7 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Trey Walker & Marseille Taylor

                                                          

It's now 7 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #7 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#7 Trey Walker  

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Hoschton, Ga.
High School: Mill Creek HS

2025 (Freshman): Played in the first three games of the season, each coming as an offensive reserve in remaining eligible for a redshirt … Caught three passes for 35 yards and a touchdown … Scored a touchdown on his first career reception, a 25-yard strike in the opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Caught two passes for 10 total yards against Elon (Sept. 13).

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way player in high school as a wide receiver and a safety … Was part of a 2022 7-A State Championship team at Mill Creek … Named first-team All-County, All-Region, VTO Sports All-American, and a Blue-Grey Bowl All-American … Credited with 39 receptions and 601 receiving yards with four TDs over his final two seasons as a prep, catching 30 passes for 478 yards and three scores as a senior … Added 48 rushing yards and a score as a senior … Amassed 1,020 career all-purpose yards over three seasons, adding 266 kickoff return yards and 105 yards on punt returns … Played in the Southeast Elite Prospects Unsigned Senior Bowl … Also ran track as a prep, setting school records in the 100-meter dash (10.70), 4x100-meter relay (41.55), and on the school’s 4x200-meter medley relay squad.

Personal: Is the son of Eddie Walker

                                                                      

#7 Marseille Taylor

Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Sanford, Fla.
High School: Seminole HS

2025 (Junior): Played in 11 of the team’s 12 seasonal games, each coming as a defensive reserve and on special teams … Credited with 12 total tackles, including six solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss with a sack … Had one pass breakup and a QB hurry … Recorded a season-high four tackles in his WCU debut in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Tallied two tackles with 1.5 for loss in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11) … Posted a sack as part of two tackles in the regular-season finale at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Started his collegiate career at Riverside City College in California before transferring to Stephen F. Austin in 2023 and South Florida for 2024; 

At RCC: Played in 12 games as a freshman in 2022 with 33 total tackles, including 24 solo stops … Had two interceptions for 30 return yards and credited with six total pass break-ups; 

At SFA: Played in four games, credited with three total tackles; 

At USF: Listed as playing in one game for the Bulls … 

High School: Started his prep career at The First Academy in Orlando, Fla, before finishing at Seminole HS in Sanford, Fla. … Was a three-star prospect by both Rivals and 247Sports out of high school.

Personal: Is the son of Cheryl Ann Mattei-Taylor and Michael Taylor... has two brothers named Michael and Marcus Taylor

2026-27 Football Season: Game #1 - Eastern Kentucky

Game #1 - Eastern Kentucky Colonels 

In the season opener, the Western Carolina Catamounts face the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in a "Blackout Whitmire" season opener in Cullowhee, with a 7 pm start time, kicking off in the 9th meeting between the two teams.  

Where: E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

When: Saturday, August 29, 2026

Time:  7:00 pm (EST)

Radio: Catamount Sports Network

   -announcer: Gary Ayers
TV/video:  ESPN+

   -announcer:  Daniel Hooker

Live Stats:   WCU Live Stats

Game Notes:   Western Carolina    -     EKU  (when available)

Conference: UAC

Mascot: Colonels

Colors:  Maroon and White

Students:  15,673

Message Board: Maroon Nation

The Series: In the 9th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own a 3-5 record overall against the Colonels and enter the contest on a 1 game winning streak vs. EKU.  The 2023 season win broke a two-game losing streak with EKU.  The Cats are 1-2 in games played in Cullowhee.   

Walt Well's record vs. WCU:  2-1

Kerwin Bell's record vs. GWU:  1-1

Last Game vs. EKU  (Sep. 15, 2023) - Catamounts Weather the Colonels in 27-24 Road Win -Richmond, Ky. – Cole Gonzales passed for 340 yards and three touchdowns including the go-ahead score to Branson Adams with 25 seconds remaining in regulation and Western Carolina withstood a late Eastern Kentucky drive with a would-be game-tying field goal missing as the Catamounts earned a 27-24 road victory on a rain-soaked Saturday night on CG Bank Field at Roy Kidd Stadium.

