october 19, 2024 | 2 pm
Editor: Joey Mullins
Senior Graphic Designer: Scott Camp
Contributors: Rylee Jones and Corey Green
Photographers: Ethan Lowe
Broadcast and Social Media
BROADCASTS
For the eighth-straight season, Samford’s home games will be broadcast live on ESPN platforms, either on ESPN3 or ESPN+ For the ESPN broadcasts, Blake Gardner will handle play-byplay duties Damian Mitchell will provide color commentary, while Lynden Blake will serve as the sideline reporter . Both ESPN3 and ESPN+ can be accessed via the ESPN App across most internet-connected media devices or on ESPN com ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC, Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films It is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans, and is also be available through ESPN com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Samford fans can keep up with the Bulldogs 24/7 through the following social media outlets: SamfordSports samfordsports samfordsportsnetwork samfordsports
INTERNET
The official website of Samford University athletics is samfordsports com A partnership of Samford athletics and SideArm Sports, the internet home of the Bulldogs, is full of the most up-to-date information on football and Samford’s 16 other varsity sports With news stories, coaches’ and studentathletes’ biographies, plus team rosters, statistics, schedules, game notes, results and video, the most comprehensive coverage of the Bulldogs can always be found online at samfordsports com
Lynden Blake Sideline Reporter
Damian Mitchell Commentary
Blake Gardner Play-by-Play Announcer
Bulldogs Head Coach Chris Hatcher
Chris Hatcher was named Samford’s 36th head football coach on Dec . 11, 2014 . Entering his 10th season at Samford in 2023, Hatcher boasts a career record of 178-100 in 24 years as a college head coach, having previously coached at Murray State, Georgia Southern and Valdosta State . Hatcher is Samford’s all-time winningest coach, with a record of 57-43 with the Bulldogs In his time at Samford, his team’s have consistently been among the Southern Conference and FCS leaders in several categories .
The 2023 team produced seven All-SoCon honorees, including the SoCon Freshman of the Year in Brendan Jenkins . Additionally, Noah Martin earned All-America honors
During the 2022 season, Hatcher led the Bulldogs to the program’s best season in over 30 years Samford posted a final record of 11-2 overall and a perfect 8-0 mark in Southern Conference play, winning the program’s first outright SoCon title The team also reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs for the first time since 1991 . Samford’s 10 regular season wins were tied for the most in program history, and the eight conference wins were the most ever for the program The 11 total wins were the second most in Samford football history .
Following the 2022 season, Hatcher was named the SoCon Coach of the Year, and he also earned Region 2 Coach of the Year honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) In addition to Hatcher’s awards, quarterback Michael Hiers was named the SoCon Offensive Player of the Year, the fifth time in Hatcher’s first eight seasons that the Samford quarterback earned the award . In the fall of 2021, Hatcher’s offense produced the
FCS’ all-purpose yards leader in Montrell Washington (176 . 18 ypg .) . Quarterback Liam Welch also put up impressive numbers, ranking seventh in the nation in passing yards per game (306 .0 ypg .) .
As a team last fall, the Bulldogs ranked 10th in the nation in total offense (448 7 ypg ), ninth in passing offense (307.5 ypg .) and sixth in scoring offense (37.9 ppg )
Hatcher led his team in the first-ever spring season in the spring of 2021, after the 2020 fall season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic During the spring season, the Samford offense led the Southern Conference in scoring offense (40 .3 ppg .), total offense (513 9 ypg ), passing offense (353 1 ypg ) and pass efficiency (148 . 1) . On the other side of the ball, the Bulldog defense led the league in opponent thirddown conversions (31 .0%) and turnovers caused (18) .
Individually, Welch was named the SoCon’s Co-Offenive Player of the Year for the spring season Welch and safety Chris Edmonds were both named All-Americans following the season
In 2019, the Bulldogs led all of FCS football in punt return average (19 .41 ypr .), and the team ranked second nationally in fewest penalties per game (3 .58) . Samford also led the SoCon in first downs (22 6 pg ), and the team ranked second in the league in scoring offense (32 .2 ppg .) and passing offense (239 .2 ypg .) .
Hatcher’s 2018 team posted the program’s eighth-straight winning season, the longest streak in program history Also during the season, quarterback Devlin Hodges became the FCS’ all-time leader in career passing yards . Hodges also earned the highest individual honor at the FCS level, the highest individual honor at the FCS level, winning the Walter Payton Award Additionally, he was named the Southern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year for a third-straight season .
Also in 2018, Hodges set school records for singleseason completions (388), attempts (550), passing yards (4,283) . Hodges was named the SoCon’s
A concussion is nothing to play with.
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should be taken seriously. Although fewer than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness, it is important to understand the dangers and not take them lightly. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.
Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be removed from play, evaluated by a doctor, monitored and not left alone.
To make an appointment, please call 205-934-1041.
Offensive Player of the Year and a third team AllAmerican at the conclusion of the season .
In 2017, Hatcher led the team to an 8-4 record and a spot in the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs for a second-straight season for the first time since 1992 .
As a unit, the 2016 Samford offense ranked third among all FCS schools in passing offense, averaging 349 .4 passing yards per game . The offense also ranked sixth in the nation in red zone offense (90 .2%), 11th in team passing efficiency (155 .24), 12th in scoring offense (35 1 ppg ) and 14th in total offense (446 .2 ypg .) .
In his first season at Samford in 2015, Hatcher put his stamp on the Bulldog program Samford finished the season third in the nation in passing offense (332 .9 ypg .), seventh in the nation in total offense (479 7 ypg ) and seventh in fourth down conversions (66 .7%) . Hatcher’s special teams also stood out, ranking fifth nationally in kickoff return average (24 .34 ypr .) .
Hatcher led the Bulldogs to a 6-5 record that first season, ending the season with a pair of impressive Southern Conference road wins at Wofford and Mercer The 2015 team also produced a pair of All-Americans in cornerback James Bradberry and place-kicker Anthony Pistelli .
Hatcher came to Samford after serving as the head coach at Murray State University from 2010 to 2014 Hatcher is no stranger to the Southern Conference, as he served as the head coach at Georgia Southern from 2007 to 2009 .
Prior to his time at GSU, Hatcher molded Valdosta State into one of the most dominant teams in Division II
The winningest coach in Blazers’ history, Hatcher was 76-12 at his alma mater . Hatcher led his alma mater to its first NCAA Division II national championship in 2004, and he coaches Dusty Bonner, who was a two-time Harlan Hill Award winner, an award Hatcher won as a quarterback at VSU in 1994 . Hatcher carried his success on the playing field to help him develop into one of the nation’s winningest coaches . A two-time All-American quarterback at VSU (1993 and 1994), Hatcher threw for 11,363
yards and 121 touchdowns during his stellar career During his senior year in 1994, he led the Blazers to their first postseason berth, advancing to the quarterfinals, and when it was all said and done set 29 VSU passing and total offense records .
