nick Barton Roland Adams Amanchi Rochas Jashua Carter Hunter Howell Nathan East Grayson Edgemon William Bryant Drew Couto Aaron Atkinson Sean Hershey Christian Stark Jacob Garrard Tre’Shun Floyd Caleb Clark Kendall Adams Coutrell Plair Harrison Weltlich Jake Burdeshaw Jamond Glass Darius Harvey Frank D’Alonzo John Staton Aaron Harris Terrell Woods Conner Rohling Anthony Preston Tucker Queen J.T. Gilbert Chaz Claunch Clay Buchweitz Sam Pettway Luke Hill Dorsett Johnson Jalen Nash Deion Pierre Tyler Crowder Carter McManes Alec Happel Cole Williams Javier King Ryan Holcomb Mike Williams Adam Thomas Connor Rafferty Austin Barnard Jacob Enns Iba Diop Lewis Freeman Nick Nixon Jeremy Garth Mason Dillard Tyler Queen Chase Zeegers Austyn Skelton Alfred Brown

WR DB WR RB LB Y QB QB WR DB QB X DB DB QB DB DB RB LB QB DB WR DB RB LB LB WR DB RB DB DB QB LB QB DB RB LB WR DB QB LB QB DB DB DB DB DB DB Y LB LB DL DB OLB DB K DB LB S Z LB DL LB LB S LB LB LS LB OL LS OL P K DL LS OL DL K ATH LS OL OL

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

185 190 180 190 232 188 195 205 172 200 195 185 165 200 200 180 178 205 200 190 185 200 180 150 180 215 210 200 205 190 195 200 200 190 200 186 215 175 207 180 208 225 167 170 170 183 180 185 194 210 228 250 170 220 181 190 186 221 202 184 215 245 230 220 193 220 205 170 186 277 215 305 210 165 270 215 260 230 175 210 275 295 275

So. Sr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. So. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr.

Leeds, Ala./Leeds HS Birmingham, Ala./ULM Baconton, Ga./Mitchell County HS Alpharetta, Ga./Hutchinson CC Tampa, Fla./Land O’ Lakes HS Bradenton, Fla./Manatee HS Augusta, Ga./Aquinas HS Kimberly, Ala./Mortimer-Jordan HS Avon Park, Fla./Avon Park HS Leeds, Ala./Leeds HS Marietta, Ga./Lassiter HS Canton, Ga./Cherokee HS Chattanooga, Tenn./The McCallie School Birmingham, Ala/Parker HS Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood HS Anniston, Ala./Walter Welborn HS Miami, Fla./Northwestern HS Fort Smith, Ark./Northside HS Norcross, Ga./Wesleyan School College Park, Ga./Woodward Academy Fernandina, Fla./Fernandina Beach HS Montgomery, Ala./Trinity Presbyterian Bay St. Louis, Miss./St. Stanislaus HS Miami, Fla./Booker T. Washington HS Homewood, Ala./Homewood HS Homewood, Ala./Homewood HS Rome, Ga./Rome HS Brentwood, Tenn./Ravenwood HS Florence, Ala./Florence HS Dallas, Texas/Cambridge School of Dallas Birmingham, Ala./Ramsay HS Hoover, Ala./Spain Park HS McCalla, Ala./McAdory HS Madison, Ala./Madison Academy Leesburg, Ga./Lee County HS Tarpon Springs, Fla./East Lake HS Hazel Green, Ala./Hazel Green HS Cornelius, N.C./Hough HS Norcross, Ga./Wesleyan HS Madison, Miss./St. Joseph Catholic School Auburn, Ala./Auburn HS Evans, Ga./Greenbrier HS Lilburn, Ga./Providence Christian Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy Roswell, Ga./Blessed Trinity HS Homewood, Ala./Homewood HS Atlanta, Ga./Grady HS Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln HS Mobile, Ala./Saint Paul’s Episcopal Atlanta, Ga./Lovett HS Norcross, Ga./Southern Mississippi Boaz, Ala./Boaz HS Vestavia Hills, Ala./Vestavia Hills HS Bradenton, Fla./IMG Academy Vestavia Hills, Ala./Vestavia Hills HS Nashville, Tenn./Christ Presbyterian Academy 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 Fayettesville, Ga./Whitewater HS Alpharetta, Ga./Blessed Trinity HS Arlington, Texas/Lamar HS Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett HS Homewood, Ala./Homewood HS Madison, Miss./Madison Central HS Bessemer, Ala./Bessemer Academy Cumming, Ga./South Forsyth HS Tampa, Fla./Robinson HS Fayetteville, Ga./University of Miami Tampa, Fla./Cambridge Christian HS Rockville, Md./Richard Montgomery HS Dunwoody, Ga./Dunwoody HS Hendersonville, Tenn./Pope John Paul II HS Madison, Ala./James Clemens HS Mountain Brook, Ala./Mountain Brook HS Birmingham, Ala./Vestavia Hills HS Fayetteville, N.C./Fayetteville Christian St. Simons Island, Ga./Frederica Academy Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County HS

NO NAME

64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

Jordan Weaver Carter Smith Pete Dorsten Garrett Brasher Bruce Aubley Emmett Taliaferro Zach Kadum Anthony Eads Robert Hatcher Reid Hulgan Matthew Holland Brendan Loftus George Grimwade Nate Lee Antwan Johnson Matthew Pittarelli Will Bazemore Justin Foster Yassar El-Amin Chris Shelling Clarke Miller Montrell Washington Sam Fleming Tanner Alexander Kevin Marion Robert Burke Xavier Forrest Joshua Long Ke’Tyrus Marks Champ Stewart Nelson Jordan Brett Granger Mike Kelly Horace Roberts Armond Lloyd Ahmad Gooden

POS

HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL

PK OL OL DL OL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR DL WR WR H WR WR WR Y WR DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL

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

195 250 230 245 290 215 292 253 315 295 275 300 305 325 300 260 205 275 175 170 205 175 205 164 228 220 295 252 303 215 230 240 230 312 277 240

Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Sr. Fr. So. So. So. So. Jr. So. Fr. So. So. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr.

Norcross, Ga./Wesleyan School Kennesaw, Ga./Mount Paran Christian School Thompsons Station, Tenn./Independence HS Alpharetta, Ga./Mount Pisgah HS Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny HS Kennesaw, Ga./Mount Paran HS Silver Creek, Ga./Rome HS Harpersville, Ala./Coosa Valley Academy Leesburg, Ga./Lee County HS Fort Payne, Ala./Fort Payne HS Mobile, Ala./St. Luke’s Episcopal Tallahassee, Fla./University of Miami 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 Canton, Ga./Cherokee HS Suwanee, Ga./Lambert HS Buford, Ga./Burford HS Spanish Fort, Ala./Spanish Fort HS Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy Nashville, Tenn./Ensworth HS Columbus, Ga./Brookstone HS West Palm Beach, Fla./University of Arkansas Birmingham, Ala./Briarwood Christian Starkville, Miss./Starkville HS Helena, Ala./Helena HS Hallandale, Fla./Hallandale Magnet HS College Park, Ga./Banneker HS Birmingham, Ala./Oak Mountain HS Talladega, Ala./Talladega HS

KENNESAW STATE OWLS NO

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 38 39 40 41

NAME

Dorian Walker Daniel David Chandler Burks Jake McKenzie Tommy Bryant Akebren Ralls Ezra Naylor T.J. Reed Keon Roman Tyrik Mitchell Caleb O’Neal Adeolu Adeleke Isaac Foster Shawn Furlow Jai’len Edwards Justin Sumpter Xavier Harper Tremayne Trawick Duronte Carter Jaxton Carson Cincere Mason Paris Bostick Trey Chivers Demetrius Pettway Jace White Taylor Henkle Kamron McFolley Brandon Simmons Sam Outlaw Antavius Grier Dustin Clabough Adesola Abisoye Bronson Rechsteiner Darnell Holland Myles White Terrance Bulock Jr. Bert Birdsall Shaquil Terry Nick Beason Cole Loden Nicolas Snowden Peyton Moore Anthony Gore Jr.

