J.T. Poston interview at Rocket Mortgage Classic

J.T. Poston interview after Round 3 of Rocket Mortgage

62 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #62 Michael Harper

It's now 62 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2019, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another player on the offensive line.


#62 Michael Harper



Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Wilkesboro, N.C.
High School: Fork Union Military Academy
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 285
Position: Offensive Line


2018 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in four games on the season with one start … Made his collegiate debut and his first career start at Furman (Sept. 29), starting the game at offensive left tackle … Was a part of the WCU offensive line unit that paved the way for a fourth-consecutive, 1,000-yard rusher in QB Tyrie Adams ... Named to the 2018-19 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2017 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played both offensive and defensive line, staring as a defensive end for head coach Col. John Shuman for three years at FUMA ... As a senior collected All-Prep and All-State honors, as well as received The Cobb Award given to the Prep MVP ... Awarded the Distinguished Cadet Award at FUMA where he served as an officer ... Was named second-team VISAA Division I All-State in 2015 ... Earned the 2013 Pioneer League All-Conference Award and Christian Character Award.

Personal: Full name is Michael Brian Harper ... Is the son of Michelle and Michael Harper Sr. ... Is one of seven children in his family

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

63 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #63 Peyton Tully

It's now 63 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2019, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another player on the offensive line.



#63 Peyton Tully

Class: True Freshman
Hometown: Waxhaw, N.C.
High School: Cuthbertson HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 270
Position: Offensive Line


Prior to Western Carolina: Played three years at Edmond Memorial High in Edmond, Okla., before finishing his prep career at Cutherbertson High in Waxhaw, N.C. … As a starter along the offensive line, did not allow a sack as a senior in earning All-Union County … Also participated in track & field as a prep.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

64 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - Deane Cheatham

It's now 64 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2019, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

No WCU player is currently assigned to #65, so we will highlight an assistant coach:



Deane Cheatham

Position: Defensive Assistant Coach / CBs
Alma Mater: James Madison
Graduated: 2015









Deane Cheatham joined the Western Carolina defensive coaching staff in the summer of 2018 as the defensive assistant coach, working primarily with the cornerbacks.

Alongside secondary coach Tripp Weaver, Cheatham worked with Ronald Kent Jr., a two-time Freshman All-America selection (Phil Steele, HERO Sports) and Southern Conference All-Freshman defensive team honoree. Kent, who graced the Jerry Rice Award Watch List for the nation's top freshman, tallied 45 tackles and a team-best 12 pass break-ups - a mark that ranked him tied for sixth in WCU's single-season record books and the most by a Catamount since 2002.

A former All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tight end at James Madison, Cheatham came to Cullowhee after a year as a graduate assistant coach at Conference USA-member Marshall. At WCU, he will work alongside former JMU assistant coach, Tripp Weaver, in assisting with the secondary. He will also be involved in video film study, game break-down, and assisting in the press box on game days.

Cheatham spent five-years as a student-athlete at James Madison from 2011-2015, playing tight end and fullback for the Dukes’ offense. He played in 34 games during his collegiate career making 33 starts, finishing with 94 receptions for 1,110 yards and nine touchdowns. He added eight rushes for 25 yards and six kick returns for 124 yards coming in his senior season in 2015.

Named a captain his senior year, Cheatham was a second-team All-CAA honoree after ranking 10th in the CAA in yards per catch (13.7), while also collecting a pair of All-State plaudits from VaSID and the Roanoke Times.

Originally from Mechanicsville, Va., Cheatham played as a prep at Hanover High in where he was a two-way starter at running back and linebacker. He was the Capital District Offensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2010, helping guide his high school team to its first Capital District Championship. Out of high school, he was a two-star recruit according to Rivals.com when he was signed by JMU.

Cheatham is the son of Deane (III) and Cindy Cheatham.






Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations 

65 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #65 Isaiah Helms

It's now 65 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2019, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another member of the Offensive line:



#65 Isaiah Helms

Class: True Freshman
Hometown: Lenoir, N.C.
High School: West Caldwell HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 315
Position: Offensive Line


Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way lineman who played offensive center and defensive tackle … Four-time All-District honoree and a three-time All-Northwestern 3A/4A Conference selection … Selected to play in the 82nd Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas all-star football game as a senior … As a junior recorded 25 total tackles and recovered a pair of fumbles playing along the defensive line … Also participated in baseball and field events in track & field as a prep ... High school coach was DeVore Holman ... Signed in the National Signing Early period.

