Game #1 - Arkansas Razorbacks

In the 2023 season opener, the Catamounts travel to the War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas to face the Arkansas Razorbacks of the Southeast Conference (SEC) in the first meeting on the gridiron between the two schools. 

The Razorbacks finished the 2022 season in fifth place in the West Division of the SEC with a 7-6 overall record.

Game #1 - at Arkansas Razorbacks

When: Saturday, September 2, 2023

Time: 1:00 pm (ET)
Where:  War Memorial Stadium  (54,120), Little Rock, Ark.
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
  -Play-by-Play:  Gary Ayers

TV/video:  SECN+ / ESPN+
   -Play-by-Play - Dave O’Brien (play-by-play), Dan Mullen (analyst)

Live Stats:  Arkansas Live Stats

Game Notes: Western Carolina  -  Arkansas  -   SoCon

Conference:  Southeastern Conference (SEC)

Enrollment: 29,608

Nickname: Razorbacks

Colors: Cardinal and White

Arkansas Message Board:  Hogville

The Series: This will be the first meeting between the two trams on the gridiron.   

Head Coach: Sam Pittman - Sam Pittman, was named the 34th head coach in Razorback history prior to the 2020 season and has led one of the most remarkable program turnarounds in college football over the last three years. 

Pittman's Record at Arkansas: 19-17 overall (3 seasons), and  10-16 SEC

Pittman's record vs. Western Carolina: 0-0
Kerwin Bell's record vs. Arkansan: 0-0

Last Season's Record - (Arkansas 2022): 7-6 overall, 4-3 home, 2-2 away, 1-1 neutral,  3-5 SEC

Letter Winners - Returning/Lost Total: 37 / 33 

Offense: 16 / 12 

Defense: 18 / 18 

Starters Offense (returning/lost):  4 / 7

Starters Defense (returning/lost):  7 / 4

The Razorbacks were picked to finish fifth in the 2023 SEC preseason poll, with RB - Raheim Sanders named to first team all conference, and QB - KJ Jefferson,  OL - Brady Latham, & DB - Dwight McGlothern selected for second team honors. 

This season, expectations are high for the Razorbacks, with quarterback KJ Jefferson leading the way as one of the better players in the SEC. The Razorbacks coming off a 7-6 season in 2022, and new coordinators Dan Enos (offense) and Travis Williams (defense) joining the team has HC Sam Pittman all smiles going into the first game of the season, facing Western Carolina.

After three years with former offensive coordinator Kendal Briles running the offense, Pittman has a new face calling plays for 2023. Dan Enos was hired and this is the second time he's filled the shoes of offensive coordinator for the Razorbacks. Enos came to Arkansas after spending the two previous years as Maryland's OC, and he was the Razorbacks' OC from 2015-17.

Quarterback KJ Jefferson and RB Raheim Sanders are still around, Sanders ran for 1,443 yards and ten touchdowns last season, and Jefferson is one of the toughest running quarterbacks in the SEC. He was injured and missed a few games last season, but he still hit 68% of his throws for close to 2,700 yards and 24 touchdowns, and five picks, and he also ran for 640 yards and nine scores. Arkansas can probably match backfields with most of nation’s best, along with Sanders are AJ Green, Rashod Dubinion and a rehabbing Dominique Johnson.

On Defense, last season they gave up over 30 points per game, and losing linebackers Drew Sanders and Bumper Pool hurts, but there’s a good group of sophomores - particularly Chris Paul Jr. - ready to fill in the gaps.  Up front, tackle Taurean Carter returns from injury to pair with Cameron Ball and combo man Eric Gregory, along with ends Jashaud Stewart and Zach Williams. They’re joined by transfers Trajan Jeffcoat, Anthony Booker, and John Morgan III. Returning defensive backs Malik Chavis, Hudson Clark and Jayden Johnson will be helped by transfer Alfahiym Walcott, who missed spring with a knee injury.

2022 Arkansas Statistics (13 games)

Rushing Offense: 2961 yards
Yards per game: 227.8
Yards per rush: 5 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 162
TDs rushing: 1726
Passing Offense: 2781 yards or 213.9 yards per game

Passing 1st downs: 104
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 205-314-5
TDs Passing: 22
Total Offense: 5742 yards or 441.7 yards per game
Fumbles - Lost: 22 - 6
3d Down Conversions: 64 of 174 (37%)
4th Down Conversions: 123 of 29 (63%)
Field goal attempts: 20 - 24
PAT-Attempts: 46 of 46
Red Zone Scores: 46 of 52 (88%)
Red Zone Touchdowns: 33 of 52 (63%)
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 0
Penalties-Yards: 104 - 819

 

2 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Rod Gattison and Corey Washington

It's now 2 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 two players assigned to #2, one on defense and one on offense