POS

DB QB QB RB QB DB WR RB DB DB QB RB RB RB DB WR WR DB DB RB LB LB RB LB DB DB DB RB RB RB DB DB RB RB RB DB DB RB RB DB DB DL LB

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

196 214 187 205 190 171 200 173 181 161 186 179 165 190 183 214 190 186 184 224 208 221 210 187 185 192 175 229 213 159 189 186 223 190 182 174 170 179 165 175 187 239 209

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

HOMETOWN/PREVIOUS SCHOOL

Tallulah, La./Georgia Tech Hoschton, Ga./Appalachian State Douglasville, Ga./South Paulding HS Monroeville, Ala./Monroe Academy Tuscaloosa, Ala./Northridge HS Forsyth, Ga./Mary Persons HS Atlanta, Ga./North Atlanta HS Daphne, Ala./Daphne HS Miami, Fla./ASA College Jackson, Ga./Jackson HS Chickamauga Ga./Gordon Lee HS Conyers, Ga./Heritage HS Summerville, Ga./Chattooga HS Greenville, N.C./East Carolina Greensboro, Ga./Greene County HS Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek HS Hoschton, Ga./Jackson County HS Savannah, Ga./Windsor Forest HS Covington, Ga./Mercer Phenix City, Ala./Central HS Atlanta, Ga./Grady HS Tampa, Fla./Oregon Carrollton, Ga./Carrollton HS Phenix City, Ala./Central HS Dallas, Ga./North Paulding HS Marietta, Ga./Kell HS Columbus, Ga./Carver HS Pleasant Grove, Ala./Pleasant Grove HS Cumming, Ga./South Forsyth HS Jackson, Ga./Jackson HS Alcoa, Tenn./Alcoa HS Loganville, Ga./Grayson HS Acworth, Ga./Etowah HS Bowdon, Ga./Bowdon HS Warner Robins, Ga./Coffeyville CC Marietta, Ga./LaGrange College Chesterfield, Mo./Miami (Ohio) Bessemer, Ala./McAdory HS Columbus, Ga./Shaw HS Kingsland, Ga./Camden County HS Snellville, Ga./Loganville Christian Academy Hoschton, Ga./Georgia State Statesboro, Ga./Statesboro HS

Numerical Rosters 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 70 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 79 80 81 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 94 95 96 97 98 99

Bryson Armstrong Jack Ness Austin Byrd Courtney Mills Chris Byrd Kevin Ficklin Kyle Glover Izzy Sam Travis Bell Kyler Eldridge Ryan Warrior Kendal Lawrence Brenton Wimberly Samuel Collins Evan Reese Tonarius Portress Desmond Johnson Jr. Drew McCracken Zach Mitchler Savon Simmons Jacob Potter Luther Jones Jake Roberts C.J. Collins Chiaza Nwadike Matt Frank Lorenzo Adger William Nana Fabu Sean Brown Nick Eldridge Joseph Alexander Jr. Zach Thompson Devin Pughsley Brandon Sutton Gordon Gray Jordan Genovese Jordan Walker Dorian Miles Justin Thompson Christian Kinsley Nathan Robertson Nicholas Jones Auzoyah Alufohai Abdul Davis Kyle Arrasmith Barclay Miller Braylon Young Michael Sharpley Allen Johnson McKenzie Billingslea Justin Marcus

LB LB TE LB LB RB LB LB DL LB OL LB LB OL DL DL DL LS OL OL LS OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL TE WR PK WR WR PK P K K DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL

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

201 212 244 243 188 183 209 221 295 208 245 215 213 290 265 235 227 187 238 262 230 296 284 256 286 300 300 301 245 282 318 296 236 241 187 190 180 181 156 234 155 178 322 258 257 240 246 282 264 273 238

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

Marietta, Ga./Kell HS Buford, Ga./Buford HS Calhoun, Ga./Calhoun HS Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern HS Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville HS Dacula, Ga./Dacula HS Eastman, Ga./Dodge County HS Buford, Ga./Lanier HS Montgomery, Ala./Jefferson Davis HS Rome, Ga./Model HS Fayetteville, Ga./Sandy Creek HS Douglasville, Ga./Douglas County HS Albany, Ga./Georgia Military College Vidalia, Ga./Vidalia HS Savannah, Ga./Savannah Christian Prep Newnan, Ga./Garden City CC Rome, Ga./Rome HS Calhoun, Ga./Calhoun HS Alpharetta, Ga./Blessed Trinity HS Fayetteville, Ga./Sandy Creek HS Adairsville, Ga./Adairsville HS Blairsville, Ga./Union County HS Dalton, Ga./Dalton HS Woodstock, Ga./Sequoyah HS Riverdale, Ga./Charles Drew HS Fairburn, Ga./Air Force Douglasville, Ga./South Paulding HS Columbus, Ga./Columbus HS Macon, Ga./Tattnall Square Academy Hoover, Ala./Hoover HS East Point, Ga./Tri Cities HS Swainsboro, Ga./Emanuel County Institute Hoover, Ala./Spain Park HS LaGrange, Ga./Callaway HS Cartersville, Ga./Cartersville HS Alpharetta, Ga./Milton HS Savannah, Ga./Calvary Day School Lawrenceville, Ga./Brookwood HS Evans, Ga./Aquinas HS Lexington, S.C./Lexington HS Columbus, Ga./Northside HS Grayson, Ga./St. Pius X Alpharetta, Ga./Alpharetta HS Macon, Ga./Westside HS Navarre, Fla./Navarre HS Denham Springs, La./Denham Springs HS Alcoa, Tenn./Alcoa HS Madison, Ala./James Clemens HS Acworth, Ga./Allatoona HS Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern HS Macon, Ga./Clark Atlanta

Depth SAMFORD ChartsBULLDOGS OFFENSE QB OR X OR OR H OR Y Z OR F OR OR LT LG C RG RT

8 Devlin Hodges 7 Liam Welch 15 Jes Sutherland 11 Andrew Harris 88 Kevin Marion 3 Kentre’vious Williams 83 Chris Shelling 82 Yassar El-Amin 85 Montrell Washington 6 Kelvin McKnight 84 Clarke Miller 9 Moise Satine 16 Robert Adams 19 Jai’rus Creamer 1 TaDarryl Marshall 20 Roland Adams 14 Justin Curry 4 Treyvon Paulk 57 Nick Nixon 68 Bruce Aubley 73 Reid Hulgan 52 Connor Rafferty 77 Nate Lee 70 Zach Kadum 50 Mike Williams 75 Brendan Loftus 78 Antwan Johnson 63 Alfred Brown

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

205 195 190 185 228 180 170 175 175 188 205 172 200 210 185 205 205 190 260 190 295 305 325 292 277 300 300 275

Jr. So. So Jr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Jr.

