50 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #50 Hudson Jones

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown" 

We are now halfway thorough the countdown and it's now 50 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

No one is currently assigned to #50, so today we highlight someone that could be assigned to #50 on the offensive line:

#50 Hudson Jones

POSITION Offensive Line
HEIGHT 6-2
WEIGHT 285
CLASS True Freshman
HOMETOWN Matthews, N.C.
HIGH SCHOOL Charlotte Christian








Prior to Western Carolina: Played offensive and defensive line as a prep where he was a part of four-straight championship squads ... Was first-team All-State selection as both an offensive and defensive lineman as a senior ... Was also a four-time state champion wrestler as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Alanna and Mike Jones ... His father played basketball at Catawba College and his grandfather played football at The Citadel ... Has two sisters, one older and one younger.

51 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #51 Aaron Sanez

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 51 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we highlight #51 on the offensive line:

#51 Aaron Sanez

POSITION Offensive Line
HEIGHT 6-2
WEIGHT 290
CLASS True Freshman
HOMETOWN Clearwater, Fla.
HIGH SCHOOL Clearwater HS








Prior to Western Carolina: Named to the first-team All-Pinellas County football team compiled by Suncoast News and the Tampa Beacon as both a junior and senior ... Earned second-team All-State honors as a senior … Credited with 60 pancake blocks in 13 games by MaxPreps ... Served as a team manager for the high school baseball team.

Personal: Full name is Aaron Jordan Sanez ... Is the son of Lisa and Gus Sanez ... Is one of five children: AJ, Ashley, Anthony, and Andrew.

52 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #52 Antwann Fann

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 52 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we highlight #52 on the offensive line:

#52 Antwann Fann

 POSITION Offensive Line
 HEIGHT 6-3
 WEIGHT 310
 CLASS Redshirt Sophomore

COLLEGE Kennesaw State
 HOMETOWN Perry, Ga.
 HIGH SCHOOL Perry HS








2021 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in five games on the season along the offensive line ... Made his WCU debut at Oklahoma (Sept. 11) ... Started one game on the offensive line in the regular-season finale at VMI (Nov. 20) .

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU in the summer of 2021 from Kennesaw State.

Kennesaw State:  Played in one game in 2019 for the Owls, taking a redshirt … Made his collegiate debut against Gardner-Webb; High School: Was a three-star recruit out of high school by 247Sports … Competed in football and track & field … Garnered first-team all-region honors and was a two-time region Player of the Week.

Personal: Is the son of Shontorria and Antwann Fann … Has a sister, Jalyn.

53 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #53 EJ Porter

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 53 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we highlight #53 and the linebacker assigned to 53:

#53 EJ Porter

 POSITION Linebacker
 HEIGHT 6-1
 WEIGHT 230
 CLASS Junior

 COLLEGE Coastal Carolina
 HOMETOWN Atlantic Beach, Fla.
 HIGH SCHOOL The Bolles School








Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from Coastal Carolina after graduating in December 2021 with a bachelor's degree in sociology;

Coastal Carolina (2017-21): 38 career games played with two starts at linebacker ... Recorded 33 career tackles with 11 solo stops and 1.5 tackles for loss ... Missed most of the 2019 season with a foot injury; 

High School: Was a two-star recruit by 247Sports.com and Scout.com as a prep ... Was a third-team All-Area selection as an athlete by DuvalSports.com ... Selected honorable mention Jacksonville Times-Union All-First Coast ... Had 77 crries for 624 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 25 receptions for 308 yards and five TDs ... Helped his high school team reach the 4A state championship game, scoring twice in the title game.

54 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #54 Chris Van Kleeck

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 54 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

No player is currenly assigned to #54, so we will highlight someone that could wear #54:

#54 Chris Van Kleeck

POSITION Linebacker
HEIGHT 6-0
WEIGHT 190
CLASS Freshman
HOMETOWN Winston-Salem, N.C.
HIGH SCHOOL West Forsyth HS









Prior to Western Carolina: Played most of his prep career on defense as a safety and linebacker before starting at quarterback as a senior ... Was an All-Central Piedmont Conference selection at linebacker ... Started playing football in the seventh grade ... Also played baseball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Christopher Owen Van Kleeck ... Is the son of Michaleh Snider ... Has an older sibling, Ashley, and two younger siblings, Abby and Sara.

