SoCon Extends Relationship with ESPN

The SoCon and ESPN reached an agreement for a new six-year contract running through the 2020-21 academic year.

As part of this new contract, all ten SoCon schools will now develop production capabilities by 2017 that will be shown on ESPN3.

“We are very enthusiastic about continuing our valuable relationship with ESPN in such an innovative way,” Southern Conference Commissioner John Iamarino said. “Our members are positioning themselves to produce ESPN-quality content that will provide tremendous exposure for their athletic programs. The benefits will be shared not only by our programs, but by our alumni, boosters, fans and students, all of whom will be able to watch an unprecedented amount of Southern Conference sports.”

In the final four years of the contract, a minimum of 45 SoCon football games and 200 league basketball games will appear on ESPN3 each season.  This is another leap forward for the conference.

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

46 Days 'till Kickoff - #46 Roderick Poag

It's now 46 days until kickoff of Catamount football against the Mars Hill University Lions in E.J.Whitmire Stadium on September 5th in Cullowhee.

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

Utilizing the 2015 Preseason Football Roster, #46 is Roderick Poag

#46 Roderick Poag

Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Marshville, N.C.
High School: Forest Hills HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 245
Position: TE




2014 (Redshirt Freshman): Did not see game action ... Playing for the Gold squad, caught one pass for four yards in WCU's annual Spring Game.

2013 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Tallied a 19-yard reception to key a scoring drive during WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-year varsity letter winner at Forest Hills High ... Tallied 87 career tackle including 1.5 sacks and six career interceptions ... Named to the All-Rocky River Conference team ... Recorded 30 tackles as a senior including a season-high six at Porter Ridge HS ... Led the Yellow Jackets with five interceptions on defense, returning three for touchdowns ... the five picks ranked him tied for sixth in the school's record books ... Added 110 yards receiving on two receptions - both touchdown catches - and rushed for a two-point conversion for 32 career points ... Also played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Roderick Devonta Poag ... Is the son of Dean Poag and Michelle Downey, step-mother Stella Poag ... Has a brother, Buddy Ro Poag and a step-brother, Jamarcus Culp.



Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

2015 Football Preseason Preview: Chattanooga

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western's 2015 football opponents. Today we look at the Chattanooga Mocs.

In game eight of the 2015 season, the Catamounts return to the road, this time, traveling to Chattanooga, TN to play in one of the toughest places in the Southern Conference for the Cats to win, Finley Stadium.

The Cats own a 16-25-0 record against the Mocs, having first played in football in 1973. UTC currently owns a 6 game win streak against the Cats. and hold a 19-5 record in games played in Chattanooga. The Cats have lost the last four games played in Chattanooga, last winning at Finley in 2005, by a final score of 38-20.

Chattanooga  

When: Saturday, October 31 at 2:00 pm

Where: Finley Stadium (29,688). Chattanooga, TV

Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video: ESPN3

Head Coach: Russ Huesman
Huesman has orchestrated a turnaround for the Mocs over the last six years, including back-to-back Southern Conference titles and the first trip to the FCS Playoffs since 1984. A 1983 graduate of UTC and a former defensive back for Chattanooga. Huesman is the 2014 Southern Conference Coach of the Year.



Last Year's Record:  10-4 overall  (home 5-1, road 5-3),  7-0 SoCon

Last Season's Game vs. Chattanooga (November 1st 2014):  Catamounts Fall to No. 12 Chattanooga in Battle of SoCon Unbeatens -  No. 12/14 Chattanooga rolled up 512 yards of offense including a season-high 386 yards on the ground as it handed Western Carolina its first Southern Conference loss of the season in a 51-0 defeat Saturday afternoon at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.

Offensive starters - Returning/Lost:  7 / 4
-  On offense, the Mocs lost running back Keon Williams, wide receiver Tommy Hudson, tight end Faysal Shafaat, and guard Chris Mayes to graduation. While not a starter last season (but probably would have started in 2015, Troy Dye a redshirt senior, has decided not to return for his fifth season.

Defensive starters - Returning/Lost:  7 / 4
- On defense, the Mocs lost two defensive ends in Zack Rayl and Davis Tull, defensive tackel Daniel Ring, and linebacker Muhasibi Wakeel to graduation

Specialist - Returning/Lost: 4 / 3
- On special teams, the Mocs lost punter/kicker Nick Pollard, and returners Tommy Hudson and Maquis Green to graduation.

Offensive Formation: multiple

Defensive Formation: multiple

The Mocs are coming off back-to-back Southern Conference titles, including last year’s 7-0 record in league play. Chattanooga advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2014 FCS Playoffs with a 10-4 overall record and is a preseason top-10 squad.