Last Season's Record (2025 - EKU): 5-7 overall, 3-3 home, 2-4 away, 3-5 Big South/OVC 

Head Coach: Walt Wells - Compiling a 35-33 record as head coach, the Colonels have recorded a win over a top-25 opponent in every season under Wells’ leadership, including back-to-back top-25 wins in 2024 against then No. 7 Tarleton State on the road, 17-13, before returning to Roy Kidd Stadium for a 31-24 win over No. 16 Central Arkansas.

Returning Players and Roster Outlook
EKU has significant experience returning, bolstered by a large transfer portal class (19 signees + one international) announced in early 2026. The portal haul emphasizes defense (13 signees) and the offensive line.

Offense:
Quarterbacks: Myles Burkett (R-Sr., experienced starter) and Colbey Lamberth (R-Jr./SO) headline the room, with depth from transfers like Jordyn Potts (R-Jr., from Tennessee Tech). Expect competition for the starting nod.  

Myles Burkett (R-Sr.): Primary returning starter with significant experience. Reliable arm and decision-making from 2025 action.

Colbey Lamberth (R-Jr.): Tall, athletic backup with upside; provides dual-threat potential.

Eastern Kentucky's offense under head coach Walt Wells and offensive coordinator Andy Richman enters 2026 with experience at key skill positions but faces questions along the offensive line and in overall consistency. The unit showed flashes in 2025 (part of a 5-7 season) but needs better trench play and rhythm to push for a top-half UAC finish and playoff contention. The team added six offensive transfers (four OL, two WRs) in the January 2026 portal class, emphasizing line upgrades

Defense:
A major area of investment with transfers like DL Keshawn Hayden (from Central Michigan), Jayden Marable (Memphis), and others providing FBS/D-I experience. Linebackers Jackson Marshall (Gr., local) and edge players like Caleb Redd add toughness.

Secondary:
Additions like Dyson Bell and Cristian Conyer (Kentucky native from App State) bolster depth.

Overall, the roster mixes veterans, transfers with proven production, and high school signees. Depth on the defensive side and O-line upgrades could be difference-makers

2025 Colonels Statistics:              

Rushing Offense: 1570 yards 
Yards per game: 130.8
Yards per rush: 3.9 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 74
TDs rushing: 12
Passing Offense: 1580 yards or 131.7 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 5.6 yards
Passing 1st downs: 80
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 149-280-9

TDs Passing: 9

Total Offense: 3150 yards or 262.5 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost:  10-8
3d Down Conversions: 11 of 155 or 33%
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 12 or 42%
Field goal attempts: 14 of 19
On-side kicks: 0-1
Red Zone Scores: 21 of 26  (81%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 13 of 26  (50%)

PAT:  26 of 26

Game Day Tips: The season opener will air on ESPN+ and  broadcast on the Catamount Sports Network with the Pepsi Pregame Show airing at 6 p.m. Fans can hear the broadcast locally on the CSN affiliate frequencies: in Sylva, 105.7 FM and 540 AM WRGC "The River" (wrgc.com); 104.9 FM and 1050 AM WFSC in Franklin (1050wfsc.com); WISE Sports Radio, 1310 AM in Asheville (wisesportsradio.com); and free through live streaming audio online at CatamountSports.com.

Public parking is available in the North Baseball Parking Deck (NO tailgating allowed) and South Baseball Lots, HF Robinson Admin Building, and various other lots across campus.  Fans can purchase tickets and game day parking in advance online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets. A reminder that game day parking is $15 in advance and $20 on game days.

Fans are encouraged to help Blackout Whitmire by wearing black as the Catamounts unveil their new Night Cat black Nike uniforms. The first 3,500 fans will receive a complimentary black WCU T-shirt, while 4,000 Blackout thunder sticks, courtesy of The Everson, will help create a charged atmosphere throughout the evening.

