Sunday, June 30, 2013

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Chris Montgomery

Chris Montgomery


Position
: Pro-style quarterback
Hometown: Lawndale, North Carolina
High School: Burns
Height:: 5'9"
Weight: 158 lbs
Class: 2014



Montgomery has drawn interest from not only Western Carolina, but ASU, Furman, NC State and Georgia Tech.  As of this date, Western Carolina has not offered.





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Sechrest on the 2013 CFPA Watch List

Clark Sechrest is listed on the 2013 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Punter Award Watch List.

"In 2012, Sechrest punted 64 times and ranked fourth with a 41.9 yard per kick average including a career-long of 58 yards against Chattanooga. A total of 15 of his kicks tallied 50-or-more yards while 18 were downed inside the opponent's 20-yard line. Sechrest additionally punched through three extra points and a 36-yard field goal for six total points, giving him 50 for his WCU career."

Sechrest was named to the 2012 Capital One Academic All-District III team and was named to the 2012-13 SoCon Honor Roll, as well as, to the SoCon's Fall Academic All-Conference team.



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60 days 'till kickoff - #60 Justin Puett

It's now 60 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Today we'll continue with the offensive line and highlight another new Catamount

#60 Justin Puett


Class
: Freshman
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C
High School: Wakefield HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 260
Position: OL





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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Looking at Game 4, Mars Hill College




Who: Mars Hill Lions

When: Saturday, September 21th 

Where: Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium - Cullowhee, NC

Series history: WCU leads the series 14-5-1, and has won the last 14 straight games

Their conference:  South Atlantic (SAC) - NCAA Division II

Their coach: Tim Clifton - Clifton is entering his 20th season at Mars Hill College and has a career record of 112-98.

Last year’s record: 6-4 (5-2 SAC)

How they got there: The Lions ended the 2012 season with a 6-4 overall record. They were 4-0 at home and 2-4 on the road, and finished tied for second place in the SAC. Quarterback Jon Richt completed his career at Mars Hill. This past season, Richt completed 200-of-386 passes for 2,936 yards and 25 touchdowns. While playing for the Lions, Richt set Mars Hill records in completions (567), attempts (1,109), yards (8,169) and touchdown passes (69).

After opening losses to Western Carolina and Southeast Missouri on the road, the Lions rolled off 5 straight wins before falling to Lenior-Rhyne on the road.

Total Lettermen Returning/Lost:  38 / 16

Offensive starters returning/Lost: : 10 / 2

Defensive starters returning/lost:: 8 / 3

2012 Stats:
Rushing Yardage: 1593 -  Avg. per game: 159.3 yards
Passing Yardage: 1952  - Avg. per game: 295.2 yards
Total Yardage Per Game: 454.5

Biggest losses:  
Offense - QB Jon Richt and WR Josh Young
Defense- LB Rudy Cabrl, DT Mam Nuang, and SS Michael Robinson

Strengths:  The good new for the Lions is they return 10 of their offensive starters, the bad news is they must replace Jon Richt at quarterback. On defense, defensive end Troy Harris has been named to the 2013 BSN Preseason All-America Team.

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61 days 'till kickoff - #61 Jake Thornton

It's now 61 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Today we'll continue with the offensive line

#61 Jake Thornton

Class
: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Toccoa, Ga.
High School: Stephens County HS
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 240
Position: OL




Prior to Western Carolina: Enrolled at Carson Newman for the 2011-12 academic year and was a member of the football team but did not see game action; High School: Named first team All-Region in 2010 ... Received the Wendy's Heisman Trophy from Stephens County ... Helped lead SCHS to region championships in 2007 and 2008 ... Also played baseball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Jake Robert Thornton ... Is the son of Robert and Cathy Thornton ... Has one sister, Mollie ... His grandfather, Billy Shaw, played for the Buffalo Bills from 1960-69 and was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1999.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations


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Friday, June 28, 2013

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Tyron Ervin

Tyron Ervin


Position
: Strong-Side Defensive End, Tight End
Hometown: Huntersville, NC
High School: North Mecklenburg
Height: 6-4
Weight: 220
Class: 2014



At this point, Ervin does not have any offers, but has interest from many schools including WCU, Furman, ASU, UNCC, and Elon.

Tyron Ervin's highlights here


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62 days 'till kickoff - #62 Ethan James

It's now 62 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Today we'll continue with the offensive line and another new Catamount

#62 Ethan James



Class
: Freshman
Hometown: Hudson, N.C
High School: South Caldwell HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 150
Position: OL







Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-year varsity starter for South Caldwell High and head coach Butch Carter helping the Spartans to back-to-back conference championships in his final two seasons ... Was a two-time All-Northwestern 3A/4A Conference selection and twice named first team All-Caldwell County ... Named the team Offensive MVP as a junior and senior while serving as a team captain both seasons ... As a senior, was selected to the East-West All-Star game ... Could see time as a long-snapper for the Catamounts.