Hatcher 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
The honors continued to add up even after his playing days . Hatcher was named to the Valdosta State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001, in his first year of eligibility . He was also elected into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame the same year
In 2005, Hatcher was inducted into the Division II Hall of Fame . Hatcher was also inducted into the inaugural class of the GSC Hall of Fame in 2014
Hatcher graduated from Valdosta State in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education
He and his wife, Lori, also a graduate of VSU, are the parents of a son, Ty, and daughter, Talley
Shawn
Associate Head Coach/ Offensive Line
Football Staff
Turner Assistant Head Coach—Offensive Coordinator/Wide Receivers
Ricky
Adam Braithwaite Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Darien Moody Defensive Line
Blake Catlett Defensive Ends
Kerry Webb Special Teams Coordinator
Brendan Bognar Quarterbacks
Chasmon Scales Cornerbacks
Brandon Cooper Linebackers
Bostick
Peter Renkoski Tight Ends/Assistant Offensive Line
K.D. Humphries Running Backs
Support Staff
Alexis Roberts Director of Student-Athlete Academic Services
Matthew Kooiman Chief of Staff
James Carlson Assistant AD for Facilities, Game Ops and Equipment
Wes Bordelon Director of Football Strength and Conditioning
Whitley Williams Head Football Athletic Trainer
Rae Martin Assistant Athletic Trainer
Rocky Sabbatini Football Video Coordinator
Robert Miller Assistant Sports Performance Coach
Master of Accountancy
Master of Business Administration
Application Deadlines: Spring: Dec. 1 • Summer: May 1 • Fall: July 1 Entry exam waived for applicants with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
All-Americans and National Honors
All-Americans
All-Americans/Freshman All-Americans
Austin Barnard 2017, Punter (3rd Team, AP, Phil Steele)
Fred Bishop 1999, Linebacker
Bobby Bowden 1952, Quarterback
James Bradberry 2015, Cornerback (3rd Team, STATS)
Wally Burnham 1963, Linebacker
Trimarcus Cheeks 2019, Linebacker (Freshman All-American)
Norman Cooper 1936, Center
Marcus Durgin 1991, Cornerback (2nd Team, Sports Network; 3rd Team, AP) 1992, Cornerback (3rd Team, AP)
Chris Edmonds 2021 Spring, (1st Team, Stats Perform, Associated Press, Athlon Sports, HERO Sports)
Surkano Edwards 1992, Running Back (HM, Sports Network)
Cortland Finnegan 2002, Safety 2003, Safety (3rd Team) 2005, Safety (AFCA)
Jimbo Fisher 1987, Quarterback
Sam Goldman 1940, End
Ahmad Gooden 2017, Defensive Lineman (1st Team, AFCA, Phil Steele, Walter Camp; 2nd Team, AP, STATS) 2018, Defensive Lineman (1st Team, AP, HERO Sports; 2nd Team, STATS)
Karel Hamilton 2016, Wide Receiver (1st Team)
Tim Hamrick 1987, Punter
Michael Hiers 2022, Quarterback (2nd Team, STATS Perform, 3rd Team AP)
Efrem Hill 2003, Wide Receiver 2004, Wide Receiver
Harold Hill 1937, End
Devlin Hodges 2016, Quarterback (3rd Team) 2017, Quarterback (2nd Team, AFCA) 2018, Quarterback (1st Team, Consensus)
Scott Holmes 1994, Punter
Harley Hopkins 1938, End
Bobby Jackson 1962, Quarterback
Anthony Jordan 1994, Running Back
Nelson Jordan 2018, Defensive Lineman (Freshman All-American)
Jim Lovette 1966, Running Back
Noah Martin 2023, Linbacker (2md Team, FCS Football Central; 3rd Team, AP)
Kelvin McKnight 2017, Wide Receiver (2nd Team, AFCA; 3rd Team, STATS; 4th Team, Phil Steele)
2018, Wide Receiver (1st Team, Walter Camp, HERO Sports, AFCA; 2nd Team, AP; 3rd Team, STATS)
Joe Milazzo 1960, Quarterback
Anthony Pistelli 2015, Kicker (1st Team, AP, Walter Camp)
David Primus 1989, Kick Returner
Shaheed Salmon 2017, Linebacker (3rd Team, STATS; 4th Team, Phil Steele)
Justin Shade 2013, Linebacker (1st Team)
Bryce Smith 2010, Linebacker
Bennie Story 1961, Defensive Tackle
James Tarrant 1940, End (Honorable Mention) 1941, End (3rd Team)
Jaquiski Tartt 2012, Safety (1st Team) 2013, Safety (2nd Team) 2014, Safety (1st Team)
Fabian Truss 2012, Kick Returner (2nd Team) 2013, All-Purpose (1st Team)
Michael Vice 2019, Tight End (Freshman All-American)
Montrell Washington 2019, Return Specialist (1st Team: STATS, 2nd Team: HERO and Phil Steele) 2021 Fall, All-Purpose (1st Team, Consensus)
Liam Welch 2021 Spring, Quarterback (2nd Team, Stats Perform)
Mike Williams 2017, Offensive Lineman (Freshman All-American)
Other National Honors
Jefferson Adcock 2007, NFF National Honor Society 2007, FCS Academic All-Star
Joe Collins 2011, Capital One Academic All-District
Devlin Hodges 2018 Walter Payton Award 2018 FCSADA Offensive Player of the Year
2018 Columbus TD Club Offensive Player of the Year
Graham Lemmond 2006, NFF National Honor Society 2006, FCS Academic All-Star
Ty Levie 2009, FCS Academic All-Star 2009, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District
Michael O’Neal 1991, CoSIDA Academic All-American (2nd Team)
Where Passion Meets Purpose
Samford is a leading nationally ranked Christian university, renowned for excellence, robust in opportunities, intentional in fostering connection and committed to cultivating students’ foundational faith. Across our 10 academic schools, students are prepared to powerfully pursue the calling God has on their lives.
samford.edu/go/purpose Samford. Where passion meets purpose.
TODAY’S GAME
The Samford football team will return home to play host to the Mercer Bears Saturday afternoon at 2 p .m . at Bobby Bowden Field at Pete Hanna Stadium . The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ . Samford enters the game with a record of 2-3 overall and 1-1 in Southern Conference play on the season . The Bulldogs opened Southern Conference play two weeks ago with a home, 27-3 win over VMI, and then fell at ETSU, 31-28, last weekend .
The Series
Samford and Mercer will be meeting for the 31st time, with Samford owning a 15-14-1 series lead . Last season, Mercer defeated Samford, 28-21 in Macon, Georgia . The last time the teams met at Samford, the Bulldogs picked up a dramatic, 50-44, double overtime win over the Bears . Quincy Crittendon scored the game-winning touchdown in the second overtime to lift Samford to the win . The Samford win gave the Bulldogs their first outright Southern Conference title since joining the league in 2008
The Last Time Out
Last week, Samford traveled to Johnson City, Tennessee, to take on the ETSU Bucs Despite Samford leading for most of the game, ETSU came from behind to pull out the 31-28 victory over the Bulldogs For Samford in the loss, Quincy Crittendon completed 27-of-36 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns E Jai Mason caught five passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns
Rayf Vinson and Wesley Carlock also caught touchdown passes for the Bulldogs . On defense, Jaden Mosley led Samford in tackles with 12 . Jalik Yancey, Xavier Lanier and Dontae Pollard each had an interception for the Bulldogs .
Martin Named Winner Of Charles Williams Memorial Jersey
Graduate linebacker Noah Martin is this season’s winner of the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey . The jersey honors former Samford player Charles Williams, who died in a car accident on May 23, 2003 . Since the 2005 season, a different senior has worn the No . 5 jersey in Williams’ honor . Martin is the 20th winner of the prestigious award .
Samford Against Southern Conference Teams
Since joining the Southern Conference in 2008, Samford has posted a record of 72-57 in conference games . All-time against each current members of the SoCon, Samford has a mark of 98-85-4, including a 15-14-1 record against Mercer Samford’s all-time record against each current SoCon team is Chattanooga (11-34-3), The Citadel (10-7), ETSU (8-4), Furman (12-14), Mercer (15-14-1), VMI (9-3), Western Carolina (17-4) and Wofford (16-5)
Samford At Pete Hanna Stadium
Samford has an all-time record of 187-85-4 in games played at Pete Hanna Stadium This season, Samford has six home games on its schedule, with the Bulldogs holding a 2-0 record in those games Last season, Samford posted a record of 4-2 in home games In nine-plus seasons under head coach Chris Hatcher, Samford has a record of 37-13 when playing at home .
E Jai Mason vs VMI
Around the SoCon
CHATTANOOGA
(3-3, 2-1 SoCon)
Last week: at Furman, W, 41-10
This week: vs. Wofford
The CITADEL
(2-5, 0-4 SoCon)
Last week: at Western Carolina, L, 16-30
This week: at VMI
(4-3, 2-1 SoCon)
Last week: vs. Samford, W, 31-28
This week: OPEN
FURMAN
(2-4, 1-1 SoCon)
Last week: vs. Chattanooga, L, 10-41
This week: vs. Western Carolina
MERCER
(6-0, 3-0 SoCon)
Last week: vs. Princeton, W, 34-7
This week: at Samford
SAMFORD (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Last week: at ETSU, L, 28-31
This week: vs. Mercer
VMI
(0-6, 0-2 SoCon)
Last week: at Wofford, L, 16-31
This week: vs. The Citadel
WESTERN CAROLINA
(3-3, 2-0 SoCon)
Last week: vs. The Citadel, W, 30-16
This week: at Furman
WOFFORD
(3-3, 1-2 SoCon)
Last week: vs. VMI, W, 31-16
This week: at Chattanooga
2024 SAMFORD FOOTBALL SCHEDULE/RESULTS
FOOTBALL
Aug. 31 at West Georgia L, 29-38
Sept. 7 at Florida L, 7-45
Sept. 14 Alabama State W, 12-7
Sept. 28 at Furman* Ppd.
Oct. 5 VMI* W, 27-3
Oct. 12 at ETSU* L, 28-31
Oct. 19
Oct. 26 at The Citadel*
Nov. 2
Nov. 9
Nov. 16 at Chattanooga*
Nov. 23
*-Southern Conference game
All times Central and subject to change
Football Player Feature: Cooper Frazier
For Samford graduate offensive lineman Cooper Frazier, football has always been a family affair . He started playing the game at a very young age, like most college football players . His family was a big reason why he started playing the game .
“I’m the youngest of four children, so I have two older brothers and they both played football, so I’ve kind of been around it my whole life,” Frazier said . “So, I’d say that’s where my influence came from, just watching them play as a I grew up . ”
His oldest brother, Parks, played college football at Murray State from 2012 to 2014 as a quarterback, playing for current Samford head coach Chris Hatcher .
Like a lot of kids at a young age, Frazier played several sports By the time he got to high school, he was concentrating on football and baseball When he first started at the pee wee level, he played several positions, and in his younger playing years, he actually played quarterback In fact, he even learned some of the position from Hatcher when his brother was playing for him at Murray State
“I was a quarterback back in the day,” Frazier said “Whenever my brother was playing
By Joey Mullins
Samford Athletics
for Coach Hatch, I would go up and do the Coach Hatcher Quarterback Camps when I was little . I have a trophy for one of the long ball competitions . But, whenever I actually started playing ball when I got to middle school, I was on the line . ”
In high school, Frazier played both football and baseball at Corinth High School in his hometown of Corinth, Mississippi . At Corinth, he was named first team All-State as a senior and second team as a junior . He was also a longsnapper and earned second team All-State honors as a sophomore . Additionally, he was named a three-time first team All-Division selection .