At the SoCon Media Day, the two-time defending champion Mocs were picked by both the coaches and media to repeat their championship run. Eight Mocs earned first-team mention, while four more slotted on the second team. The 12 total are three more than last season. Senior quarterback Jacob Huesman is the preseason Offensive Player of the Year, and is joined on the first team offense by junior offensive lineman Corey Levin, while the defense netted five led by senior defensive tackle Josh Freeman. Juniors Keionta Davis (DE), Nakevion Leslie (LB) and Dee Virgin (Jr.) and sophomore safety Lucas Webb (FS) join Freeman. Junior Henrique Ribeiro is first team pick at place-kicker. Three offensive performers and one defender are on the second team ledger. Junior safety Cedric Nettles accompanies senior guard Synjen Herron, junior wide receiver C.J. Board and sophomore center Jacob Revis.


2014 Chattanooga Statistics:
Rushing Offense: 3263 yards
Yards per game: 210.8
Yards per rush: 4.6 yards
TDs rushing: 35
Passing Offense: 2805 yards or 200.4 yards per game
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 232-343-8
Total Offense: 5756 yards or 411.1 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 113
Rushing 1st downs: 157
Fumbles-Lost: 16 - 8
Penalties-Yards: 74 - 633 yards
3d Down Conversions: 92 of 203 or 45%
4th Down Conversions: 9 of 14 or 64%
Field Goals - Attempts: 16 of 22
Red-Zone Scores: 52 of 63 (78%)
Red-Zone Touchdowns: 40 of 63 (63%)
Punts (No. Yards): 68 (2838 yds)
Avg, per punt: 41.7 yds
Sacks: 35
PAT-Attempts: 60 of 62 - 97%
Field Goals-Attempts: 16 of 22
On-Side Kicks:  0 of 2
Time of possession per game: 33:45

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

47 Days 'till Kickoff - #47 Myreon Bennett

It's now 47 days until kickoff of Catamount football against the Mars Hill University Lions in E.J.Whitmire Stadium on September 5th in Cullowhee.

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

Utilizing the 2015 Preseason Football Roster, #47 is Myreon Bennett

#47 Myreon Bennett

Class: Incoming Freshman

Hometown: Augusta, Ga.

High School: Evans HS

Height / Weight: 6-5 / 220

Position: DE





Prior to Western Carolina: Recorded 49 tackles with four sacks as a senior earning all-county honors ... Played for Team Georgia in the Border Battle II against South Carolina ... High school coach was Marty Jackson ... Also played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Myreon E. Bennett ... First name is pronounced my-REE-on ... Is the son of Cheryln Curry ... Has an older brother, Gregory.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

2016 WCU football prospect - Cameron Kline

Cameron Kline


Position: Outside linebacker
Hometown: Cumming, Georgia
High School: South Forsyth
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 220 lbs
Class:2 016 (High School)

read more here                                       hudl highlights

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

48 Days 'till Kickoff - #48 Blake Metcalf

It's now 48 days until kickoff of Catamount football against the Mars Hill University Lions in E.J.Whitmire Stadium on September 5th in Cullowhee.

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

Utilizing the 2015 Preseason Football Roster, #48 is Blake Metcalf

#48 Blake Metcalf


Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Asheville, N.C.
High School: A.C. Reynolds HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 190
Position: P/K




2014 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in four games including the final two of the regular season … Punted 10 times in four games, amassing 375 yards for an average of 37.5 yards per punt … Downed three punts inside the opponents 20-yard line including two against Chattanooga (Nov. 1) … Booted a season-long 50-yard punt against VMI (Nov. 15), punting five times in the game ... Named to the 2014-15 Southern Conference Honor Roll … Playing for the Gold squad, kicked the game-tying extra point that made it 7-7 in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

2013 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in three games on the season, all coming midseason ... Made his collegiate debut at Chattanooga with two kickoffs, averaging 55.5 yards per kick with a touchback ... Punted once for a career-long boot of 57 yards against SEC-foe, Auburn, downing the punt inside the Tigers' 20-yard line ... Named to the 2013-14 Southern Conference Honor Roll.

2012 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Connected on a pair of field goals during WCU's annual Spring Game, hitting from both 32 and 36 yards out.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time all-conference and All-Western North Carolina selection as a kicker ... Booted a career-long field goal of 45 yards during his senior season, surpassing his previous long of 37 set during his junior season ... Set the record for touchbacks on kickoffs in consecutive seasons in his final two years as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Randall Blake Metcalf ... Is the son of Randy and Robbie Metcalf ... Has three older siblings; Landon, Justin and Alyssa.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

49 Days 'till Kickoff - #49 Fred Mooring

It's now 49 days until kickoff of Catamount football against the Mars Hill University Lions in E.J.Whitmire Stadium on September 5th in Cullowhee.