#2 Rod Gattison​  and  #2 Corey Washington

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#2 Rod Gattison

Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-0
Weight: 195
Class: Senior
Hometown: Hartsville, S.C.
High School: Hartsville HS






2022 (Junior): Played in all 11 of the team’s games with six starts at cornerback … Recorded 37 total tackles including 22 solo stops and two tackles for loss … Tallied six pass break-ups with an interception … Recorded three tackles with a tackle for loss and two pass breakups in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) … Had four tackles with three solos tops at Georgia Tech (Sept. 10) … Posted five tackles and forced a fumble at Furman (Oct. 15) … Finished with six tackles including three solo stops against Wofford (Nov. 5) … Matched his career-high with seven tackles against nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Nov. 19).

(Sophomore*): Saw action in nine of the team's 11 games on the season, missing the final two games of the regular season ... Credited with 20 total tackles including 16 solo stops and two tackles for loss with a sack ... Intercepted two passes and forced a fumble ... Tallied two tackles and forced a fumble at Gardner-Webb (Sept. 25) ... Posted a season-high five tackles with an interception at Chattanooga (Oct. 2) ... Intercepted his second pass of the year to accompany two tackles in the road win at Wofford (Oct. 30), returning the second-quarter pick 25 yards to set up a WCU touchdown that gave the Catamounts a 34-7 halftime lead agaisnt the Terriers.

2020-21 (Sophomore): Played in all six games in the spring semester with one start … Recorded 26 total tackles on the season including 20 solo stops … Made his WCU debut in the spring-opener at Furman (Feb. 20), finishing with five total tackles … Recorded his first career interception against the Paladins, returning the pick 30 yards … Posted a career-high seven tackles including five solo stops against VMI (March 6) … Credited with three solo stops and a pass break-up at ETSU (March 27).

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Georgia Military College … Played in 11 games in 2019 recording 14 tackles with 10 solo stops … Credited with three pass break-ups with one interception while also recovering a fumble; High School: Led Hartsville High with five interceptions as a senior … Finished with 35 total tackles as a prep with one fumble forced and one recovered while recording one defensive touchdown … Also played basketball and ran track as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Rod’Darius Malik Gattison … Is the son of Priscilla Gattison.

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#2 Corey Washington

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-8
Weight: 155
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Miami Central HS

3 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Samaurie Dukes and Cal Jones

It's now 3 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 two players assigned to #3, one on defense and one on offense

#3 Samaurie Dukes​  and  #3 Cal Jones

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#3 Samaurie Dukes

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 185
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Miami HS

2022 (Freshman): Played in all 11 games on the season with three starts … Tallied 33 tackles with 21 solo stops and two tackles for loss … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), recording his first career tackle … Was an honorable mention for the FedEx Ground National Freshman of the Week after recording a career-high nine tackles with four solo stops at Mercer (Oct. 8) … Recovered a fumble with two tackles at Furman (Oct. 15) … Posted six tackles with four solo stops against The Citadel (Oct. 22) … Had three tackles and a quarterback hurry against Wofford (Nov. 5) … Named to the 2022 Southern Conference All-Freshman team on defense.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football team during the spring 2022 semester, participating in annual spring drills ... Recorded two interceptions during WCU's annual Spring Showcase scrimmage ... Played wide receiver and defensive back as a prep, while also returning punts and kickoffs on special teams ... Was the offensive MVP of the annual Private vs. Public High School All-Star Game, catching six passes for 115 yards and a touchdown ... Named All-Dade first-team by the Miami Herald.

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#3 Cal Jones

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 5-10

Weight:180

Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Hometown: Forest City, N.C.

High School: East Rutherford HS

2022 (Sophomore): Missed the season due to an injury suffered in 2022 spring practice ... Was a second-team preseason All-Southern Conference selection at return specialist by the league's head coaches ... Named a third-team Preseason All-America selection by both Stats Perform FCS and Phil Steele as a kick returner ... Was additionally a first-team All-SoCon selection at WR and kick returner by Phil Steele ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2021 (Freshman*): Played in all 11 of the team's games with 10 starts at wide receiver ... Finished third on the team in receptions with 38 catches and was second in both receiving yards with 651 and receiving touchdowns with four ... Ranked seventh in the SoCon with a 57.9 receiving yards per game average ... Added 13 rushing yards and 590 yards with a TD on kickoff returns to amass 1,254 all-purpose yards .. Led the SoCon in kick return average at 31.1 yards per return and was fifth in the league in all-purpose yards, averaging 112.7 yards per game ... Had 100-or-more all-purpose yards five times ... Caught at least one pass in each game played including a career-high 10 for 195 yards and a score at VMI (Nov. 20) ... Finished with 30 total points on five touchdowns - four receptions and a career-long 95-yard kickoff return against ETSU (Nov. 13), where he recorded a career-high 305 all-purpose yards ... Earned SoCon Special Teams Player of the Week (Nov. 15) plaudts after his career day against ETSU ... Added five total tackles on special teams ... Collected second-team All-Southern Conference honors from the SoCon Sports Media Association as a return specialist ... Was a Freshman All-America at return specialist by HERO Sports ... Was named fourth-team All-America selection by Phil Steele and was dubbed FCS Freshman All-America first-team as a kick returner and third-team as a wide receiver by Phil Steele.