DEFENSE STUD DT OR

99 Ahmad Gooden 95 Brett Granger 90 Xavier Forrest 98 Aramond Lloyd 81 Justin Foster

6-1 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-5

240 240 295 277 275

Jr. Fr. Sr. Fr. So.

NG OR DE OR SLB MLB WLB CB OR OR FS OR SS OR CB OR

92 Ke’tyrus Marks 97 Horace Roberts 43 Jalen Nash 35 Terrell Woods 25 Christian Stark 42 Dorsett Johnson 44 Deion Pierre 24 Aaron Atkinson 5 Shaheed Salmon 34 Aaron Harris 12 Omari Williams 21 Joshua Carter 28 Coutrell Plair 39 Chaz Claunch 41 Sam Pettway 10 Koi Freeman 46 Carter McManes 23 William Bryant 2 Marquis McCullum 31 Jamond Glass 32 Darius Harvey

6-2 303 Sr. 6-3 312 Jr. 6-3 245 So. 6-2 250 Sr. 6-2 207 Jr. 6-2 215 So. 6-3 230 Sr. 6-0 215 So. 6-2 232 Sr. 6-0 228 Jr. 6-1 200 Sr. 6-1 195 Fr. 6-0 170 Fr. 6-1 186 Sr. 5-11 202 Sr. 6-3 200 Fr. 6-0 193 Sr. 6-1 190 Fr. 6-0 190 Sr. 5-10 180 So. 5-11 185 Jr.

SPECIAL TEAMS P 53 Austin Barnard 6-4 210 Sr. 64 Jordan Weaver 6-2 165 Fr. KO 53 Austin Barnard 6-4 210 Sr. PK TBD LS 60 Tyler Queen 6-1 210 Jr. 56 Lewis Freeman 6-1 215 So. H 53 Austin Barnard 6-4 210 Sr. KOR 32 Darius Harvey 5-11 185 Jr. 1 TaDarryl Marshal 6-1 185 So. KOR 20 Roland Adams 5-10 205 Jr. 4 Treyvon Paulk 5-9 190 Jr. PR 6 Kelvin McKnight 5-8 185 So. 32 Darius Harvey 5-11 185 Jr.

KENNESAW STATE OWLS OFFENSE QB RB RB RB OR WR WR LT LG C RG RT

3 Chandler Burks 2 Daniel David 4 Jake McKenzie 28 Sam Outlaw 8 T.J. Reed 37 Shaquil Terry 33 Darnell Holland 22 Trey Chivers 34 Myles White 15 Justin Sumpter 84 Jordan Walker 16 Xavier Harper 85 Dorian Miles 52 Ryan Warrior 70 Chiaza Nwadike 77 Joseph Alexander Jr. 75 Nick Eldridge 66 Jake Roberts 65 Luther Jones 71 Matt Frank 72 Lorenzo Adger 62 Zach Mitchler 67 C.J. Collins

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

187 214 205 213 173 179 190 210 182 214 180 190 196 245 286 318 282 284 296 300 300 238 256

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

DEFENSE DE NT DT DE LB

57 Tonarius Portress 99 Justin Marcus 90 Auzoyah Alufohai 79 Devin Pughsley 98 McKenzie Billingslea 95 Braylon Young 59 Desmond Johnson 40 Peyton Moore 49 Izzy Sam 46 Chris Byrd

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

235 238 322 236 273 246 227 239 221 188

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

LB S CB SS FS CB

41 Anthony Gore Jr. 54 Brenton Wimberly 42 Bryson Armstrong 21 Paris Bostick 9 Keon Roman 1 Dorian Walker 26 Taylor Henkle 39 Nicholas Snowden 31 Adesola Abisoye 25 Jace White 6 Akebren Ralls 18 Durante Carter

SPECIAL TEAMS KO 83 Jordan Genovese PK 86 Justin Thompson P 87 Christian Kinsley 43 Nicholas Jones LS 61 Drew McCracken H 3 Chandler Burks KR 33 Darnell Holland 22 Trey Chivers 6 Akebren Ralls PR 8 T.J. Reed 26 Taylor Henkle

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

209 213 201 221 181 196 192 187 186 185 171 184

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

6-5 5-10 6-3 6-1 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-9 5-11

190 156 234 178 187 187 190 210 171 173 192

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

SOCCER SENIORS by Zac Schrieber, Samford Athletics Communication

here’s an underlying sense of quiet confidence that exudes from this season’s senior class of the Samford University soccer team. Not only have the Bulldogs won three straight Southern Conference regular-season championships, but they are coming off a dominant 15-4-2 campaign in which Samford won the SoCon Tournament, earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and squared off against No. 10-ranked Florida State in the first round of the event. Last season, the Bulldogs also defeated Baylor and Alabama, played to a 3-3 draw at Rice and tallied an 8-1 record in SoCon action. Samford’s 2017 senior class, consisting of Abriella Argueta, Anna Maddox, Virginia McNeill, Kaitlyn Orman and Jermaine Seoposenwe, has compiled a 43-17-3 overall record in three years, which includes topnotch victories over No. 18 Auburn, Wake Forest, Baylor, Alabama and Memphis. The talented senior group has also registered a 29-5-1 mark against SoCon opponents. “We’ve had great success in the past, especially in winning the SoCon three years in a row. Our motivation is to win the conference for a fourth time and not break that streak,” said Maddox, Samford’s starting goalkeeper. “Playing for our teammates and 34

doing the best that we can possibly do in this environment is also motivation.” This season, the Bulldogs return a wealth of talent and add a dynamic group of freshmen, but six key seniors graduated from last year’s squad, including Malcanisha Kelley, Taylor Borman, Sara Smeltzer, Anna Allen, Emily Jones and Olivia Cole. Kelley closed out her career as the school’s all-time leader in career goals (34) and points (87). Cole, the back-to-back SoCon Defensive Player of the Year, will go down as one of the most dominant defenders in league history. Borman, Allen and Jones were all multiple All-SoCon team members throughout their careers, and Smeltzer, the unsung hero of the group, scored five key goals and added an assist last season. “We’re really excited as a team right now,” said Orman, who is officially listed as a redshirt junior on the roster, but will be playing in her final season this year. “I feel as if we have something to prove, especially since we had such a great season last year. Some people are thinking that because we lost so many talented people from last year that we’re not going to be as strong, but we’re really excited to go out there and prove them wrong. We have a great incoming class, and we’ve been training a lot in preparation for this season.” McNeill, Samford’s senior defender, has been a key contributor on the team since stepping foot on campus in 2014. She started

AIM TO MAKE

in eight matches as a true freshman and hasn’t relinquished her spot in the s tarting 11 since. Last season, McNeill earned the SoCon’s Pinnacle Award for owning the highest grade point average (3.88) on the league’s championship team and was also named to the SoCon Championship AllTournament Team. “Since my freshman year, we’ve won the SoCon regular-season championship every season, so to win four straight would be awesome,” McNeill said. “To win back-toback SoCon Tournament championships would be great, and playing two straight years in the NCAA Tournament would also be something special for us. We know that it’s very tough to do, but we are definitely up for the challenge.” Under the direction of the school’s all-time winningest coach, Todd Yelton, the Bulldogs recently received some momentous news that will definitely help bolster Samford’ offensive attack in 2017. Seoposenwe, the reigning SoCon Player of the Year who set the school’s single-season record in goals last year with 16, was granted a fourth year of eligibility. She played out the 2016 campaign as a senior, but the NCAA recently deemed that her time in South Africa following high school didn’t equate to a level of collegiate competition; therefore, she will be able to compete in her true senior season here at Samford. “It feels great,” said Seoposenwe when

HISTORY WITH FOURTH STRAIGHT SOCON TITLE asked about her upcoming season. “It’s really fun to be back. I love this senior class. They’ve been such a great group to play with, and they’ve all become such great friends. It’s an awesome opportunity to be back to play with them and to spend this year with them. Hopefully, we can get another SoCon championship this season as well.”