When it came time to choose where he wanted to continue his education and his football career, Frazier had a few options .
“Coming out I had offers from MTSU, Air Force, Alcorn State, Samford and UT Martin,” Frazier said “I was mainly considering Samford and MTSU I couldn’t really decide until I came on a visit here, watched a game and just looked at my parents and said, why am I not already coming here? So, from there it just kind of felt like a God decision I prayed about it a lot and then after coming here, everything just kind of felt right I just remember going into the tunnel after the
game and telling Coach Hatch I was committing, and he jumped into my arms . So, that was a good memory . ”
Frazier came to Samford in the fall of 2020 . What was supposed to be the 2020 season was postponed due to the CoVID-19 pandemic, and the season was moved to the spring of 2021 Frazier talked about what it was like to play in the spring instead of the traditional fall season
“For me, it actually helped a lot because, coming in as a freshman during the CoVID season, it gave me more time to pick up the offense and to really learn the scheme before I got a chance to play,” Frazier said “So, it was weird at first, but it was kind of a blessing in disguise for some of us younger guys ”
During that spring season, Samford played a seven-game Southern Conference-only schedule The Bulldogs posted a record of 4-3 and narrowly missed the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs Frazier played in six of the seven games and started the last four games on the offensive line . Following the season, Frazier was named to the Southern Conference’s All-Freshman team .
In the fall season of 2021, Frazier spent the entire season as the team’s main center . That season, the Bulldogs finished the year with a record of 4-7 overall and 3-5 in Southern Conference play .
The following season in 2022, Samford produced one of the best seasons in the history of the program . The Bulldogs posted a regular season record of 10-1 overall and 8-0 in Southern Conference play, earning the program’s first outright SoCon title . Samford eventually advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs and finished with a final record of 11-2, the second-best record in program history .
For Frazier, unfortunately, he had suffered a preseason injury and was unable to play for the majority of the season .
“It was crazy,” Frazier said . “It was kind of a weird year for me because that year, going into fall camp, I actually herniated my L4-L5 disc, so I had surgery and I was out most of the season But even just being here, after I recovered, I was back and travelling, it was just crazy And each week, going through and not losing a game, it
honestly didn’t feel real . It was awesome . ”
In the final home game of the 2022 regular season, Samford hosted Mercer, needing to win to earn the outright Southern Conference title . The game went into overtime and then backup quarterback Quincy Crittendon, playing for an injured Michael Hiers, scored the game-winning touchdown to give the Bulldogs the victory Frazier talked about that game as one of his favorite memories from his time at Samford
“It would probably be that Mercer game where Q C (Quincy Crittendon) ran it in in overtime and everybody just went crazy,” Frazier said “That’s probably one of my favorite memories of playing here ”
In 2023, Frazier was back at full strength That season, he started all 11 games at center for the Bulldogs, leading an offensive line that helped produce the Southern Conference’s leading rusher as Jay Stanton ran for 971 yards and 11 touchdowns
So far during the 2024 season, his final year in a Samford uniform, Frazier has started all five games to date at center . The Bulldogs enter today’s game against Mercer with a 1-1 record in SoCon play, with a lot to play for in the final six games of the season .
Frazier earned his undergraduate degree in finance, with a concentration in sports analytics last spring . He is currently working on his master’s in business administration (MBA) degree from Samford .
Frazier said he hopes to stay involved with athletics following the end of his playing career .
“I’ve thought about a lot of different things,” Frazier said . “I definitely want to stay around sports . I thought about working in a front office for a team, like salary cap management for a team or working for a sports agency . Something like that where I can still be around the game . ”
As Frazier nears the end of his playing career at Samford, he has already left an impressive legacy on the program . No matter what happens for the remainder of this season, Frazier will always be remembered as a great leader and teammate during his time with the Bulldogs
2024 SAMFORD FOOTBALL NUMERICAL ROSTER
6-5 210 Sr Orlando, Fla ./UCF
19 Connor Masters QB 5-9 170 Jr . Louisville, Ky /Christian Academy of Louisville
20 Micah Kelly RB 5-9 203 Gr Pascagoula, Miss /Toledo 21 Ethan Fisher K 5-7 135 Fr Tallahassee, Fla /North Florida Christian HS
21 Carson Goold WR 6-5 205 Jr Memphis, Tenn /Houston HS
22 Ken Cherry RB 5-11 190 Fr Huntsville, Ala ./Madison Academy
22 Xavier Nurse DE 6-3 205 Gr Brooklyn, N Y /Maine
23 Tucker Weber CB 5-10 175 Fr Brentwood Tenn, /Brentwood HS
23 Noah Young WR 6-5 215 Sr Birmingham, Ala /North Alabama
24 Edwin Dearman S 5-11 200 Gr Spring, Texas/Northern Iowa
24 Kobe Hughes RB 5-10 182 Sr Birmingham, Ala ./Birmingham-Southern
25 Jadon Loving WR 5-10 160 Fr Trussville, Ala /Hewitt-Trussville HS
25 William Pruitt S 6-2 185 Fr Atlanta, Ga /Marist School
26 Mitchell Owen S 6-1 185 Sr Atlanta, Ga /Marist School
26 Colton Pace WR 5-9 165 Fr Brentwood,
2024 FOOTBALL
35 Nick Speros WR 5-10 165 Jr Alpharetta, Ga ./Mount Pisgah Christian School
36 Dayton Green WR 5-11 176 Sr . Madison, Ga ./Birmingham-Southern
38 Emerson Russell RB 5-6 160 Fr Chelsea, Ala /Chelsea HS
39 Gavin Morris LB 6-1 215 So Cumming, Ga /South Forsyth HS
39 Ryan Skinner RB 6-1 200 Fr Cullman, Ala /The Citadel
40 Wade White S 6-1 200 Sr . Prattville, Ala ./Prattville HS
41 Jake Haynes LB 6-2 225 Fr Hartselle, Ala /Hartselle HS
41 Tate Taylor TE 6-0 228 Jr Nashville, Tenn /Lipscomb Academy
42 Jordan Russell DE 6-0 225 Sr Birmingham, Ala /Georgia State
43 Daniel Bethel K 6-1 195 Jr Clinton, Tenn /Tennessee
44 Corey Warren DT 6-0 257 So Hoover, Ala /Georgia State
45 Jaden Daniels WR 5-10 165 Fr Vestavia Hills, Ala /Vestavia Hills HS
45 Thomas Neville LB 6-3 215 Gr Loganville, Ga /Dunwoody HS
47 Daniel Valdes WR 6-2 160 Fr Franklin, Tenn /Franklin Christian Academy
46 Trustin Northington S 6-1 190 Jr Bay St Louis, Miss ./Ole Miss
