125th Season of Emporia State Football Starts Thursday

Football | 8/30/2023 8:47:00 PM

Game #1
#19 Emporia State Hornets (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
vs. Lincoln Blue Tigers (0-0, Independent)
Thursday, Aug. 31 • 7:00 p.m. • Jones Field at Welch Stadium • Emporia, Kan.
Series Record: ESU Leads 7-2 Current Streak: ESU 7 Wins
Last Meeting: ESU 35, at Lincoln 24 (November 5, 2022)
Radio: KFFX-FM (104.9) Pregame 6:00 p.m.
Internet (Audio): www.kvoe.com Internet (Video): themiaanetwork.com/esuhornets
Live Stats • Ticket Info • Complete Notes in pdf
Officials: Announced on Game Day
Up Next: at #6 Northwest Missouri
September 7, 2023 • Tjeerdsma Field/Bearcat Stadium • Maryville, Mo.

TIME TO GET STARTED
Emporia State opens their 125th season of football against Lincoln on Thursday, August 31 on Jones Field at Welch Stadium. The Blue Tigers are competing as an independent in football this  season, their final year of membership in the MIAA.

SEASON OPENERS
Emporia State is 71-48-5 all-time in season openers and have started the season 1-0 in 18 of the last 21 years.  Coach Garin Higgins is 12-3 with the Hornets and 17-3 in his career in season openers. Two of the three losses were to teams ranked in #1 in the nation at the time. Emporia State has won their last four season openers by an average score of 41-11.

THE COACH
Garin Higgins has a career record of 148-86 in his 21st season as a head coach. He is 97-77 in his 16th season at his alma mater and is 78-40 since the start of the 2012 season. He is the seventh winningest coach in MIAA history and ranks second among active coaches. He has led the Hornets to the post season in seven of the last ten seasons with three NCAA Playoffs and a national semifinal appearance in 2015. He had a 51-9 career record as the head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma, including two trips to the national championship game. Higgins was a quarterback for Emporia State from 1987-90 and was on the 1989 national runners-up team. He is 4-0 against Lincoln.
Jermaine Gales is 0-11 in his second season at Lincoln. He is 0-1 against Emporia State.

SCOUTING THE HORNETS
Emporia State went 9-3 last season and won the Live United Bowl. They open this season ranked #19 in the AFCA National Poll and were picked third in the MIAA Preseason Poll.  With seven postseason appearances over the last ten seasons the Hornets have established themselves as a major player in the MIAA and on the regional stage. Emporia State returns six starters on offense, seven on defense and both of their kickers from last year's Live United Bowl Championship team that went 9-3. The three losses were by a combined 15 points. Over the last two seasons eight of Emporia State's nine losses have been by eight points or less.
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SCOUTING THE BLUE TIGERS
Lincoln went 0-11 last season. They were last in the MIAA in scoring offense at 11.7 points per game and defense giving up 47.8 points per game. Aderias Ealy was third in the MIAA in touchdown receptions with nine, fourth in all-purpose yards at 101.8 per game and was sixth in the league in receiving yards with 32 catches for 697 yards last season. His 21.8 yards per catch ranked second among the MIAA leaders.

THE SERIES
Emporia State has won the last seven games to take a 7-2 series lead.  The first meeting between the two was a 21-6 victory by Lincoln in the 1958 Mineral Water Bowl.  

LAST TIME VS. LINCOLN
Emporia State used a 35-7 run to take control in a 35-24 victory at Lincoln. The Blue Tigers ate 8:29 off the clock on the opening drive before settling for a field goal. The Hornets answered immediately with a 58 yard touchdown pass from Braden Gleason to Jaylen Varner with 4:47 left in the quarter. A three yard touchdown run by Billy Ross Jr capped a four play, 51 yard drive.  Caden Dodson missed his first PAT of the season and ESU led 13-3 with 9:31 left in the second quarter.  Zamar Brake hit Aderias Ealy for an 85 yard touchdown pass to pull the Blue Tigers within 13-10 with 8:33 left in the half. A six yard touchdown pass from Gleason to Cole Schumacher with 44 seconds left along with a two point conversion run by Ross gave ESU a 21-10 lead at the break. Emporia State took a 28-10 lead on a 13 yard touchdown pass from Gleason to Tommy Zimmerman with 12:57 left in the third quarter and went up 35-10 with 3:55 left in the third on Gleason's last pass of the game, a 12 yard touchdown to Tyler Kahmann. The Blue Tigers would get two fourth quarter touchdowns for the final score. Gleason was 27 of 36 for 317 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions.  Billy Ross Jr had a career high 152 yards on 26 carries.
 