Seoposenwe, who started for her native country of South Africa in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is the first Samford athlete to have competed in the Olympics. She is also the school’s all-time leader in assists (30) and has scored 26 goals in three seasons, which is tied for second all-time behind Kelley’s 34. The senior class won’t be able to breeze through any matches this season as Samford faces one of the nation’s most difficult nonconference schedules this year. The Bulldogs square off against No. 8 Auburn in exhibition play before facing Memphis, Alabama, No. 14 Florida State, Michigan State, Georgia and Saint Mary’s (CA) this season. Samford’s matches against Florida State, Michigan State and Georgia will all be played at home at the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium. “We have a very difficult schedule, but I think it’s going to be great for us, because it is going to get us prepared for conference play,” said Argueta. “I also feel as if people are counting us out a little bit, thinking that we’re not going to be as good as we were last season. I really believe in the players that we have coming back, and the freshmen have looked great as well in practice, so we’re definitely excited about this year.” “Knowing that we could be the first class in school history to win four straight regularseason titles is big for us,” said Maddox. “Some of our younger players might not

realize all that we’ve done in the past, so as seniors, we like to make sure that they’re on the same page and that everyone has the same mindset. We know we’re good, and we know we can play with anybody.” Five seniors leading a team of 26 highly skilled players will be a task this season, but Samford’s 2017 squad is up for the challenge. “This team motivates me every day,” Argueta said. “We are a very close-knit group. Just to be able to experience these four years together has been an amazing time of growth for me, and it’s meant so much physically, mentally and spiritually. I’ve gained so much appreciation for these girls and for the coaches, so I really want to work as hard as I possibly can for them.”

TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S OPPONENT Kennesaw State Owls

University

School: Kennesaw State University Location: Kennesaw, Georgia Founded: 1963 Enrollment: 35,000 Nickname: Owls Colors: Black and Gold Classification: Division 1 Conference (Joined): Big South (2015) President: Sam Olens Interim Athletics Director: Matt Griffin Senior Woman Administrator: Katie Egloff Phone: 470- 578-6284 School Website: kennesaw.edu Athletics Website: KSUOwls.com Twitter: @KennesawStFB, @KSUOwlNation

Head Coach

Head Coach: Brian Bohannon Alma Mater, Year: Georgia, 1993 Record at School: 14-8 (third year) Career Record: same Twitter: @BohannonBrian

Assistant Coaches

Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line: Grant Chesnut Defensive Coordinator: Brian Newberry Cornerbacks Coach: Chris Bland Linebackers Coach: P.J. Volker Tight Ends and Tackles Coach: Stewart Cook Wide Receivers Coach: Ossie Buchannon 36

Defensive Ends Coach: Kevin Downing Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs: Tim Glanton Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Line: Liam Klein Quarterbacks Coach: Cody Worley

Team

Offensive Formation: Spread Option Defensive Formation: 4-2-5 Offensive Starters Returning/Lost: 9/2 Defensive Starters Returning/Lost: 7/4 Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 51/25 2016 Record: 8-3 (3-2 Big South, 3rd)

Program

Established: Feb. 14, 2013 First Head Coach (Hired): Brian Bohannon (March 24, 2013) First Year of Program: 2015 First Game: Sept. 3, 2015, at East Tennessee State First Home Game: Sept. 12, 2015, vs. Edward Waters All-Time Record: 14-8 (.636)

Stadium

Name: Fifth Third Bank Stadium Opened: May 2, 2010 Capacity: 8,300 Surface: natural grass (Bermuda)

Q&A WITH PUNTER AUSTIN BARNARD by Joey Mullins, Samford Athletics Communication

What attracted you to Samford? It was only about three hours away from my hometown, and my brother was going to school here. I felt like this was a place where I could really help out the team, and they could help me grow as a person. Has it been hard to play football with a demanding major in physics and engineering? It’s been pretty difficult, especially with the time demands of football. I feel like I handled it well. What has been the best part of being a Samford football player? Bonding with the guys and the coaches. I absolutely love every coach we have here, which is rare. Every single person is great. It’s a very positive atmosphere. What will you miss most about Samford? Just being a part of the team. The brotherhood we have here—everybody is really close—is one of those things I’m going to miss. If you could play any other position, what would it be and why? I would play wide receiver, because I have the height, and I have pretty decent hands. I think it would be a lot of fun to run some routes every day and try to catch some balls in some games. What are your goals for your senior year? My goals are to be All-SoCon, and hopefully All-American. I want to get invited to a bowl [all-star] game at the end of the year. Also, I want to have the highest net punting average for the team so we can stay in good field position throughout the game.

Austin Barnard

How would you like to be remembered by your teammates and coaches? As a very positive, hard-working guy. That’s what I strive for every day, to push everybody to be their best and keep it completely positive. I don’t want to put anybody down. What advice would you give the freshmen on the team? Just keep working and don’t take yourself too seriously. It took me a long time to learn that. When I first got to college, I took everything so seriously, and I thought I had to be perfect every day. But it’s not like that; you don’t have to be perfect. You have to push yourself to be better every day, but you don’t have to expect perfection. Who has been the biggest influence on your life? My kicking coach from back home, Chris Hanson. He played in the NFL for about 12 years. Growing up, he helped me not only as a football player, but as a person. I went to a couple of church camps with him, and I learned a lot from him. He’s my role model. What are your plans after graduation? I’m going to train and see if I can get a shot with the NFL, CFL, Europe or whatever gives me the opportunity. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll finish my master’s program and find a job that I enjoy.

WALTER BARNES

SAMFORD ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

alter Barnes was a student-athlete in basketball and track from 1953 to 1956, and coached in various roles for the men’s basketball, football, and track and field programs. He was head coach of the basketball team from 1959–60 to 1962–63. He compiled a record of 61-40 over four seasons. His 1960–61 team had the best regular season in program history, posting an impressive record of 23-1. The

high-powered team averaged 91.4 points per game that season, and the Bulldogs scored more than 100 points six times. The team scored a season-high 122 points in a 122-65 win over Millsaps late in the season. Barnes has earned multiple honors, including the Samford Omicron Delta Kappy “Leader with Impact” Award (2001), Philanthropist of the Year (2002), Samford Alumnus of the Year (2007) and Samford Life Service

Award—Howard College Bulldog Athletics (2012), and he was inducted into the Central Alabama Softball Association Hall of the Fame in 1994.

samford.edu

in the South for commitment to teaching —U.S. News & World Report

in Alabama #

in the nation —The Economist

Students from 47 states and 29 countries

50 50,000 # alumni worldwide

Top for value

—Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Best Value top college for employment of graduates

—Educate to Career

in the South for regional universities —U.S. News & World Report

927,192 hours of community service by students annually

of undergraduate alumni are employed, attending graduate school or in a post-graduation internship within six months of graduation

best Christian colleges and universities —College Choice

Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer.