One of the program's traditions returns with the 15th Annual Freshmen Run, as members of WCU's Class of 2030 will charge through the tunnel before kickoff to lead the Catamounts onto the field.

Following the game, the celebration continues with a drone light show presented by Catamount Athletics and Vannoy Construction and produced by Sky Elements.

 

8 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Marlin Cochran & Ryan McKinnis

                                                          

It's now 8 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #8 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#8 Marlin Cochran  

Position: Running Back
Height: 6-0
Weight: 200
Class: Senior
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Miami Northwestern HS

2025 (Redshirt Sophomore): Did not see game action, missing the season due to injury ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in all 12 seasonal games as a reserve on offense and on special teams … Finished the season with 48 rushes for 148 yards, adding 17 receptions for 127 yards … Recorded rushes in 11 of the 12 games he played and caught a pass in eight games … Rushed eight times for 24 yards and caught a career-high three passes for 22 yards against The Citadel (Oct. 12), and was also credited with one tackle … Rushed a career-high nine times against Chattanooga (Nov. 2) … Recorded a career-high 47 rushing yards against VMI (Nov. 16).

2023 (Freshman): Played in four games as an offensive reserve, maintaining his eligibility for a redshirt … Rushed eight times for 45 yards with a touchdown and caught one pass out of the backfield … Made his collegiate debut with one rush for three yards and a reception at Arkansas (Sept. 2) … Posted a career-long 31-yard rush to score his first collegiate touchdown in the fourth quarter of the home win over Charleston Southern (Sept. 23) … Recorded a career-high four rushes in the home win over ETSU (Nov. 11).

Prior to Western Carolina: Rushed for 945 yards on 108 carries over his final two seasons as a varsity tailback posting a pair of 100-yard rushing games and scoring nine touchdowns on the ground, according to MaxPreps … Added 23 receptions for 305 yards and a score … Also ran track as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Luther Cochran and Mia Smith


                                                                      

#8  Ryan McKinnis

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-2
Weight: 220
Class: Senior
Hometown: Buford, Ga.
High School: Buford HS

2025 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in all 12 of the team’s games with one start at linebacker … Recorded 31 total tackles with 14 solo stops and three tackles for loss, including two sacks … Also credited with a pair of quarterback hurries … Made his WCU debut in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Posted his first tackles at ACC-foe Wake Forest (Sept. 6), finishing with four tackles, including three solo stops … Started his first game at Chattanooga (Nov. 1), posting his first double-digit tackle effort with 10 total tackles, including five solo stops and two for loss coming on a pair of sacks … Had five tackles at VMI (Nov. 22).

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU during the spring after spending the past two years at Appalachian State … Saw action in six games over two seasons as a defensive reserve and on special teams, sitting out 2023 as a redshirt; 

High School: As a senior, totaled 87 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, eight quarterback hurries and four forced fumbles for a team that went 11-1 … All-Gwinnett County selection … Played as a two-way threat for coach Bryant Appling and helped Buford win state titles during a 14-1 season in 2021 and 13-1 season the year before that … Was a standout sprinter in track and field … Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

Personal: Is the son of Markeetia McKinnis and Leroy McKinnis... Has a brother and sister named Dylan and Abby McKinnis

9 Days until WCU Football Kickoff - Bode Burns & Eldrick Robinson II

                                                          

It's now 9 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #9 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#9 Bode Burns  

Position: Tight End
Height: 6-5
Weight: 245
Class: Junior
Hometown: Dunnellon, Fla.
High School: Dunnellon HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in three games as an offensive reserve and special teams before being sidelined by injury … Appeared in the home-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30), and road contests at Wake Forest (Sept. 6) and Campbell (Sept. 27) … Made his first career reception in the road win at Campbell, hauling in a 23-yard pass ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Freshman): Appeared in one game as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut against VMI (Nov. 16) … Did not record any official statistics … Caught a pair of passes for 32 yards in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way player as a prep playing wide receiver on offense and on defense, at defensive end and outside linebacker for head coach Price Harris … Was named second-team All-County along the defensive line as a senior … Also selected to the All-District team and the FACA D-7 All-Senior team … Received the Dunnellon High ‘Big Cat’ Award in Jan. 2024 ... Played for head coach Tommy Sutton … Also plays basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Bode Keith Burns ... Is the son of Julie Limbaugh and Daryl Burns... has nine siblings named Coley, Daryl, Lennon, Gerrit, Bradley, Dona, Deja, Delani, and Mia