48 Nour Tayara WR 6-0 190 Jr Pass Christian, Miss ./St Olaf (MN)
49 Vance Nicklaus TE 6-5 240 Jr Duluth, Ga /Florida State
50 Darrian King OL 6-3 295 Sr Oak Grove, Miss /East Misssissippi CC
51 Jacob Gettman K 6-0 160 Fr Daytona Beach, Fla /Mainland HS
52 Wesley Graham OL 6-3 300 Fr . Smiths Station, Ala ./Glenwood HS
53 Kaden McKeown LS 6-0 195 Fr Mableton, Ga /Whitefield Academy
54 Luke Byrne OL 6-4 305 Gr Forsyth, Ga /Mary Persons HS
55 Johnny Johnson DL 6-1 263 Gr St Amant, La /St Amant HS
56 Aidan Barr LS 6-0 205 So West Palm Beach, Fla /Cardinal Newman HS
57 Cooper Frazier OL 6-4 305 Gr . Corinth, Miss /Corinth HS
58 Chris Noble OL 6-4 287 Gr Brewton, Ala /UAB
59 Will Thorley P 6-3 215 So Torquay, Australia/Prokick Australia
61 Alex Applefield LS 5-10 208 Gr Dothan, Ala /Houston Academy
63 Zach Bond OL 6-3 290 Sr McHenry, Miss /N W Mississippi CC
64 Noah Watts OL 6-1 295 So Alabaster, Ala ./Thompson HS
69 J P Oliver DL 6-0 260 Jr Jackson, Tenn /Trinity Christian Academy
70 Brett Johnson OL 6-4 290 Jr Maplesville, Ala /UAB
71 Carson Donovan OL 6-2 255 Fr Calera, Ala /Evangel Christian
72 Joshua Lovett OL 6-0 255 So Knoxville, Tenn ./Birmingham-Southern
73 Justin Perritt OL 6-2 285 Jr Covington, La /Northlake Christian School
74 Tyler Douthit OL 6-4 280 Fr Woodstock, Ga /Woodstock HS
75 Charlie Rickell OL 6-4 252 So Dunwoody, Ga /Birmingham-Southern
76 Michael Snow OL 6-5 240 Fr Pell City, Ala /Pell City HS
77 Zach Brown OL 6-4 280 Sr . Loretto, Tenn ./Loretto HS
78 Duncan Johnson OL 6-5 275 Fr Augusta, Ga /Aquinas HS
79 Donovan Hawkins OL 6-1 310 Sr Pinson, Ala /Pinson Valley HS
80 Wilson Beaverstock K 6-0 210 Gr Mobile, Ala /UAB
81 Jamall Thompson DL 6-3 268 Jr Sarasota, Fla /Sarasota HS
82 Jaylon Barden WR 5-11 180 Gr . Macon, Ga /Georgia Southern
84 Preston Bird WR 5-10 170 Fr Bonaire, Ga /Veterans HS
85 Wesley Carlock WR 5-10 175 Jr Jackson, Tenn /University School of Jackson
86 Nick Crayton WR 6-3 215 Fr Decatur, Ala /Austin HS
87 Forrest Taylor K 5-8 165 Jr Foley, Ala ./Coffeyville CC
88 Joel Decoursey TE 6-4 230 Gr . Zionsville, Ind ./Vanderbilt
89 Michael Mitchler TE 6-3 225 Jr Roswell, Ga /Blessed Trinity HS
90 Conroy Cunningham II DE 6-3 235 Gr Melbourne, Fla /Bethune-Cookman
91 Jaylin Rainey DL 6-2 275 Gr Memphis, Tenn /Dartmouth
93 Daniel Bettis TE 6-1 250 Gr . Tuskegee, Ala ./Booker T Washington HS
94 Makhi Gilbert DL 6-3 290 So Phenix City, Ala /Central HS
95 Maxton Woodward DL 6-2 336 Jr Philadelphia, Miss /Holmes CC
96 Nazir Sy DL 6-3 300 Gr Caton, Ga /Northwestern State
97 Nick Jackson DL 6-1 270 Gr Orlando, Fla /Winter Park HS
98 Joshua Mathiasen DL 6-2 325 Sr . Elmhurst, Ill /Olivet Nazarene
99 Tyler Durant DL 6-3 270 Fr Daphne, Ala /Daphne HS
2024 MERCER FOOTBALL ROSTER
0 Brayden Manley DL 6-2 245 So Vanceboro, N C / West Craven HS
1 Arias Nash DL 6-1 275 Jr Charlotte, N C / Stuart Cramer HS
1 DJ Smith QB 6-2 200 Jr Greenwood, Miss / Jones College
2 Apollos Cook WR 6-3 210 R-Fr Lexington, S C / Duke
2 Myles Redding S 6-1 195 Sr Mableton, Ga / Whitefield Academy
3 Isaac Dowling LB 5-9 225 Gr Snellville, Ga / Shiloh HS
3 Dwayne McGee RB 5-8 180 Sr Kissimmee, Fla / Lenoir-Rhyne
4 Lonnie Ratliff IV QB 5-11 210 R-So . Duluth, Ga / Holmes CC
4 Donovan Watkins S 5-11 180 R-Fr Winnsboro, S C / Fairfield Central HS
5 Javarius George WR 5-10 170 Fr Dallas, Ga / North Paulding HS
6 Marques Thomas LB 6-0 225 Sr . Bessemer, Ala . / McAdory HS
7 Kendall Harris WR 6-1 200 R-Fr Concord, N C / Cox Mill HS
7 Carmelo O’neal S 6-4 200 Fr Atlanta, Ga / Westlake HS
8 TJ Moore CB 6-0 185 Gr Riverdale, Ga . / Riverdale HS
8 Whitt Newbauer QB 6-6 225 Fr Raleigh, N C / Cardinal Gibbons HS
9 Beau Green QB 6-1 215 R-Fr Madera, Calif / Madera HS
9 Khalil Moody CB 6-1 160 Fr . Sumter, S .C / Crestwood HS
10 Parker Wroble WR 5-10 185 Sr Hoschton, Ga / Air Force Prep
11 Dainsus Miller CB 5-10 170 Jr Fairburn, Ga / Marshall
12 Hess Horne QB 6-2 185 R-Jr Eufaula, Ala . / Missouri State
13 Kelin Parsons WR 6-2 205 Sr Winston-Salem, N C / Lenoir-Rhyne
14 Chris Joines S 6-3 195 Jr Winston-Salem, N C / Myrtle Beach Prep
15 Neko Fann QB 5-10 175 Fr . Moultrie, Ga / Colquitt County HS
15 Ken Standley LB 5-11 225 Gr Waycross, Ga / Ware County HS
16 Christian Davis S 5-10 190 R-So Tuscaloosa, Ala / Army
17 Kaleb Hutchinson S 6-0 185 R-So . Augusta, Ga . / Coastal Carolina
18 Adjatay Dabbs WR 6-0 170 R-Fr Greeneville, Tenn / Greeneville HS
19 John McConnell P 6-3 190 R-Jr Morgantown, W Va / Marshall
20 Ryan McNally S 5-9 170 Fr . Winder, Ga / Winder-Barrow HS
21 Victor Pless CB 5-10 175 Gr Kennesaw, Ga / Minnesota
21 Brayden Smith WR 5-10 185 So Macon, Ga / Tattnall Square Academy
22 Carter Kermott S 5-11 180 Fr . Carlsbad, Calif . / La Costa Canyon HS
22 CJ Miller RB 5-11 230 R-So Gadsden, Ala / Gadsden City HS
23 Sam Connell CB 6-0 165 Fr Augusta, Ga / Augusta Prep
23 Travion Solomon WR 6-1 190 Jr Macon, Ga . / Northeast HS
24 Roman Douthit CB 5-10 155 Fr Atlanta, Ga / Lakeside HS
24 Matthew Miller WR 5-10 180 Fr Lilburn, Ga / Providence Christian Academy
25 Tyrell Coard RB 6-0 205 So . Charlotte, N C . / Cox Mill HS
26 Tucker Mix CB 5-10 165 R-So Gray, Ga / Jones County HS
27 Micah Bell RB 5-10 205 R-So McDonough, Ga / Charlotte
28 Amari Brown S 5-9 195 Jr Lovejoy, Ga . / Reinhardt
29 Claumy Jean-Francois Jr WR 6-0 185 Sr Miami, Fla / Florida International
30 Brayden Dudley DL 6-2 255 R-So Buford, Ga / West Virginia
31 Myles Weston CB 5-11 175 R-So . Port Charlotte, Fla / Venice HS
32 Kai Reyes CB 5-11 190 Fr Jacksonville, Fla / Fletcher HS
33 Antonio Butts Jr LB 6-1 215 Fr Savannah, Ga / Effingham County HS
34 Aiden Wilson LS 5-10 200 R-Fr Buford, Ga / Bowling Green State
35 Langston White RB 5-9 190 R-Jr Decatur, Ga / Cedar Grove HS
36 Bryce Addison K 5-9 175 R-So Saint Augustine, Fla / Pedro Menendez HS
37 Tripp Slaton LB 6-1 215 R-So Newnan, Ga / Newnan HS
38 Juwan Johnson S 5-11 195 Jr Savannah, Ga / Calvary Day School
2024 FOOTBALL
39 Billy Martin RB 5-8 175 Fr . Kite, Ga . / David Emanuel Academy
40 Isaiah Washburn DL 5-11 230 Jr Clearwater, Fla / Air Force Prep
41 Julian Fox LB 6-1 220 So Cordele, Ga / Crisp County HS
42 Christian Hanson DL 6-0 235 Jr Senoia, Ga / Trinity Christian Academy
43 Myles Jones DL 6-1 235 R-Jr Charlotte, N C / Hough HS
44 Jonathan Powers LB 6-1 220 Fr Newberry, Fla / Newberry HS
45 Tommy Bliss S 5-11 195 R-So Richmond Hill, Ga / Richmond Hill HS
46 Isaac Prince LB 6-0 215 R-So Snellville, Ga / Shiloh HS
47 Aidan Styan K 5-11 190 Fr Richmond Hill, Ga / Richmond Hill HS
48 Mic Wasson LB 6-3 215 Jr Glennville, Ga / Pinewood Christian Academy