2020-21 (Freshman): Played in all nine games on the season with three starts at wide receiver … Led the team with 24 receptions and 198 receiving yards, catching one touchdown pass … Returned seven kickoffs for 147 yards including a long of 44 yards, and returned one punt for 12 yards … Made his collegiate debut at Liberty (Nov. 14), recording a rush, a reception, and a kickoff return … Caught a season-best seven passes for 62 yards and his first career touchdown at Samford (Feb. 27) … Hauled in a two-yard TD reception against the Bulldogs … Amassed a season-high 159 all-purpose yards at Mercer (March 20) including five catches for 45 yards, one rush for 14 yards, three kickoff returns for 88 yards and a 12-yard punt return.

Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year varsity letter winner who rushed for 2,437 career yards and 30 touchdowns while also hauling in 71 passes for 1,428 career receiving yards … Finished his prep career with 5,320 all-purpose yards … Listed as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com … Amassed 542 all-purpose yards – 346 rushing, 111 receiving, 60 punt return and 25-yard passing – and scored eight touchdowns – rushing, receiving, passing, and on a punt return – in his final high school game … Earned both News 13 WLOS Player of the Week and Player of the Week honors from The Daily Courier … As a junior in 2018, rushed for 683 yards and 10 TDs while catching 16 passes for 308 yards and two TDs as a part of 1,259 all-purpose yards … Defensively, had 77 tackles including 11 for loss and eight interceptions, scoring a pair of defensive touchdowns … High school coach was Clint Bland … Also ran track and wrestled as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Calvin Malik Jones, prefers to go by Cal … Is the son of Aqueesha Mapp.

Whee, The Cats: Episode 2

 

4 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - CJ Williams and De'Andre Tamarez

It's now 4 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 two players assigned to #5, one on defense and one on offense

#4 CJ Williams​  and  #4 De'Andre Tamarez

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#4 CJ Williams

Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-10
Weight: 170
Class: Senior
Hometown: Gallion, Ala.
High School: Demopolis HS






2022 (Redshirt Sophomore): Converted to defensive back during the offseason entering 2022 camp … Played in all 11 of the team’s games as a defensive reserve and on special teams … Credited with 14 total tackles on the season including seven solo stops with one pass breakup … Posted tackles in eight of the 11 games with multiple tackles five times … Made his first tackle as a part of a career-best three solo stops in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3).

2021 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in nine of the team's 11 games with a pair of starts at wide receiver ... Finished with four receptions for 80 yards, adding one rush for a four-yard gain for 84 all-purpose yards on the season ... Made his WCU debut against Eastern Kentucky (Sept 4), rushing ones and hauling in a fourth-quarter pass on a two-point conversion ... Caught a season-best two passes for 28 yards at Oklahoma (Sept. 11) ... Recorded a career-long 39-yard reception in the road win at The Citadel (Oct. 23) ... Caught four passes for 120 yards including a 19-yard touchdown from QB Parish Metzger in WCU's annual Spring Showcase scrimmage.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU in the summer of 2021 from Alabama … Originally committed to Army West Point as a prep; Alabama: Did not see playing time for the Crimson Tide as a true freshman in 2020. 

High School: Was a two-sport standout playing football and running track & field … Was named the Anthony Robinson Player of the Year as a senior … Was a running back, punt and kick returner, and defensive cornerback as a prep … Received a two-star ranking from Rivals as a cornerback where he was an all-state selection with 16 interceptions between his sophomore and junior years … His high school head coach was Brian Seymore.

Personal: Is the son of Shenika and Talmus Williams.

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#4 De'Andre Tamarez

Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Overtown, Fla.
High School: Carol City HS






2022 (Freshman): Played in four games as a true freshman, remaining eligible for redshirt … Caught three passes for 62 yards and three touchdowns … Added one kickoff return for five yards to tally 67 all-purpose yards … Made his collegiate debut at Georgia Tech (Sept. 10) … Caught a career-high three passes for a career-best 62 yards and two touchdowns in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17) … Scored his first career touchdown on his first career reception, an 18-yard pass from QB Parish Metzger late in the third quarter before adding a career-long 36-yard scoring reception from QB Samuel Cornett … Caught a pass for 13 yards in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Caught 24 passes as a junior for 407 yards and six TDs … Recorded 381 receiving yards and six scores as a sophomore in 2019 … Also ran track as a prep.