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

Utilizing the 2015 Preseason Football Roster, #49 is Fred Mooring

#49 Fred Mooring

Class: Junior
Hometown: Snellville, Ga.
High School: Shiloh HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 255
Position: DT




2014 (Sophomore): Played in 10 of the team’s 12 games with one start coming at home against Catawba … Recorded seven tackles with three solo stops and one tackle for loss on a sack against VMI (Nov. 15) … Tallied three quarterback hurries including two to go along with a season-high two tackles against Catawba (Sept. 13) … Playing for the Purple squad, was credited with a quarterback hurry during WCU’s annual Spring Game.

2013 (Freshman): Saw action in 11 of the team's 12 seasonal games, making one start which came in the regular season finale against Appalachian State ... Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at FBS-foe, Middle Tennessee State ... Recorded tackles in 10 of the 11 games in which he played ... Credited with 18 tackles including seven solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss with a sack ... Posted two tackles in his first game as a collegian including a sack against MTSU ... Broke up a pass on a deflection at the line of scrimmage at Samford ... Recorded a career-high four tackles including three solo stops at Chattanooga ... Was credited with six total stops with three sacks in WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played defensive line and running back as a prep ... Was a second-team All-County selection by the Gwinnett Touchdown Club as a senior ... Earned Defensive Player of the Week accolades on Sept. 4, 2012, recording seven tackles (four for losses), a sack, a forced fumble and scored on a safety in the Generals' 36-6 win over Meadowcreek ... Selected to John Small's squad in the annual Rivalries of Gwinnett All-Star Football Game

Personal: Is the son of Patricia Jackson ... Teammates nicknamed him "Gator."



Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

2015 Consolidated SoCon Football Schedule

There isn't many Thursday night games in the SoCon this year, actually, the two opening games of the season are scheduled for a Thursday night, and that's it.

The SoCon has an opportunity to make a statement this season, with the out of conference games scheduled to recapture some of the luster lost with the departure of ASU & GSU.  Good Luck SoCon.






Thursday, September 3
VMI at Ball State -   Muncie, Ind. - ESPN3
Central Arkansas @ Samford  -  Birmingham, Ala  - SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, September 5
Wofford @ Clemson - Clemson, S.C. - ACC RSN
Mercer  @ Austin Peay - Clarksville, Tenn.
Jacksonville State @ Chattanooga - Chattanooga, Tenn.   SoCon Digital Network
Davidson @ The Citadel - Charleston, S.C. - ESPN3
Coastal Carolina @ Furman - Greenville, S.C. - ESPN3
Mars Hill @ Western Carolina - Cullowhee, N.C.   SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, September 12
Morehead State @ VMI  - Lexington, Va. - ESPN3
Florida A&M @ Samford - Birmingham, Ala.   SoCon Digital Network
Furman @ Virginia Tech  - Blacksburg, Va. - ESPN3
Western Carolina @ The Citadel -  Charleston, S.C. - ESPN3
Stetson @ Mercer  - Macon, Ga.   SoCon Digital Network
Tennessee Tech @ Wofford  - Spartanburg, S.C.   SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, September 19
Chattanooga @ Samford -  Birmingham, Ala. - American Sports Network
Wofford @ Idaho - Moscow, Idaho
The Citadel @ Georgia Southern - Statesboro, Ga.
Furman @ UCF - Orlando, Fla. - ESPN3
VMI @ Richmond - Richmond, Va.
Mercer @ Tennessee Tech -  Cookeville, Tenn.
Western Carolina @ Tennessee  - Knoxville, Tenn. - ESPNU

Saturday, September 26
Samford @ Louisville -  Louisville, Ky.
VMI @ Furman  - Greenville, S.C -  ESPN3
Charleston Southern @ The Citadel  - Charleston, S.C.-  ESPN3
Chattanooga @ Presbyterian -  Clinton, S.C.
Gardner-Webb @ Wofford  - Spartanburg, S.C.   SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, October 3
Wofford @ Mercer  - Macon, Ga. - ESPN3
Bucknell @ VMI -  Lexington, Va.  - SoCon Digital Network
Presbyterian @ Western Carolina  - Cullowhee, N.C.   - ESPN3 / American Sports Network
South Carolina State @ Furman  - Greenville, S.C. - ESPN3

Saturday, October 10
Furman @ Chattanooga  - Chattanooga, Tenn.  -  SoCon Digital Network
Samford @ VMI -  Lexington, Va.  - ESPN3
Wofford @ The Citadel  -  Charleston, S.C.  -  SoCon Digital Network
Mercer @ Western Carolina  -  Cullowhee, N.C.  -  - American Sports Network