                                                                      

#9 Eldrick Robinson II

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-0
Weight: 230
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
High: School Booker T. Washington HS

College:  Robert Morris 

Prior to Western Carolina: Started his collegiate career at Georgia Southern before spending three seasons on roster at Wake Forest ... Transferred to WCU from Robert Morris after the 2025 season, but did not see game action ... Was named to the 2025 Northeast Conference (NEC) Fall Academic Honor Roll; 

At Wake Forest: Played in 14 games over three seasons, credited with 16 tackles ... Helped the Deacs to a seventh-consecutive bowl game in 2022; 

At Georgia Southern: Played in 11 games with nine starts, including 616 total snaps (560 on defense, 56 on special teams) ... Recorded 74 tackles with 5.5 for loss and half a sack ... Earned third-team All-Sun Belt Conference in 2021, and collected third-team All-Sun Belt honors from Phil Steele; 

High School: Over three seasons, recorded 248 tackles ... Named a 2021 All American by Podium Preps ... Collected first-team All-Area defensive from the Pensacola News-Journal in 2020 ... Was a Class 6A All-State honorable mention in 2019.

Personal: Eldrick "Draco" Robinson II.

10 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Santana Carlos & Jabari McWilliams

                                                          

It's now 10 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #10 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#10 Santana Carlos  

Position Wide Receiver
Height 5-11
Weight 175
Class Freshman
Hometown Hollywood, Fla.
High School Flanagan HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Signed during the early period in December and enrolled at WCU mid-year … As a junior in 2024, caught 30 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns, according to MaxPreps … Added 113 kick return yards for 554 all-purpose yards … Listed as a three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Originally committed to UCLA.

                                                                      

#10 Jabari McWilliams

Position: Defensive Line
Height: 6-0
Weight: 270
Class: Junior
Hometown: Picayune, Miss.
High School: Picayune HS

College:  Mississippi Gulf Coast CC

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-year transfer from Mississippi Gulf Coast CC … Spent the past two seasons at MGCCC, playing in 20 games over two seasons … Totaled 57 tackles, including 20 solo stops and eight tackles for loss with 1.5 sacks … In 2025 season, credited with 44 stops with 6.5 TFLs, along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery; 

At Picayune HS: Credited with 34 tackles, 34 assists, 13 TFL, 4.5 sacks, 17 QBH, 1 PD, 3 FR … Selected to play in Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game ... As a junior, was a part of a Class 5A state title for second straight season.

Personal: Is the son of Latoya McWilliams and the nephew of Meaka McWilliams and Quettia McWilliams... has four siblings named Iosiah, Elijah, Jabria, and Aualynn

11 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Isaac Lee & Marco Patierno

                                                          

It's now 11 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #11 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#11 Isaac Lee  

Position: Quarterback

Height: 6-4
Weight: 190
Class: Junior
Hometown: Concord, N.C.
High School: Jay M. Robinson HS

2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in five games as a reserve at quarterback … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Finished the season 31-for-54 (57.4%) passing for 279 yards and two touchdowns, adding 21 rushes for 145 yards and a rushing score … Tossed his first career TD pass on a 69-yard toss to Malik Knight midway through the second quarter against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30) … Posted his best completion percentage with an 8-for-10 (80%) effort at Wake Forest (Sept. 6), adding 40 rushing yards on five carries … Finished with a career-best 19 completions (19-of-31) for a career-high 132 yards and a touchdown against Elon (Sept. 13) … Capped scoring in WCU’s 52-7 rout of Furman (Oct. 11) with a 66-yard touchdown rush … Also saw limited time in the regular-season finale against VMI (Nov. 22) ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Freshman): Did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt ... Named to the 2024-25 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football team as a walk-on, providin depth at the QB position ... Three-year varsity letter winner, playing in 31 career games ... According to MaxPreps, finished 288-of-434 passing (66.4%) for 4,666 yards and 57 career touchdowns ... Tossed 30 TD passes as a senior, averaging 203.6 passing yards per game coming on 150 completions (150-of-224) ... Rushed for 161 yards on 53 carries as a prep with a pair of rushing TDs as a senior ... Two-sport athlete as a prep, playing football and basketball.

Personal: Is the son of Grey Lee and Erin Kee... has five siblings named Anna Grace, Jonathan, Samuel, Rachel, and Nathaniel

                                   

#11  Marco Patierno

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 230
Class: Fifth Year
Hometown: Wake Forest, N.C.
High School: Heritage HS
College:  EMU & Elon

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU after spending the 2025 season at Eastern Michigan and three seasons at Elon; 

At EMU: Played in nine games with three starts, recording 42 total tackles, including 13 solo stops and 1.5 for loss ... Recorded a quarterback hurry against LIU on Sept. 6; 

At Elon: Played in 22 career games for the Phoenix, finishing with 109 tackles, including seven for loss with a sack, and three fumble recoveries ... Played in three games in 2022, remaining eligible for a redshirt ... Earned Freshman All-America honors from FCS Stats Perform, FCS Football Central, and Phil Steele in 2023 ... Named on the Jerry Rice Award Watch List at midseason, given to the nation's top freshman ... Played in 11 games with nine starts, recording 68 tackles, including 36 solo stops and five tackles for loss with 0.5 sack ... Added two fumble recoveries, a QBH and PBU, and scored a defensive touchdown on a 23-yard fumble recovery returned for a TD against Hampton ... In 2024 for Elon, started eight games with 39 tackles, including two for loss ... Had nine tackles against Richmond and posted eight stops against Western Carolina ... Was listed among FloFootball's Top 10 Defensive Players in the CAA.

Personal: Full name is Marco Joseph Patierno ... Is the son of Alycia and Vito Patierno... has a brother also named Vito ... Majored in Sport Management.

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12 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - Jake Morrow & Julian Quintero

                                                          

It's now 12 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #12 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#12 Jake Morrow

Position: Quarterback

Height: 6-0
Weight: 195
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Grand Blanc, Mich.
High School: Grand Blanc Community School









Prior to Western Carolina: High School senior season, completed 3,110 Total yards 43 TDS;

2,633 passing yards, 34 tds; 477 Rushing yards 9 tds; Conference MVP; 1st team all Distract; 1st team all Region; 1st team all State; Michigan player of the year finalist.

Personal: Is the son of Clint Morrow and Bobbi Morrow... has a brother named Gabe

                                   

#12 Julian Quintero

Position: Safety
Height: 6-0
Weight: 200
Class: Junior
Hometown: St. Augustine, Fla.
High School: St. Augustine HS











2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Appeared in all 12 of the team’s games, each coming on special teams and as a defensive reserve … Credited with four total tackles on the year with one forced fumble … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener against Gardner-Webb (Aug. 30), recording his first career tackle … Also posted solo stops against Elon (Sept. 13) and at Wofford (Oct. 4), forcing a fumble in the road win against the Terriers … Had a tackle assist at VMI (Nov. 22) ... Named to the 2025-26 Academic All-Southern Conference team ... Named to the 2025-26 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2024 (Freshman): Did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt ... Credited with three tackles and recorded an interception in WCU's annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2024-25 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Named first-team All-County defense as a senior … Recorded 112 tackles including two TFLs and a forced fumble as a senior … Part of a 13-1 state runner-up in his final season … Played football, basketball, and ran track as a prep … Started his high school career at Pedro Menendez HS.