Personal: Full name is De'Andre Jouan Tamarez ... Is the son of Andrea Tamarez ... Has two brothers, one older and one younger Has a cousin, Nigel Bethele Jr., who plays football at Colorado.

WCU 2-Deep Roster vs. Arkansas

Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

5 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Hayward McQueen Jr. and Jalynn Williams

It's now 5 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 two players assigned to #5, one on defense and one on offense

#5 Hayward McQueen Jr. and  #5 Jalynn Williams

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#5 Hayward McQueen Jr.

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
High School: TRU Prep Academy






2022 (Freshman): Early-enrollee where he took part in 2022 spring drills ... Played in all 11 of the team’s games with three starts at linebacker … Finished the season second on the WCU squad with 59 tackles including 27 solo stops with 3.0 tackles for loss with a sack and three quarterback hurries … Ranked 25th in the SoCon – and was the fourth-best freshman – with his 5.3 tackle per game average … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), recording five tackles including his first career sack … Twice posted double-digit tackles including a career-best 13 tackles with eight solo stops against The Citadel (Oct. 22) … Was listed as an honorable mention for the FedEx Ground FCS National Freshman of the Week on Nov. 21 following a career-high 10 tackle performance that included a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry in the upset win over No. 17/15 Chattanooga in the regular-season finale … Named to the 2022 Southern Conference All-Freshman team on defense … Credited with six tackles including three tackles for loss with a sack in WCU’s annual 2023 Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Is a hybrid-style linebacker who joined the Catamount football team during the spring 2022 semester, participating in annual spring drills … Was a second-team Class 2-A Independent All-State team selection in the 2020 Independent All-State football team compiled by FloridaHSFootball.com … Posted 90+ tackles with 15 tackles for loss and five sacks, forcing a pair of fumbles as a senior … Listed as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com.

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#5 Jalynn Williams

Position: Running Back
Height: 5-10
Weight: 205
Class: Senior
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fla.
College: University of Toledo
High School: St. Petersburg HS






2022 (Junior): Played in nine of the team’s 11 games as a reserve at running back and on special teams … Rushed 41 times for 204 yards and two touchdowns, adding 31 receptions for 303 receiving yards with a third score … Had six kickoff returns for 95 yards with two punt returns for 11 yards, amassing 613 all-purpose yards on the season for a 68.1 yard per game average … Made his WCU debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), tallying 94 all-purpose yards including seven yards on the ground, 25 receiving yard with a touchdown and 51 yards on kickoff returns … Rushed for a season-best 61 yards on seven carries at Samford (Sept. 24) … Scored two rushing touchdowns including the game-winning score on a six-yard rush off right tackle in the final three minutes of the home win over Wofford (Nov. 5).

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from the University of Toledo prior to the start of 2022 fall camp ...

Toledo: Originally committed to the University of Florida out of high school ... Played defense at Toledo, but is expected to play wide receiver at WCU; At Toledo: Played for the Rockets from 2018 through 2021, appearing in 20 games as a defensive reserve ... Credited with 38 total tackles including a career-high six against BYU in 2019;

High School: Was a three-star product out of St. Petersburg High according to 247Sports ... Played wide receiver, defensive back, and on special teams as a prep ...

Personal: Is the son of Talya Williams.

6 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Curtis Fann Jr. and Terrence Horne

It's now 6 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 two players assigned to #6, one on defense and one on offense

#6 Curtis Fann Jr. and  #6 Terrence Horne

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#6 Curtis Fann Jr.

Position: Defensive Line

Height: 6-3

Weight: 255

Class: Redshirt Junior

Hometown: Stillmore, Ga.

College: Akron
High School: Emanuel County Institute

Prior to Western Carolina: Originally attended Florida State out of high school before transferring to Akron;

At Florida State: Worked with FSU’s scout team for two years, taking a redshirt in 2019 … Was a Seminole Scholar in 2020;

At Akron: Appeared in 10 games for the Zips, including one start ... Garnered 12 tackles, with nine solo stops and three assisted tackles, while recording a half tackle for a loss and one quarterback hurry on the campaign ... Posted a season-best three-tackle effort against Kent State (Nov. 20);

High School: Was a four-star prospect by both Rivals and 247Sports … Rated No. 29 nationally according to Rivals and 17th among strong side defensive ends by 247Sports … Was a three-year starter on both sides of the football, helping Emanuel County Institute to a perfect 5-0 regional record and appearance in the second round of the Class A state playoffs in 2018 … As a junior, played on a team that won 12 games and advanced to the semifinal round of state playoffs … Made 64 tackles including 23.0 for loss with 7.0 sacks, and forced four fumbles as a sophomore when Emanuel County advanced to the state semifinal.