Personal:  Full name is Ethan Michael James ... Is the son of Mick and Laurie James ... Has one sibling, Landyn.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Thursday, June 27, 2013

63 days 'till kickoff - #63 Matt DeGraffinreed

It's now 63 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Today we'll continue with the offensive line

#63 Matt DeGraffinreed



Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Millbrook HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 305
Position: OL




2012 (Freshman): Played in nine games along the offensive line and special teams making two starts at right tackle ... Made his first collegiate start against nationally-ranked Appalachian State, also starting at Alabama.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year letter winner and two-year starter at Millbrook High where he played both offensive and defensive line ... Earned All-CAP-8 conference accolades as a senior ... Was additionally named to the All-OT Football second team offense as selected and released on HighSchoolOT.com ... Listed as a Top 100 player at the ScoutingCarolina.com and made the All-Combine team at the Charlotte Nike SPARQ combine ... Also played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Matthew Allen James DeGraffinreed ... Is the son of Paul M. and Carmelitta M. DeGraffinreed ... Has an older sister, Hannah, who plays basketball at USC-Aiken ... He had two uncles play collegiate football - one at Miami (Ohio) and another at Ashland College, while one of his cousins played at Wittenberg College.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Football Season Ticket Renewal


Looking at Game 3, The Citadel



Who: The Citadel Bulldogs

When: Saturday, September 14th

Where: Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium - Cullowhee, NC

Series history: WCU trails in the series, 15-21-1

Their coach: Kevin Higgins, record at the Citadel: Higgins enters the 2012 season with a record of 38-51 at The Citadel and 94-76-1 in 15 seasons overall. Last year’s record: 7-4 (5-3)

How they got there: In 2012, the Bulldogs posted a 7-4 record, winning five Southern Conference contests. The Bulldogs posted victories over top 10 conference rivals Appalachian State and Georgia Southern. The Bulldogs’ finished fourth in the nation in rushing with an average of 300 yards per game behind the rushing of fullback Darien Robinson.  Robinson rushed for over 1,000 yards on the season.  The Citadel finished the season very strong with three straight wins with victories over Elon, VMI and Furman.

Offense: Triple-option offense

Defense: 4-3

Total Lettermen Returning/Lost: 39/17

Offensive starters returning/lost: : 6/5

Defensive starters returning/lost:: 9/2

2012 Stats:
Rushing Yardage:  3307 -  Avg. per rush:  5.7
Avg. per game: 300.6 yards
Passing Yardage:  900  - Avg. per pass:  7.7
Avg. per game:  81.8 yards

Biggest losses: defensive line, Chris Billingslea.

Watch out for: Bulldog senior quarterback Ben Dupree, linebacker Carl Robinson, B-back Darien Robinson, and defensive tackle Derek Douglas, center Mike Sellers

Strengths: Ben Dupree has started 24 straight games and will again team with Aaron Miller to give the Bulldogs a pair of experienced and talented signal callers. The most experienced position on this year's team will be the offensive line, a unit that returns all five starters

Weaknesses: B-Backs While the Bulldogs are set as far as the starter is concerned, there is little depth at this position


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64 days 'till kickoff - #64 Tyler Philpott

It's now 64 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

Today we'll highlight another offensive lineman,

#64 Tyler Philpott

Class
: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Columbus, N.C.
High School: Polk County
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 285
Position: OL




2011 (Freshman): Redshirted.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-time all-conference selection and was named to the Times-News All-Area team four times ... Named to the 2010 NCPreps.com 2-A All-State football team as an offensive lineman ... Additionally named second team All-Area by the Herald-Journal as a senior ... Tabbed the 2010 Western Highlands Conference Lineman of the Year ... Playing along the defensive line, the team captain recorded 104 tackles and tied the team lead in sacks with eight as a senior in 2010 ... Added 30 tackles for loss, five pass deflections and two fumble recoveries ... Selected to participate in the US Army High School All-American Junior combine program ... Was also tabbed to play in the East-West All-Star game in Greensboro, N.C., during the summer of 2011 ... Played for Polk County HS head coach Bruce Ollis ... Was additionally an undefeated state-championship wrestler, winning the NCHSAA 2-A heavyweight title with a 37-0 record, and played baseball as a prep.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

65 days 'till kickoff - John Holt

It's now 65 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

-No one is currently assigned #65, so today we'll highlight another Catamount coach, John Holt

John Holt



Hometown: Leicester, N.C.

Position: Assistant Coach / OL / Director of Camps & Clinics

Alma Mater: Appalachian State




John Holt joined Mark Speir's coaching staff at Western Carolina in January of 201l.

He serves as the program's offensive line coach, coming to Cullowhee from his alma mater, Appalachian State, where he worked the four previous seasons. Holt spent three of his four years on staff at ASU working with the Mountaineer tight ends including coaching four-time All-SoCon selection Ben Jorden during three of his four all-conference seasons.