55 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #55 Kevin Thompson

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 55 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #55, a long snapper:

#55 Kevin Thompson

 POSITION Long Snapper
 HEIGHT 5-10
 WEIGHT 185
 CLASS Junior
 HOMETOWN Rock Hill, S.C.
 HIGH SCHOOL Northwestern HS







2021 (Sophomore*): Saw action in all 11 games as the long-snapper on special teams ... Credited with one tackle with a solo stop against Samford (Sept. 18).

2020-21 (Sophomore): Played in three games on special teams at long-snapper … Did not record any official statistics.

2019 (Freshman): Played in eight of the team’s 12 games on the season, each coming in succession from the season’s mid-point through the finale … Credited with two solo tackles on special teams … Named to the 2019-20 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joins the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on … Three-year varsity letter winner … Attended the Rubio Long Snapping Camp Summer Tour in 2018 … Two-sport athlete as a prep, playing football and baseball ... High school coach was James Martin.

Personal: Is the son of Mary and Charles Thompson ... Father played football at Western Carolina.

56 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #56 Richard Garrett

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 56 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #56, in the defensive line:

#56 Richard Garrett

POSITION Defensive Line
HEIGHT 6-4
WEIGHT 230
CLASS True Freshman
HOMETOWN Jacksonville, Fla.
HIGH SCHOOL Andrew Jackson HS









Prior to Western Carolina: Recorded 114 tackles including 11.5 sacks as a senior … Credited with four pass deflections.

57 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #57 Tyler Anderson

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 57 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #57, a linebacker on our roster:

#57 Tyler Anderson 

POSITION Linebacker
HEIGHT 6-0
WEIGHT 225
CLASS Redshirt Freshman
HOMETOWN Greensboro, N.C.
HIGH SCHOOL Northern Guilford HS









2020-21 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Named to the 2020-21 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner playing primarily on defense and as a blocking fullback … Finished with 432 career tackles as a prep including 186 solo stops and 56 tackles for loss including 17 sacks according to MaxPreps.com … Named All-Mid-State 2A/3A Athletic Conference … Twice competed in the CrossFit Games while a prep.

58 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #58 Giovanni Ricciardi

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 58 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #58, a linebacker on our roster:

#58 Giovanni Ricciardi 

POSITION Linebacker
HEIGHT 6-0
WEIGHT 225
CLASS Sophomore
HOMETOWN Clemmons, N.C.
HIGH SCHOOL West Forsyth HS






2021 (Freshman*): Played in 10 of the team's 11 games as a reserve on defense and mostly on special teams ... Finished the year with eight total tackles including seven solo stops ... Recorded a career-high three solo tackles at Chattanooga (Oct. 2) and had two solo stops in the road win at Wofford (Oct. 30) ... Named to the 2021 Fall Academic All-Southern Conference team.

2020-21 (Freshman): Played in seven games as a reserve on defense and on special teams … Made his collegiate debut at North Carolina (Dec. 5) … Credited with one solo stop at Furman (Feb. 20) ... Named to the 2020-21 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Recorded 104 tackles with four for losses and two sacks as a senior at West Forsyth HS where he earned All-Central Piedmont 4-A … Also broke-up 10 passes and forced three fumbles … High school head coach was Adrian Snow … Also played varsity lacrosse as a prep … Started his prep career at R.J. Reynolds High.

Personal: Is the son of Chrisann and Ralph Ricciardi … Has a sister, Sienna, who is involved in rodeo competitions.

2022 Football Preseason Preview: Charleston Southern

Throughout this preseason, Purple & Gold will preview all of Western's 2022 football opponents.

For the 2022 season's first game, the Catamounts travel to Charleston, SC to face the Charleston Southern Buccaneers in the first-ever meeting in a new home and home series between the two teams on the gridiron. 

The Bucs completed the 2021 season tied for third place in the Big South Conference standings.  

               Game #1 - Charleston Southern Buccaneers

When: Saturday, September 3, 2022
Time: 12:00 noon
Where: Buccaneer Stadium, Charleston, SC
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV/video: ESPN+
Live Stats: WCU Live Stats

Conference:  Big South 

The Series: This is the first meeting between the two teams on the football field, and is the first game in a new home and home series between the two universities. 

Head Coach: Autry Denson Jr. was named the Charleston Southern head football coach in January 2019. Denson became the fifth CSU head football coach in program history. He came to the Buccaneers after coaching stops at Notre Dame, South Florida, Miami (Ohio), and Bethune-Cookman. 