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#6 Terrence Horne

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 5-8

Weight: 185

Class: Senior

Hometown: Miami, Fla.

College: South Florida
High School: Miramar HS

2022 (Junior): Played in all 11 of the team’s games with eight starts at wide receiver … Caught 12 passes for 211 yards with four touchdowns, scoring 24 points on the year … Returned 18 kickoffs for 380 yards, averaging 21.1 yards per return, the fifth-best average in the SoCon … Hauled in TD passes in four of WCU’s first five games of the season including three-straight to start the year – a 30-yard score at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), a 49-yard touchdown at Georgia Tech (Sept. 10), and a six-yard TD at home against Presbyterian (Sept. 17) … Tallied a season-best 131 all-purpose yards (55 yards receiving; 76 yards on kickoff returns) against Presbyterian … Caught a season-high four passes at Samford (Sept. 24) … Recorded three catches for 30 yards and a score against VMI (Oct. 1) … Returned three kickoffs for season-best 87 yards at Furman (Oct. 15) … Caught two passes for 26 yards in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

2021 (Sophomore): Played in all 11 of the team's games with five starts at wide receiver ... Finished with 14 catches for 213 yards and a touchdown, adding one rush for 18 yards on offense ... Returned 15 kickoffs for a total of 291 yards including a long of 34 yards ... Amassed 522 all-purpose yards on the season ... Started his WCU debut in the season opener against Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 4), catching two passes for 15 yards ... Caught his WCU career-high three passes for 22 yards at Gardner-Webb (Sept. 25) ... Scored on a 42-yard reception at Chattanooga (Oct. 2) ... Posted a career-high 71 receiving yards as a part of a career-best 169 all-purpose yards in the home win over Furman (Nov. 6), returning five kicks for a combined 80 yards.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU in the summer of 2021 from South Florida through the transfer portal;

South Florida: Saw action in 20 career games at USF, catching 15 passes for 90 yards and three touchdowns including two in 2019 … Posted a career-long 24-yard TD reception at East Carolina in 2019 … Also returned 14 kicks for 418 yards with two TDs, both coming in his redshirt freshman season in 2018 … Earned American Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors after tying an NCAA record with two kickoff returns of 98 and 97 yards for TDs in the win over ACC-foe, Georgia Tech … Also named to the Paul Hornung Award national honor roll and the College Football Performance Awards Honorable Mention Performer of the Week … Suffered a season-ending knee injury in practice in mid-September of his redshirt freshman season;

High School: Named 2017 second-team Class 8A All-State by FloridaHSFootball.com in helping his team to a 9-2 record and a playoff appearance ... Caught a 55-yard touchdown to help his team capture the District 12-8A championship in 2017 … As a senior, caught 36 passes for 780 yards and 11 touchdowns with five 100-yard receiving games … Was the 100-meter champion in the 2018 FHSAA 4A State Track and Field Championships, posting a time of 10.48 ... Has a career-best 100-meter time of 10.29 ... As a junior, finished second in the state championships in the 100 meters and was named to the All-Broward boys track team in the 100, 200 and 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams…won the district and region 100 meters.

Personal: Is the son of Vanessa Cotton and Terrence Horne.

7 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Ed Jones IV & David White Jr.

It's now 7 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 two players assigned to #7, one on defense and one on offense

#7 Ed Jones IV and  #7 David White Jr.

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Ed Jones IV

Position: Linebacker

Height: 6-1

Weight: 205

Class: Junior

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

High School: Martin HS

2022 (Sophomore): Played in all 11 of the team’s games on the season with eight starts on defense … Recorded 38 tackles on the season with 20 solo stops and five tackles for loss with two sacks and a pair of pass breakups … Made his WCU debut in the season opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), tallying six solo tackles with two sacks against the Buccaneers … Recorded his WCU-best eight tackles with four solo stops against The Citadel (Oct. 22) … Finished with seven tackles against nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Nov. 19) in the regular-season finale … Led his squad with seven tackles including a tackle for a loss in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU for the spring semester from Cisco College in Texas 

Cisco College: Played in 15 games over the past two seasons, recording 132 total tackles including 62 solo stops and six tackles for loss … Saw action in eight games in the fall 2021, finishing third on the team with 70 tackles including 36 solo hits … Recorded an interception, returning the pick 32 yards … Played in seven games in the 2020-21 season played in the spring, collecting 62 total tackles including 26 solo stops and one TFL … Recorded six pass break-ups including an interception … Both forced and recovered a fumble … Helped guide Cisco to an undefeated conference championship; 

High School: Three-year varsity letter winner, credited with 170 total tackles including 103 solo stops and 30 tackles for loss with 16 sacks, according to MaxPreps.

