August 11, 2017-Emporia State led the MIAA in interceptions last season and allowed the third lowest completion percentage in the league last year. The defensive secondary is one of the most experienced groups returning for the Hornets with three players that started at least four games last year returning.
AJ West anchors the defensive backfield for the Hornets at corner. He had 44 tackles with an interception, three pass break ups and a 35 yard fumble return for a touchdown last year. Two players that sat out last season will be making a return at the corner spot. Jarett Strode returns for his sixth season after battling injuries for most of his career. He had a fumble recovery in the Hornets Kanza Bowl win in 2012. He missed the 2014 and 2016 seasons with injuries. Ace Mayze started ten games as a sophomore in 2014 and played in 12 games as a junior in 2015 before sitting out last year.
The remainder of the cornerback corps will be inexperienced at the Division II level. Marquise Johnson is a transfer from Hutchinson CC while Corey Jackson spent time at Kansas State and Central Missouri. Brent Davenport was a receiver for the Hornets last season and rounds out the upperclassmen. Sophomore Dillon Lohr played in 12 games last season and has the most experience for the Hornets. Redshirt freshman Kyle Rink and true freshman Kelin Gordon might see time as well.
Marcus Houghton and Gary Woods II have the most experience and the inside track at the starting safety positions. Houghton was an Academic All-American last year for the Hornets and recorded 26 tackles with a 49 yard fumble return last season. Woods had 35 tackles with two interceptions as a redshirt freshman last year.
Roscoe Gatewood played in seven games with a career high five tackles against Missouri Southern. Ramsey Stramel is the only other Hornet with game experience at the safety position, playing in three games last year after moving from receiver. Hutchinson CC transfer Asher Goldston, along with K-State transfer Cody Savage will combine with redshirt freshman Cole Baird to provide depth in the defensive backfield.
No. Player Pos HT WT CL Hometown High School/Previous School
1 Marcus Houghton DB 6-1 196 Sr. McPherson, Kan. McPherson HS
3 Ace Mayze DB 5-11 181 Sr. Arlington, Texas Seguin HS
8 Gary Woods II DB 6-0 196 So. Oklahoma City, OK Casady Prep School
13 Brent Davenport DB 6-0 183 Jr. Dallas, Texas Lakeview Central HS
19 Dillon Lohr DB 6-1 201 R-So. Midwest City, OK Carl Albert HS
20 Jarett Strode DB 5-11 190 Sr. St. Charles, Mo. Francis Howell HS
21 Marquise Johnson DB 5-10 175 Jr. Independence, KS Independence HS/Independence CC
22 Roscoe Gatewood DB 5-9 197 So. Midwest City, OK Midwest City HS
23 Asher Goldston DB 6-2 200 Jr. Lenexa, Kan. SM West HS/Hutchinson CC
28 A. J. West DB 5-10 176 Sr. Yukon, Okla. Yukon HS
29 Cole Baird DB 6-0 180 R-Fr. Silver Lake, Kan. Silver Lake HS
30 Kelin Gordon DB 6-0 177 Fr. Del City, Okla. Del City HS
32 Corey Jackson DB 5-10 185 Jr. St. Joseph, MO Central HS/K-State/Central Mo.
35 Steve Ray DB 5-9 170 Fr. Lansing, KS Lansing HS
42 Cody Savage DB 6-4 188 Jr. Canton, KS Canton-Galva HS/Hutch CC/K-State
45 Kyle Rinck DB 6-3 190 R-Fr. Independence, Kan. Independence HS
46 Dan Courtwright DB 6-1 190 Fr. Carbondale, KS Santa Fe Trail HS
47 Ramsey Stramel DB 6-3 178 Sr. Herington, KS Herington HS/Ft. Scott CC
Darion Keener DB 6-1 172 So. Elizabethtown, KY John Hardin HS/Centre College
Cody Ladson DB 6-1 200 Fr. Topeka, Kan. Washburn Rural HS
Clay Phillips DB 5-11 175 Fr. Eskridge, KS Mission Valley HS
Blake Wilson DB 6-0 180 So. Mulvane, Kan. Mulvane HS
Monday was the first of six days of position previews for the Emporia State football team. Friday the defensive secondary was featured. On Saturday the linebackers will be featured.
Remaining Interview Dates
Aug. 12 Linebacker interviews 11:40 a.m.
Aug. 13 Special Teams/Media Day 3:30 p.m.