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SEIBERT STADIUM

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 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 theatretype 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAMFORD OVERALL RECORD AT SEIBERT (237 GAMES): 157-76-4 (.671) SAMFORD DAY RECORD AT SEIBERT (167 GAMES): 104-59-4 (.635) SAMFORD NIGHT RECORD AT SEIBERT (70 GAMES): 53-17-0 (.757) MOST COMMON OPPONENTS AT SEIBERT: Chattanooga 14, Jacksonville State 11, UT Martin 10, Mississippi College 9, Tennessee Tech 9 MOST SAMFORD POINTS: 72 vs. Maryville (10), 1987 LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: 70 points (Samford 77, Mars Hill 7), 2016

FACTS

LONGEST PUNT: 73 yards, Ray Collins, vs. Southwestern, 1961 LONGEST FIELD GOAL: 52 yards, Ray Early of Furman, 2010 LONGEST SAMFORD FIELD GOAL: 4 8 yards, Mark Prevost, vs. Jacksonville State, 2007 LONGEST PUNT RETURN: 90-yard touchdown, Mick Edmonson of Jacksonville State, 1989 LONGEST SAMFORD PUNT RETURN: 76 yards, Anthony Jordan, vs. Alcorn State, 1994 LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN: 100-yard touchdown, Karel Hamilton vs. Chattanooga, 2015; 100-yard touchdown, Fabian Truss vs. Western Carolina, 2013

MOST PASS ATTEMPTS: 60, Ray Nelson, vs. Jacksonville State, 2003 MOST COMPLETIONS: 39, Devlin Hodges, vs. Mercer, 2016; 39, Devlin Hodges, vs. Mars Hill, 2016 MOST YARDS PASSING: 495, Andy Summerlin, vs. Georgia Southern, 2013 MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES: 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Ferrum, 1987; 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs. Maryville, 1987 MOST RECEPTIONS: 16, Efrem Hill, vs. Jacksonville State, 2003 MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS: 3, Efrem Hill, vs. Eastern Kentucky, 2004; 3, Efrem Hill, vs. West Alabama, 2004; 3, Efrem Hill, vs. West Alabama, 2003

Roland Adams, Football; Grace Tiesman, Volleyball; Howard Finch, Dean; Alec Happel, Football; Josh Rich, Baseball

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Academic All-Conference members for the fall and spring terms combined

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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 Williamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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.

CHARLES WILLIAMS

Ossie Buchannon 2005

T.C. Myers 2006

Jay McCurty 2007

Rodney Shepherd 2008

Jon Weber 2009

Bryce Smith 2010

Sean Thompson 2011

Ryan Dudchock 2012

Justin Shade 2013

Brinson Porter 2014

Carson Barnett 2015

Devon Schmitt 2016

MEMORIAL

JERSEY 50

Shaheed Salmon 2017

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ACADEMIC ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM The National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA] has strongly enforced academic reform this decade as it pertains to studentathletes’ 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 studentathletes who are integrated within a caring environment that is conducive to academic success. The AEP system is designed to provide Samford’s student-athletes with the necessary guidance, personal attention and academic skills–enhancement activities to help them have the most positive educational and personal experience possible. Student-athletes are integrated within a foundation of the university’s general education core curriculum that emphasizes basic skills for academic achievement. Tutors and academic mentors assist athletes in writing courses, foreign languages, math, science and business, to name a few. With tutorial sessions incorporating improved study techniques,

the AEP puts student-athletes in position to succeed and become independent learners. The AEP environment includes a computer lab/classroom, private tutor rooms and quiet study space. In conjunction with the Career Development Center, the Writing Center, the Academic Success Center and all student support services, the AEP is a bridge from freshman orientation to graduation and professional life. The AEP strives to meet the needs, concerns and overall welfare of all student-athletes. Each May, the academic enhancement office honors student-athletes 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 studentathletes toward intellectual development and graduation Commitment to Athletic Excellence: To

A group of former football players pose for a photo after graduation ceremonies last spring. 52

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

Andrew Westmoreland President

ndrew Westmoreland became Samford University’s 18th president on June 1, 2006. As Samford’s president, Westmoreland has led the university to embrace a vision to enrich and expand its service to students, and further inspire their desire to meet the needs of the world. To advance this vision, the university is committed to a challenging strategic plan with three priorities: to provide an enriched and more vibrant university experience; to engage the global community in learning, faith and service; and to inspire imagination. Following a highly successful $200 million campaign that ended in 2014, Samford has launched a multiyear, multimillion-dollar campaign to advance the mission of Christcentered higher education among the nation’s most respected universities. 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 holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science, and a doctorate in higher education administration. A native of Arkansas, he is married to Dr. Jeanna Westmoreland. They have one daughter, Riley, who is a graduate of Samford and of Vanderbilt University. His career in higher education spans almost 40 years, including two college presidencies. In addition to his duties as Samford president, Westmoreland teaches courses in political science on a regular basis. He serves as a member of many boards for charities and other entities, and he is an author and speaker. He is the past chair of the Board of Trustees for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which oversees accreditation for more than 800 colleges and universities from Virginia to Texas. He also served as president of the American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities. 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.

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

MARTIN NEWTON

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

artin Newton was introduced as Samford’s director of athletics on March 9, 2011. In the spring of 2017, one of Newton’s goals since being hired was realized with the induction of the inaugural class of the Samford Athletics Hall of Fame. The firstclass facility is housed on the third floor of Pete Hanna Center, and includes inductee plaques and displays, along with a display of important moments in Samford athletics, and another honoring all the school’s conference and NCAA champions. On the fields and courts, Samford’s teams have won 27 Southern Conference overall and divisional titles since Newton took over as director of athletics. The Bulldogs have won league or division titles in women’s tennis (2015 regular season and tour nament), soccer (2011 regular season and tournament, 2014 regular season, 2015 regular season, 2016 regular season and tournament), softball (2016 tournament and regular season), volleyball (2011, 2014 and 2016 tournament, 2011 and 2012 North Division), men’s outdoor track and field (2014, 2015), women’s outdoor track and field (2014, 2017), women’s indoor track and field (2016, 2017), men’s tennis (2011, 2013 tournament, 2012 regular season), baseball (2012 tournament), football (2013), 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 56

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 940 Samford student-athletes being named to the SoCon Honor Roll over the last six years. Samford’s student-athletes posted a 98 percent in the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report released in 2017. Corporate sponsorships and annual giving reached record revenue totals in 2016–17, up 30 percent, and an additional $300,000 was raised for capital projects and endowed scholarships. 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.