UP NEXT
The Hornets travel to Maryville, Mo. for a Top 25 showdown at #6 Northwest Missouri on Thursday, September 7. It will be the seventh Top 25 match up between the two teams in the last 11 seasons.

KNOW THE FOE
This is the tenth meeting between Emporia State and Lincoln and will be the last as MIAA opponents with the Blue Tigers competing as an independent in football this year before moving to the GLVC next season. The Blue Tigers won the first two meetings in the 1958 Mineral Water Bowl and the 1961 regular season before the Hornets picked up a win in 1962.  They did not meet again until the 2011 season. Although the two schools have been in the same conference for 21 of the last 32 years Lincoln discontinued football from 1990-99 and then left the MIAA from 2000-2011. They competed in the GLVC for football from 2014 until 2019.

FLIP A SWITCH
Emporia State was 15-34 under head coach Garin Higgins and trailing Missouri Southern 17-0 at the midway point of the 2011 season. Emporia State came back to win 31-24 and have gone 82-43 since then. Of the 43 losses, 20 have been to teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 at the time. In Emporia State's first 49 games under Coach Higgins, the Hornets averaged 19.86 points per game while giving up 30.06 points per game. In the 121 games since then Emporia State is averaging 33.07 points while giving up 26.78 points per game and have won nearly two-thirds of their games.

OUTSIDE THE CONFERENCE
The Hornets have gone 15-3 in non-conference games under Garin Higgins and are 26-8 outside the MIAA in the 21st century. Since joining the MIAA, ESU is 35-13 in non-conference games and has lost only four games to unranked non-conference D-II opponents since 1996.  

PLAYOFF HISTORY
The Hornets are 3-4 in their seven NCAA playoff games over four trips to the Division II playoffs and have won three of their last five playoff games. Emporia State, Northwest Missouri, and Pittsburg State are the only MIAA teams to have won playoff games in back to back years while Emporia State and Northwest Missouri are the only ones to have accomplished the feat in the last decade.

BOWL HISTORY
The Hornets are 5-3 all-time in bowl games and have won four of their last five bowl games - the 2022 Live United Bowl, the 2018 Corsicana Bowl, the 2012 Kanza Bowl, and the 2002 Mineral Water Bowl.

YOU HAVE TO SCORE TO WIN
The Hornets are 78-17 under coach Higgins when scoring 28 or more points with a 73-12 record in their last 85 games in which they have scored at least 28 points. The Hornets have scored at least 40 points in 45 games under Coach Higgins with a 43-2 record in those games. The Hornets have won 22 games when allowing their opponents 28 or more points under coach Higgins, but Emporia State has only won 19 games when the Hornets have scored less than 28 points, most recently the 24-21 victory at Missouri Southern this season. The 53-52 loss at Central Oklahoma in 2017 was the first time in school history the Hornets have scored 50 points in regulation and lost a game.

NOT LETTING THE OTHER TEAM SCORE HELPS ALSO
Emporia State allowed an average of 21.7 points per game last season. That was the lowest defensive scoring average for the Hornets since allowing 18.1 points per game during their MIAA Championship season of 2003. Emporia State is 54-5 when holding their opponent to 21 or fewer points under Coach Higgins

MIAA IN THE POSTSEASON
Since the MIAA first expanded in 1989 and the new teams became eligible for post season play in 1990, the league has eight national championships and a representative in 15 of 30 national championship games, including ten of the last 17 title games.  In that time the MIAA is 51-26 in the NCAA Playoffs and 22-8 in bowl games for a combined post season record of 73-34 against non-conference opponents. The Hornets join Northwest Missouri (1996-99, 2002, 2004-11, 2013, 2015-16, 2021), Pittsburg State (1989-92, 1995, 2001, 2004-05, 2011), Missouri Western (2012), and Central Missouri (2010) as MIAA teams that have reached the national quarterfinals.  Emporia State's game at Northwest Missouri in 2015 was the fifth all-MIAA regional final all-time.  Seven different MIAA schools have advanced to the NCAA Playoffs and won a game since 2010 while eight current member institutions have represented the league in the NCAA Playoffs. Counting their time in other conferences ten of the current 12 MIAA football playing schools have been NCAA Division II Playoff participants. The only two schools to have never made the NCAA Playoffs are Lincoln and Northeastern State. The RiverHawks made the NAIA National Championship game four times and won the title in 1994. Northeastern State also participated in the 2011 Mineral Water Bowl, meaning 11 of the 12 member schools have participated in an NCAA sanctioned post season game.   
All MIAA NCAA Divison II Quarterfinals
2015    at Northwest Mo. 38, Emporia State 17    
2011    at Pittsburg State 41, Northwest Mo. 16
2010    at Northwest Mo. 37, Central Mo. 20    
2005    Northwest Mo. 21, at Pittsburg State 10
2004    at Pittsburg State 50, Northwest Mo. 36

OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW
The Hornets led the MIAA in scoring, total offense and passing offense last season.  They return six starters including the quarterback, leading rusher, two of the top three receivers and two offensive linemen.