Personal: Full name is Edward Jones IV ... Is the son of Bethany Britten and Edward Jones III, and his grandmother, Emma Jones.

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David White Jr.

Position: Wide Receiver

Height: 6-4

Weight: 200

Class: Senior

Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.

High School: Westside HS

2022 (Junior): Played in all 11 of the team’s games with eight starts at wide receiver … Finished tied for sixth on the team with 20 catches for 384 yards, third-most on the squad … Recorded five receiving touchdowns … Caught three or more passes in four games on the season before being held without a catch over the final two games of the season … Tallied first reception and first receiving score at WCU in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), finishing with three catches for 63 yards … Hauled in a career-best five passes in the win over VMI (Oct. 1) … Posted a career-best 91 receiving yards at Furman (Oct. 15) including a career-long 75-yard receiving score.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Valdosta State, enrolling in the spring semester where he took part in WCU's spring drills, Caught three passes for 42 yards in WCU's annual Spring Showcase scrimmage; 

Valdosta State: Played in 25 games at Valdosta State with 19 starts at wide receiver … Recorded 40 receptions for 539 yards and eight touchdowns for the Blazers … Caught 18 passes for 283 and four touchdowns as a freshman in 2018 with 22 catches for 256 yards and four scores as a sophomore in 2019.

Personal: Full name David Wayne White, Jr. ... Son of Clarinda and the late David White Sr.

8 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Va Lealaimatafao & Taron Dickens

It's now 8 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 two players assigned to #8, one on defense and one on offense

#8 Va Lealaimatafao &  #8 Taron Dickens

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#8 Va Lealaimatafao

Position: Linebacker
Height: 6-1
Weight: 235
Class: Senior

College: Cisco College
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
High School: Warren HS






2022 (Junior): Played in all 11 games with two starts at linebacker … Finished third on the team with 52 total tackles including 26 solo stops and two tackles for loss coming on sacks … Recorded at least one tackle in all 11 games including a career-best 10 stops at Furman (Oct. 15) … Made his WCU debut in the season-opening road game at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), finishing with four tackles including a sack and a forced fumble … Had eight tackles with five solo stops against The Citadel (Oct. 22) … Tallied five tackles and forced a fumble in the road win at ETSU (Nov. 12) … Closed the year with five tackles including a sack against nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Nov. 19).

Prior to Western Carolina: Mid-semester transfer from Cisco College in Cisco, Texas, who enrolled at WCU for the spring 2022 semester; 

Cisco College (2019-21): Recorded with 62 tackles over three seasons with 31 solo stops and a tackle for loss ... Tallied six pass break-ups including five in 2021; 

High School: Three-year varsity letter winner at Warren High (2016-2019) ... Credited with 116 career tackles including 51 solo stops and 9.0 tackles for loss with three sacks, according to MaxPreps ... Forced two fumbles and recovered one during his prep career.

Personal: Full name is Aiava Xavier Louis Lealaimatafao, but prefers to go by "Va" ... Is the son of Diana and Semaia Lealaimatafao ... Has one brother, Trey and a sister Leilani ... Was born in Honolulu, Hawai'i.

Pronunciation: VAAH lay - ALAAH -- E - ma - tah - fow

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#8 Taron Dickens

Position: Quarterback
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Northwestern HS






Prior to Western Carolina: In 10 games, completed 137-of-212 passes (64.6%) for 2,233 yards and 22 touchdowns with just four interceptions, according to MaxPreps … Added 424 rushing yards with five touchdowns on the ground … Selected as the Florida 6A Player of the Year and the top-rated passer in Florida … Over his final two years as a prep, passed for 5,976 yards with 64 touchdowns and 12 INTs, adding a total of 911 rushing yards and 14 scores … Listed as a three-star recruit by 247Sports and a two-star recruit by Rivals.

Personal: Full name is Taron Tyger Dickens.

9 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Micah Nelson & Cole Gonzales

It's now 9 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 two players assigned to #9, one on defense and one on offense

#9 Micah Nelson &  #9 Cole Gonzales

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#9 Micah Nelson

Position: Defensive End
Height: 6-3
Weight: 265
Class: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Murphy, N.C.
High School: Murphy HS









2023 (Redshirt Junior): Selected first-team preseason All-Southern Conference by the league's head coaches.

2022 (Redshirt Sophomore): One of seven players including four defenders to start all 11 games on the season, doing so from his defensive end position … Recorded 35 tackles on the year with 14 solo stops and three tackles for loss coming on sacks … Credited with four quarterback hurries and a pass breakup … Posted three-or-more tackles in seven games on the year including a season-best seven tackles at Samford (Sept. 24) … Had four tackles including a sack and a half against VMI (Oct. 1) … Posted three tackles with a sack against Wofford (Nov. 5) … Named to the 2022 Fall Academic All-Southern Conference team ... Selected to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District team ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and Received a SoCon Commissioner's Medal.