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 57

ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATION

Martin Newton Director of Athletics

Michelle Durban Deputy Director for Student-Athlete Well-Being/SWA

Bo Kerr Deputy Director of Athletics for Revenue Generation

Wanda Lucas Senior Associate Athletics Director for Business Operations

Joe Davidson Associate Athletics Director for Operations

Harold Goss Associate Athletics Director for Academics and Compliance

Hal Langston Associate Athletics Director for Development and Strategy

JeNorri Armstead Administrative Assistant to the Athletics Director

Kasey Bodine Assistant Director of the Bulldog Club

James Carlson Director of Equipment Services

Sara Clemmons Athletics Administrative Coordinator

Tracy Fuller Business Manager

Mike Grace Assistant Athletics Director for Broadcast Services, Marketing and Promotions

Aaron Greenwood Marketing Coordinator

Chris Hicks Assistant Director of Ticket and Bulldog Club Operations

Cody Jackson Director of Compliance

Jacob Kinnebrew Facilities and Operations Coordinator

Jonathan McAfoos Director of Video Services

Paige Mathis Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services

Julian McMillian Director of Operations and Facilities

B. J. Millican Video Services Coordinator

Joey Mullins Assistant Athletics Director for Communication

Karin Neal Academic Counselor and Tutor Coordinator

Dixie Owens Cheer Coordinator

Sandra Pickard Financial Coordinator

Maggie Rountree Director of the Bulldog Club

Zac Schrieber Director of Athletics Communication

Neil Teitelbaum Director of Ticket and Bulldog Club Operations

Pam Thornton Athletics Administrative Coordinator

Wes Wilhoite Assistant Equipment Manager

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James Andrews Orthopedic Surgeon

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Sidney ball Assistant Coach

Shawn Bostick Assistant Coach

Victor Cabral Assistant Coach

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David Clyburn Assistant Coach

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Chappell Evans Athletic Trainer

Jonathan Farris Director of Strength and Conditioning

Derrick Foster Assistant Coach

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Jake Headrick Assistant Coach

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Jessica Jackson Assistant Coach

Ruth Ketcham Assistant Coach

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Pat McGregor Cross Country Coach/ Assistant Coach

Charles Newton Assistant Coach

Ross Newton Assistant Coach

Taylor Payne Assistant Football Athletic Trainer

Mike Krysl Assistant Coach

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Jamael Lett Assistant Coach

Hunter MacKay Director of Player Personnel

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Rocky Sabbatini Video Coordinator

Ben Sabin Assistant Coach

Tyler Shrout Assistant Coach

Betsy Smith Assistant Coach

Karl Smith Athletic Trainer

Matthew Powell Video Coordinator

Matt Price Head Football Athletic Trainer

Thomas Rohling Strength and Conditioning Coach

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Alyssa Whitehead 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: 205-726-4244 | compliance@samford.edu | Twitter: @Samford_Rules

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. 64

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.

Your home for Samford Football!

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OUR 2017–18 BULLDOG CLUB MEMBERS Junior Varsity Members and Above

HERITAGE CIRCLE

Anthony & Robbin Allen* Mark & Gwen Matthews Bill & Kimeran Stevens PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Todd & Karen Carlisle Larry & Debbie Cox* Rick & Beth Stukes ATHLETICS DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE Alabama Power Lynn & Kendall Boggs* Michael & Kathy Clay David & Stacy Hall Thomas & Charolette Hamby Bo & Whitney Kerr Rick & MaryAnn Moon Bob & Jodi Newton Michael & Carolyn Robinson Cole & Jill Sandlin III* Gene & Delee Sutherland ALL-AMERICAN BULLDOG Roy Anderson Jeremy & Melissa Andrews Bill & Julie Bazemore Drew & Julie Cundiff* Jason & Stacy Gay* Ryan & Katie Grace* Tim & Anita Haywood* Jimmy & Betsy Holloway Wayne & Judy Houston Fred & Judy Johnston* Todd & Michelle Jones Wayne & Donna Kendrick Bobby & Andrea Killingsworth Tyler Levie David & Edith Lyon Martin & Cindy Newton Randy & Daina Pittman Greg & Peggy Powell* Lew & Mandy Sample Chris & Susan Travis 66

Stanley Woodall Bart & Danielle Yancey ALL-CONFERENCE PLUS Eric & Cassandra Adams Walt & Kay Barnes BBVA Compass Bennie & Sonja Bumpers* John & Susan Carroll Coca-Cola Colin & Leslie Coyne* Richard & Kim Cross Davis Architects Inc. Kevin & Alicia Eads Lynn & Terry Easterling Howard & Kathy Finch Chad & Stacy Foreman Patrick & Laura Foshee Monty & Connie Hogewood* Michael & Heather Hogue Howard Whatley RE/MAX Southern Homes Jimmy & Donna Jackson Kendell & Chantel Jno-Finn Rebecca Langston Lyn Marcum William & Jennifer Maynard Eddie & Gayle Miller Ron & Cindy Mims OnTime Service Park Moving and Storage Stephen & Kathy Peeples Regions Bank Alan & Karen Register Doug & Renita Rigney Parker & Viveka Rosenberger Rick & Barbara Schultz Jeff & Ashley Stephens* Taylor & Allison Strickland Bob & Pat Terry Clark & Debbie Watson Drew & Pam Yantis* Rusty & Kimberly Yerkes

ALL-CONFERENCE Mona Ables Cedric & Carolyn Dale Adams Scott & Kimberly Andersen Jim & Cindy Anderson* Brad & Barbara Barnard Richard & Janne Bazemore Ben & Donna Benjamin Chris & Susan Blazer Jeanie A. Box Jay & Lauren Boyd Jon & Shay Brasher Brookdale University Park Jim & Patricia Burks C2 Designs LLC Bobby & Kathy Calhoun Michael & Leslie Canfield Doug & Connie Clark Michael & Jan Cobb Tommy & Deborah Collins Chris & Leslie Corts Blake & Devon Davidson* Judge Stephen & Krista Dillard William & Rebecca Dorsten Jason & Lori Edgemon Jerry & Sandi Favre John & Marsha Floyd Bob & Grace Freeman Brandon & Kim Gossett Leonard Gossett Jr. James & Brooke Graham James & Pearleen Graham Timothy & Sheree Hall Mike & Anna Kathryn Hardin Louis & Dora Hatcher Charles & Mavis Hill Rodney & Paula Hovater Gene & Susanne Howard III Hardy & Suzanne Jackson Tommy & Mary Anne Locke Chad & April Luth Patricia McCoy Joe W. McDade Michael & Michelle Musto

Vic & Janis Nichol Jr. Bobby & Kelly Patrick Kelly & Susan Pool Philip & Shellyn Poole Emily & Scott Rand Right at Home Rodney & Patti Robinson Donald & Caroline Rochford Gilmer & Leigh Simmons Don & Zina Smith Christian Specht Bill & Sallie Stark Jr. Taco Mama Bruce & Questa Tingler John & Vicki Wilcox Doug & Anita Wilson VARSITY BULLDOG Michael & Amy Cooter Robert & Betty Oliver Robert Z. Powell JUNIOR VARSITY Dustin & Christy Allen Wendell & Rita Bennett Tyler Clardy Jerry & Catherine Cotney Durante Home Exteriors Bob & Gail Greene Tommy & Joyce Hill Charles & Brenda McKewen Joe Murray Southern Carpet & Hardwood Inc. David & Ashley Spurling Howard P. Walthall & Rosemary Fisk * Athletics Council member

For information, call 205-726-4307.

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

amford University is a premier nationally ranked private university deeply rooted in its Christian mission. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. It enrolls 5,471 students from 47 states and 29 countries. In 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked Samford #4 among regional universities in the South and #3 for commitment to teaching. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked Samford #40 in its 2017 ranking of the best value private universities. Samford is ranked #87 nationally and #1 in Alabama by The Economist and is the top-ranked university in Alabama in a national ranking conducted by The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education. Samford offers numerous undergraduate and graduate/professional degrees through 10 academic units: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. The faculty-to-student ratio is 1:12, and no classes are taught by teaching assistants.