QUARTERBACKS
To say Coach Garin Higgins has had a knack for developing quarterback is putting it mildly.  Over the last decade five different Hornet quarterbacks have thrown for over 300 yards in a game a combined 50 times, with 14 games of at least 400 yards and an MIAA record 522 yard game by Brent Wilson while eight different QBs have thrown at least two touchdown passes in a season. Braden Gleason is one of five Hornet quarterback to start a postseason game since 2012 and four that have won a postseason game. Four of the top seven individual passing games in MIAA history have come from three different Emporia State quarterbacks.

TO THE MOON
Quarterback Braden Gleason (Sr./Muldrow, Okla.) was second in the nation in completions per game, fourth in points responsible for, fifth in touchdown passes, sixth in completion percentage, seventh in passing yards and ninth in total offense. He has scored or thrown a touchdown pass in 26 straight games dating back to 2019. He has only lost one game by more than a single score since taking over as the regular starting quarterback at the beginning of the 2021 season. He has three fourth quarter comebacks in his career.
AS A JUNIOR: He as named Second-Team All-MIAA at quarterback despite leading the league in passing yards, total offense, and touchdown passes. He had 207 yards of total offense and scored two touchdowns against Northwest Missouri. He was 27 of 36 for 322 yards and four touchdowns at Lincoln. He was 30 of 37 for 297 yards and four touchdowns against Fort Hays State. He threw three touchdown passes including the game winner in the fourth quarter at Missouri Southern.  He finished the game 24 of 31 for 211 yards with three touchdowns. He was 27 of 41 for 276 yards and a touchdown at Neb.-Kearney. He had his best completion percentage of the season when he went 32 of 44 for 317 yards with three touchdowns against Central Missouri. He became the first Hornet to throw for 300 yards, rush for 20 and catch a pass when he went 27 of 39 for 300 yards and four touchdowns with 22 rushing yards and a nine yard reception at Washburn. For his efforts against the Ichabods he was named MIAA Offensive Player of the Week. He was 27 of 43 for 240 yards with two touchdowns and added a team best 32 yards rushing on six carries against Pittsburg State. He was named the MIAA Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two more against Missouri Western, finishing with 261 yards on 27 of 42 passing along with 62 yards on seven rushes.  He went 28 of 44 for 411 yards and a touchdown passing and had a rushing touchdown at Central Oklahoma. He was 23 of 37 for 312 yards with three touchdowns while adding a rushing touchdown against Northeastern State.   
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was a Third-Team All-MIAA selection in 2021. He led the nation in completions, ranked ninth in completion percentage, tenth in passing yards, 13th in passing touchdowns, 14th in total offense, and 16th in points responsible for. He led the MIAA in passing yards, touchdown passes and completions while ranking second in total offense and third in completion percentage.  He went 25 of 40 for 309 yards and three touchdowns against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had 297 yards on 21 of 27 passing with four touchdowns and added 38 rushing yards in just over one half against Lincoln. He was 27 of 41 for 170 yards at Fort Hays State, going nine of ten for 70 yards and a touchdown in the last 6:20 for his first fourth quarter comeback win. He went 37 of 62 for 371 yards and two touchdown against Neb.-Kearney. He was 48 of 67 for 497 yards and two TD passing and added 49 rushing yards with a touchdown at Central Missouri. He threw four touchdown passes against Washburn, going 18 of 25 for 183 yards on the day. He was 36 of 53 for 348 yards with two touchdowns and added 39 yards and two rushing scores at Pitt State. He was 30 of 45 for 307 yards and three touchdowns at Missouri Western. He completed 28 of 40 passes for 327 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He led Emporia State to a 34-14 win against Central Oklahoma. He was 17 of 27 for 160 yards and two touchdowns through the air and added 30 yards on ten rushes. He went 14 of 34 for 222 yards and added 81 rushing yards in his first career start against Missouri Southern. He was ten of 18 for 122 yards and added 45 yards on 12 rushes at Missouri Western.  
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Honorable Mention All-State for Muldrow (Okla.) HS. He threw for 6,317 yards and 60 touchdowns in his career along with 1,483 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing.
RECORD WATCH: He is ranked third all-time at Emporia State with 68 touchdown passes and is fourth with 7,335 passing yards and 8,135 yards of total offense for the Hornets.  
Last year he ranked second in single season touchdown passes with 68, was fourth in single season passing with 3,404 yards, and fifth on the ESU single season list with 3,689 yards of total offense.  As a sophomore  he ranked fourth on the Emporia State single season lists with 3,394 passing yards 3,727 yards of total offense and 30 touchdown passes.
He went 48 of 67 for 497 yards and finished with 546 yards of total offense against Central Missouri in 2021 to set the MIAA record for completions and the ESU record for pass attempts. That ranks second in ESU history to Brent Wilson's 571 yards of total offense and 522 passing yards set against UCO in 2013.