Personal: Is the son of Jessica Helms.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

66 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - Blake Whitmore

It's now 66 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2019, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another member of the Offensive line:


Blake Whitmore

Class: True Freshman
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Millbrook HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 285
Position: Offensive Line


Prior to Western Carolina: Joins the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on … Played center, guard, and long-snapper as a prep … Was named All-Cap-7 Conference along the offensive line as a senior ... High school coach was Clarence Inscore.

Personal: Is the son of Tina and Barry Whitmore.





Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

67 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #67 Jibril Dandy

It's now 67 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2019, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another member of the defensive line:


#67 Jibril Dandy

Class: Graduate
Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.
High School: John T. Hoggard HS
Other College: Tuskegee
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 315
Position: Defensive Line


2018 (Graduate): Did not see game action … Was impressive along the defensive front during WCU’s annual Spring Drills.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU as a graduate senior … Did not see any action as a redshirt sophomore after suffering a season-ending injury during preseason camp … Played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman, mostly on special teams on both field goal and PAT team... Helped pave the way for an offense that recorded 2,062 yards rushing and another 2,121 passing.

High School: Played at John T. Hoggard High in Wilmington ... Started at nose tackle his final two seasons as a prep ... As a junior anchored a defensive line that won its eighth-consecutive conference title and playoff appearance ... As a senior earned Mideastern All-Conference honors in helping lead his team to a ninth-consecutive playoff appearance while recording 70 tackles and eight sacks … Played in the High School All-American Bowl ... Named NUC Combine Defensive Lineman Most Valuable Player... Transferred from Ashley High School where he started at nose tackle, also lettering in lacrosse as a sophomore … Named to Honor Roll ... Member of DECA... Member of Technical Honor Society.

Personal: Is the son of LeRay and Felecia Dandy ... Sister is a chemical engineering student at Tuskegee ... Father, Grandfather, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother are alum of Tuskegee University … Has four relatives who have played sports collegiately and/or professionally: Orien Greene (Florida/Louisiana-Lafayette/Guaros de Lara), Basketball), Cotra Jackson (North Carolina State), Larry Brown (Kansas/Pittsburgh Steelers) and Andre Tippett (Iowa/New England Patriots).






Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

68 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #68 Torrion Stevenson

It's now 68 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight a member of the defensive line:


#68 Torrion Stevenson

Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Branchville, S.C.
High School: Branchville HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 315
Position: Defensive Line


2018 (Freshman): Played in three games on the season along the defensive line, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Recorded three total tackles including two solo stops … Made his collegiate debut at Samford (Oct. 6), finishing with a career-high two tackles – both solo stops … Credited with a tackle assist at North Carolina (Nov. 17).

Prior to Western Carolina: Played both offensive and defensive line as a prep ... Selected to the USA Today High School Sports All-USA first second defense ... Was dubbed All-Region as a sophomore and received All-State honors as a junior ... Played for the South team in the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives North-South Bowl Game … Listed as a two-star recruit by both Rivals.com and 247sports.com ... High school coach was Sandy Dukes.

Personal: Full name is Torrion Jabree Stevenson … Is the son of Trena Bethea … Has two siblings, Breyonia and Trinity … He also serves as a volunteer firefighter in his community and is a member of the Branchville Christian Church Youth Group.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

69 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - Dawson Brown

It's now 69 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2019, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

No player is currently assigned to #69 on the official 2019 roster, so we will highlight Dawson Brown


Dawson Brown

Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Kennesaw, Ga.
High School: Harrison HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 285
Position: Wide Receiver


2018 (Freshman): Did not see game action, eligible for a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: In 11 games as a senior slot wide receiver, caught 32 passes for 376 yards and five touchdowns ... Added 164 rushing yards and a score on the ground ... Finished the year with 540 all-purpose yards ... Was a two-time Offensive Player of the Week as a senior.






Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

70 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #70 Devon Stephens

It's now 70 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

No player is currently assigned to #70 on the spring roster, so we will highlight someone that could wear #70:


#70 Devon Stephens




Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Sylva, N.C
High School: Smoky Mountain HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 285
Position: Offensive Line


2018 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in one game as a reserve along the offensive line and on special teams … Made his collegiate debut against The Citadel (Nov. 3).

2017 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt ... Named to the 2017-18 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played both offensive and defensive line locally at Smoky Mountain HS, accepting a preferred walk-on spot with the WCU football team ... An All-Western North Carolina Athletic Conference offensive lineman/defensive end ... Averaged 4.2 tackles per game for the Mustangs (7-5) in 2016.





Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

71 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - Zach Hayes

It's now 71 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

No player is currently assigned to #71 on the spring roster, so we will highlight someone that could wear #71:


Zach Hayes



Class: True Freshman
Hometown: Jonesboro, Ga.
High School: Jonesboro HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 300
Position: Offensive Line


Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … Two-time all-county selection and was also selected all-region and all-state … Did not allow a sack from his left tackle position over his final two varsity seasons … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and a two-star recruit by Rivals.com … Three-sport athlete, competing in baseball and throwing the shot put in track & field.

Personal: Full name is Zachary Hayes … Is the son of Dawn Carter and Nathan Hayes … Has one sibling, Carter … His father played collegiate football at North Carolina.

Note: High school coach was Daniel Brunner.





Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

72 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - Dillon Luther

It's now 72 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

No player is currently assigned to #72 on the spring roster, so we will highlight someone that could wear #72:



Dillon Luther

Class: True Freshman
Hometown: Asheville, N.C.
High School: Erwin HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 300
Position: Offensive Line


Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner along both the offense and defensive line … Was a two-time all-conference selection as a junior and senior … Also played baseball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Dillon Alan Luther … Is the son of Karen and Ryan Luther … Has two younger siblings, Kaylee and Cody.

Note: High school coach was Rodney Pruett.



Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

73 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #73 Nick Campbell

It's now 73 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another member of the offensive line:



#73 Nick Campbell

Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Braselton, Ga.
High School: Mill Creek HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 265
Position: Offensive Line







2018 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in three games as a reserve along the offensive line and on special teams … Credited with a tackle against The Citadel (Nov. 3).

2017 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner as a center and guard on a three-time region championship squad ... Selected second team All-Gwinnett County as a senior ... Twice named Offensive Lineman of the Week during his career ... Was listed as a two-star athlete by both 247Sports.com and Rivals.com ... High school head coach was Shannon Jarvis ... Was a finalist in the shot put in the Georgia 7-A Track & Field state championship.

Personal: Full name is Nicholas Michael Campbell ... Is the son of Sherrie and Mike Campbell ... Was born in Jacksonville, Fla. ... His father played at Auburn University on the 1988 and 1989 SEC Championship teams before playing professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the Hamilton TigerCats ... Has three siblings; Sabrina, Hannah, and Graham.






Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

74 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #74 Tyler Smith

It's now 74 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another member of the offensive line:


#74 Tyler Smith

Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Laurinburg, N.C.
High School: Scotland County HS
Height / Weight: 6-8 / 320
Position: Offensive Line


Prior to Western Carolina: Two-time all-conference selection, earning All-Southeastern 4A Conference (SEC) selection as a junior and an All-Sandhills Athletic Conference (SAC) nod as a senior … Was named to the WPDE End Zone Team and was selected to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas following his senior season while also collecting 910Prep.com All-State accolades … Was additionally named to the 2017 American Family Insurance All-USA North Carolina Football Team.

Personal: Full name is James Tyler Smith … Is the son of Betty Jo and Jamie Smith.





Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

WCU Football has the highest APR in the SoCon

75 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - Keith Henry

It's now 75 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Since no student-athlete is currently assigned to #75 on the spring roster, today we will highlight another assistant coach:

Keith Henry

Position: Assistant Coach / Special Tms Coord. / Nickels
Alma Mater: Catawba
Graduated: 1989








Western Carolina head football coach Mark Speir has announced the addition of veteran assistant coach Keith Henry to his staff. Henry, who will coach the nickelbacks and serve as special teams coordinator, has nearly three decades of coaching experience at all levels of football including 18 seasons at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level.

Henry joins the WCU coaching staff after most recently working at Charlotte with stops at his alma mater, Catawba College (2013-16) for four seasons, and Wake Forest (2001-2011), where he was a part of five different postseason bowl games over 11 years. He replaces former Catamount assistant coach Justin Hood who took an assistant coaching position in the secondary at FBS-member, Kent State.

“We are very excited about the addition of Keith Henry to our coaching staff,” said Speir. “Keith brings a ton of experience and knowledge to our program, coaching for 20+ years at the FBS level and at Power 5 schools. He has recruited the Carolina’s for most of his career and has an established reputation with the high school coaches in both North and South Carolina. He has also been charged with taking over the special teams coordinator duties, which is a vital part of any program. Keith has been heavily involved in special teams in every stop of his coaching career.”