49 Carson Griffin DL 6-3 250 Sr Calhoun, Ga / Calhoun HS
51 Drew Clare LB 6-2 225 R-So Alpharetta, Ga . / Denmark HS
52 Wyatt Hester LB 6-0 190 Fr Newberry, Fla / Newberry HS
53 Justin Gilbert DL 6-3 245 R-Jr Dallas, Ga / Savannah State
54 Justin Brett OL 5-11 265 R-So . Sandersville, Ga / Washington County HS
55 EJ Johnson OL 6-5 285 Jr Toledo, Ohio / Youngstown State
61 Avery Ferris OL 6-3 290 R-Fr Auburn, Ala / Auburn HS
62 Jep Hudspeth OL 6-2 265 R-Fr . Savannah, Ga . / Savannah Christian HS
63 Eli Edwards OL 6-5 305 R-So Cumming, Ga / North Forsyth HS
64 Riley Adcock OL 6-0 270 Sr Dacula, Ga / Dacula HS
65 Simon Mermuys OL 6-4 265 Fr . Chapel Hill, N .C . / Chapel Hill HS
67 Pierson Sears OL 6-1 255 Fr Canton, Ga / Creekview HS
69 Jay Culbreth DL 6-1 225 R-Fr Dallas, Ga / East Paulding HS
70 Xavier Jennings OL 6-2 305 Gr . Shelby, N .C / Lenoir-Rhyne
71 Israel Mukwiza OL 6-1 320 R-Sr Bronx, N Y / Alabama A&M
72 Michael Horton OL 6-4 280 Fr Macon, Ga / Westside HS
73 Kurt Armstrong OL 6-4 325 Fr . Baker, Fla . / Baker HS
74 Amarii Atchison OL 6-8 300 R-Fr Douglasville, Ga / Alexander HS
76 William Cotney OL 6-1 260 R-Fr Ocala, Fla / West Port HS
77 Luke Schultz OL 6-7 295 Fr . Birmingham, Ala / Briarwood Christian HS
78 Ian Hover OL 6-2 310 R-Sr Atlanta, Ga / Texas State
79 Matthew Johnson OL 6-3 300 R-So Marbury, Ala / Troy
80 Lake Thoman WR 5-10 180 R-Fr Alpharetta, Ga / Denmark HS
81 Scooter Risper WR 5-10 175 R-Sr West Macon, Ga / West Georgia
82 Cole Shaw WR 6-2 195 Fr Thomasville, Ga / Thomasville HS
83 Camauri Simmons WR 5-10 160 Fr . Hardeeville, S .C / Navy Prep
84 Zachary Lowe WR 5-8 170 Fr Apex, N C / Apex HS
85 Sawyer Burt TE 6-5 250 R-So Fort Payne, Ala / Fort Payne HS
86 Samuel Albee TE 6-5 235 So . Dunwoody, Ga . / Fellowship Christian School
87 Knox Hollis TE 6-1 240 R-Fr Covington, La / Northlake Christian HS
88 Ty Everson TE 6-3 235 So Blackshear, Ga / Navy Prep
89 Ian Garcia P 6-0 210 R-So Windermere, Fla . / Foundation Academy
90 Tucker Wilson DL 5-11 230 R-So Springfield, Ga / Effingham County HS
91 Jordan Swain DL 6-3 290 R-Sr Brunswick, Ga / Glynn Academy
92 Sully Croker K 6-0 180 R-Fr Auburn, Ga . / Providence Christian Academy
93 Reice Griffith K 5-11 170 So Pace, Fla / Pace HS
94 Andrew Zock DL 6-2 250 Fr Citra, Fla / Hawthorne HS
95 RJ Evans DL 6-1 285 Gr High Point, N C / Towson
97 Kody Arnold P 5-10 175 So Brunswick, Ga / Glynn Academy
98 Chris Hill DL 6-1 295 R-Sr Statesboro, Ga / Statesboro HS
99 Caden Camese DL 6-1 285 R-So . Bellevue, Neb / Bellevue West HS
2024 SAMFORD FOOTBALL DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
QB 2 Quincy Crittendon (5-11, 200, Jr )
10 Hayden Klees (6-1, 180, Fr )
RB 31 Damonta Witherspoon (5-8, 210, Sr .)
20 Micah Kelly (5-9, 203, Gr )
X 3 E Jai Mason (6-1, 205, Sr )
82 Jaylon Barden (5-11 180 Gr .) -or-
18 Stephen Martin (6-5, 210, Sr )
LT 50 Darrian King (6-3, 295, Sr )
78 Duncan Johnson (6-5, 275, Fr .)
LG 58 Chris Noble (6-4, 287, Gr )
70 Brett Johnson (6-4, 290, Jr )
C 57 Cooper Frazier (6-4, 305, Sr .)
63 Zach Bond (6-3, 290, Sr )
RG 54 Luke Byrne (6-4, 305, Gr )
79 Donny Hawkins (6-1, 310, Sr )
RT 77 Zach Brown (6-4, 280, Sr .)
74 Tyler Douthit (6-4, 280, Fr )
H 15 Iaan Cousin (5-11, 170, Gr )
11 Rayf Vinson (6-1, 195, Jr .)
Y 7 DJ Rias (5-9, 190, Gr )
85 Wesley Carlock (5-10, 175, Jr ) -or-
33 Teddy Davenport (5-10, 175, Jr .)
Z 12 Brendan Jenkins (6-1, 200, So )
84 Preston Bird (5-10, 170, Fr )
TE 41 Tate Taylor (6-0, 228, Jr .)
93 Daniel Bettis (6-1, 250, Gr )
DEFENSE
R 45 Thomas Neville (6-3, 215, Gr )
22 Xavier Nurse (6-3, 205, Gr )
NT 98 Josh Mathiasen (6-2, 325, Sr .)
91 Jaylin Rainey (6-2, 275, Gr )
DT 97 Nick Jackson (6-1 270 Gr )
94 Makhi Gilbert (6-3 290 So )
DE 55 Johnny Johnson (6-1, 263, Gr )
81 Jamall Thompson (6-3, 268, Jr ) -or-
W 33 Jaden Mosley (6-2 . 208, Gr )
39 Gavin Morris (6-1, 215, So )
M 5 Noah Martin (6-2, 232, Gr )
34 Mailk Gaither (6-2, 205, Gr .)
CB 16 Kamron Smith (6-0, 195, Sr )
13 Jamari Cannon (5-10, 158, Sr )
SS 24 Edwin Dearman (5-11, 200, Gr .)
6 Jalen Nelson (6-1, 185, So )
FS 29 CJ Douglas (5-10, 195, So )
9 Midnight Steward (6-1, 202, Jr )
NKL 1 Dontae Pollard (5-10, 185, Jr )
27 Gumbo Gaskins (6-1, 190, So )
CB 2 Jalik Yancey (5-11, 180, Jr )
4 Xavier Lainer (6-2, 192, Jr .)
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 87 Forrest Taylor (5-8, 165, Jr )
80 Wilson Beaverstock (6-0, 210, Gr )
KO 80 Wilson Beaverstock (6-0, 210, Gr )
87 Forrest Taylor (5-8, 165, Jr .)
P 59 Will Thorley (6-3, 215 So )
80 Wilson Beaverstock (6-0, 210, Gr )
H 59 Will Thorley (6-3, 215, So .)
6 Ben Levine (5-8, 165, Fr )
LS 61 Alex Applefield (5-10, 208, Gr )
56 Aidan Barr (6-0, 205, So .)
KR 7 DJ Rias (5-9, 190, Gr )
15 Iaan Cousin (5-11, 170, Gr )
PR 82 Jaylon Barden (5-11, 180, Gr .)
7 DJ Rias (5-9, 190, Gr )
2024 SAMFORD FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF
Chris Hatcher, Head Coach
Ricky Turner, Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Shawn Bostick, Associate Head Coach/Offensive Line
Adam Braithwaite, Defensive Coordinator
Kerry Webb, Special Teams Coordinator
Brandon Cooper, Linebackers
K.D. Humphries, Running Backs
Brendan Bognar, Quarterbacks
Darien Moody, Defensive Line
Peter Renkoski, Tight Ends/Asst . Off . Line
Chazmon Scales, Cornerbacks
Blake Catlett, Defensive Ends
Chris Hatcher Head Coach
2024 FOOTBALL
2024 MERCER DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
X 7 Kendall Harris (6-1, 200, R-Fr )
LT
18 Adjatay Dabbs (6-0, 170, R-Fr )
74 Amarii Atchison (6-8, 300, R-Fr .)
79 Matthew Johnson (6-3, 300, R-So )
LG 71 Israel Mukwiza (6-1, 320, R-Sr )
C
61 Avery Ferris (6-3, 290, R-Fr .)
64 Riley Adcock (6-0, 270, Sr )
57 Tyler Murray (6-2, 285, Fr )
RG 57 Tyler Murray (6-2, 285, Fr .)
78 Ian Hover (6-2, 310, R-Sr )
RT 55 EJ Johnson (6-5, 285, Jr )
63 Eli Edwards (6-5, 305, R-So .)
TE 86 Samuel Albee (6-5, 235, So )
85 Sawyer Burt (6-5, 250, R-So )
Z 13 Kelin Parsons (6-2, 205, Sr )
2 Apollos Cook (6-3, 210, R-Fr .)
SLOT 21 Brayden Smith (5-10, 185, So )
10 Parker Wroble (5-10, 185, Sr )
QB 1 DJ Smith (6-2, 200, Jr .)
12 Hess Horne (6-2, 185, R-Jr )
RB 3 Dwayne McGee (5-8, 180, Sr )
27 Micah Bell (5-10, 205, R-So .)
DEFENSE
DE 0 Brayden Manley (6-2, 245, So .)
49 Carson Griffin (6-3, 250, Sr )
NT 91 Jordan Swain (6-3, 290, R-Sr )
99 Caden Camese (6-1, 285, R-So .)
DT 1 Arias Nash (6-1, 275, Jr )
98 Chris Hill (6-1, 295, R-Sr )
DE 94 Andrew Zock (6-2, 250, Fr .)
42 Christian Hanson (6-0, 235, Jr )
LB 15 Ken Standley (5-11, 225, R-Sr )
6 Marques Thomas (6-0, 225, Sr )
LB 3 Isaac Dowling (5-9, 225, Sr )
46 Isaac Prince (6-0, 215, R-So )
SAM 4 Donovan Watkins (5-11, 180, R-Fr .)