IN THE CHASE
Quarterback Chase Ricke (Jr./Tulsa, Okla.) completed his first seven passes last year as a back up to Gleason and finished the year seven of eight for 45 yards.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He appeared in five games last season. He played most of the third quarter and all of the fourth at Lincoln, completing three of four passes for 14 yards. He went two for two for 13 yards against Fort Hays State. He was two for two for 18 yards against Central Missouri. He saw his first action of the season in the fourth quarter against Missouri Western.
AS A FRESHMAN: He saw his first action as a Hornet against Lincoln.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned First-Team All-State honors as he led Lincoln Christian HS to an undefeated state championship in Oklahoma Class 3A.

HEAVY GAGE
Quarterback Gage Roach (Fr.-RS/Stillwell, Kan.) threw for 1,831 Yards and 19 Touchdowns while gaining 594 yards with four touchdowns on the ground for Blue Valley West HS. He was a Class 6A Honorable Mention All-State and Sports in Kansas Top 100 Senior in Class 6A.

SIR LANCE A LOT
Quarterback Lance Hoffsommer (Fr.-RS/Sedgwick, Kan.) was the 2021 Sports in Kansas 1A Offensive Player of the Year and earned Wichita Eagle First-Team All-State Class 1A and Sports in Kansas Top 33 honors. He led the state of Kansas in passing yardage in All-classes, throwing for 3,027 yards  and 37 touchdowns with 851 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground as a senior.

PARTICULAR SET OF SKILLS
Quarterback/receiver Liam Thornton (So./Mesquite, Texas) is shifting to receiver after starting his ESU career as a quarterback. He was a second-team All-District 10-6A selection at quarterback for North Mesquite HS in Texas.

RECEIVERS
Eight wide receivers had at least one reception of ten yards last the year while six had at least a 30 yard reception. Four receivers caught multiple touchdowns on the season. Two of the top three receivers return including the leading touchdown receivers from last season.

A NEW MARSHALL
Receiver Jaylen Varner (Jr./Marshall, Mo.) earned Third-Team All-MIAA honors with 48 receptions for 541 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He was tied for second in the MIAA in touchdown receptions while ranking eight in receptions per game and 13th in receiving yards..  
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had seven touchdowns in his last five games. He had seven catches for 78 yards and two scores against Southeastern Oklahoma. He had five catches for 37 yards against Northwest Missouri. He had a 58 yard touchdown among his four catches for 76 yards at Lincoln. He had seven catches for 96 yards with two touchdowns against Fort Hays State. He caught six passes for 33 yards and two touchdowns at Mo. Southern. He had two catches for 14 yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had a season high six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown at Washburn. He had a six yard reception against Pittsburg State. He had three receptions for 47 yards including a 37 yarder and a seven yard touchdown against Mo. Western. He caught four passes for 48 yards at Central Okla. He two catches for 19 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was 12th in the MIAA in receptions per game as a freshman. He had 39 receptions for 428 yards and four touchdowns. He had a team high five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown at Northwest Missouri. He had a 30 yard touchdown reception against Lincoln. He had five catches for 38 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had a 72 yard reception at Missouri Western and finished with two catches for 80 yards against the Griffons. He caught five passes for 53 yards against Central Oklahoma. He had five catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns at Northeastern State.
AT MISSOURI: He is a transfer from Missouri where he was a defensive back as a red-shirt in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a four-time All-Conference selection at Marshall HS and was the district MVP his senior season.