2021 (Redshirt Freshman*): Started all 11 games along the defensive line as a stand-up defensive end ... Finished with 33 total tackles on the year including 15 solo stops and three tackles for loss ... Had at least one tackle in all 11 games with four-or-more stops in five games including a season-high six against Samford (Sept. 18) ... Recovered a fumble against Furman (Nov. 6) ... Credited with three quarterback hurries and two pass break-ups ... Was a fourth-team All-Southern Conference selection by Phil Steele ... Named to the 2021 Fall Academic All-Southern Conference team ... Named to the 2021-22 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2020-21 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all nine of the team’s games with four starts … Recorded 27 total tackles including 13 solo stops and 1.5 tackles for loss … Credited with two quarterback hurries and one pass break-up … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Liberty (Nov. 14) … Recorded his first collegiate tackles including half a tackle for loss at North Carolina (Dec. 5) … Tallied seven tackles at Furman (Feb. 20) … Recorded a career-high nine tackles including seven solo stops with a TFL against The Citadel (March 13) ... Named to the 2020-21 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll and was named Academic All-Southern Conference.

2019 (Freshman): Did not see game action and is eligible for a redshirt ... Named to the 2019-20 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on after a stellar prep career at Murphy High … Was a two-time state champion (2016 & 2018) and three-time Smoky Mountain Conference champion as a prep … Twice named all-conference and All-Western North Carolina … Played wide receiver, defensive back, and quarterback as a senior during his prep career … Credited with 128 career tackles including seven tackles for loss while totaling 17 pass break-ups and 10 career interceptions … Finished with 57 career receptions for 907 yards, while also passing for 1,130 yards and rushing for 261 – recording 28 career total touchdowns ... High school coach was David Gentry.

Personal: Full name is Micah Thomas Nelson … Is the son of Becky and Thomas Nelson … Was born in Bristol, Va. … Has two younger siblings, Grace and Tyra … Father, Thomas, was an All-American football player at Emory & Henry College (1998) and a 2011 inductee into the Emory & Henry College Sports Hall of Fame.

PRONUNCIATION: MY-kuh Nelson

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#9 Cole Gonzales

Position: Quarterback
Height: 6-0
Weight: 195
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Ocala, Fla.
High School: Trinity Catholic HS









2022 (Freshman): Played in eight games as a true freshman with four starts at quarterback … Completed 102-of-161 passes for 1,336 yards with 11 touchdowns against seven interceptions … Added 147 rushing yards on 43 attempts with a touchdown … Averaged 185.4 yards of total offense per game … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3) without recording any statistics … Completed his first collegiate pass at Georgia Tech (Sept. 10), finishing 6-of-8 for 38 yards against the Yellow Jackets … Made his first collegiate start in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17), throwing for 276 yards on 19 completions with three TD passes - his first on a five-yard pass to TE Ajay Belanger … Completed a career-best 24 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns in guiding WCU to a win over nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Nov. 19) … Named to the 2022 Southern Conference All-Freshman team on offense ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Pro-style quarterback was a four-year varsity starter at Trinity Catholic HS … Threw for 932 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior, adding 668 yards and five scores on the ground in leading Trinity Catholic to the regional finals of the FHSAA 3A playoffs … Also averaged 42.3 yards per punt … Passed for 1,008 yards while rushing for 300 as a junior, guiding his high school to the Class 3A state semifinals … Also plays baseball as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Julie and Billy Gonzales … His father is an assistant football coach at FAU where he coaches wide receivers … Was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.

10 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Tahjae Mullix & Censere Lee

It's now 10 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 two players assigned to #10, one on defense and one on offense

#10 Tahjae Mullix  &  #10 Censere Lee

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#10 Tahjae Mullix

Position: Defensive Line
Height:  6-3
Weight:  270
Class:  Sophomore
High School:  Newton HS
Hometown:  Covington, Ga.







Prior to Western Carolina: Originally committed to and attended Western Illinois out of high school … Played in eight games as a true freshman in 2022, credited with 10 total tackles including five solo stops and three tackles for loss with half a sack … Posted a career-best three tackles against FBS-foe, Minnesota (Sept. 10); High School: Was rated as the 48th best defensive line recruit in Georgia by MaxPreps … Finished his senior prep season with 48 tackles including 39 solo stops, four tackles for loss and three sacks.

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#10 Censere Lee

Position:  Wide Receiver

Height:  5-11

Weight:  170

Class:  Sophomore

Hometown:  Clearwater, Fla.