Among Samford’s 50,000 alumni are more than 60 members of the U.S. congress, eight state governors, two U.S. Supreme Court justices, one Secretary of State, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy award-winning artists, two national champion ship football coaches, and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes. The university fields 17 varsity sports— eight men’s and nine women’s—that participate at the NCAA Division I level in the Southern Conference. Samford’s athletics teams are ranked #1 in Alabama and the Southern Conference for Graduation Success Rate by the NCAA with an average score of 98%.

SAMFORD DISTINCTIONS • Samford is ranked #4 in the South for regional universities and #3 in the South for commitment to teaching by U.S. News & World Report (2017). • 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 (2016). • Cumberland School of Law is ranked #6 nationally for trial advocacy by U.S. News & World Report (2017). Additionally, the law school is ranked #9 nationally for best quality of life and #9 nationally for best professors by The Princeton Review (2015). The law school placed first in the 2014 National Trial Advocacy Competition. • Ida Moffett School of Nursing’s master’s programs are ranked #90 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2016). • The Brock School of Business evening M.B.A. program is the oldest in the state and is ranked #72 nationally by U.S. News & World Report (2017). • 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). • 96% of May undergraduate alumni were employed or pursuing continuing education within six months of graduation (2016). • Samford is ranked #40 nationally for “best value” among private universities by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (2016). • Samford is ranked #15 nationally for the beauty of the campus by Christian Universities Online and is listed in the top 30 most beautiful college campuses in the South by the Best Colleges website (2015).

FACILITIES

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

athletics administration. The facility is adjacent to Bashinsky Field House and can be expanded up to 6,000 seats for commencement and other major nonathletics events. The Pat M. Courington Tennis Pavilion was completed in 2006 with three indoor courts, a support facility for locker rooms, offices and restrooms. Samford’s Tennis Center also includes the Darwin C. Hardison Courts, featuring six outdoor NCAA courts. All-weather field turf was installed at Seibert Stadium in the summer of 2005. Facilities in Seibert Hall have been renovated to accommodate academic programs and student recreation activities. Joe Lee Griffin Field, home of the Samford Bulldogs baseball team, was remodeled in 2000 to include offices, locker rooms and other support services in a facility that complements the Georgian-Colonial archi tecture 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 inter collegiate 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 97th season of intercollegiate competition in 2017–18, is a national leader in emphasizing the development of the student-athlete, and in helping to build lifelong leaders and role models. The Southern Conference has been on the forefront of innovation and originality in developing creative solutions to address issues facing intercollegiate athletics. From establishing the first postseason college basketball tournament (1921), to tackling the issue of freshman eligibility (1922), to developing women’s championships (1984), to becoming the first conference to install the 3-point goal in basketball (1980), the Southern Conference has been a pioneer. The Southern Conference is the nation’s fifth-oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association. Only the Big Ten (1896), the Missouri Valley (1907), the Pac-12 (1915) and the Southwestern Athletic (1920) conferences are older in terms of origination. Academic excellence has been a major part of the Southern Conference’s tradition. Hundreds of Southern Conference studentathletes have been recognized on CoSIDA Academic All-America and all-district teams. A total of 20 Rhodes Scholarship winners have been selected from conference institutions, most recently in 2012–13, when former Wofford volleyball player Rachel Woodlee earned the prestigious award. The conference currently consists of 10 members in six states throughout the Southeast and sponsors 22 varsity sports 72

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, and added women’s lacrosse for the 2017–18 campaign. The Southern Conference offices are located in the historic Beaumont Mill in Spartanburg, South Carolina. A textile mill that was in operation from 1880 until 1999, Beaumont Mill was renovated in 2004 and today offers the league first-class meeting areas and offices as well as a spacious library for storage of the conference’s historical documents.

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. 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. Women’s lacrosse will

crown its first champion in May 2018 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 10 women’s sports—soccer, volleyball, cross country, basketball, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, tennis, golf, lacrosse 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. Chattanooga has finished in the top 10 in each of the last three seasons, while The Citadel has finished in the top 15 in the last two. The Citadel, Chattanooga, Samford and Wofford each finished in the top 25 in 2016, giving the league four in the final poll for the first time since 2007. The Citadel and Chattanooga ranked 9-10 in the coaches’ poll, and Wofford and The Citadel sat 9-10 in the STATS FCS poll to close the year. The Southern Conference has placed multiple representatives in the FCS Playoffs in 28

of 33 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 18 years and in 18 of the last 25 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 All-America selection and the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1948 and 1949. In 1949, Justice earned first-team allconference 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 first-team All-America honors on the field and was a first-team Academic All-American for his work in the classroom. He played 12 seasons in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. Also a member of the conference’s first Hall of Fame class, he was a five-time All-Pro linebacker and is also a member of the Pro

John Iamarino Commissioner

Geoff Cabe Senior Associate Commissioner

Football Hall of Fame. Former Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore 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 1999, Georgia Southern’s Adrian Peterson captured the Walter Payton Award, presented annually to the Football Championship Subdivision’s most out standing offensive player. Peterson, a fourtime All-American who finished his career as the NCAA Division I leader in rushing yards with 6,559, will be the league’s next inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame when he is enshrined in December 2017. 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 h istory 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.

COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS

The Southern Conference has also been

Sue Arakas Associate Commissioner

Doug King Associate Commissioner for Compliance

Jason Yaman Associate Commissioner

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 tour nament 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. The Carolina Panthers, owned by Wofford alumnus Jerry Richardson, and with former Wofford athletics director and SoCon commissioner Danny Morrison serving as team president, played in Super Bowl 50.

NATIONAL AWARDS

Fred Bishop Linebacker 1999 All-American

Bobby Bowden Quarterback 1952 All-Amercian

Cortland Finnegan Surkano Edwards Safety Running Back 1992 Honorable Mention, OVC Defensive Player of the Year Sports Network 2003 Third-Team All-Amercian All-American 2005 AFCA All-American

Harold Hill End 1937 Honorable Mention All-Amercian

Devlin Hodges Quarterback 2016 Third-Team All-American

James Bradberry 2015 STATS All-American

Wally Burnham Linebacker 1963 All-Amercian

Norman Cooper Center 1936 All-Amercian

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

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

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

Sam Goldman End 1940 Honorable Mention All-Amercian

Karel Hamilton Wide Receiver 2016 Consensus All-American

Tim Hamrick Punter 1987 Football News All-Amercian

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

Scott Holmes Punter 1994 Associated Press All-Amercian

Harley Hopkins End 1938 Honorable Mention足 All-足American

Bobby Jackson Half back 1962 All-Amercian

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

Joe Milazzo Quarterback 1960 All-American

James Tarrant End 1940 Honorable Mention All-American 1941 Third-Team All-American

Michael O’Neal Anthony Pistelli Kicker 2015 AP 1991 CoSIDA Academic First Team Second-Team All-American, All-American Walter Camp All-American

Jaquiski Tartt Safety First-Team All-American, 2014 Second-Team All-American, 2013 First-Team All-American Sports Network Walter Camp 2012

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

David Primus Kick Returner 1989 Football News All-American

Justin Shade First-Team All-American Sports Network 2013

Bryce Smith Linebacker 2010 Associated Press All-American

Bennie Story Defensive Tackle 1961 All-American

Cameron Yaw 2011 and 2012 All-American

NFL

BULLDOGS IN THE JAMES BRADBERRY was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. He enters his second season with the Panthers this fall.

KAREL HAMILTON signed as

MICHAEL PIERCE signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016. He enters his second season with the Ravens this fall.

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 third season with the 49ers.