UNCOMMON
Receiver Tyler Kahmann (Jr./Haysville, Kan.) tied Varner with nine touchdown catches to rank second in the MIAA and finished the season with 47 catches for 536 yards. He was an honorable mention All-MIAA pick. .
AS A SOPHOMORE: He has a touchdown reception in seven of the last nine games. He had three receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma. He had 27 yards on three catches against Northwest Missouri. He had three receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown at Lincoln. He had a touchdown catch against Fort Hays State. He had career highs of ten catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns against Central Missouri. He had a 16 yard touchdown catch at Washburn. He had three catches for 42 yards including a 16 yard touchdown against Pittsburg State. He caught six passes for 45 yards against Missouri Western. He had four catches for 21 yards at Central Okla. He had a team high six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown at Missouri Southern. He led Emporia State with five touchdown receptions and finished the season with 34 catches for 428 yards. He had three catches for 58 yards and a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had a 16 yard reception against Lincoln. He caught nine passes for 71 yards with two touchdowns against Missouri Southern. He had 42 yards on two receptions against Neb.-Kearney. He had four catches for 65 yards at Central Missouri. He had a four yard touchdown grab against Washburn. He erupted for nine receptions for 77 yards and a touchdown at Pitt State. He had a 69 yard catch against Central Oklahoma.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 35 receptions for 694 yards and 14 touchdowns to earn All-State honors. He was also a Class 6A honorable mention All-State selection in basketball and baseball for Campus.

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
Receiver Zion Jones (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) caught six passes for 42 yards as a red-shirt sophomore in 2022.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a ten yard catch at Neb.-Kearney. He had 83 all-purpose yards with a five yard reception and 78 yards on kick returns, including a career best 64 yarder to open the game. He had 78 all-purpose yards against Northeastern State, finishing with one catch for 11 yards and two kick returns for 67 yards.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a 17 yard reception against Lincoln.  He caught a nine yard pass against Fort Hays State. He had two receptions for 12 yards at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-City League and two-time All-State selection at Wichita Northwest HS.

DON'T MAKE ME ANGRY
Receiver Chris McGee (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Sunflower League and honorable mention Class 6A All-State selection for Lawrence HS.

TRENDING
Receiver Trenden Collins (Fr./Muldrow, Okla.) is expected to play as a true freshman.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-District MVP in 2021 and 2022 for Muldrow HS. He had 2,100 rushing yards and 805 receiving yards as a senior with over 25 touchdowns

SCHULTZY ON O
Receiver Ethan Schultze (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-United Kansas Conference selection as a receiver for De Soto HS.
PERSONAL: His brother Ethan is a receiver for Emporia State.

TY-RRIFIC
Receiver Tyreek Robinson (Jr./Kissimmee, Fla.) is in his second full year with the Emporia State football team after playing four years on the Hornet basketball team.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He hauled in his first career reception for 13 yards against Central Missouri.
ON THE BASKETBALL COURT: He had a career high 11 points against Northwest Missouri in the 2021 MIAA Tournament. He scored six points and matched his career high with eight rebounds in his first career start at Central Oklahoma as a freshman in 2019-20.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He averaged 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks per game at Gateway HS. He only played football as a senior but had several NCAA Division I offers.

KNOW YOUR CHECKS
Receiver Jackson Novacek (Jr./Olathe,Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an honorable mention All-Sunflower League selection. His father Jay played baseball for the Hornets.

S-BACK
The Stinger Back is a hybrid position between a tight end, receiver and full back for the Hornets.

THE Z-MAN
S-Back Tommy Zimmerman (Jr./Overland Park, Kan.) was an honorable mention All-MIAA selection at tight end/fullback last season. He had 24 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns last season.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had five catches for 47 yards and a touchdown at Lincoln. He had 28 yards on three receptions at Missouri Southern. He had four catches for 45 yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had a seven yard touchdown catch at Washburn. He caught three passes for 25 yards against Pittsburg State. He had a 27 yard catch against Missouri Western. He had three catches for 46 yards at Central Oklahoma. He caught two passes for 28 yards against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had 24 catches for 282 yards and four touchdowns. He had two catches including a 31 yard touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had three catches for 62 yards against Lincoln. He had a career high nine receptions for 99 yards against Neb.-Kearney. He had two catches, both for touchdowns, for 23 yards at Missouri Western. He caught two passes for 31 yards including his first career touchdown against Central Oklahoma.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned all-league honors at both tight end and defensive line for Blue Valley Southwest HS. He was a KFBCA All-State pick on the defensive line and was named a Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association MoKan All Star.