In 2008, Holt began his coaching career by serving on head coach Jerry Moore's staff in an offensive quality control capacity. His duties included assisting the offensive staff with day-to-day non-coaching duties, specifically offensive line coach Shawn Elliott.

Thanks in large part to Holt's efforts, ASU's offense ranked among the nation's top 10 in scoring, rushing, pass efficiency and total offense in `08.

A native of near-by Leicester, N.C., Holt played in 55 of ASU's 56 games during his four-year career (2004-07) including all 15 games as a senior in 2007, serving as a team captain while also earning third team All-America honors from The Sports Network. A versatile offensive lineman, he saw significant playing time at right guard and both tackle positions during his collegiate career.

The son of Michael Joe and Susah Holt, John graduated from ASU in 2008. His brother, Sherman, followed him to Boone, playing for the Mountaineers from 2007-11.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Monday, June 24, 2013

Poston wins the Southwestern Amateur

Western Carolina junior J.T. Poston made his first visit to the deserts of Arizona by capturing the 98th Southwestern Amateur at the Desert Mountain Club’s Renegade Course.

Poston jumped six places in the final round to finish at 276 (-4), two shots clear of defending champion Kevin Dougherty.

“I felt good coming into today. I had lots of birdies yesterday but made some dumb bogeys. Today my warm-up was good and I had five birdies and no bogeys.” said Poston

The Southwestern Amateur is the highest-ranked amateur golf tournament in the Southwest United States and the championship attracts the world’s best amateur golfers.

Read more about J.T.'s win here

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66 days 'till kickoff - Mark Rhea

It's now 66 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

-No one is currently assigned #66, so today we'll highlight another Catamount coach, Mark Rhea

Mark Rhea

Hometown: Beavercreek, Ohio

Position: Assistant Coach / DTs / Recruiting Coordinator

Alma Mater: Univ. of Toledo



Mark Rhea came to Western Carolina in mid-March, 2010 as the defensive line coach and was promoted to the program's recruiting coordinator during the spring of 2011.

In addition to coaching a position, Rhea was elevated to Assistant Head Coach after the release of Matt Pawlowski in late October of 2011, and on Nov. 13, 2011, he was named Interim Head Coach after former head coach Dennis Wagner resigned his position.

Rhea, who played and coached at the University of Toledo, joined the Catamount coaching staff from Tiffin University.

A four-year starter at the Univ. of Toledo from 1988-91, Rhea got his start on the Rockets' staff serving as an administrative assistant and graduate assistant from 1992-94. He has served as a defensive line coach at four different institutions and most recently was the defensive coordinator at Tiffin University in Ohio.

Rhea coached for six seasons at Idaho State before returning to his alma mater. During his tenure at Idaho State, he coached a defensive line that had all four linemen earn All-Big Sky honors four years in a row and earned a combined 22 all-conference honors, including eight First Team All-Big Sky picks and seven Academic All-Big Sky selections.

Prior to his stint at Idaho State, Rhea was on the staff at Austin Peay and before that he coached at the United State Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut. In his career, Rhea has mentored three players who have gone on to the professional ranks. In 2006, he coached J.P. Bekasiak, who later became a first-round pick of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. Rhea also coached two players at Idaho State who went on to the NFL in Jared Allen with the Minnesota Vikings and Jeff Charleston who played for the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints last season. Allen, a two-time All-American and winner of the Buck Buchanan Award as the I-AA Defensive Player of the Year in 2003, was drafted in the fourth round by the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs in 2004. Charleston had 19 tackles for loss and was the Defensive Newcomer of the Year in the Big Sky in 2005. He signed as a free agent out of college with Houston in 2006. After earning his bachelor's degree in athletic administration from Toledo in 1992,

Rhea assisted the Rockets' coaching staff before working two seasons as a graduate assistant at Michigan State.

The Beavercreek, Ohio, native had a standout playing career at Toledo that saw him named the team's outstanding defensive lineman as a senior and play a pivotal role on the Rockets' 1990 Mid-America Conference (MAC) co-championship team. Rhea and his wife Stacey have a daughter, Madeline.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Sunday, June 23, 2013

67 days 'till kickoff - Brad Glenn

It's now 67 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue our 100 day countdown to kickoff.

-Today we'll highlight another Catamount coach, Brad Glenn

Brad Glenn

Hometown
: Seneca, S.C.
Position: Assistant Coach / Offensive Coordinator / QBs
Alma Mater: Clemson






Brad Glenn joined the Western Carolina University football coaching staff after having just completed his seventh year at Appalachian State. He will work with the Catamount quarterbacks while also serving as the program's offensive coordinator.

Glenn spent the past three seasons as the quarterbacks coach while also serving one year as tight ends coach (2005) and three working with the slot receivers (2006-08). He comes to Cullowhee with coordinator experience at two different high schools as well as two seasons at North Greenville College from 2002-03.