16 Christian Davis (5-10, 190, R-So )
CB 8 TJ Moore (6-0, 185, Sr )
21 Victor Pless (5-10, 175, Gr .)
FS 2 Myles Redding (6-1, 195, Sr )
17 Kaleb Hutchinson (6-0, 185 R-So )
SS 14 Chris Joines (6-3, 195, Jr )
38 Juwan Johnson (5-11, 195, Jr )
CB 11 Dainsus Miller (5-10, 170, Jr )
31 Myles Weston (5-11, 175, R-So )
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK 93 Reice Griffith (5-11, 170, So )
KOS 92 Sully Croker (6-0, 180, R-Fr )
HOL 19 John McConnell (6-3, 190, R-Jr ) 12 Hess Horne (6-2, 185, R-Jr )
KR 21 Brayden Smith (5-10, 185, So ) 10 Parker Wroble (5-10, 185, Sr )
P 19 John McConnell (6-3, 190, R-Jr ) #89 Ian Garcia (6-0, 210, R-So .)
LS #56 Jaiden Hamilton (6-2, 215, So ) #37 Tripp Slaton (6-1, 215, R-So )
PR #21 Brayden Smith (5-10, 185, So .) #5 Javarius George (5-10, 170, Fr )
2024 MERCER COACHING STAFF
Shawn Chaffee, Associate Head Coach/Linebackers
Jahmal Brown, Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Anthony Soto, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Fred Jones, Recruiting Coordinator/Running Backs:
Matt Ulrich, Special Teams Coordinator
Devin Figaro, Wide Receivers
Jimmy Long, Defensive Line
Shaedon Meadors, Tight Ends
Tyler Orlosky, Offensive Line
Chris Vega, Defensive Backs
Justin Joyce, Offensive Analyst
Mike Jacobs Head Coach
BOBBY BOWDEN FIELD AT PETE HANNA STADIUM
Bobby Bowden Field at Pete Hanna 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, the Terry Bowden era, which ended with a 14-game Bulldog winning streak in the stadium and the 2022 season that saw the Bulldogs win the SoCon, host the stadium’s first FCS Playoff game and post a 6-0 record in the facility .
The stadium was originally named Seibert Stadium, in honor of the late F. Page Seibert, a Daytona Beach, Fla ., 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 During the 2023 season, the stadium was renamed Pete Hanna Stadium, honoring Samford alumni and supporter Pete Hanna
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 in the stadium 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
The facility has undergone numerous improvements during the past few years . In 2019, a brand new state-of-the-art video board was installed
in the north end zone of the stadium Before the 2009 season, the Cooney Family Field House was opened in the South end zone of the stadium . The facility includes locker rooms, training rooms, meeting rooms and coaches offices for Samford’s football program . A second-level terrace overlooks Pete Hanna Stadium The facility was renamed the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House in 2014, honoring former head coach Pat Sullivan and his wife, Jean
In fall 2005, the original grass surface was replaced with an LSR Blade Synthetic Surface The surface was replaced in 2013 with a Hybrid Mono/XP by Warner Athletic Construction, and was again replaced in 2024 . The four-level Bashinsky Press Tower was completed before the 1989 season . This GeorgianColonial structure contains complete facilities for print and electronic media on the third level, reserved seating for 51 guests on the second level, and a concession stand and restroom facilities on the ground floor A partially covered film deck is located atop the facility, and an elevator serves all levels
At the same time, more than 200 theatre-type reserved seats were added in front of the press tower, bringing the seating capacity to 6,700 Aluminum seating replaced the original wooden seats . A scoreboard featuring an electronic matrix message board was added before the 1994 season The improvements have made Samford’s football facility one of the finest in the nation at the Division I-FCS level
PETE HANNA STADIUM RECORDS
BUILT:
Gatehouse and East Stands, 1958; West Side Stands, 1961; Bashinsky Press Tower, 1989; Electronic Message Board, 1994; Video Board, 2005; SullivanCooney Family Field House, 2009 .
FIRST GAME:
Friday, Sept 26, 1958 (Sewanee defeated Samford, 21-0)
FIRST WIN:
Oct 3, 1959 (Samford defeated Tennessee Tech “B” team, 34-0)
FIRST VARSITY WIN: Oct 16, 1959 (Samford defeated Millsaps, 26-0)
SAMFORD OVERALL RECORD AT SEIBERT (272 GAMES): 182-86-4 ( 676)
SAMFORD DAY RECORD AT SEIBERT (197 GAMES): ): 124-69-4 ( 639)
SAMFORD NIGHT RECORD AT SEIBERT (77 GAMES): 60-17-0 ( 779)
MOST COMMON OPPONENTS AT SEIBERT: Chattanooga 15, Jacksonville State 11, UT Martin 10, Mississippi College 9, Tennessee Tech 9
MOST SAMFORD POINTS: 77 vs Mars Hill (7), 2016
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: 70 points (Samford 77, Mars Hill 7), 2016
MOST OPPONENT’S POINTS: 82, by Salem (Samford 9), 1984
LONGEST RUN FROM SCRIMMAGE:
81-yard run, Chris Evans, vs Austin Peay, 2007
LONGEST PASS COMPLETION:
92-yard touchdown, Andy Summerlin to Chris Cephus vs Chattanooga, 2013
LONGEST SAMFORD PASS COMPLETION:
92-yard touchdown, Andy Summerlin to Chris Cephus vs Chattanooga, 2013
LONGEST PUNT:
73 yards, Ray Collins, vs . Southwestern, 1961
LONGEST FIELD GOAL:
52 yards, Ray Early of Furman, 2010
LONGEST SAMFORD FIELD GOAL:
48 yards, Mark Prevost, vs Jacksonville State, 2007
LONGEST PUNT RETURN:
90-yard touchdown, Mick Edmonson of Jacksonville State, 1989
LONGEST SAMFORD PUNT RETURN:
76 yards, Anthony Jordan, vs Alcorn State, 1994
LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN:
100-yard touchdown, Karel Hamilon vs Chattanooga, 2015; 100-yard touchdown, Fabian Truss vs Western Carolina, 2013
LONGEST INTERCEPTION RETURN:
100-yard touchdown, Ricky Fields, vs Concord, 1990
MOST YARDS RUSHING:
249, Surkano Edwards, vs West Georgia, 1992
MOST CARRIES:
35, Derek Staley, vs . Tennessee Tech, 1995
MOST TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING:
4, Michael Eubank, vs VMI, 2014; 4, Steve Hayden, vs Morgan State, 1995; 4, Brady Jones, vs . Austin Peay, 1990; 4, Brady Jones, vs East Tennessee State, 1989
MOST PASS ATTEMPTS:
60, Ray Nelson, vs Jacksonville State, 2003
MOST COMPLETIONS:
43, Michael Hiers, vs Mercer, 2022
MOST YARDS PASSING: 495, Andy Summerlin, vs Georgia Southern, 2013
MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES: 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs . Ferrum, 1987; 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs Maryville, 1987
MOST RECEPTIONS: 16, Efrem Hill, vs Jacksonville State, 2003
MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS: 3, Efrem Hill, vs Eastern Kentucky, 2004; 3, Efrem Hill, vs West Alabama, 2004; 3, Efrem Hill, vs West Alabama, 2003; 3, Kelvin McKnight, vs Western Carolina, 2018
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Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House
Prior to the start of practice for the 2009 season, the Samford football program moved into the Cooney Family Field House During the 2014 season, the facility was renamed in honor of then head coach Pat Sullivan and is now known as the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House .
The field house houses a locker room, nutrition center, training room, weight room, equipment room, coaches’ offices, meeting rooms and a film room . The field house, which is 39,400 square feet, cost approximately $8 million dollars, with all money privately donated .
The Cooney Family Field House was made possible with a lead gift from Birmingham business executive and Samford graduate Gary Cooney, vice chairman of McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc , one of the nation’s leading insurance brokerage firms . Cooney
said he wanted to honor his parents, the late John and Patricia Cooney, and other family members with the naming
“Our family has a long history with Samford, andmy hope is that these gifts will encourage others to support this great university,” Cooney said at the time of the dedication . “We have great confidence in the leadership of Dr Westmoreland and our good friend, Coach Pat Sullivan, and we want to help have a positive influence on young student-athletes ”
Cooney graduated from Samford in 1974 . He was a member of the school’s 1971 team that won the NCAA Division II West Region Championship
HELP GROW OUR TEAM
Let’s
Academic Enhancement Program
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has strongly enforced academic reform this decade as it pertains to student-athletes’ continuing eligibility and ultimate college graduation Because of the tightening of new legislation, academic support services throughout the country have been highlighted to spearhead the additional success that is needed for student-athletes to earn a degree The academic success for Samford University student-athletes begins with the Academic Enhancement Program [AEP] The AEP was developed in the early 1990s and is based on individual instruction with student-athletes who are integrated within a caring environment that is conducive to academic success
The AEP system is designed to provide Samford’s student-athletes with the necessary guidance, personal attention and academic skills— enhancement activities to help them have the most positive educational and personal experience possible . Student-athletes are integrated within a foundation of the university’s general education core curriculum that emphasizes basic skills for academic achievement .
Tutors and academic mentors assist athletes in writing courses, foreign languages, math, science and business, to name a few . With tutorial sessions incorporating improved study techniques, the AEP puts student-athletes in position to succeed and become independent learners .
The AEP environment includes a computer lab/classroom, private tutor rooms and quiet study space .