Saturday, October 17
ETSU @ Mercer - Macon, Ga.  - ESPN3
Western Carolina @ Wofford  - Spartanburg, S.C.  - ESPN3
Chattanooga @ VMI  - Lexington, Va.  - ESPN3
The Citadel @ Samford  - Birmingham, Ala.  -  SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, October 24
VMI @ Mercer -  Macon, Ga.  - ESPN3
The Citadel @ Furman -  Greenville, S.C.  - ESPN3
Chattanooga @ Wofford -  Spartanburg, S.C.  -  SoCon Digital Network
Samford @ Western Carolina  - Cullowhee, N.C.  -  SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, October 31
Wofford  @ VMI - Lexington, Va.  - ESPN3
Western Carolina @ Chattanooga  -  Chattanooga, Tenn.  - ESPN3
Mercer  @ The Citadel - Charleston, S.C.  - ESPN3
Furman @ Samford   - Birmingham, Ala.  -  SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, November 7
Chattanooga @ Mercer -  Macon, Ga.  - ESPN3
VMI @ The Citadel -  Charleston, S.C.  - ESPN3
Clark Atlanta @ Samford  - Birmingham, Ala.  -  SoCon Digital Network
Furman @ Western Carolina  - Cullowhee, N.C  -  SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, November 14
Western Carolina @ Texas A&M -  College Station, Texas
Mercer @ Furman -  Greenville, S.C.  - ESPN3
Samford @ Wofford  - Spartanburg, S.C.  - ESPN3
The Citadel @ Chattanooga - Chattanooga, Tenn.  -  SoCon Digital Network

Saturday, November 21
Samford @ Mercer -  Macon, Ga.  - ESPN3
Chattanooga @ Florida State  - Tallahassee, Fla.
The Citadel @ South Carolina  - Columbia, S.C. 
Western Carolina @ VMI  - Lexington, Va.  - ESPN3
Furman @ Wofford  - Spartanburg, S.C    - American Sports Network

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

2015 Football Preseason Preview: Samford

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western's 2015 football opponents. Today we take a look at the Samford Bulldogs

For the seventh game of the season, the Catamounts return to Cullowhee to meet the Samford Bulldogs. This weekend is also Homecoming for the Catamounts. 

The Cats are 1-11 overall against the Bulldogs since winning the first outing back in 1969. Samford owns a ten game winning streak against Western and the Cats are 0-5 in games played in Cullowhee against the Bulldogs.


Samford 

When:  Saturday, October 24th at 3:30 pm

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

Radio : Catamount Sports Network

TV / video:   SoCon Digital Network

Head Coach:Chris Hatcher was named Samford’s 36th head football coach on Dec. 11, 2014. Hatcher's career record is 121-57 in 15 years as a college head coach at Murray State, Georgia Southern and Valdosta State. Hatcher served as the head coach at Murray State since 2010.and in five seasons with the Racers, Hatcher’s teams employed the high-powered “Hatch Attack” offense to top the Division I-FCS football charts. In 2014, the Racers ranked second in the nation in passing offense, averaging 327.2 yards per game. The team also ranked 15th in total offense at 468.3 yards per contest.


Last year’s record (Samford):  7-4 overall (home 5-1, road 2-3), 5-2 SoCon

Last Season's Game vs. Samford (Nov 8, 2014): Strong First Half Leads Samford Past Western Carolina, 34-20  -  Samford's Denzel Williams scored two touchdowns on the ground as a part of a 156-yard rushing performance and quarterback Michael Eubank tossed a pair of first half touchdown passes as the Bulldogs rode a 28-point outburst in the opening half to a 34-20 victory over Western Carolina in Southern Conference action at Seibert Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Offensive starters - Returning/Lost: 8 / 3  -The Bulldogs lost the following starters: left guard Kyle Champion, center Jordan Boatright, and wide receiver Kelvin Clay to graduation.

Defensive starters - Returning/Lost: 7 / 4  -On defense, the Bulldogs lost starters Brinson Porter, NG Jerry Mathis, DE Brandon Wilkinson, and safety Jaquiski Tart to graduation

Specialist - Returning/Lost: 3  / 4 - The Bulldogs lose punter Greg Peranich, kickoff  Michael O'Neal, punt returner Robert Clark, to graduation

Offensive Formation: Multiple
(Is the "Hatch Attack" gone?)  "I had to kind of change my thinking a little bit to try and keep the continuity as close to what it was last year as possible," Hatcher said. "There weren't many adjustments, many modifications. It was me that learned."

Defensive Formation: 4-3

The Bulldog offense returns a trio of playmakers in dual-threat quarterback Michael Eubank, along with his top target Karel Hamilton and the workhorse running back Denzel Williams,  Collectively, these three accounted for 34 of the team's 44 touchdowns last season. "We want to be up-tempo, want to get the ball in space to people who can make big plays, who know how to score," he said.