BARNYARD
S-Back Jordan Barnard (Soph./Olpe, Kan.) made the travel squad as a true freshman last season.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a KFBCA All-State tight end, a 2020 Grasslands All-Star Team First-Team tight end, a Sports In Kansas Class 1A All Senior State Team tight end, a Topeka Capital First-Team All-State tight end and a Wichita Eagle First-Team All-State wide receiver.

RUNNING BACKS
The Hornet running backs combined for 1,460 yards last season on 327 carries for an average of 4.5 yards per rush. Individuals had 100 yards rushing in three games while as a group they went over 100 yards in six games.

SPEEDSTER
Running back Billy Ross Jr. (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) was the leading running back for the Hornets last year with 713 yards on 148 carries and eight touchdowns. He was named third-team All-MIAA after finishing fifth in the MIAA in both rushing touchdowns and rushing yards.  
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a career high 200 all-purpose yards including 147 rushing yards at Lincoln. He ran for two touchdowns and finished with 13 carries for 46 yards against Fort Hays State while adding 49 yards and a touchdown on seven receptions. He had 44 yards on ten carries at Missouri Southern. He had a career high 150 yards rushing on 16 carries at Neb.-Kearney - all of it in the final three quarters. He had nine carries for 40 yards and a touchdown against Central Missouri. He had 54 rushing, 13 receiving and 11 return yards at Washburn with a rushing touchdown. He had a 30 yard reception against Pittsburg State. He had 99 yards on 26 carries and added 15 yards on five receptions against Missouri Western. At Central Oklahoma and caught seven passes for 96 yards and added 23 yards on eight carries. He had 59 yards on six carries against Northeastern State including a 35 yard touchdown run.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was a Third-Team All-MIAA pick at returner. He had 292 yards on 95 carries while catching 28 passes for 285 yards. He was 12th in the MIAA in all-purpose yardage. He led the league and ranked third in the nation in punt return touchdowns while ranking fourth in the MIAA in punt return average and fifth in kick-off return average. He had 66 all-purpose yards at Northwest Missouri including a season's best 38 yard kick-off return. He had 95 all-purpose yards against Lincoln with 48 on the ground, 19 receiving and 28 in returns. He had 123 all-purpose yards on 13 touches against Neb.-Kearney. He had a 63 yard touchdown reception against Washburn. He gained 73 yards on 22 carries at Pittsburg State. He had 169 all-purpose yards at Missouri Western with 66 rushing yards, 49 receiving yards and 54 yards on two punt returns.  He returned a punt 52 yards for a touchdown and was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week. He had 93 all-purpose yards at Northeastern State with 29 rushing, 39 receiving and 25 yards on punt returns.
ON THE TRACK: He has competed in two outdoor and three indoor seasons for the ESU track team. He ran a personal best 10.67 to place tenth in the 100m at the MIAA Outdoor Championships.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 860 receiving yards, 660 rushing yards, 1,800 all purpose yards, and 22 total touchdowns for Heritage Hall HS  He was a five-time State Champion in track in the 100m, 200m, and 4x200m.

THE KINGSMAN
Running back Kingsley Bennett (Soph./Garland, Texas) had 41 carries for 146 yards as a true freshman last season and finished with 264 all purpose yards. Also a member of the ESU track & field team, he had a career best 10.57 in the 100m at the 2023 MIAA Championships.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had ten carries for 36 yards at Lincoln. He had a career high 65 yards on nine carries with a 38 yarder against Fort Hays State. He gained 21 yards on eight carries against Missouri Western. He had 62 yards on nine touches at Central Oklahoma including a 35 yard long reception. He had 47 all-purpose yards on seven touches against Northeastern State. He rushed four times for six yards, had two catches for 16 yards and a kick return for 25 yards.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: In eight games as a senior at Naaman Forest HS he rushed for 1,336 yards on 157 carries with 18 touchdowns and had 16 receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-District running back and First-Team kick/punt returner honors.

LIFE OF PETZ
Running back Jack Petz (Sr./Lenexa, Kan.) has returned to running back after splitting time at the S-Back position earlier in his career. He is expected to make key contributions on special teams.
AS A JUNIOR: He had three carries for six yards at Neb.-Kearney. He had 17 yards on three carries against Central Missouri. He gained 15 yards on eight carries at Central Oklahoma.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had nine carries for 63 yards against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He got the start against Washburn and had one receptions. He had one catch for five yards against Central Missouri. He had a three yard catch at Pittsburg State. He had seven carries for 28 yards as a running back against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-State and First-Team All-EKL pick for St. James Academy. He was a 2018 Kansas Shrine Bowl pick and a three time state medalist in diving.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Despite leading the MIAA and ranking fourth in the nation in passing attempts, the Hornet offensive line gave up just 11 sacks in 493 drop backs. That led the MIAA and ranked tenth in the nation. They will be replacing three starters, all of whom earned All-MIAA honors during their careers.  There are no seniors among the projected two deep for the season opener.