While at ASU, Glenn coached six All-Southern Conference honorees, most notably mentoring the last two SoCon Offensive Players of the Year in Armanti Edwards and DeAndre Presley. Edwards additional garnered the Walter Payton Award honoring the nation's top NCAA Division I FCS player.

"Brad (Glenn) brings a wealth of knowledge of the spread offense," Speir said. "He has mentored and coached two Walter Payton Award finalists in Armanti Edwards and DeAndre Presley. I am excited about his experience as an offensive coordinator."

A native of Seneca, S.C., Glenn started his coaching career as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Greer (S.C.) High School from 1995 through 2000, helping lead the program to a 25-3 overall record and back-to-back South Carolina Upper-State runner-up finishes in 1999 and 2000.

He got his start at the collegiate ranks in 2001 at Elon coaching tight ends before spending the next two seasons at North Greenville College as the offensive coordinator. He returned to the high school ranks for a season in his hometown at Seneca High (2004) before being hired at Appalachian State.

Glenn is a 1995 graduate of Clemson University. He is married to the former Anna Thompson and the couple has two daughters - Zoey and Landry.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Saturday, June 22, 2013

68 days 'till kickoff - #68 Tanner Poindexter

It's now 68 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#68 Tanner Poindexter

Class
: Freshman
Hometown: Pfafftown, N.C.
High School: Ronald Reagan HS 
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 285
Position: OL



Prior to Western Carolina: Is the first four-year player in Ronald Regan High history to sign with a NCAA Division I program ... Named All-Central Piedmont Conference at guard along the offensive line, keying Ronald Regan High to an 8-4 season and the school's first-ever playoff berth ... Garnered All-Northwest accolades from the Winston-Salem Journal ... Selected to the North Carolina roster in the 2012 Shrine Bowl, playing every snap at center ... Was named the offensive line MVP as a junior at the National Underclassmen combine held in Greensboro ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.

Personal: Full name is Tanner Edward Poindexter ... Is the son of Clay and Vicky Poindexter. 

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Friday, June 21, 2013

69 days 'till kickoff - Shawn Quinn

It's now 69 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

- #69 is not currently assigned, so we'll highlight the new defensive coordinator Shawn Quinn 

Shawn Quinn

Position
: Assistant Coach / Defensive Coordinator

Alma Mater: Carson-Newman






Shawn Quinn joined the Catamount Football coaching staff in January of 2013 after having spent the 2012 season at Charleston Southern, joining the Buccaneers staff during the summer prior to the season. Under Quinn's tutelage, CSU led the Big South Conference in pass defense (145.5 yards per game) in 2012, while also ranking third in scoring defense and total defense (354.4 ypg), creating 15 turnovers on the year including eight interceptions and seven fumbles.

Quinn additionally has coordinator experience from a year working as the co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, La. He is familiar with the Southern Conference as he spent two seasons on staff in Statesboro, Ga., at Georgia Southern. With the Eagles, he held the title of linebackers coach while also serving as the recruiting coordinator.

Quinn began his coaching career at the high school level, coaching outside linebackers and tight ends for a year at Armuchee (Ga.) High before spending five years coaching the defensive line at Maryville (Tenn.) High where he helped lead the team to the 1998 Tennessee Class 4-A state championship. He then landed on the staff of former University of Tennessee head coach, Phillip Fulmer, as an offensive graduate assistant, taking part in the Vols' 2001 SEC East Championship. 

All told, from 1999-2002, Quinn coached in three bowl games under Fulmer and served as the position coach for Lou Groza Award finalist, placekicker Alex Walls, who earned All-SEC and second team All-America honors from the Sporting News in 2000.

From 2002-07, Quinn coached outside linebackers and the defensive line at Louisiana-Lafayette where six defensive linemen earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors. The Rajin' Cajuns earned a share of the 2005 Sun Belt Conference championship with a total of six players going on to join the NFL. He also worked as a defensive line assistant for LSU during the 2008 season. Five Tiger linemen went on to NFL training camps including Tyson Jackson being selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Overall, seventeen of Quinn's signees at his various collegiate stops have gone on to play in the NFL.

A four-year starter along the defensive line at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., Quinn was an All-South Atlantic Conference (SAC) selection, helping the Eagles claim four conference championships. He graduated with a degree in history and political science in 1995 before earning a Master's degree from Lincoln Memorial University.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Thursday, June 20, 2013

70 days 'till kickoff - #70 Dylan Sluder

It's now 70 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#70 Dylan Sluder

Class
: Freshman
Hometown: Lexington, N.C.
High School: Central Davidson HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 305
Position: DL




Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-year All-Central Carolina Conference selection ... Earned All-County and was tabbed the offensive player of the year runner-up as a senior ... Named to the East-West All-Star game ... Also threw the shot put in track & field as a prep, earning all-conference in the event as a sophomore and junior.