In the SoCon polls, the coaches picked Samford to finish second and the Southern Conference Sports Media Association (SCSMA) picked Samford to come in third.

Samford senior defensive lineman Michael Pierce was named the Southern Conference's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year when the league released its preseason awards at the SoCon's annual Media Day Wednesday. A total of nine Samford players were named to the All-Conference teams. Pierce was joined on the first team by running back Denzel Williams, offensive lineman Gunnar Bromelow, wide receiver Karel Hamilton, linebacker Justin Cooper and defensive back James Bradberry. Samford's second team representatives were Tony Philpot, Alec Hulmes and Jamerson Blount.

2014 Samford Statistics:

Rushing Offense: 2207 yards
Yards per game: 181.4
Yards per rush: 4.3 yards
TDs rushing: 28
Passing Offense: 2387 yards or 217.9 yards per game
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 211-328-8
Total Offense: 4392 yards or 399.3 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 112
Rushing 1st downs: 104
Fumbles-Lost: 17 - 8
Penalties-Yards: 56 - 568 yards
3d Down Conversions: 77 of 161 or 42%
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 12 or 42%
Field Goals - Attempts: 9 of 16
Red-Zone Scores: 36 of 46 (78%)
Red-Zone Touchdowns: 29 of 46 (63%)
Punts (No. Yards): 54 (2311 yds)
Avg, per punt: 42.8 yds
Time of possession per game: 28: 07
Sacks: 16

Who does the Bulldogs play prior to Western?  The Samford Bulldogs open their season with three straight home games. On Thursday, September 3d, Central Arkansas comes to Birmingham, followed by Florida A&M on the 9th. The Bulldogs open their SoCon schedule against Chattanooga on the 19th, again in Birmingham.  The next weekend, the Bulldogs travel to Louisville, followed by a trip to Lexington, VA and VMI.  On Oct 17, the other Bulldogs come to Birmingham, then the dogs travel up the mountain to meet the Cats on the 24th.



Join the conversation and leave a comment below

50 Days 'till Kickoff - #50 Walker Lanning

It's now 50 days until kickoff of Catamount football against the Mars Hill University Lions in E.J.Whitmire Stadium on September 5th in Cullowhee.

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

Utilizing the 2015 Preseason Football Roster,  #50 is Walker Lanning

#50 Walker Lanning

Class: Incoming Freshman
Hometown: Hendersonville, N.C.
High School: Christ School
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 275
Position: OL







Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time all-area and all-conference lineman, playing both on both sides of the football ... Was also a two-time NCISAA Division II All-State selection ... Recorded a team-high 89 tackles as a senior ... Started his prep career at East Henderson before playing his final two years at Christ School ... Finished the 2012 season as East Henderson's leading tackler with 58 stops including eight for loss, earning All-Western North Carolina Athletic Conference accolades for the conference championship team ... Listed as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com ... High school coach was Mark Moroz.

Personal: Full name is Randall Walker Lanning ... Is the son of Randy Lanning and Tonya Hensley ... Has one sibling, Weston.

Note: Enrolled at Western Carolina in the spring, 2015 semester and participated in spring drills.



Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

51 Days 'till Kickoff - #51 Tommy Tate

It's now 51 days until kickoff of Catamount football against the Mars Hill University Lions in E.J. Whitmire Stadium on September 5th in Cullowhee.

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

Utilizing the 2015 Preseason Football Roster, #51 is Tommy Tate

#51 Tommy Tate

Class: Junior
Hometown: Norcross, Ga.
High School: Norcross HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 230
Position: LB




2014 (Sophomore): Played in 10 of the team’s 12 games, appearing on special teams and as a defensive substitution … Recorded six tackles including a pair of solo stops … Posted a career-high two tackles against The Citadel (Oct. 25) … Playing for the Gold squad, recorded four tackles while also forcing and recovering a fumble in one motion, returning it into the red zone for his offense in WCU’s annual Spring Game.

2013 (Freshman): Played in 11 of WCU's 12 seasonal games as a defensive reserve at linebacker and on special teams ... Made his collegiate debut against ACC-foe, Virginia Tech ... Credited with two tackles on the season - assists at Virginia Tech and at Appalachian State ... Made an athletic move in coverage to record an interception to accompany four tackles in WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Named first team All-State in Georgia's highest classification (Class AAAAAA) as a senior, guiding Norcross High to a 15-0 record and the 2012 state championship ... Posted two double-digit tackle games during the state playoffs for the Blue Devils including 18 stops against Colquitt County and 15 tackles in a win over Camden County High ... Recorded 183 total tackles including 117 solo stops as a senior ... Credited with four pass breakups, two sacks, two forced fumbles, three quarterback hurries and a blocked punt in his final year as a prep ... Was an All-County selection by the Gwinnett Touchdown Club ... Additionally handled punting duties for Norcross High, posting a 33.7 average including a season-long 47 yarder ... Tallied 110 total tackles as a junior.

Personal: Is the son of Laura Tate and Tom Tate.



Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

2016 WCU football prospect - Trae'von Hinton

Trae'von Hinton

Position: Outside linebacker
Hometown: Rock Hill, SC
High School: Northwestern
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 227 lbs
Class: 2016


Read more here                       hudl highlights

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

2015 Football Preseason Preview: Wofford

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western's 2015 football opponents. Today we look at the Wofford Terriers. 

In the sixth game of the 2015 season, the Catamounts take to the road, traveling to Spartanburg, SC to play in one of the tougher places in the Southern Conference for the Cats, Gibbs Stadium.

The Cats are 13-24 overall when facing Wofford, and had lost eight straight until last season, when the Cats beat the dogs in Cullowhee.




Wofford

When: Saturday, October 17 at 1:30 pm

Where: Gibbs Stadium  (8,500). Spartanburg, SC

Radio: Catamount Sports Network

TV / video:  SoCon Digital Network

Head Coach:  Mike Ayers
Entering his 28th season, Mike Ayers is the dean of Southern Conference football coaches. Ayers has guided the Terriers from the NAIA and NCAA Division II ranks to Division I and the Southern Conference. Along the way, the team made appearances in the Division II Playoffs in 1990 and 1991, the Division I FCS Playoffs in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2012, and claimed Southern Conference titles in 2003, 2007, 2010, and 2012.


Last Year's Record:  6-5 overall, 4-3 SoCon (home 5-0,  road 1-5)

Last Season's Game vs. Wofford (October 11th 2014) - Defense, Special Teams Leads WCU Past Wofford, 26-14 - Freshman Detrez Newsome returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for the game's first points, and later capped a game-sealing scoring drive with a 24-yard touchdown romp as the Catamounts upended the Wofford Terriers, 26-14, on Saturday afternoon in Southern Conference action at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.

Offensive starters - Returning/Lost: 10 / 1 -

Defensive starters - Returning/Lost: 9 / 2 - On defense, the Terriers lost the following starters: defensive end Tarek Odom and linebacker Kevin Thomas to graduation

Specialist - Returning/Lost: 7 / 0

Offensive Formation: Triple Option (Wingbone)

Defensive Formation: Multiple 50

In 2014, the Terriers secured a winning record with a 6-5 overall finish, making it the 11th winning season in the last 13 years for Wofford.  The Terriers also had a winning SoCon record at 4-3, but it was only good enough to finish the dogs in fourth place. The Terriers had eight student-athletes named to All-Southern Conference teams, OL Anton Wahrby and DL Tarek Odom on the first team, and  DL E.J. Speller on the second team. In addition, OL Davis Lenoir, LB Terrance Morris, and K David Marvin earned All-Freshman Team honors.  Wofford finished third in the nation in rushing, 121st in passing offense and 74th in total offense ... On defense, Wofford was ninth in rushing defense and 74th in passing yards allowed to rank 23rd in total defense ... The rushing defense allowed only 1,182 yards this season, the fewest in school history.

At the 2015 Media Day, the Terriers were picked by both the media and coaches to finish in 4th place in the conference standings. Wofford earned eight preseason honorees, and leading the Terriers on the first team were offensive lineman Anton Wahrby and punter Brian Sanders. Second team honorees include running back Lorenzo Long, offensive lineman T.J. Chamberlin, defensive lineman E.J. Speller, linebacker Terrance Morris, linebacker Drake Michaelson, and return specialist Will Gay.

2014 Wofford Statistics:
Rushing Offense: 3264 yards (297 per game average)
Yards per rush: 5.7 yards
TDs rushing: 35
Passing Offense: 763 yards (69 yards per game)
Yards per pass: 6.8
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 63-113-8
Total Offense: 40271 yards or 366 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 18 - 6
Penalties-Yards: 54 - 473 yards
3d Down Conversions: 61 of 138 or 44%
4th Down Conversions: 18 of 31 or 58%
Field Goals - Attempts: 5 of 6
Red-Zone Scores: 28 of 32 (88%)
Red-Zone Touchdowns: 26 of 32 (81%)\
On-side kicks:  0 - 0
Punts (No. Yards): 37 (1450 yds)
Avg, per punt: 39.2 yds

Assistant Coaches turnover: Since the end of last season, four assistant football coaches have left Wofford. Aaron Johnson, running backs coach and recruiting coordinator, is now the head coach at Oakbrook Prep in Spartanburg. Safeties coach Philip Pigott is now defensive coordinator at a high school in Mississippi. Linebackers coach Kevin Adleman and tight ends coach Pete Kalinowski departed the school as well.  This is a lot of changes for one season, how will the team react to so many changes?