COREY WHITE was drafted by

NICK WILLIAMS was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He is currently a member of the Miami Dolphins.

an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals following the 2016 season.

the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In 2014, he started nine games in the Saintsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; secondary. In 2015, he played for the Dallas Cowboys and with the Buffalo Bills in 2016. He is currently a member of the New York Jets.

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 2016

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 K’rondis Larry

PASSING

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 83-482

YEAR NAME ATT-COMP-INT (TD) 1960 Joe Milazzo 145-80 (5) 1961 Johnny Shoemaker 65-31 (7) 1962 Johnny Shoemaker 91-54 (4) 1963 Larry Wyatt 57-20 (1) 1964 Larry Wyatt 91-30 (5) 1965 Jerry Colvin 193-89-20 (5) 1966 Jim Lovette 87-37 (3) 1967 Jim Lovette 170-83-8 (12) 1968 Jim Lovette 150-56-12 (8) 1969 Waylan Trammell 149-66-11 (9) 1970 Waylan Trammell 135-63-7 (9) 1971 Waylan Trammell 119-61-10 (5) 1972 Jimmy Nipper 149-81-3 (5) 1973 Steve Loflin 123-54 (8) 1974–83 no team 1984–85 statistics not available 1986 Scotty King 155-84-7 (9) 78

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 2016

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

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 5.8

Jimbo Fisher Ted Darby Ted Darby Ted Darby Ben Wiggins Ben Wiggins Bart Yancey Bart Yancey Bart Yancey Bart Yancey Jake Rackley Mike Cain Josh Kellett Josh Kellett Ray Nelson Josh Kellett Ray Nelson Ray Nelson J. Adcock J. Adcock J. Adcock D. Taliaferro D. Taliaferro D. Taliaferro D. Taliaferro A. Summerlin A. Summerlin M. Eubank D. Hodges D. Hodges

RECEIVING

YDS 1248 634 624 264 424 1162 627 1190 729 912 884 790 855 808 996

252-139-5 (34) 293-122-9 (13) 317-159-13 (7) 245-122-9 (8) 395-207-13 (17) 296-145-8 (16) 278-145-15 (7) 245-143-11 (10) 273-140-16 (10) 277-145-11 (9) 208-112-6 (6) 89-49-3 (5) 136-67-7 (4) 117-52-12 (4) 219-120-6 (13) 225-130-11 (12) 408-242-9 (23) 460-258-10 (20) 366-189-16 (18) 169-91-7 (5) 411-225-12 (14) 225-151-5 (13) 321-190-9 (9) 224-133-9 (5) 372-233-10 (14) 365-244-6 (10) 478-300-13 (26) 289-183-8 (12) 288-200-6 (12) 375-530-8 (36)

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 2000 Aryvia Holmes 2001 Aryvia Holmes 2002 Aryvia Holmes 2003 Efrem Hill 2004 Efrem Hill 2005 Jeff Moore 2006 Jeff Moore

2394 1773 1953 1709 2532 1907 1638 1633 1661 1568 1574 701 831 733 1466 1518 2759 2807 2338 915 2472 1745 1692 1427 2301 2269 3640 2136 230 4088

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 28-410 74-1042 84-1158 92-1387 71-984 53-669 49-668

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Jeff Moore Jonathan Lowery Chris Evans Quin Roberson Kelsey Pope Kelsey Pope Kelsey Pope Karel Hamilton Karel Hamilton Karel Hamilton

TOTAL OFFENSE

61-996 27-457 38-172 31-474 86-810 68-552 68-789 55-877 75-880 111-1389

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 2016 Devlin Hodges 641-4310

G N I R E T A C T• U O Y R R A C DINE IN •

A taste for winning, a hunger for excellence- from the gridiron of Seibert Stadium to the hot, hickory coals of Dreamland BBQ. This season, put on your blue & red, tie on a bib, and huddle round a slab of our legendary ribs. Now that’s the ultimate tailgating experience. Go Bulldogs! SOUTHSIDE | INVERNESS CORNERS

DREAMLANDBBQ.COM

WE SHIP ANYWHERE IN THE USA!

The Ultimate Triple Threat

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 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neal

TOTAL OFFENSE Most Yards Gained Game: 752, vs. Florida A&M, 2015 Season: 5,403, by 2013 team Most Plays Game: 104, at Mississippi State, 2016 Season: 911, by 2013 team Most First Downs Game: 36, vs. Mars Hill, 2016; 36, vs. Maryville, 1987; 36, vs. Florida A&M, 2015 Season: 266, by 2016 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: 4,193, by 2016 team Most Passing Attempts Game: 70, at Mississippi State, 2016; 70, at Furman, 2013 Season: 546, by 2016 team Most Pass Completions Game: 44, at Furman, 2013 Season: 386, by 2016 team

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

Most Passes Intercepted Game: 6, vs. Jacksonville State, 1995 6, vs. Youngstown State, 1991 Season: 20, by 1985, 1969 and 1965 teams Highest Completion Percentage Season: 70.7, by 2016 team (386 of 546) Most Touchdown Passes Game: 7, vs. Ferrum, 1987; vs. Maryville, 1987 Season: 40, by 1987 team Brady Jones 80

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. UT 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: 4,088, Devlin Hodges, 2016 Career: 7,950, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 Most Attempts Game: 69, Devlin Hodges, at Mississippi State, 2016 69, Andy Summerlin, at Furman, 2013 Season: 530, Devlin Hodges, 2016 Career: 1,248, Ray Nelson, 2001–04

Cortland Finnegan

Jeff Moore

Most Completions Game: 44, Andy Summerlin, at Furman, 2013 Season: 375, Devlin Hodges, 2016 Career: 704, Ray Nelson, 2004 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.): 70.8, Devlin Hodges (375-530), 2016 Career (min. 50 att.): 70.3, Devlin Hodges, (575-818), 2015–

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, Cameron Yaw, at Chattanooga, 2012 Punt Returns for Touchdowns: 92, Mark Longnecker, vs. Livingston, 1968 Kickoff Returns for Touchdowns: 100, Karel Hamilton, vs. Chattanooga, 2015 100, Fabian Truss, vs. Western Carolina, 2013 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: 36, Devlin Hodges, 2016 Career: 60, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 PASS RECEIVING Most Receptions Game: 17, Kelsey Pope, at The Citadel, 2011 Season: 111, Karel Hamilton, 2016 Career: 279, Karel Hamilton, 2013–16 Most Yards Gained Game: 260, Jeff Moore, at Tennessee Tech, 2007 Season: 1,389, Karel Hamilton, 2016 Career: 3,803, Karel Hamilton, 2013–16

RUSHING Most Carries Game: 37, Chris Evans, at Wofford, 2009 Season: 260, Chris Evans, 2008 Career: 919, Chris Evans, 2007–10 81

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: 513, Devlin Hodges, at Mississippi State, 2016 Season: 4,310, Devlin Hodges, 2016 Career: 9,575, Ray Nelson, 2001–04 Most Plays Game: 86, Devlin Hodges, at Mississippi State, 2016 Season: 641, Devlin Hodges, 2016 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, Devlin Hodges, 2016 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. Chattanooga, 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 (52-2,229), 2014 42.9, Greg Peranich (68-2,915), 2013 Career (min. 70 punts): 41.6, Greg Peranich (234-9,737), 2011–14

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. UT 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: 50, Reece Everett, 2016 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. UT 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, Anthony Pistelli, 2015 101, Cameron Yaw, 2011 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

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