Personal: Full name is Avery Dylan Sluder ... Is the son of Darrell and Christy Sluder ... Has one younger sibling, Drake ... Was born in Buffalo, N.Y.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

71 days 'till kickoff - #71 Tyler Gillen

It's now 71 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

Tyler Gillen










Class: Freshman

Hometown: Naperville, Ill.

High School: Naperville H S

Height / Weight: 5-10 / 190

Position: PK


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Tuesday, June 18, 2013

72 days 'till kickoff - #72 Vince Williams

It's now 73 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

Today we'll continue with the Offensive Line

#72 Vince Williams

Class
: RS Senior
Hometown: Edina, Minn.
High School: Edina HS
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 250
Position: OL




2011 (Redshirt Sophomore): Started all 10 games in which he saw action along the offensive line at left guard ... Was sidelined, missing the Furman game with a back injury ... Credited with one tackle coming following a turnover against Wofford.

2010 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in five games including twice starting along the offensive line ... Made his collegiate debut with his first career start at right tackle in the home game against Tusculum ... Saw action in four-consecutive games at the conclusion of the season including starting at left guard in the season finale at Elon.

2009 (Freshman): Redshirted. Prior to Western: Was a two-year varsity letter-winner at Edina HS for head coach Kim Nelson ... Helped Edina go 16-4 over his final two seasons as a prep, including a 10-1 record and conference championship as a junior ... Named All-Classic Lake Conference as a senior, while also tallying team "Best Offensive Lineman" accolades ... Achieved all-conference in baseball his senior year in high school ... Was also a starting right fielder on a team that took third in the state in American Legion baseball his junior year ... Additionally played basketball through his sophomore year of high school.

Personal: Full name is Vincent Wayne Williams ... Is the son of Thomas Williams and Gail Hayden, and is the youngest of five siblings ... His grandfather, Red Williams, was a four-year football letter winner and team captain at Minnesota from 1942-45; His uncle, John Rajala, was a defensive end for the Gophers from 1963-65; and his father, Thomas, played collegiate hockey at Minnesota from 1967-71 ... During the winter, Vince ran the warming house for his community outdoor ice rink.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Monday, June 17, 2013

73 days 'till kickoff - Austin Jacobs

It's now 73 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

- No current football player is assigned to #73, so we'll highlight one of our incoming freshmen

Austin Jacobs


Class: Freshman
Hometown: Four Oaks, NC
High School: Cleveland HS
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 260
Position: OL


Prior to Western Carolina: Played along the offensive and defensive line at Cleveland HS for head coach Marc Morris, leading the Rams to an 11-win season and the eastern 3-AA regional championship game in 2012 ... As a senior, earned All-Eastern Carolina Conference (ECC) honors ... Recorded 69 tackles including 29 tackles for loss, five sacks, recovered three fumbles while forcing two and had an interception ... In November of 2012, was named the Student-Athlete of the Week by the Raleigh Sports Club ... As a junior, earned ECC Defensive Player of the Year accolades.


Personal: Full name is Austin Taylor Jacobs ... Is the son of John and Amy Jacobs ... Has two brothers, Zach and Ben.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day



74 days 'till kickoff - #74 Hunter Kirby

It's now 74 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Today we'll continue with the offensive line

#74 Hunter Kirby


Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Inman, S.C.
High School: Boiling Springs HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 270
Position: OL




Prior to Western Carolina: Helped Boiling Springs High to 32 wins over a four-year career along the offensive line ... Was an all-conference, all-county and all-region selection as a senior, grading out at 92.1-percent with 69 pancake blocks - he was the only player in the Upstate of South Carolina to grade out over 90-percent ... Selected as the Most Valuable Offensive Player as a senior ... Only gave up four sacks in his entire prep career ... Named to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal All-Academic team.

Personal: Full name is Hunter Tredway Kirby ... Is the son of Trey and Denise Kirby ... Has three brothers ... His father played collegiate football at Newberry College in South Carolina

Courtesy WCU Media Relations


Saturday, June 15, 2013

Basketball News


Per BasketballElite.com, incoming sophomore point guard Brandon Littlejohn will be transferring from WCU to Livingstone College.

With the departure of Preston Ross and Littlejohn, WCU has offered power forward Alex Thompson.
Thompson had signed to play for Stetson University, but with their recent coaching change, requested and was granted a release from his scholarship.

Alex Thompson
(6-8, 205)
Hometown: Jensen Beach, FL
High School: Houston Academy
Class:  2013



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75 days 'till kickoff - #75 Justin James

It's now 75 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Today we'll continue with the offensive line

Justin James


Class: Freshman
Hometown: Savannah, GA
High School: Calvary Day
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 285
Position: OL

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time All-Region 3-A first team selection, as well as an All-Savannah Morning News first team honoree, leading the offensive line ... Earned second team All-State accolades at the Class A level ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.