In conjunction with the Career Development Center, the Writing Center, the Academic Success Center and all student support services, the AEP is a bridge from freshman orientation to graduation and professional life .
The AEP strives to meet the needs, concerns and overall welfare of all student-athletes Each May, the academic enhancement office honors studentathletes who have achieved a 3 0 GPA or better over the last two full terms
LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM
The Department of Athletics offers a variety of support programs for student-athletes, including
some NCAA Student Affairs programming This student development program exists to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting There are five focus areas that address student-athlete development
Commitment to Academic Excellence: To support the academic progress of student-athletes toward intellectual development and graduation
Commitment to Athletic Excellence: To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletics programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of student-athletes
Commitment to Personal Development:
To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills .
Commitment to Career Development: To encourage student-athletes to develop and pursue career and life goals .
Commitment to Service: To engage studentathletes in service to their campus and surrounding community . Throughout the year, student-athletes attend the programs in the five commitment areas that are most relevant and helpful to them at their current stage of development . This is done through workshops and seminars, campus partnerships and other programming throughout the year . Topics include financial management, time management, media relations, spiritual development, choosing a major and a career, résumé writing, and sportsmanship . Speakers include faculty members, coaches, administrators, business leaders and former student-athletes .
All AEP programming is designed to enhance and support the academic and athletic endeavors of student-athletes Student-athletes gain preparation for success in life, develop enhanced interpersonal skills, build positive self-esteem, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their communities
CHARLES WILLIAMS MEMORIAL JERSEY
On May 23, 2003, Samford junior cornerback Charles Williams died in a car accident . In only two seasons on the team, Williams emerged as a starter in the secondary in 2002 . In addition to his success on the field, Williams also maintained one of the highest grade point averages on the team For the 2003 and 2004 seasons (what would have been Williams’ junior and senior seasons) no one wore jersey No . 5, the number that Williams wore . Every year since then, a senior has been selected to wear the No . 5, the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey
Ossie Buchannon
Jon Weber
Justin Shade T C Myers
Bryce Smith Brinson Porter
Jay McCurty
Sean Thompson
Carson Barnett Devon Schmitt Shaheed Salmon Tyler Queen Nick Barton
Montrell Washington Liam Welch Nathan East Chandler Smith Noah Martin
Rodney Shepherd
Ryan Dudchock
98 %
Graduation Success Rate
Average GPA for all of Samford’s student-athletes for the academic year.
72%
student-athletes made Fall 2024 Dean’s List
student-athletes made Spring 2024 Dean’s List
79
student-athletes earned the Commissioner’s Medal
34 3.25
student-athletes had a 4.0 GPA
144 130 14/15 81
Academic All-Conference Fall 2022
145
321 of Samford’s student-athletes had a GPA of 3.0 or higher
teams had a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
Academic All-Conference Spring 2023
student-athletes on the SoCon Academic Honor Roll
Beck A. Taylor President
Beck A. Taylor began his tenure as the 19th president of Samford University in July 2021 Taylor, who served as dean and professor of economics for Samford’s Brock School of Business from 2005-2010, returned to Samford after serving as the 18th president of Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, from 2010-2021
After earning his undergraduate degree from Baylor with majors in economics and finance, Taylor was employed as an analyst for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in Houston, Texas He went on to earn his MS and PhD in economics from Purdue University Shortly thereafter, he returned to Baylor as associate dean for research and faculty development for the Hankamer School of Business, and was named the first holder of the W.H . Smith Professorship in Economics . In 2002, he was appointed as a visiting scholar by Harvard University where he spent one year in residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education .
As dean of Samford’s Brock School of Business, Taylor led the rapid transformation of the business school, including its renaming to honor Harry B . Brock Jr ., founder of Compass Bank . Taylor led the Brock School of Business to establish eight new academic programs, as well as the school’s new honors program . The school’s entrepreneurship program was recognized in 2010
as the nation’s top emerging program by the U .S . Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship In an effort to build bridges between students and the Birmingham business community, Taylor established the Samford Business Network, as well as a 45-member advisory board of the region’s top business leaders
As a scholar, Taylor has published dozens of studies in economics journals such as Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of Labor Economics, Journal of Human Resources and Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking Illustrating his diverse research interests and his connections to the social sciences, Taylor has also published groundbreaking research in public health and child developmental psychology His research has been cited in testimony given before the U .S . Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, and the California State Assembly, and also has been referenced in publications such as TheNewYorkTimes,The BostonGlobe,andTheChristianScienceMonitor . Taylor is a member of numerous professional and academic organizations, and he has served as a strategic business consultant for dozens of organizations . He and his wife, Julie, have three children .
Martin Newton, Director of Athletics
Samford University alumnus and director of athletics Martin Newton has transformed the Bulldogs into one of the Southern Conference’s most successful programs since taking the helm of the department on March 9, 2011 . Two years ago, Newton signed a five-year contract extension that began on July 1, 2022 .
Newton has made an impact nationally in his time at Samford as he is in the middle of a five-year appointment to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee Additionally, he currently serves on the NCAA Division I Council and the Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee He was also recently appointed to the NCAA Council Coordination Committee (CCC)
On the fields and courts, the Bulldogs have captured 69 Southern Conference regular season and tournament championships during his tenure, including a school record 11 championships in 2022-23
Additionally, in the last two Southern Conference All-Sports standings Samford won both the Germann Cup (top women’s program) and the Commissioner’s Cup (top men’s program) in back-to-back seasons Additionally, Samford has won the last two SoCon Graduation Rate Awards
Academically, the school’s student-athletes have also posted outstanding results in the classroom, with 2,462 Bulldogs being named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll . Samford’s student-athletes posted an impressive 98 percent in the most recent NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report, the highest mark in the SoCon and in the state of Alabama .
Over the last 13 years, the Athletics Department has seen significant growth in corporate partnerships and annual giving, more than doubling philanthropic gifts and sponsorship revenues .
Facility enhancements have also been a hallmark of Newton’s tenure with the Bulldogs . Samford has opened a new soccer and track stadium as well as a new softball stadium, indoor hitting facility for the baseball and softball programs and an indoor practice facility for men’s and women’s golf . A new academic
center was recently built in Bashinsky Field House . Additionally, state-of-the-art video boards have been added to the Pete Hanna Center (men’s and women’s basketball/volleyball), Pete Hanna Stadium (football), Joe Lee Griffin Field (baseball) and in Shauna Yelton Field at the Cameron Bean Track (soccer/track and field) .
The football video board was a part of Phase I of the Seibert Stadium project, which was completed in August 2019 and was 100 percent donor funded . Phase II, which was completed prior to the 2021 season, included a complete renovation of the Bashinsky Press Tower, new premium seating on the west side of the stadium and renovations to the east side Gate House
In the spring of 2017, a goal of Newton’s was realized when the inaugural class of the Samford Athletics Hall of Fame was inducted
He has also negotiated an exclusive universitywide footwear and apparel deal with Nike, helped lead the way on a university-wide licensing agreement with the Licensing Resource Group and successfully transformed the antiquated radio network into an industry leader in campus-led broadcast production with all Samford home athletic events airing on ESPN3 or ESPN+
Newton started the Samford Strong Leadership Academy in 2014 The academy is a program jointly developed between the Athletics Department and the Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership . Its mission is to bring successful athletes to campus to share their personal stories and the importance of faith and character to success in all areas of life for Samford’s student-athletes .
Following his 1983 graduation from Samford, he worked in sports marketing for Converse for 13 years . Newton then spent 13 years in a similar capacity at Nike .
Prior to his return to Samford, Newton was hired at the University of Kentucky in 2009, where he managed the budget, fund-raising, compliance, scheduling, marketing and academic support for the men’s basketball program .
Newton and his wife, Cindy, have three grown children, Katie, Madison and Charles . They also have two grandsons, Charlie and Sawyer .
VOLLEYBALL
Head Coaches
SOFTBALL
FOOTBALL
BASEBALL
Megan Curry
Keylor Chan
W. GOLF
Joe Davidson
M. GOLF
Al DelGreco
W. TENNIS
David Vest
SOCCER
Todd Yelton
TRACK & FIELD
Rod Tiffin
Tony David
W. BASKETBALL
Carley Kuhns
M. TENNIS
Oliver Reynolds
M. BASKETBALL
Bucky McMillan
Chris Hatcher
Ask Before You Act
Compliance with NCAA rules is of utmost importance to Samford University . As a member of the NCAA, Samford is responsible for the actions of its coaches, student-athletes, employees, alumni, donors, boosters and friends As such, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these important items concerning NCAA rules and always remember to ASK BEFORE YOU ACT: 205-726-4244 | compliance@samford.edu Twitter: @Samford_Rules
FIVE IMPORTANT RULES
1 . Only coaches and athletics department staff members are permitted to be involved in the recruiting process . Alumni, friends and “other representatives of athletic interest” who are not employed by the university are not permitted to contact a prospect (or members of the prospect’s family) by letter, telephone or in person (on or off campus) for the purpose of soliciting participation in the athletics program Samford faculty members are permitted to have contact with prospects on campus only
2 A prospect remains a prospect even after he or she signs a Letter of Intent or financial aid agreement to attend the university . The prospect does not lose prospect status until the start of classes at Samford or the beginning of official team practice prior to the start of classes .