THE INFERNO
Center Dante Smith-Posey (Jr./Lenexa, Kan.) is expected to move to center and has also played tackle after being named honorable mention All-MIAA as a guard last season.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He is third on the team with 53 knockdowns this season. He was named the Squarehead Award winner at Washburn.
AS A FRESHMAN: He averaged 1.6 knockdowns per game. He made his first career start at Pittsburg State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All-Sunflower League pick. He was a Wichita Eagle and Topeka Capital Journal All-State selection as well a 2019 Shrine Bowl selection.

A GOOD MAN
Guard Carlos Guzman (Jr./Denver, Colo.) moved into the starting line up against Central Missouri last season at tackle and is expected to move to guard this year.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He has 33 knockdowns on the year. He recorded a career high 13 knockdowns to rank second in the team against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was First-Team All-Conference and Offensive MVP for Bear Creek HS.

SHERMAN'S MARCH
Guard Sherman Deaton (Jr./Fountain, Colo.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets. He has started 17 games in his career. He is expected to move to a guard position after playing tackle last season.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He has 20.5 knockdowns this year. He came off the bench to have five knockdowns against Central Missouri.
AS A FRESHMAN: He averaged 2.2 knockdowns per game as a red-shirt freshman. He started all 12 games for Emporia State since he earned his first career start at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time All Conference selection and earned First-Team Colorado All State honors at Fountain HS.

TOP GUN
Tackle Trevion Mitchell (Fr.-RS/Mesquite, Texas) was a 7-5A Division I All-District second team selection on offense for West Mesquite HS.

FREE STATE
Tackle Jalan Robinson (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) transferred to Emporia State from the University of Kansas. He earned First-Team All-State honors and First-Team All-Sunflower League honors as a senior at Free State HS.

AMERICAN IDOL
Center Colton Dodd (Jr./Enid, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Conference and All-District performer for Enid HS.  He earned the Offensive Line MVP Award at Emporia State's O-Line Camp his senior year.

HULL CITY
Guard Josh Hull (Jr./Humboldt, Kan.) is in his fourth year with the Horents.  
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a two-time First-Team Kansas All State Offensive Lineman and a KFBCA First-Team All-State performer. His mother Mona (Scantlin) Hull played basketball for the Lady Hornets.

TALON OF POWER
Guard Talon Wheeler (Soph./Broken Arrow, Okla.) is in his third year at Emporia State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First team All-District Offensive Line honoree and the Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year at Broken Arrow HS.

DALTON GANG
Tackle Dalton Owen (Fr.-RS/Concordia, Kan.) was a First-Team All-NCKL, Sports in Kansas Class 3A All-State and KFBCA Class 3A All-State performer for Concordia HS. He was also a 2022 Kansas Shrine Bowl Selection.

TEXAS RANGER
Tackle Shahid Pinkston (Fr.-RS/Arlington, Texas) was a First-Team All District as a senior. He helped lead Mansfield Summit HS to back to back state semifinal appearances and 19-9 record over the last two seasons. He paved the way for two running backs to rush for over 1,200 yards

LIFE OF RILEY
Offensive lineman Riley Philbern (Jr./Hoisington, Kan.) was a First-Team Kansas All-State Class 2A pick and a unanimous First-Team All-League selection for Hoisington HS.

NOTTING HILL
Tackle Caleb Nott (Soph./Wichita, Kan.) was the starting right tackle for 10-1 Wichita Northwest HS and a three-year varsity athlete.

DEFENSE
Emporia State has seven returning starters including their entire starting defensive line. The Hornets ranked fourth in the MIAA in both scoring defense and total defense.  They gave up just 21.7 points per game, their lowest average since allowing 18.1 points per game in the 2003 season. After finishing last in the MIAA in yards allowed per pass completion in 2021, the Hornets gave up just 6.6 yards per pass attempt and 10.5 yards per completion last year with only 17 plays going over 25 yards and five plays over 40 yards.

LINEBACKERS
Linebackers have been the core of the Hornet defense over the years and last season all three starting linebackers ranked in the top 16 in the MIAA in tackles. Emporia State will need to replace both starting outside linebackers.