Personal: Full name is Justin Anthony James ... Is the son of Phillip and Lora James.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations



Friday, June 14, 2013

2013 Catamount Club Scholarship Banquet Video

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Joshon Perry

Joshon Perry 

Position: Defensive tackle
Hometown: Franklinton, North Carolina
High School: Franklinton
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 264 lbs
40: 5 secs
Class: 2014 (High School)



While Perry does not currently have any scholarship offers, he has generated a lot of interest from not only Western Carolina, but Elon, Furman, Wake Forest, NC State, NC A&T, and East Carolina as well.


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76 days 'till kickoff - #76 days 'till kickoff

It's now 76 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Josh Wineberg

Class:
Sophomore
Hometown: West Jefferson, N.C.
High School: Ashe County HS
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 260
Position: OL




Prior to Western Carolina: Named the 2011 Mountain Valley Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year after recording 75 tackles including 19 for loss and six sacks ... Added four pass break-ups, forced two fumbles and blocked three kicks ... Was named All-MVAC on both sides of the football as a senior, leading Ashe County High to the school's ninth-consecutive state playoff berth ... Earned All-Northwestern Region accolades on offensive and defensive line - the only player to do so in the region ... Led the region in sacks ... Was a three-time all-conference selection, amassing over 279 career tackles ... Was a two-sport athlete at Ashe County High, adding an individual conference championship in wrestling ... Was a two-time state qualifier, placing one season ... Was twice named all-conference as a wrestler ... Won the 2-A state champion in wrestling (285 lbs. weight class) as a senior ... His overall record for his senior year was 44-1 including a 40-match win streak, and his overall record was 136-18.

 Personal: Full name is Joshua Dale Wineberg ... Is the son of Dale and Amanda Wineberg ... Has an older sister, Jessica Smith.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Thursday, June 13, 2013

2014 WCU Basketball Prospect - Austin Dasent

Austin Dasent

Position
: Point guard
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
High School: Northside Christian Academy
AAU: Team Charlotte
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 185 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)


Dasent has drawn interest from not only Western Carolina, but Charlotte, Clemson, Hampton, Mercer, South Carolina and Virginia Tech.  At this time, he as received offers from both Hampton and Mercer.


 



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Important Football Dates to Remember

Mon., July 1 - Season Ticket renewal deadline

Fri., July 12 - The Great Smokies Invitational golf tournament; The Ridges Golf Club in Hayesville, N.C.

Thurs., August 1 - 2013 Catamount football student-athletes report for camp

Fri., August 2 - First scheduled football practice of the 2013 preseason

Tues., August 6 - First scheduled football practice in full pads

Wed., August 7 - The Western Open golf tournament; Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa in Waynesville, N.C.

Fri., August 9 - Catamount 101 - Ladies Love Football event, Cullowhee

Sat., August 10 - Catamount Tailgate Kickoff (Catamount Club members)

Mon., August 19 - First day of fall classes at WCU

Mon., August 19 - Football single-game tickets go on sale

Thurs., August 29 - 2013 Catamount Football season-opener at Middle Tennessee; Murfreesboro, Tenn.

Fri., September 13 - The Bob Waters Memorial golf tournament; High Vista Country Club in Mills River, N.C.

Sat., September 14 - 2013 Catamount Football home opener vs. The Citadel

Courtesy WCU Media Relations


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77 days 'till kickoff - Brandon Berridge

It's now 77 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

- No current football player is assigned to #77, so we'll highlight one of our incoming freshmen

Brandon Berridge

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Sophia, NC
High School: Randleman HS 
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 250 lbs.
Position: OL





Prior to Western Carolina: Played both offensive and defensive line at Randleman High for head coach Shane Handy ... Played at right tackle on the offensive line ... Recorded 30 tackles including 20 solo stops as a senior ... Credited with four quarterback hurries ... Tabbed as "perhaps the best lineman in (Randolph) County" by MyRandolphSports.com, earning All-County plaudits as a senior.

Personal: Has a younger brother, Bradley.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Brandon Wright


Brandon Wright 

Position: Cornerback
Hometown:  Hialeah, Florida
High School:  American
Height: 5'10"
Weight:160 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)


"American Senior High (Hialeah, Fla.) defensive back Brandon Wright (5’11/170) is in hunt for his first scholarship offer. Although, he does not hold an offer, there are schools showing interest in the cornerback. He has recently heard from Western Carolina, South Florida, Indiana, Townson University, Stetson, Florida Atlantic, Central Connecticut State and Boston College."