Speir added, “Finally, Keith spent a good deal of his coaching career working with Jim Grobe, who is one of the finest and most respected men in the profession. So, he certainly understands our culture of developing men both on and off the football field.”

Henry served as assistant head coach at Catawba for four seasons and was the Indians’ defensive coordinator while coaching the defensive backs. Back in 2015, Catawba’s defense produced All-America linebacker Kyle Kitchens, who was named South Atlantic Conference (SAC) and region Defensive Player of the Year as the Indians won the SAC championship. The Henry-led defense forced 28 takeaways including a league-leading 11 interceptions while also ranking second in the NCAA Division II ranks with a mere 15.8 points per game allowed.

Prior to returning to his alma mater, Henry spent 17 years on the coaching staff of Jim Grobe between both Ohio University and Wake Forest. He was a six-year assistant at OU under Grobe, making the move to Winston-Salem with the Bobcats staff. During his 11 years at Wake Forest, Henry served as special teams coordinator in 2011 and also coached the outside linebackers, defensive ends, and defensive backs.

He helped the Demon Deacons to five bowl games while on staff including the 2007 Orange Bowl after the 2006 ACC Championship. Over a three-year stretch from 2006 through 2008, he helped Wake achieve a remarkable 28-12 record and three-consecutive bowl game appearances.

While at Ohio, Henry was a part of helping post a 27-20-1 record in the Mid-American Conference over a six-year run.

Other coaching stops in Henry’s career include a three-year stint at North Carolina A&T, a year as the defensive backs coach at Charleston Southern, and a season as a graduate assistant at Gardner-Webb. Henry also interned during the summer with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013, serving as an assistant with the inside linebackers during training camp and into the preseason.

A 1989 graduate of Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C., with a degree in physical education, Henry was an All-America safety, four-time All-SAC selection, and a two-year team captain that garnered the Harvey Stratton Player of the Year award. He graduated with a then-school record 398 career tackles and 20 combined interceptions. Henry went on to play professionally in the Arena Football League, spending single years as at wo-way player – wide receiver and defensive back – with the Albany Firebirds (1990) and the Charlotte Rage (1991).

Henry was a prep standout at Maiden High School and began his coaching career at Bandy’s High School after graduating from Catawba. He earned his master’s degree in athletic administration from North Carolina A&T in 1995 after spending three seasons on staff at NC A&T as the linebackers, wide receivers, and defensive backs coach during his time in Greensboro.

In 2000, Henry was inducted into the Catawba College Sports Hall of Fame and in 2001, was inducted into the South Atlantic Conference Hall of Fame. He also coached baseball at North Carolina A&T, winning a MEAC title and conference Coach of the Year honors in 1994.

Henry and his wife, Nicole, have four children: Kirstie Foster, K.J. Henry, Maya Henry, and Isaiah Henry as well as two grandchildren: Makhi and Malachi.






Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Happy Fathers Day to the Catamount Nation

76 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #76 Jacob Combs

It's now 76 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another member of the offensive line:


#76 Jacob Combs

Class: True Freshman
Hometown: North Wilkesboro, N.C
High School: North Wilkesboro HS
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 280
Position: Offensive Line


Prior to Western Carolina: Two-time All-Mountain Valley Conference selection playing both offensive and defensive line … Earned Winston-Salem Journal All-Northwest team accolades twice over his final two seasons as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Jacob Lee Combs … Is the son of Vicki Phillips and Ricky Combs




Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

77 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #77 Clark Willhoite

It's now 77 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another member of the offensive line:


#77 Clark Willhoite

Class: Redshirt sophomore
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
High School: Roger Bacon HS 
Height / Weight: 6-6 / 320
Position: Offensive Line


2018 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 11 of the team’s games on the year on special teams and as a substitution along the offensive line … Was a part of Tyrie Adams eclipsing the 1,000-yard rushing mark giving WCU a 1,000-yard rusher in four-consecutive seasons … Was sidelined with a knee injury during WCU’s annual spring drills.

2017 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played offensive tackle and was a team captain as a senior at Roger Bacon HS ... Selected first team All-Greater Catholic (GCL) Central lineman ... Awarded his team's Most Valuable Player honor along the offensive line ... Also received Academic All-Ohio honors in his final year as a prep ... Earned second-team All- GCL Coed Central lineman in 2015 as a junior while also receiving the most improved team award ... High school head coach was Mike Blaut.