Personal: Full name is Julian Andres Quintero ... Is the son of Dr. Ricardo J. Quintero-Herencia and Barbara Hornsby and the stepson of Tom Hornsby ... Has two siblings - older, Barbara and younger Tomilynn ... Father is a physician and played college football at Brown University ... His stepfather is Thomas Hornsby.

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13 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #13 Richard Hollis & Caleb Turner-Allen

                                                          

It's now 13 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #13 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#13 Richard Hollis

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-8
Weight: 170
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Pompano Beach, Fla.
High School: Blanche Ely HS









2025 (Freshman): Played in one game, remaining eligible for a redshirt ... Made his collegiate debut in the home win over Furman (Oct. 11), recording one catch for four yards.

Prior to Western Carolina: Amassed 1,360 all-purpose yards including 1,060 receiving yards as a senior with 11 touchdowns … Selected to play in the Dade vs. Broward All-Star game … Also ran track as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Dominque Spencer and Richard Hollis Sr. ... Has a brother named Da'mar Hollis and a sister named Da'ysha Hollis

                                   

#13 Caleb Turner-Allen

Position: Defensive Line
Height: 6-2
Weight: 250
Class: Junior
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School:  Dr. Michael M. Krop HS










2024 (Freshman): Did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner after starting his high school career at St. Athony’s School of Higher Education … Credited with 88 tackles including 42 for loss including a county-leading 27 sacks as a senior … Earned first-team All-Dade County honors as a senior.

14 Days to WCU Football Kickoff - #14 Kale Woodburn & Vanier Baptiste III

                                                          

It's now 14 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 29, 2026, against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days and get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season and more knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the football countdown each day until kickoff day. 

Today we highlight two (2) Catamount players currently assigned to #14 (one offense, one defense) on the WCU Preseason Roster:

#15 Michael Davis Jr.

Position Wide Receiver

Height 5-8
Weight 170
Class Junior
Hometown Warner Robins, Ga.
High School Houston County HS

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Cincinnati after spending two seasons with the Bearcats

At Cincinnati: An early enrollee who redshirted in 2024 before seeing action in two games in 2025, but did not record any statistics;

High School: Consensus three-star recruit and Top 100 prospect in Georgia in the 2024 Class ... Scored 20 career touchdowns along with 1,881 receiving yards for Houston County HS … Caught 67 passes for 1,044 and 13 touchdowns as a junior in 2022 ... Added 49 receptions for 625 yards and five touchdowns as part of Houston County’s loaded offense in 2023, helping his high school to a 9-3 record and advanced to the second round of the Georgia State Playoffs ... Preseason All-Georgia 6A first-team Selection in 2023 ... Ranked the 80th-best prep wide receiver prospect in his class by ESPN ... Entered his senior season as the highest-rated wide receiver recruit in Houston County history.

Personal: Is the son of Jamika Reese and Michael Woodburn

                                   

#14 Vanier Baptiste III

Position Defensive Tackle

Height 6-3
Weight 280
Class Junior
Hometown Lehigh Acres, Fla.
High School Dunbar HS







2025 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in all 12 games as a reserve along the defensive line and on special teams … Finished the year with 10 total tackles, including six solo stops … Credited with his first career tackle on a solo stop at Wake Forest (Sept. 6) … Posted a career-high three tackles in the road win at Chattanooga (Nov. 1).

2024 (Freshman): Saw action in three games as a defensive reserve, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Was not credited with any official stats … Made his collegiate debut against Chattanooga (Nov. 2), while also seeing action against VMI (Nov. 16) and at Samford (Nov. 23).

Prior to Western Carolina: Named second-team All-State and to the News-Press All-Area team as a senior … Listed on the 2023 News-Press and Naples Daily News Big 15 recruit list … Recorded 99 total tackles including 28 tackles for loss as a junior … Began his prep career at St. Augustine High … Also plays basketball as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Vanier Baptiste and Vitgen Osorio