Who does the Terriers play prior to Western? The Terriers open up the 2015 season in Clemson, SC, against the Tigers.  The following weekend, Wofford returns home against Tennessee Tech, then hits the road to Moscow, Idaho, to play Sun Belt opponent, Idaho Vandals.  The Terriers return home on the 28th against Gardner-Webb.  To open their SoCon schedule, the Terriers will be on the road for three straight weekends, visiting Mercer on Oct. 3, then traveling to Charleston the following weekend to take on the Bulldogs. On the move again, the Terriers then travel to Cullowhee.

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

52 Days 'till Kickoff - #52 Zac Saalweachter

It's now 52 days until kickoff of Catamount football against the Mars Hill University Lions in E.J. Whitmire Stadium on September 5th in Cullowhee.

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

Utilizing the 2015 Preseason Football Roster, #52 is Zac Saalweachter

#52 Zac Saalweachter

Class: Incoming Freshman

Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.

High School: R.J. Reynolds HS

Height / Weight: 6-3 / 305

Position: OL




Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-year varsity starter and letterman who was voted a team captain as both a junior and senior ... Played center along the offensive line, grading out at 90-percent or better and averaged 37 pancake blocks per season ... Four-time All-Forsyth County pick and a three-time 4-A All-Central Piedmont Conference selection, earning 2014 All-Northwest Conference as a senior ... Was a Shrine Bowl Top 100 participant ... Was the team's strongest overall weight lifter on varsity for three years ... Played one season of junior varsity football at West Forsyth before transferring ... High school coach was Scott Saalweachter.

Personal: Is the son of Scott and Amy Saalweachter ... His father played offensive line for two seasons at James Madison before transferring to Mars Hill.



Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

53 Days 'till Kickoff - #53 Andrew Potts

It's now 53 days until kickoff of Catamount football against the Mars Hill University Lions in E.J. Whitmire Stadium on September 5th in Cullowhee.

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

Utilizing the 2015 Preseason Football Roster, #53 is Andrew Potts

#53 Andrew Potts

Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Hampstead, N.C.
High School: Topsail HS
Height / Weight:: 6-3 / 310
Position: OL




2014 (Redshirt Sophomore): Saw action in all 12 of WCU’s games along the offensive line and on special teams … Made one start coming against Wofford (Oct. 11).

2013 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 12 games for the Catamounts, making five appearances in a starting role on the offensive line ... Also saw time on special teams ... Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener against Middle Tennessee State with his first career start coming at Wofford ... Started the final five games of the regular season at right guard ... Credited with two tackles including a solo stop.

2012 (Freshman): Redshirted.

Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year varsity letter winner and three-year starter along the offensive line, earning first team all-conference, all-county and all-state accolades as a senior ... Started at center for North Carolina in the North-South Shrine Bowl of the Carolina's ... Was among the top 25 in the Nike SPARQ Charlotte combine ... Was named a team co-captain as a junior ... Earned the Coach's Award as both a freshman and sophomore ... Tabbed with the Most Outstanding Sophomore honors in his first full season on the varsity squad ... Also participated in track & field as a thrower on his high school squad.

Personal: Full name is Andrew T. Potts ... Is the son of Thomas and Pat Potts.



Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

Troy Mitchell named to the Offensive Player of the Year Watch List

Western's Troy Mitchell has been named to the 2015 STATS FCS Offensive Player of the Year Watch List

"The 2015 season won't be easy on defensive coordinators as nine of the 13 FCS conferences return their offensive player of the year and 12 players who were finalists for national player of the year honors last season are back. They were among the 22 players nominated Monday to the STATS FCS Offensive Player of the Year Watch List, including one from each FCS conference."

Troy Mitchell 

Western Carolina Catamounts 
Quarterback - Senior 6-0, 205
Hometown: Houston

Has matured into the catalyst of the Western Carolina offense, becoming equally reliant on his passing prowess as well as his elusiveness and running ability. Will keep plays alive to find a seam in the defense or a receiver open downfield.

Was named the Southern Conference's 2014 second-team quarterback (behind offensive player of the year Jacob Huesman of Chattanooga) after the resurgent Catamounts went 7-5 following a 3-20 mark over the previous two seasons.

The versatile, dual-threat quarterback set the school's single-season record for total offensive yards (3,096) and accounted for 26 total touchdowns as a junior.

Surrounded by a wealth of returning skills players in 2015 to build upon the Catamounts' breakout campaign.

Made 26 career starts through his first three seasons.

read more here

Join the conversation and leave a comment below

2015 Football Preseason Preview: Mercer

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western's 2015 football opponents. Today we look at the Mercer Bears.

For the fifth game of the season, the Catamounts remain in Cullowhee to meet the Mercer Bears for their first ever football visit to Cullowhee.