3 The prohibition of contact with a prospect is intended to relate to unavoidable incidental contacts with a prospect by representatives of a member institution’s athletics interest It is understood that such a contact is not prearranged by the athletics representative or an athletics department staff member; is not made for the purpose of recruitment of the prospect; and involves only normal civility For example, if you meet a high school student or junior college student-athlete, you can talk with him or her about anything except Samford athletics . If you are attending a public function and find yourself talking to the parents of a prospect, you can talk about anything that doesn’t relate to the athletics department
4 If a student-athlete accepts any benefits or special consideration based on his or her status as an athlete or because of athletic skill, the student-athlete will lose all eligibility for intercollegiate athletic participation Do not do anything for prospective or enrolled studentathletes without specific authorization from the Samford Athletics Compliance Office
5 . Representatives of athletics interest (boosters) are reminded that NCAA rules regarding enrolled studentathletes remain in effect throughout the entire year, including summer breaks . When student-athletes complete their final season of eligibility, they must abide by NCAA rules until the end of that academic year and/ or until they are no longer receiving athletics financial aid
FAQ
Who is a “prospective student-athlete?”
A “prospective student-athlete,” also known as a recruit or prospect, is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade, seventh for men’s basketball and softball In addition, any younger student who receives any benefits from the institution not available to prospective students generally would be considered a prospective student-athlete
Who is a “representative of athletic interest” or booster?
A representative or booster is an individual or business that is or has ever done any of the following:
• been a contributor to the Samford Bulldog Club or has purchased tickets to a Samford athletics event
• been an employee of Samford University or is the spouse of an employee
• has ever made a donation of any kind to the Samford athletics department
• helped to arrange or to provide employment for enrolled student-athletes or for prospects who have signed a National Letter of Intent
• assisted or have been requested (by the athletics department) to assist in the recruitment of students to participate in any of Samford’s athletics programs
• assisted in providing any benefit to Samford enrolled student-athletes or their families
• been involved in promoting Samford athletics programs
Samford University
Samford is one of the country’s leading Christian universities and offers undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional programs through 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health . Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States . It enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, Puerto Rico and 16 countries .
Samford is regularly recognized as one of the best Christian universities in the United States, receiving high marks for academic quality and value . Samford is the top-ranked university in Alabama in national rankings published by The Wall Street Journal . Additionally, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranks Samford 1st in the nation for student engagement . Samford is ranked 66th nationally for best undergraduate teaching and 104th for best value by U .S . News & World Report .
Samford’s mission to nurture student development intellectually, ethically and spiritually
is fostered through an array of opportunities, including 170 student organizations, global engagement in more than 14 different countries and dozens of courses that incorporate community service Additionally, undergraduate students complete Samford’s core curriculum, providing a well-rounded foundation in the liberal arts
Among Samford’s 57,062 alumni have included more than 60 members of the U .S . Congress, eight state governors, two U S Supreme Court justices, one Secretary of State, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy award-winning artists, two national championship football coaches, and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes
The university fields 17 varsity sports—eight men’s and nine women’s—that participate at the NCAA Division I level in the Southern Conference . Samford’s athletic teams earned a 98% Graduation Success Rate by the NCAA, ranking sixth among all Division I universities in the nation, along with an impressive group of peer institutions
Samford Distinctions
• The Wall Street Journal ranks Samford #10 of all colleges and universities in the United States for the quality of career preparation provided to its students (2024)
• Samford is ranked 34th in the nation among private universities and 115th among all public, private and liberal arts colleges and universities analyzed for Kiplinger’sPersonal Finance’s Best College Values list (2019) .
• Samford is the top-ranked university in Alabama in national rankings by The Wall Street Journal (2022) .
• 97% of undergraduate alumni are working or in further study within six months of graduation (2022) .
• Samford’s athletic teams earned a 98% Graduation Success Rate by the NCAA, ranking sixth among all Division I universities in the nation, along with an impressive group of peer institutions .
• Samford is ranked 1st in Alabama and 32nd nationally by LendEdu in its list of best colleges for financial aid (2020) .
SAMFORD ATHLETICS HALL
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Gifts received by our Bulldog Club Excelence Fund donors position Samford Athletics to recruit, retain and develop the very best student-athletes. Thanks to this support, Samford is producing graduates who are prepared to make a difference in the world.
2023-24 Bulldog Club Excellence Fund Donors
All-Conference level and above
CHAMPION’S CIRCLE
Ginny Aday
Daryl Byrd
Alan & Constandina Long
Bill & Kimeran Stevens
Rick & Beth Thorne Stukes
HERITAGE CIRCLE
Anthony & Robbin Allen
Todd & Karen Carlisle
Tim Francis
James & Kay Harrison
Wayne & Judy Houston
Mark & Gwen Matthews
John Russell
Jeremy & Andrea Ryan
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Bennie & Sonja Bumpers
Tom & Teri D’Armond
Tommy & Charolette Hamby
David & Julie Jenkins
Fred & Ruth Johnston
Bobby & Andrea Killingsworth
Steve & Kim Miller
Ron & Cindy Mims
Rickie & MayAnn Moon
Michael Robinson
Peter & Margaret Ann Selman
Charlie & Lisa Venable
Athletics Facilities
The Samford University athletics program has risen to regional and national recognition through its commitment to athletic and academic excellence . Samford student-athletes have achieved much on the playing fields and in the classroom .
Paralleling the competitive success of the program, Samford’s athletics facilities also continue to develop .
The newest addition to Samford’s athletics facilities is the new video board installed at Joe Lee Griffin Field early in the 2022 season
The first two phases of a Seibert Stadium upgrade project were also recently completed . Phase I was a new state-of-the-art video board installed in 2019 Phase II, which was completed prior to the 2021 season, included a complete renovation of the Bashinsky Press Tower, new premium seating on the west side of the stadium and renovations to the east side Gate House
At the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium, a new video board was added prior to the start of the 2021 soccer season .
Also, the Samford Softball Field opened in spring 2013 The J T Haywood Field House, which houses an indoor hitting facility, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms for both baseball and softball, was officially opened in fall 2013
The Samford Track and Soccer Stadium opened in spring 2011 The 1,200-seat facility opened by hosting the 2011 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships .
The facility includes locker rooms, a ticket office, a high-tech press box, a nine-lane track and a regulation soccer field
The Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House for football opened in August 2009 . It includes coaches’ offices, meeting rooms, a locker room, weight room, training room, equipment room and players’ lounge . The facility was renamed the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House in the fall of 2014 to honor former Head Coach Pat Sullivan and his family .
The convocation/arena/fitness complex, Pete Hanna Center, was completed in fall 2007. The center
provides outstanding playing facilities for volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball in a 5,000-seat center, a fitness/wellness complex for the entire student body, and state-of-the-art training facilities for Samford’s varsity sports . Also included in the facility are offices, meeting space and support facilities for coaches and athletics administration .
The facility is adjacent to Bashinsky Field House and can be expanded up to 6,000 seats for commencement and other major nonathletics events .
The Pat M Courington Tennis Pavilion was completed in 2006 with three indoor courts, a support facility for locker rooms, offices and restrooms Samford’s Tennis Center also includes the Darwin C . Hardison Courts, featuring six outdoor NCAA courts
All-weather field turf was installed at Seibert Stadium in the summer of 2005 .
Facilities in Seibert Hall have been renovated to accommodate academic programs and student recreation activities
Joe Lee Griffin Field, home of the Samford Bulldogs baseball team, was remodeled in 2000 to include offices, locker rooms and other support services in a facility that complements the Georgian-Colonial architecture found throughout the Samford campus The Carl E Miller Press Box was added in 2009 .
Bulldog Spirit Plaza, dedicated during 2005 Homecoming weekend, is the focal point of the area connecting Seibert Stadium, Joe Lee Griffin Field, Bashinsky Field House and Pete Hanna Center
Organized by the Class of 2003, the landscaped plaza includes a bas relief of the Bulldog mascot and more than 100 bricks honoring Samford alumni, students, parents, employees, former athletes and friends of the university as a celebration of Samford’s more than 125 years of intercollegiate athletics competition
The athletics department is building its capital campaign efforts to raise funds to further assure Samford athletes of the finest playing facilities possible .
BULLDOGS IN THE NFL
Samford currently has five former players on either the active roster or practice squad of NFL teams.
JAMES BRADBERRY
James Bradberry was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers Bradberry played four seasons with the Panthers and two with the New York Giants He was named All-Pro following the 2020 season He is currently in his third season with the Philadelphia Eagles
MONTRELL WASHINGTON
Montrell Washington was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos He was the first offensive player in Samford history to be selected in the NFL Draft This year, he is in his second season on the practice squad for the Kansas City Chiefs .
MICHAEL PIERCE
Michael Pierce had success as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens He spent four seasons with the Ravens and two as a member of the Minnesota Vikings He returned to the Ravens for the 2022 season and is entering the third season of his second stint with the team
NICK WILLIAMS
Nick Williams was taken in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers During his career, Williams has seen time with the Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, New York Giants and Los Angeles Chargers . He is was signed in the 2024 offseason by the San Francisco 49ers, but is now a free agent .