High School:  Clearwater HS

2022 (Freshman): Played in all 11 games as a true freshman with three starts at wide receiver … Was second on the team with 36 receptions for 634 receiving yards with six touchdowns for 36 points scored … Caught at least one pass in each game with two 100-yard receiving yard games … Made his collegiate debut at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), catching his first career touchdown pass on his first reception – a 72-yard strike … Caught three passes for 29 yards and a touchdown against VMI (Oct. 1) … Was a two-time FedEx Ground National Freshman of the Week honorable mention, collecting the honor after catching five passes for a career-high 164 receiving yards with two touchdowns at Furman (Oct. 15) … Had a career-best nine receptions for 107 yards and a TD in collecting his second national honorable mention award … Credited with a tackle against Chattanooga (Nov. 19) … Named to the 2022 Southern Conference All-Freshman team at wide receiver … Posted a scrimmage-best 131 receiving yards on just three receptions with two going for touchdowns – strikes of 37 yards from Cole Gonzales and 64 yards from Brody Palhegyi – in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … Caught 57 passes for 1,262 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 97.1 receiving yards per game in his final season as a prep … Added 181 punt return yards with two touchdowns including a 91-yard return for a TD in the playoffs … Was the MaxPreps Player of the Game four times in 2021 including twice as the overall player of the game, once on offense, and the final time on special teams … Listed as a three-star athlete by 247sports … Also plays basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Censere Jermel Lee ... Is the son of Lakwana Jones and Jermey Lee ... Has two siblings, Carrie and Ciara ... His mother played basketball and ran track and his father played football.

11 Days until Catamount Football Kickoff - Caleb Fisher & Ajay Belanger

It's now 11 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 two players assigned to #11 , one on defense and one on offense

#11 Caleb Fisher  &  #11 Ajay Belanger

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#11 Caleb Fisher

Position:  Defensive Line
Height:  6-3
Weight:  240
Class:  Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown:  Decatur, Ga.
High School:  Columbia HS

2022 (Sophomore): Returned from injury to play in the final three games of the regular season as a defensive reserve … Recorded three tackles with 1.5 tackles for loss … Made his season debut against Wofford (Nov. 5), posting half a tackle for loss … Tallied two tackles against nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Nov. 19) with a third-quarter tackle for loss.

2021 (Freshman): Played in 10 games on the year, credited with nine total tackles including three solo stops and 2.0 tackles for six yards of losses ... Made his collegiate debut in the season opener against Eastern Kentucky (Sept. 4) ... Recorded a career-high five tackles including two TFLs and a pair of quarterback hurries against Samford (Sept. 18).

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-way player as a prep as a defensive end and tight end … Entered the 2020 season as a preseason all-state selection along the defensive line … Was an honorable mention defensive lineman all-region for 5-AAAAA in Georgia in 2019 after finishing with 30 tackles including 11 for loss with 10 sacks.

Personal: Is the son of Mitzi Gant and Cecil Fisher.

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#11 Ajay Belanger

Position:  Tight End
Height:  6-3
Weight:  245
Class:  Senior
Hometown:  Green Cove Springs, Fla.
High School: Clay HS

2023 (Senior): Selected preseason first-team All-Southern Conference by the league's head coaches.

2022 (Junior): Played in nine of the team’s 11 games with six starts at tight end … Caught 20 passes for 176 yards and a touchdown, adding a reception on a two-point conversion to finish the season with eight points scored … Made his WCU debut with a start in the season-opener at Charleston Southern (Sept. 3), hauling in five passes for a season-high 58 receiving yards … Caught a season-high six passes for 42 yards at Georgia Tech (Sept. 10) … Scored on a five-yard reception from Cole Gonzales to open the third quarter in the home win over Presbyterian (Sept. 17) … Caught the two-point conversion pass from Gonzales in the regular-season finale win over nationally-ranked Chattanooga (Nov. 19) that pushed WCU in front by three inside the game’s final minute of the upset victory … Recorded four receptions for 97 yards including a 60-yard score over the middle from Gonzales on the second drive of the day in WCU’s annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2022-23 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Tusculum College ... In three seasons with the Pioneers, played in 25 games with 78 receptions for 944 yards and six touchdowns ... Recorded 33 catches as a freshman and 35 as a sophomore, hauling in three TD passes both seasons ... Caught 10 passes for 111 yards in just four games in 2020 for the Pioneers ... High School: Graduated from Clay HS in Green Cove Springs, Fla. ... Coached by Joshua Hoekstra... Lettered twice in football, three times in basketball and three occasions in track & field ... Two-time All-County (2016, 2017) ... Team captain in football ... Two-time basketball team MVP ... Led team to two District titles (2014, 2015) and three Region championships (2014, 2015, 2016)... Stats: 49 receptions, 839 yards, 12 TDs.

Personal: Is the son of Ulysses Tolber and the late Mona Lisa Belanger ... Was born Jacksonville, Fla.