This is only the second meeting between Mercer and the Catamounts on the gridiron. The Cats picked up a win in the initial meeting between these two teams last season in Macon, so we expect the Bears will travel to Cullowhee expecting to return the favor.



Mercer

Courtesy Mercer Athletics  

When:  Saturday, October 10th at 3:30 pm

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

Radio:  Catamount Sports Network 

TV / video:  SoCon Digital Network

Head Coach:  Bobby Lamb
Bobby Lamb enters his third season as head coach of Mercer football. In his first season, the Bears set a NCAA Division I record for wins by a first-year program with a 10-2 campaign. The 2013 win total also set a school record for victories, surpassing the previous mark of seven wins by Lake Russell’s 1931 and 1932 squads. Lamb led the Bears into their first season of Southern Conference play in 2014,

Last year’s record (Mercer): 6-6 overall (home: 4-3 away: 2-3),  1-6 in the SoCon

Last Season's Game vs. Mercer (Oct. 18, 2014): Catamounts Light Up Mercer's Black Out, 35-21 - Spearman Robinson hauled in three of Western Carolina's four receiving touchdowns on Saturday afternoon as the Catamounts remained perfect in Southern Conference play with a 35-21 road victory over the Mercer Bears at the Mercer University Stadium. Mitchell finished the game 13-of-18 passing for 194 yards with the career-high tying three touchdown passes. He also added 62 yards rushing, second just to freshman tailback Detrez Newsome who carried the ball 16 times for 76 of his 115 all-purpose yards. Benson tallied 63 receiving yards and 37 on kickoff returns.

Offensive starters - Returning/Lost: 11 / 0

Defensive starters - Returning/Lost: 11 / 0

Specialist - Returning/Lost: 6  / 1 - The Bears lose kicker Will Roper to graduation

Offensive Formation: Pistol  (Lamb was known for his run-heavy I-formation offenses at Furman, but now he's utilizing a spread attack that closely resembles those of Western Carolina and Chattanooga out of the Pistol)

Defensive Formation: 3-4

Even though the Mercer Bears only had one Southern Conference victory in 2014, Mercer completed the season in second place in scoring offense (32.5 ppg) and fourth overall in scoring defense (24.1 ppg). The Bears also picked up seven individual honors in the postseason.  Freshman wide receiver Chandler Curtis was named to the SoCon All Conference first team and freshman Alex Lake also was first team All SoCon.  Two Bear defensive linemen picked up second team honors, Alex Avant & Tyler Ward - while Wilson Heres was named to the second team as an offensive lineman. Defensive lineman Austin Barrett and linebacker Kyle Williams were named to the all freshman team. All 22 of the 2014 starters are set to return for Mercer, and with just one year removed from a NCAA record 10 wins as a first-year program, the Bears made quite a statement in their first year in the Southern Conference. Any doubts, just ask Chattanooga, The Citadel, or Samford.

At the 2015 SoCon Media Day, the Bears were selected to finish in 6th place by both the coaches and media for the 2015 season. Mercer's Chandler Curtis and Alex Lakes were named to the Preseason All-Southern Conference First Team, headlining six Bears on the preseason teams. The Bears' defense helped add to the program's awards haul, placing three individuals on the Preseason All-Socon Second Team. Senior defensive back Alex Avant, defensive tackle Austin Barrett and linebacker Tyler Ward represented the defense, while sophomore punter Matt Shiel, a transfer from Auburn, gave Mercer its sixth honoree with second team honors.

2014 Mercer Statistics:
Rushing Offense: 2437 yards
Yards per game: 203.1
Yards per rush: 5.0 yards
TDs rushing: 27
Passing Offense: 2375 yards or 187.9 yards per game
Passing Comp-Att-Int: 156-274-10
Total Offense: 5812 yards or 401 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 96
Rushing 1st downs: 123
Fumbles-Lost: 17 - 7
Penalties-Yards: 77 - 727 yards
3d Down Conversions: 57 of 146 or 39%
4th Down Conversions: 8 of 21 or 38%
Field Goals - Attempts: 7 of 12
Red-Zone Scores: 37 of 45 (82%)
Red-Zone Touchdowns: 33 of 45 (73%)
Punts (No. Yards): 46 (1761 yds)
Avg, per punt: 38.3 yds
Time of possession per game:  29: 16
Sacks:  14

Who does the Bears play prior to Western?   The Bears open the season with two of three games on the road.  Mercer opens on the road against Austin Peay.  Returning home the following weekend to play Stetson in Macon.  On September 19, they are at Tennessee Tech, followed the next week by a visit in Macon by the Wofford Terriers.  The Bears then travel up the mountain to meet the Cats.

Join the conversation and leave a comment below