Personal: Full name is Clark Evan Willhoite ... Is the son of Sonya Beeler and Mark Willhoite ... His mother played basketball at Bradley University ... Has a brother, Hagan, and a sister, Zoey.





Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

June 14, U.S. Army & U.S. Flay Birthday

Happy Birthday to both......

There is a deep and powerful bond between American Soldiers and the nation they serve.

It is fitting that we celebrate the birthday of the @USArmy and our nation's flag together today. #FlagDay #ArmyBday pic.twitter.com/8EdkenvcAq

— US Army Central (@usarmycentral) June 14, 2019

78 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #78 Garrett Bowman

It's now 78 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today we'll highlight another member of the offensive line:


#78 Garrett Bowman

Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Arab, Ala.
High School: Arab HS
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 265
Position: Offensive Line


2018 (Freshman): Saw action in one game, making his collegiate debut on the road at Mercer (Oct. 20) … Did not record any official statistics playing along the offensive line … Expected to take a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Recruited as an offensive lineman … Two-year varsity letter winner on both the offensive and defensive line for high school coach Adam Gilbert … Credited with 72 career tackles including 46 as a senior … Credited with 20 career tackles for loss including nine sacks … Added four receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown as a senior … Name first team All-Marshall County and earned all-region plaudits … Earned Zaxby’s Player of the Game eight times during his junior and senior years including five times in his final season.

Personal: Full name is Matthew Garrett Bowman … Is the son of Lisa and Joel Bowman … Has two younger siblings, John Brady, and Drew.






Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

79 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - #79 Bailey Byrum

It's now 79 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day. Today we'll highlight a member of the offensive line:


#79 Bailey Byrum

Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Sweetwater, Tenn.
High School: Sweetwater HS
Height / Weight: 6-7 / 330
Position: Offensive Line


2018 (Redshirt Sophomore): Dressed for several games on the year, but did not see game action.

2017 (Redshirt Freshman): Made his collegiate debut in the home-opener against Davidson (Sept. 9), appearing in one game on the season as a reserve along the offensive line and on special teams.

2016 (Freshman): Did not see game action; expected to take a redshirt ... Named to the 2016-17 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-time all-county selection and a two-time all-district honoree ... As a senior was named All-State by both the Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TWSA) and The Examiner.com ... Selected as the Region 2-AA co-Offensive Lineman of the Year and was the Advocate Democrat lineman of the year ... Played for the East squad in the Toyota East-West All-Star Classic ... Graded out with 158 career pancake blocks over three seasons including a career-high 72 as a senior with 95 career knockdowns, 64 in his final season ... As a junior was named a MVP at a National Playmakers Academy camp held at Tennessee State Univ. ... Listed as a three-star athlete by 247Sports.com and a two-star standout by Rivals.com ... He is considered the No. 124 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 26 overall player in the Tennessee Class of 2016 ... High school coach was Ethan Edmiston.

Personal: Is the son of Eddie and Laura Byrum ... His grandfather, David Michael "Big Dog" Vestal Sr., played football at the University of Tennessee where he was on the Vols 1956 Sugar Bowl team ... His uncle, David Vestal Jr., played football at ETSU.







Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

80 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - Jess Smith

It's now 80 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Since no one is currently assigned to #80, today we'll highlight another tight end who could be wearing #80 this year:



Jess Smith

Class: Redshirt freshman
Hometown: Seneca, S.C.
High School: Seneca, HS
Height / Weight: 5-9 / 175
Position: Tight End



2017 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played free safety and outside linebacker at Seneca High as a prep ... Was selected to the Region 1-AAA All-Region team as a senior.




Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

81 Days 'till WCU Football Kickoff - Brandon Hendricks

It's now 81 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, August 31, 2018, against the Mercer Bears, in E.J. Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC

To help pass those long summer days, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, and knowledgeable of the team members, we'll continue the 100-day football countdown each day until kickoff day.


Today we'll highlight another tight end who could be wearing #81 this year:


Brandon Hendricks

Class: Redshirt freshman
Hometown: Mocksville, N.C.
High School: Davie HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 160
Position: Tight End

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-way player at Davie High playing both wide receiver and cornerback where he was a three-year letter winner ... Also ran track as a prep, ranking tied for ninth in high school history in the 100-meter dash (12.10, 2017) and eighth in the 200-meter dash (24.44, 2017) ... He was also on the school’s sixth-best 4x100-meter relay team in 2016 ... Played football as a prep alongside Catamount teammate, Angel Perez-Hunt.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations