Phill Steele's SoCon Poll & All-Conference Selections

Steele's SoCon Ranking

1. Furman
T-2. Mercer/Western Carolina
T-4. Samford/Chattanooga
6. East Tennessee
7. Wofford
8. VMI
9. The Citadel

 Phil Steele's 2023 Preseason All-Conference Selections

33 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #33 Lee Campbell

It's now 33 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a defensive safety:

#33 Lee Campbell

 Position: Safety
 Height: 6-0
 Weight: 205
 Class: Redshirt Freshman
 Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
 High School: Vance HS








2022 (Freshman): Played in all 11 of the team’s games on special teams and as a reserve on defense … Recorded 22 tackles on the season including 11 solo stops with half a tackle for loss … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) … Credited with his first career tackle at Georgia Tech (Sept. 10), finishing with two total stops … Had three tackles with a half a TFL at Samford (Sept. 24) … Recorded a career-high eight tackles including four solo stops at Mercer (Oct. 8) … Posted five tackles at home against The Citadel (Oct. 22) … Recovered a fumble in the road win at ETSU (Nov. 12) that helped stop a would-be scoring drive at the 18-yard line … Recorded a team-high tying seven tackles with a tackle for loss in WCU’s annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on ... Started his prep career at East Mecklenburg High before transferring to Vance / Julius L. Chambers High ... Finished his prep career at Queen City Prep in Matthews, N.C
.
Personal: Full name is Lee Jay Campbell ... Is the son of Sabrina and Lee Campbell.

Do you think this head coach has Confidence in his team?

 Coach Bell thinks this may be the year we get that monkey off our back. 

34 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #34 Quenten Zanders

It's now 34 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a linebacker Running back:

#34 Quenten Zanders

 Position:  Running Back

 Height: 5-8
 Weight:  175

 Class: Fifth Year
 Hometown: Shelby, N.C.
 High School: Crest HS







2022 (Senior): Played in one game, rushing twice in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17) … Accounted for 11 rushing yards against the Blue Hose … Rushed a scrimmage-high 18 times for 76 yards in WCU’s annual Spring game intrasquad scrimmage.

2021 (Junior*): Saw action in one game officially on the season, making his WCU debut against Mercer ... Did not record any statistics ... Rushed eight times for 62 yards during WCU's annual Spring Showcase scrimmage.

2020-21 (Junior): Did not see game action.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Cleveland Community College which does not have football … Has a junior class standing with two years of eligibility, though he must sit out the 2020 season … Is a 2018 graduate of Crest HS where he was a two-way player at running back and linebacker … Rushed for 339 yards and six touchdowns as a senior in 2017, adding 214 yards on kickoff returns … Also wrestled as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Quyen Ngo and Lindell Zanders … His brother, Lannden Zanders, plays at Clemson.

35 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #35 Christian Murphy

It's now 35 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a linebacker:

#35 Christian Murphy

 Position:  Linebacker

 Height:  6-1

 Weight:  220

 Class:  Redshirt Freshman

 Hometown:  Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

 High School:  Dillard HS

2022 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Began his prep career at St. Thomas Aquinas High … Helped guide Dillard HS to a tri-county championship in 2020 … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.com

Preseason Previews: Game #6 - Chattanooga Mocs

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western's 2023 football opponents. In the Catamount's sixth regular season game of the 2023 season, the Cats travel to Chattanooga to face the Chattanooga Mocs.  

Western faces the Mocs for the 49th time on the gridiron, since 1973. Last year the Cats knocked the Mocs out of playoff contention with a 32-29 victory in Cullowhee, and this year the Cats get to ruin Homecoming for the Mocs. See you in Chattanooga. 

Game #6 

           Chattanooga Mocs

When: Saturday, October 7, 2023

Time:  4:00 pm
Where:   Finley Stadium, Chattanooga, TN
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
   -announcers: Gary Ayers, PxP; Daniel Hooker, Color

TV/video:  ESPN+

Live Stats:  UTC Live Stats

Fan Message Board:  Moc Nation

Game Notes:  Western Carolina    -     Chattanooga

The Series: In the 49th meeting between the two teams, the Cats own an 18-30 record against the Mocs. The Cats broke a 3-game-losing streak to the Mocs last season, and travel to Chattanooga where the Cats on a 7-16 record in games played in Chattanooga. 

Last Game vs. Chattanooga: (10-19-22) Catamounts Upset #15 Chattanooga, 32-29, on Senior Day  Cullowhee, N.C. – Senior tailback TJ Jones capped a five-minute, game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter with a one-yard plunge as Western Carolina capped its 2022 season with an upset victory over No. 15 Chattanooga 32-29 in Southern Conference action on Saturday afternoon at Bob Waters Field / E.J. Whitmire Stadium.

Last Season's Record (2021):  7-4 overall, 4-1 home, 3-3 away, 5-3 SoCon  

Head Coach:  Rusty Wright - Rusty Wright is in his fifth year as head coach of the Mocs football program. He was officially introduced on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. A 23-year veteran of the collegiate coaching ranks, Wright is a 1996 graduate of UTC with a degree in Sports Administration. He was a four-year letter winner for the Mocs football team and had two stints as an assistant coach at UTC

Record at UTC: 22-17 (5th year) 

Rusty Wright vs. WCU:  3 - 1

Kerwin Bell vs. UTC:  1 - 1

Offense: Multiple 

Returning/Lost: 8/3 

2-Deep Returning/Lost: 15/7 

Defense: Multiple 

Starters Returning/Lost: 7/4 

2-Deep Returning/Lost: 14/8 

Specialists (K/LS) 

Starters Returning/Lost: 1/2 

Redshirts/Newcomers: 18/41

(23 Freshmen/18 Transfers)

In preseason SoCon voting, the Mocs were picked to finish fourth in the standings by both the coaches and media polls. The Mocs received votes in the Athlon Sports’ preseason national rankings, put eight players on the preseason All-SoCon teams along with sporting the SoCon's Defensive Player of the Year, senior, defensive lineman Jay Person. 

The Mocs returns 14 players who made starts in 2022 on the offensive side of the ball. On defense, they return 12 with starts under their belt.  Senior running back Ailym Ford, has rushed for three 1,000-yard seasons. He is coming off a career-best 1,199 leading the SoCon in yards per game.

Offense. On offense, the Mocs will have a new look, as their starting quarterback and top three leading rushers from 2022 will not be on this season's team.  Graduate transfer Chase Artopoeus, who comes over from UCLA,  is expected to take over the quarterback position.  In the backfield, it'll be Ailym Ford, who gained 1,190 yards and 12 TDs on 230 carries in 2022. In the receiving corps, the Mocs return Sam Phillips and Jamoi Mays, who were on the receiving end of most of the receptions for Chattanooga in 2022.  We expect head coach Rusty Wright to play to the Mocs' strength in the passing game. 

Defense. The Mocs return a lot of talent on the defensive side of the football, as seven of last season's starters return. Cornerback Kam Brown and edge-rusher Jay Person have been tabbed as 2023 FCS preseason All-Americans.  Pearson, a senior, had 52 tackles and sacks (8).  Bown, a senior had 11 passes defended, finishing top five nationally with six interceptions. While the Mocs lose their leading tacklers in linebackers Ty Boeck and Kam Jones, they return Bo Spearman and sophomore standout Alex Mitchell.

2022 Mocs Statistics (11 games):

Rushing Offense: 1763 yards 

Yards per game: 160
Yards per rush: 4.2 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 84
TDs rushing: 21
Passing Offense: 2738 yards or 249 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 8.5 yards
Passing 1st downs: 135
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 195-324-11            
TDs Passing: 17
Total Offense: 45 01 yards or 409 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 11-4
3d Down Conversions: 60 of 141 (43%)
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 13 (38%)
Field goal attempts: 11 - 19
On-side kicks: 0-0
Red Zone Scores: 37 of 46  (80%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 27 of  46 (59%)
PAT:  39 of 40 (98%)

36 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #36 Ja'morri Downing

It's now 36 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a defensive safety:

#36 Ja'morri Downing

 

Position: Safety

 Height: 6-0
 Weight: 200

 Class: Redshirt Freshman

 Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

 High School: Stranahan HS

2022 (Freshman): Played in four games, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the home win over VMI (Oct. 1) … Did not record any official statistics.

Prior to Western Carolina: Recorded 81 tackles including 63 solo stops and 25 tackles for loss with 10 sacks as a high school senior … Credited with nine passes defended … Also ran track as a prep, posting times of 11 flat in the 100m dash and 23 flat in the 200m dash.

Personal: Is the son of Sheneera Perry ... Has two siblings, Jamiya Downing and Paige Pocte.

37 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #37 Marquis Lymon

It's now 37 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a defensive safety:

#37 Marquis Lymon

 Position:  Safety

 Height:  5-10

 Weight:  205

 Class:  Redshirt Freshman

 Hometown:  Delray Beach, Fla.

 High School:  Atlantic HS

2022 (Freshman): Saw action in three games as a defensive reserve as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) … Did not record any official statistics.

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way player as a prep … Credited with 142 tackles including 97 solo stops as a senior with 22 tackles for loss including five sacks … Recorded six interceptions and 13 total passes defended as a senior … Recorded five interceptions while rushing for over 400 yards in seven games in 2020, helping guide his high school to a South Florida tri-county gold-level championship … Accounted for 947 total all-purpose yards over his final two seasons as a prep including 648 rushing yards as a senior … Listed as a three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com.

Personal: Is the son of Jamileya Rolle and Tony Peele ... Has one sibling, Markenz Lymon

38 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #38 Jhamari Pierre-Louis

It's now 38 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a defensive safety:

#38 Jhamari Pierre-Louis

 Position: Safety
 Height: 5-11
 Weight: 195
 Class: Redshirt Freshman
 Hometown: Delray Beach, Fla.
 High School: Atlantic HS








2022 (Freshman): Saw action in one game, making his collegiate debut in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17) … Did not record any official statistics.

Prior to Western Carolina: Credited with 34 tackles including 16 solo stops and two TFLs as a senior according to MaxPreps.

Personal: Full name is Jhamari P. Pierrie-Louis, prefers to go by Jay ... Is the son of Tywanza Solomon and Paul Pierre-Louis ... Has three siblings, Zhamari, Isaiah, and Tyler ... Is of Haitian descent.

Preseason Previews: Game #5 - The Citadel Bulldogs

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western's 2023 football opponents. For the fifth game of the season, the Catamounts travel to Charleston, SC to face The Citadel Bulldogs in Johnson Hagood Stadium. The last time the Cats traveled to  Charleston, they picked up a 34-21 road victory in the low country of South Carolina.  

The Bulldogs are coming off a 4-7 season that resulted in not only a head coaching change but a new offensive scheme as well.  May the "triple-option" as run by the Dogs in the past - rest in peace. This will be the first season since the Cats joined the Southern Conference that they will not face a triple option team.  

                  

             Game #5

                         The Citadel

When: Saturday, September 30, 2022

Time:  2:00 pm
Where: Johnson Hagood Stadium, Charleston SC
Radio:  Catamount Sports Network

   -announcers:  Gary Ayers • Daniel Hooker • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV/video: ESPN+

 Live Stats:  Citadel live stats

Game Notes:   Western Carolina   -    The Citadel 

Citadel Message Board:  Citadel Fan Message Board

Nickname:  Bulldogs

Mascot:  Spike

The Series: Western is currently 19-27-1 vs. the Bulldogs overall. The Cats and Dogs first played on the gridiron in 1972, and the Cats own an 8-14 record vs. the Citadel in games played in Charleston, SC, along with a 4-6 record in the last 10 games played. 

Last Season's Game vs. The Citadel (10-22-22) - Catamounts Fall to The Citadel on Heroes Day  - Cullowhee, NC – Freshman running back Desmond Reid ran for a team-best 129 yards, and classmate quarterback Cole Gonzales threw for two touchdowns, but Western Carolina was unable to overcome a strong first half by The Citadel in a 34-21 loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Bob Waters Field/E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Citadel improves to 2-5 overall and 2-3 in the Southern Conference while WCU heads into its bye week at 3-5 and 1-4.

Last season's Record - (The Citadel): 4-7 overall, 2-3 home, 2-4 away, 3-5 SoCon

Head Coach: Maurice Drayton -  Former Bulldog player and defensive coordinator Maurice Drayton has been named the next head football coach at The Citadel. The announcement was made by Director of Athletics Mike Capaccio on Tuesday. A former standout player and defensive coordinator, Drayton returns to The Citadel after spending the previous seven seasons working in the NFL. He most recently served as the assistant special teams coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. Drayton also served as the special teams' coordinator in Green Bay in 2021, assistant special teams coordinator for the Packers from 2018-20, and the special teams' coordinator for Indianapolis Colts in 2016-17. 

Drayton's Record at The Citadel: 0 - 0 

Overall Record: Same

Drayton's Record vs. WCU:  0 - 0

Bell's record vs. The Citadel: 1 - 1

In the SoCon preseason ranking, the Bulldogs are ranked eighth in the coache's poll and seventh in the media poll.  After back-to-back 4-7 seasons, the Bulldogs made a head coaching change as well as an offensive scheme change (RIP triple-option).

Former player and assistant coach Maurice Drayton took over the reins of the Bulldog program in December 2022. With a new head coach, a new offensive coordinator (Patrick Covington), and the demise of the T/O, we're not sure what to expect from the Bulldogs on offense.  Covington spent the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Lamar in Beaumont, Texas. The Cardinals possessed one of the more balanced offenses in FCS football as they averaged 175.7 rushing yards per game and 173.7 yards a game through the air. So I think we can expect some variation of the spread option. Covington ran a "multiple" spread offense while at Lamar, and I expect that is what he will duplicate in Charleston for the Bulldogs. 

With 5 quarterbacks on the roster and Peyton Derrick no longer on the roster, Graeson Underwood may be the guy.  Last season the 6-0, 225-pound Underwood ran for 129 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries — the most ever carries for a Citadel QB making his debut — and threw TD passes of 26 and 32 yards as the Bulldogs beat the Cats by 34-21 in Whitmire Stadium.

Former Bulldog linebacker and assistant coach Raleigh Jackson returns to The Citadel as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Jackson spent the 2022 season as the linebackers coach at Central Arkansas, where he helped the Bears capture the A-Sun Championship. Jackson has also served as the defensive coordinator at Division II, Arkansas Tech in 2017-18, and in his first season, the Wonder Boy defense led the Great American Conference in scoring defense, yards per play, takeaways, fourth-down defense, red-zone defense, defensive pass efficiency, and sacks. 

The Bulldogs lose 3 of their 4 leading tacklers from 2022, but they bring back senior LB Hasan Black who led the team in tackles last season.

The Bulldogs only lost 3 players to the transfer portal, two on the offensive side of the ball, and one defensive player.  Avery Dixon (DB); Christian Hilton (WR); & Ethan Greenwood (QB).

2022 The Citadel Statistics (11 games):

Rushing Offense: 2568 yards
Yards per game: 233.5 yards
Yards per rush: 4.3  yards
Rushing 1st downs: 133

TDs rushing: 15
Passing Offense: 1032 yards or 92.8 yards per game
Avg. per pass: 7.4 yards
Passing 1st downs: 49
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 72-138-6
TDs Passing: 10
Total Offense:  3589 yards or 326.3 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 21 - 12
3d Down Conversions: 69 0f 165 (42%)
4th Down Conversions: 18 of 37 (49%)
Field goal attempts: 9 of 12
PAT-Attempts: 23 of 24
On-side kicks: 0 of  1

Red Zone Scores: 23 of 31 (74%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 17 of 31 (55%)
Punts - Yards: 37 for 1360 yards - Avg per punt: 36.8

39 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #39 Brayden Blackmon

It's now 39 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a tight end:

#39 Brayden Blackmon

 Position: Tight End
 Height: 6-3
 Weight: 230
 Class: Junior
 Hometown: Duncan, S.C.
 High School: Byrnes HS










2022 (Sophomore): Played in nine of the team’s 11 games on the season, each coming on special teams and as a reserve on offense … Caught a pair of passes for 23 total yards on the year, recording receptions at Samford (Sept. 24) and against The Citadel (Oct. 22) with a career-long 17-yard catch … Credited with two tackles in the home win over VMI (Oct. 1).

2021 (Freshman): Saw action in eight games as a true freshman, mostly on special teams and as an offensive substitution ... Made his collegiate debut against Samford (Sept. 18) ... His first career reception was also his first collegiate touchdown, hauling in a three-yard TD pass from QB Rogan Wells in the third quarter of the road win at Wofford (Oct. 30) ... Was credited with a solo tackle in the road win at VMI (Nov. 20) ... Named to the 2021-22 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner, played in 22 career games … Versatile athlete that played running back, wildcat, wide receiver, tight end and quarterback … Rushed 134 times for 908 career yards averaging 6.8 yards per rush with 18 rushing touchdowns … Added 13 career receptions for 182 yards and one score … Completed 34-of-62 passes for 334 yards and a touchdown at quarterback.

40 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #40 Cory Hennings

It's now 40 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a safety:

#40 Cory Hennings

 Position:  Safety

 Height:  6-1

 Weight : 210

 Class:  Redshirt Sophomore

 Hometown:  Matthews, N.C.

 High School:  Weddington HS

2022 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 11 games on special teams and as a defensive reserve … Finished the season with five tackles including half a tackle for loss … Recorded his first tackle of the season in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17) … Credited with a career-high three tackles at Mercer (Oct. 8) … Tallied a tackle with a half tackle for loss in the home win over nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Nov. 19).

2021 (Freshman): Saw action in two games on the season, making his collegiate debut against Mercer (Oct. 9) ... Was not credited with any official statistics ... Remained eligible for a redshirt.

41 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #41 Camury Reid

It's now 41 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a running back:

#41 Camury Reid

 Position:  Running Back

 Height:  5-11

 Weight:  190

 Class:  Redshirt Freshman

 Hometown:  Gastonia, N.C.

 High School:  Forestview HS

2022 (Freshman): Played in four games as a true freshman, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Rushed eight times for 13 yards on the season … Made his WCU debut in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17), rushing once for a seven-yard gain … Posted a career-high five rushes at Mercer (Oct. 8) … Rushed 11 times for 64 yards and a two-yard touchdown run, adding three catches for 28 yards out of the backfield in WCU’s annual Spring Game … Tacked on a two-point conversion on the ground for his squad.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner for head coach Chris Medlin ... Rushed for 1,820 yards on 364 career carries, scoring 23 rushing touchdowns ... Added 81 receptions for 1,017 career receiving yards with 11 scores ... Posted 89 total tackles including 53 solo hits on defense with one interception coming as a senior ... Named All-County as a junior, adding all-conference and All-State honors as a senior ... Also played basketball as a prep, earning all-conference plaudits.

Personal: Full name is Camury Modjalick Reid ... Is the son of Markeisha Reid ... Has a younger sibling, Alexis McCoy.

42 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - #42 Jayion McMillan

It's now 42 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023, against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock, AR.

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

Today we highlight a safety:

#42 Jayion McMillan

Position:  Safety

Height:  5-9

Weight:  185

Class:  Redshirt Freshman

High School:  Ahop Christian Leadership Academy

2022 (Freshman): Played in two games as a true freshman, recording one tackle and a pass breakup … Made his collegiate debut in the home game against Presbyterian (Sept. 17) … Tallied a tackle assist at Mercer (Oct. 8) … Had four tackles in WCU’s annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the WCU football team in the spring 2022 semester and took part in annual spring drills ... Credited with a team-high three pass break-ups during WCU's annual Spring Showcase scrimmage.

Personal: Full name is Jayion Ellis McMillan ... Is the son of Patrice Hines and Jojo McMillan.

Preseason Previews: Game #4 - Charleston Southern Buccaneers

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western's 2023 football opponents. For the season's fourth game, the Catamounts return to Cullowhee to face the Big South's Charleston Southern Buccaneers in the second game of a two game series between the two teams, on the gridiron. 

The Bucs completed the 2022 season tied for third place in the Big South Conference standings, tied with Campbell and Bryant, with a 2-3 conference record.  

                          

    

Game #4  

        Charleston Southern  Bucs

When: Saturday, September 23, 2023

Time: 2:30 pm
Where: Bob Water Field, Whitmire Stadium, Cullowhee, NC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
   -Play-by-Play: Gary Ayers • Producer: Jeff Bryson

TV/video: ESPN+

   -Play-by-Play: Daniel Hooker
Live Stats: WCU Live Stats

Conference:  Big South/OVC Alliance 

The Series: This is the second meeting between the two teams on the football field, and is the second and final game in the home and home series between the two schools. 

Last Game vs. CSU:  September 3, 2022 - Davis Throws for 400 Yards, 6 TDs in Season-Opening Road Win - Charleston, S.C. – Carlos Davis threw for a career-high 433 yards and a school-record six touchdown passes going to six different receivers as Western Carolina won its 2022 season opener on Saturday afternoon, 52-38, over Charleston Southern at Buccaneer Field.

Head Coach: Gabe Giardina became the sixth Charleston Southern head football coach in program history in November of 2022. He comes to the Buccaneers after coaching stops at the University of Alabama, Charleston Southern, Delta State and Albany State.

Gabe Giardina's Record: 37-17 overall / 0-0 at CSU  (1st season)

Gabe Giardina's record vs. Western Carolina: 0-0
Kerwin Bell's record vs. Charleston Southern: 1-0

Last Season's Record - (CSU 2022): 2-8 overall, 1-3 home, 1-5 away, 2-3 Big South

Offensive Formation:  Run Pass Option (RPO)
Defensive Formation:  unknown at this time

The Bucs struggled to a 2-8 record in 2022 that resulted in the dismissal of head coach Autry Denson. Denson's four-year run as head coach resulted in an overall record of 14-22.  However, even at 2-8 the Bucs were competitive in most of their games. The Bucs only  lost to Furman by 5 points, and lost to Campbell by 6 points. 

Division II's Albany State head coach Gabe Giardina gets his opportunity to lead the Bucaneers after a great run with the Golden Rams.

With the movement to an RPO type offense, there is speculation that Ross Malmgren, who was injured in Game 4 last season, may depart the team, but I can't find any indication he as entered the portal at this time. If Malmgren does depart, that leaves, the Bucs with at least 4 QBs on the roster to choose from, speculation is that Tony Bartalo may have the inside track to the job.  

The Bucs lost at least 8 players to the transfer portal, 3 on offense, 4 on defense and 1 on special teams: Darius Meeks (OL), Seth Anderson (WR), Vinson Davis III (WR), Boogsie Silvera (DB), Jeremiah McClendon (DB), Jerome Rice III (LB), Kamron Smith (DB), & Franklin Rogers (K) - most of which were on their two deep roster for the Bucs. 

2021 Charleston Southern Statistics (10 games)

Rushing Offense: 1049 yards
Yards per game: 194.9
Yards per rush: 3.3 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 57
TDs rushing: 10
Passing Offense: 2118 yards or 211.8 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 93
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 377-204-15
TDs Passing: 10
Total Offense: 3167 yards or 316.7 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 13 - 6
3d Down Conversions: 44 of 153 (38.8%)
4th Down Conversions: 6 of 19 (31.8%)
Field goal-attempts:  8 of 12
PAT-Attempts: 25 of 25
Red Zone Scores: 15 of 17
Red Zone Touchdowns: 11 of 17
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 2
Penalties-Yards: 51 - 484 - Avg. per gm 48
Punts-Yards: 67 - 2993 - Avg. per gm 38
Sacks: 18 for 102 yards