Autry Denson's Record: 12-16 overall (3d season)

Autry Denson's record vs. Western Carolina: 0-0
Kerwin Bell's record vs. Charleston Southern: 0-0

Last Season's Record - 2021 (CSU): 4-6 overall, 2-2 home, 2-4 away, 3-4 Big South

Offensive Formation:  Has transitioned from a run-oriented triple-option approach to a spread attack 
Defensive Formation:  base 4-3 defense

CSU Offense - Returning/loss:  6 / 5

CSU Defense- Returning/loss:  6 / 5

CSU Special Teams - Returning/loss:  0 / 1

In preseason honors, CSU was selected number three (tied with Gardner-Webb) in the Big South preseason poll (total of 6 members this season).  On the offensive side of the ball, wide receiver,  Cayden Jordan, (R-Jr. ) was selected for the first team all-conference, and defensively linebacker  Garrett Sayegh (Gr.,) and defensive back  Hombre Kennedy (Gr.) were both selected for the first team. 

Charleston Southern enters the fourth year of the Autry Denson era, after transitioning from a run-oriented triple-option approach to a spread attack. The Bucs are returning 12 starters from the offense and defensive sides of the ball while losing 5 starters on each side of the ball. Over the past couple of seasons, the Buccaneers have shown flashes of success on offense, but have also struggled at times with consistency.  

In 2019, during the first year of Denson as head coach, the Buccaneers averaged 22 points per game, and last year's 24.5 ppg after assistant coach Klay Koester took over as the team's offensive coordinator is a minor improvement in scoring.  With the loss of an experienced quarterback, Jack Chambers behind center, the Buc's biggest need in 2022 is to fill the QB position. CSU currently has 4 qbs on their roster, including last season's back-up, redshirt sophomore Ross Malmgren.  

In  2021, the Bucs completed the season in seventh place in scoring with an average of 24.5 points per game, and completed the season in fourth place in scoring defense, giving up 29.9 points per game.  scoring

2021 Charleston Southern Statistics (Fall -10 games)
Rushing Offense: 1144 yards
Yards per game: 114.4
Yards per rush: 3.4 yards
Rushing 1st downs: 72
TDs rushing: 12
Passing Offense: 2553 yards or 255.3 yards per game
Passing 1st downs: 111
Passing Att-Comp-Int: 434-239-10
TDs Passing: 19
Total Offense: 3697 yards or 369.7 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost: 9 - 5
3d Down Conversions: 67 of 174 (38.5%)
4th Down Conversions: 5 of 17 (29.4%)
Field goal attempts:  6 - 15
PAT-Attempts: 29 of 29
Red Zone Scores: 25 of 35
Red Zone Touchdowns: 20 of 35
On-Side Kicks: 0 - 1
Penalties-Yards: 45 - 446 - Avg. per gm 44.6
Punts-Yards: 67 - 2572 - Avg. per gm 38.4
Sacks: 23 for 133 yards

59 days to WCU Football Kickoff - Blue Monroe

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 59 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #59, currently, no one is assigned to #59, so we will highlight a player that could wear #59: 

Blue Monroe 

POSITION Linebacker
HEIGHT 6-1
WEIGHT 205
CLASS True Freshman
HOMETOWN Concord, N.C.
HIGH SCHOOL Jay M. Robinson HS







Prior to Western Carolina: Played quarterback and outside linebacker as a prep, starting his high school career at Hough High with a year at Central Cabarrus High before finishing at Robinson High ... As a senior, finished with 76 tackles including 32 solo stops and nine tackles for loss with one sack and an interception, according to MaxPreps.com ... Recovered three fumbles and was credited with two passes defended... As a prep, passed for over 2,500 yards with 22 touchdowns while rushing for right at 1,000 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.

Personal: Full name is Blue Kincade Monroe ... Is the son of April and Ken Monroe ... His father played football at Wingate and his mother is a former bodybuilder ... Has an older sibling, Storm, who plays linebacker at Davidson College, and a younger sibling, Haven.

60 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #60 Joaquin Layno

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football  "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 60 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #60, on the defensive line: 

#60 Joaquin Layno 

POSITION Defensive Line
HEIGHT 5-10
WEIGHT 280
CLASS Sophomore
HOMETOWN Cherokee, N.C.
HIGH SCHOOL Cherokee HS









2021 (Redshirt Freshman*): Dressed for several home games but did not officially see game action.

2020-21 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in one game on the season, making his collegiate debut at North Carolina (Dec. 5) … Did not record any statistics on the year ... Named to the 2020-21 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

2019 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the WCU football team as a preferred walk-on … Four-year varsity letter-winner, winning a state championship as a junior … Played both offensive and defensive line as a prep … Finished with 259 career tackles including 57 solo stops … Recorded 82 total tackles as a senior, averaging 7.5 tackles per game to earn All-Smoky Mountain Conference plaudits … Also participated in throw events in track & field including shot put and discus.

Personal: Full name is Joaquin Gabriel Layno ... Is the son of Joselito & Carla Layno.

61 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #61 Anthony Giansante

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 61 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today, on the 4th of July, we will highlight #61, on the offensive line: 

#61 Anthony Giansante 

POSITION Offensive Line
HEIGHT 6-4
WEIGHT 300
CLASS Redshirt Freshman
HOMETOWN North Huntingdon, Pa.
HIGH SCHOOL Norwin HS

2021 (Freshman): Played in two games as a true freshman, both coming on special teams and a reserve along the offensive line, and remained eligible for a redshirt ... Made his collegiate debut against Wofford (Oct. 30) 

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity starter … Named first-team all-conference in Pennsylvania’s largest football classification and was a second-team All-State selection in Pennsylvania 6-A … Nominated for the Bill Fralic Memorial Award that is given to the best lineman in the WPIAL in 2020 … Selected as a team captain as a senior … Was a two-star recruit from both Rivals.com and 247Sports.com … Originally committed to Conference USA-member, Western Kentucky … High school coach was Dave Brozeski.

Personal: Is the son of Kim and John Giansante … Has a twin brother, John … His cousin, Jimmy Giansante, played wide receiver at New Hampshire (2010-14)

62 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #62 Nick Hapeshis

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 62 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #62, since no one is currently assigned to #62, we will highlight someone that could be assigned to #62: 

#62 Nick Hapeshis 

POSITION Offensive Line
HEIGHT 6-1
WEIGHT 250
CLASS Redshirt Freshman
HOMETOWN Central, S.C.
HIGH SCHOOL Daniel HS







2021 (Freshman): Dressed for several home games but did not see game action, remaining eligible for a redshirt.

Prior to Western Carolina: Multi-year starter along the offensive line as a prep … Finished his senior campaign with a lineman grade of 93, leading the team with 27 pancake blocks … Named to the 2020 South Carolina Football Coaches Association’s Class 3-A All-State team.

63 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #63 Peyton Davis

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 63 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #63, a member of the offensive line: 

#63 Peyton Davis 

POSITION Offensive Line
HEIGHT 6-2
WEIGHT 290
CLASS Redshirt Freshman
HOMETOWN Mooresville, N.C.
HIGH SCHOOL Lake Norman HS








2021 (Freshman): Saw action in one game on the year, making his collegiate debut against ETSU (Nov. 13) ... Did not record any official statistics.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner … Played offensive line at center and guard … Two-time All-County selection, earning first-team honors as a senior … Credited with 18 pancake blocks in seven games in 2021 … Helped guide Lake Norman High to a third-place finish in the highly competitive I-Meck 4-A Conference … Competed in the Queen City Senior Bowl in May 2021 … Was selected to represent the West in the Carolina Clash on the Coast Senior Bowl in Wilmington, N.C.

64 days to WCU Football Kickoff - #64 Colby Cross

Welcome to the twelfth annual Catamount Football "100 days to WCU Football Kickoff Countdown"

It's now 64 days until the kickoff of Catamount football on Saturday, September 3rd, 2022, against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers, on Buccaneer Field in Charleston, SC

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

Today we will highlight #64, a long snapper:

#64 Colby Cross 

POSITION Long Snapper
HEIGHT 6-0
WEIGHT 220
CLASS Redshirt Sophomore
HOMETOWN Mooresville, N.C.
HIGH SCHOOL Lake Norman HS








2021 (Freshman*): Did not see game action, sidelined much of the season due to injury.

2020-21 (Freshman): Played in all nine of the team’s games as the long-snapper … Was not credited with any official statistics … Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Liberty (Nov. 14) ... Named to the 2020-21 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-year varsity letter winner at Lake Norman High as the long-snapper on special teams 

Personal: Is the son of Kim Cross.