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78 days 'till kickoff - Andrew Mayton

It's now 78 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

- No current football player is assigned to #78, so we'll highlight one of our incoming freshmen - we'll continue with the Defensive Line

Andrew Mayton

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Midway, NC
High School: North Davidson HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 235 lbs.
Position: DL








Prior to Western Carolina: A four-year varsity letter winner, helped North Davidson High and head coach Mark Holcomb to the 4-A state playoffs all four seasons including a 14-1, Western Region runner-up finish as a senior ... Finished his prep career with 292 tackles and 47.5 career sacks including leading the state of North Carolina with 23.5 sacks as a senior ... Had a career-high 103 tackles and forced three fumbles in his final season at NDHS ... Was a two-time All-Central Piedmont Conference selection, earning both the CPC's and Davidson County's Defensive Player of the Year plaudits as a senior ... Also a two-time All-Northwest pick by the Winston-Salem Journal ... Tabbed All-State by NCPreps ... Moving up to the varsity squad as a freshman, recorded a quarterback sack and forced a fumble in his first game to earn his roster spot ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.

Personal: Full name is Andrew Raymond Mayton ... Is the son of Buddy and Chantel Mayton ... Has a younger sister, Jordan ... His uncle, Robert Mayton, won a state championship as the coach at Thomasville High ... Was also a two-year varsity letter winner in baseball in high school and played for Lexington Post 8 in the American Legion summer league ... Learned to play the piano.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations


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Tuesday, June 11, 2013

2014 WCU Basketball Prospect - Nick Douglas

Nick Douglas

Position: Point guard
Hometown: Mechanicsville, Virginia
High School: Christchurch School
AAU: Team
Height: 6'2"  Weight: 160 lbs
Class: 2014



Several schools along with Western Carolina have shown interest in Douglas.  Georg Mason may lead the pack at this time, others are Jame Madison, Radford, Richmond, VCU, and William & Mary.  At this time, we could not determine any scholarship offers.




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79 days 'till kickoff - #79 Helva Matungulu

It's now 79 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#79 Helva Matungulu

Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
High School: St. Mary's School
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 255
Position: DL




2011 (Freshman): Redshirted:  Came to the United States in January of 2011 and attended Western Carolina University but did not participate in football activities, joining the squad during the summer months ... Named the offensive scout team player of the week following the Chattanooga game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played rugby where he was a part of the provincial championship team in consecutive years ... Won the national rugby 7's championship ... Attended Saint Mary's School in Nairobi. 

Personal: Full name is Helva Kayembe Matungulu ... Is the son of Kande and Bilonda Matungulu ... Speaks three languages - English, French and Swahili.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

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Monday, June 10, 2013

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Jeremiah Clarke

Jeremiah Clarke 

Position: Strongside defensive end
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
High School:  T C Williams
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 276 lbs
40: 4.98 secs
Class: 2014 (High School)

Rivals:  3 stars

Defensive end Jeremiah Clarke is one of the top defensive ends on the east coast with an offer list that seems to be growing every day.   While WCU has not offered as of today, Clarke has 22 offers in his pocket.






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Cheves Contract Not Renewed

It was announced today that the contract of head men's golf coach Carter Cheves will not be renewed.

"I have decided to move our men's golf program in a different direction, therefore not renewing the current contract appointment of Carter Cheves," said director of athletics Randy Eaton. "I want to thank Carter for everything he has done for our department, our men's golf team and our student-athletes during his time at Western Carolina."

A national search for the next head men's golf coach will begin immediately.


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80 days 'till kickoff - #80 Phillip Chavis

It's now 80 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#80 Phillip Chavis



Class
: RS Junior
Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.
High School: Dudley HS
Last College: New Mexico State
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 220
Position: TE



2012 (Redshirt Sophomore): Did not see game action.

2011 (Redshirt Freshman): Sat out due to NCAA transfer rules.

Prior to Western Carolina: Attended New Mexico State out of high school where he took a redshirt in the 2010 season prior to transferring to WCU; At Dudley HS: Played tight end as a prep, winning the state championship in football in 2007 & 2008 ... Recorded nine catches for 97 yards his senior year.

Personal: Is the son of Oddy and Phyllis Chavis ... Plans on majoring in sport management.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Sunday, June 9, 2013

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Kyle Leggett

Kyle Leggett

Position: Tight end
Hometown: Williamston, North Carolina
High School:  Riverside
Height: 6'3"   Weight: 225 lbs
40: 5 secs
Bench Max: 235
Squat Max: 450
Vertical: 28 inches
Class:  2014 (High School)

Leggett is drawing interest from Western Carolina, as well as App State, Charlotte, ECU, Memphis, NC State, Liberty, Old Dominion & Richmond.   At this time, we could not find that Kyle has any scholarship offers.





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81 days 'till kickoff - #81 Tyler Klipa

It's now 81 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Today we'll continue to highlight wide receivers.

#81 Tyler Klipa


Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Fort Mill, S.C.
High School: Fort Mill HS
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 185
Position: WR




2011 (Freshman): Redshirted

Prior to Western Carolina: Hauled in 33 passes for 511 yards on offense in 2010 while also recording 48 tackles on defense ... Had a cumulative GPA of 3.869.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

Saturday, June 8, 2013

WCU 2013 Preseason Depth Chart


Courtesy WCU Media Relations

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Looking at Game 2, Virginia Tech



Who:  Virginia Tech Hokies

When:  Saturday, September 7th, 1:30 pm

Where:  Lane Stadium/Worsham Field (65,632) in Blacksburg, VA

Series history:  This will be the first meeting between the Hokies and Catamounts in football

Their conference:  Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)

Their coach: Frank Beamer, his record at Virginia Tech: 216-104-2 (26 years)

Last year’s record: 7-6 (4-4)

How they got there: The Hokies finished the regular season at 6-6 in 2012, the worst single season performance they've had since 1992.  Most of the season, the Hokie defense struggled due to a reshuffled secondary, transfers and injuries that resulted in defensive vulnerabilities in pass protection and rushing defense.  The Hokie offense successes, can be mostly attributed to quarterback Logan Thomas. The Hokies finished the season ranked 81st nationally in total offense, 81st in scoring, 79th in rushing and 100th in passing efficiency and were held under 20 points on five occasions.

Offense: Multiple pro-style offense

Defense:  4-2-5

Offensive starters returning/lost:   6 / 5

Defensive starters returning/lost:   9 / 2

Biggest losses:  linebacker Bruce Taylor, tackle Nick Becton; tackle Vinston Painter, fullback Joey Phillips

Watch out for: QB Logan Thomas and  running back J.C. Coleman. Coleman finished 2012 with 492 yards. VT returns three players who earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2012:  defensive end James Gayle, linebacker Jack Tyler & cornerback Antone Exum. Incoming freshman and five-star defensive back prospect Kendall Fuller may have an immediate impact.

Strengths: Logan Thomas’ decision to return to Virginia Tech for his senior season is a real plus for the Hokie's offense.  RS freshmen running backs Trey Edmunds and Chris Mangus could also be the key to help return the Hokie running game back to the level Tech fans are accustomed.

All four starters on the defensive line from last year return and Tech returns experienced players on special teams, including place-kicker Cody Journell; punter A.J. Hughes; snapper Joe St. Germain; punt returner Kyshoen Jarrett; kickoff returner Demitri Knowles

Weaknesses: Last season, Tech went from 35th in total offense in the FBS to 81st, and as a result, the shake up in the offensive coaching staff results in the debut of three new offensive coaches, including offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler. But Loeffler's last season at Auburn ranked the Tigers near the bottom of FBS schools in total scoring (115th of 120), and was only slightly better than VT in rushing (148.4 ypg compared to 145.9 ypg).

Returning QB Thomas certainly needs help with the running game and in his receivers corp.  However, the top three receivers from last season are gone.

The Hokies do return the middle of their offensive line intact, but have no one with sufficient playing experience at tackle, so those are huge holes to fill.


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2014 WCU Basketball Prospect - Kedrick Flomo


Kedrick Flomo

Position: Point guard
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
High School:  North Forsyth
Height: 6'2"  Weight:175 lbs
Class:2014: (High School)

ESPN ranking:  3 stars



Flomo has drawn interest from 12 schools, that he currently has offers from, including Western Carolina.  Some of the schools with scholarship offers are App State, Chattanooga, ECU, Georgia Southern, Mercer, UNCW and Winthrop.

Kedrick Flomo Recruitment Building Steam





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82 days 'till kickoff - Gary Richardson


It's now 82 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

Today we'll continue to highlight wide receivers.

Gary Richardson










Class: Freshman
Hometown: Clayton, N.C.
High School: Clayton H S
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 175
Position: WR

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Friday, June 7, 2013

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Jordan Watson

Jordan Watson 

Position: Offensive tackle
Hometown: Belton, South Carolina
High School:  Belton-Honea Path HS
Height: 6'3" - Weight: 240 lbs
40: 4.9 secs - Shuttle: 4.5
Class: 2014 (High School)

Several schools in addition to Western Carolina have shown interest in Watson.  Furman, Wofford, Presbyterian are all considering, but have not yet offered a scholarship.

View video highlights of Watson here


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2014 WCU Basketball Prospect - Zach McCormick

Zach McCormick

Position: Shooting guard
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
High School:  Turpin
AAU: King James
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 165 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)




McCormick was AP Division I honorable mention all-state this past season. He was second-team all-district. He averaged 26.48 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists for the Spartans this past season.

In addition to Western Carolina, he has offers from Winthrop, Miami University, Ohio University, Marshall, Akron, Eastern Kentucky, St. Francis, NKU, Toledo, Kent State, Wright State, East Carolina, Rhode Island, Bufflao, Towson, Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State.




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83 days 'till kickoff - #83 Jeff Moore

It's now 83 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Today we'll continue to highlight wide receivers.

#83 Jeff Moore


Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Broughton HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 160
Position: WR




2011 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Named the offensive scout team player of the week following the home opener against Mars Hill.

Courtesy WCU Media Relations

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