EVERY DAY
Linebacker Declan Haub (Jr./Kingfisher, Okla.) led the MIAA and was seventh in the nation in fumble recoveries last season.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a 43 yard return for a touchdown against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had nine tackles against Northwest Missouri. He recorded nine tackles and half a sack at Lincoln. He had eight tackles, a career high two sacks and a pass break up against Fort Hays State. He had seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry at Missouri Southern. He had six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with one tackle against Central Missouri and at Washburn. He had four tackles against Pittsburg State.  He had eight tackles and an assisted tackle for loss against Missouri Western. He recorded a career high 11 tackles at Central Oklahoma with a pass break up. He had six tackles and an assisted tackle for loss against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had a career high five tackles against Lincoln as a red-shirt freshman.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned first-team All-State honors as a senior with 98 tackles, 15 TFL, five sacks and two forced fumbles.  He was a part of Kingfisher HS state championship basketball team.

TAKE A CHANCE
Linebacker Chance Rodriguez (Sr./Holcomb, Kan.) is in his sixth year with the Hornets and has moved up the depth charts to a potential starting position.
AS A JUNIOR: He had 29 tackles with a sack and a pass break up as a junior. He had a sack among his three tackles at Lincoln. He had two tackles against Fort Hays State. He recorded three tackles against Central Missouri. He had two tackles at Washburn. He had three tackles and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He had a career high six tackles against Missouri Western. He was credited with three tackles at Central Oklahoma. He had three tackles, two of them solo, against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had two tackles with a tackle for loss against Lincoln.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in two games as a redshirt freshman in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a first-team All-State selection at tight end as Holcomb won the Class 4A-II state championship. He was a first-team All-Area performer at tight end and linebacker.

THE SUITE LIFE
Linebacker Zach Dortch Jr. (Soph./Oklahoma City, Okla.) had 12 tackles as a sophomore last season
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had three tackles including a sack at Lincoln. He recorded three tackles against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was 6A-2 Conference Player of the Year for Putnam City North HS and was named First-Team All-Big 10 Conference

MONDO SIZE
Linebacker Caleb Mondi (Jr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his fifth year with the Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He played in nine games for Emporia State with four tackles.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He earned Lawrence Journal World First-Team All-Area, Second-Team All-Sunflower League and Honorable Mention All-State honors at Lawrence HS.

LIVIN ON THE EDGE
Linebacker Lavon Jones (Jr./St. Louis, Mo.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had two tackles against Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was First-Team All-League and First-Team All-District at Desmet Jesuit HS.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON
Linebacker David Johnson (Sr./Lawrence, Kan.) is in his sixth year at Emporia State.
AS A JUNIOR: He had two assisted tackles at Lincoln. He had a solo tackle at Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He is a graduate of Lawrence Free State HS.

DEFENSIVE LINE
The defensive line combined for 14.5 sacks and 27.0 tackles for loss last season and return all three starters. As a team Emporia State ranked third in the MIAA in sacks.

WILLIAMS AUTOMOTIVE
Defensive lineman Jordan Williams (Jr./St Louis, Mo.) earned First-Team All-MIAA and honorable mention All-American last year.
AS A JUNIOR: He finished fifth in the MIAA with 7.5 sacks and was sixth with 13.5 tackles for loss. He had seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks against Northwest Missouri. He had five tackles, 1.5 TFL and three quarterback hurries at Lincoln. He recorded five tackles and two sacks against Fort Hays State. He had five tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded five tackles and a quarterback hurry at Neb.-Kearney. He recorded two solo stops at Washburn. He was credited with three tackles, an assisted tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry against Pittsburg State. He had two tackles and broke up a pass against Missouri Western. He was credited with six tackles at Central Oklahoma. He had a team and career high ten tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was Second-Team All-MIAA He finished seventh in the MIAA in total tackles for loss and eighth in total sacks. He averaged 5.5 tackles per game over the final six games. He had six tackles and a hurry against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He had seven tackles with a sack at Northwest Missouri. He had three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and seven total tackles at Fort Hays State. He had seven tackles and a tackle for loss against Neb.-Kearney. He had three tackles, all of which were behind the line of scrimmage, and a strip sack at Central Missouri. He had a sack, a quarterback hurry and two tackles against Washburn. He had a career high eight tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and a pass break up at Pittsburg State. He was credited with three tackles at Missouri Western. He had four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack against Central Oklahoma.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had three tackles with half a tackle for loss at Missouri Western. He recorded a career high five tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had a sack at Lincoln. He had two unassisted tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a solo stop at Pittsburg State. He was credited with a solo tackle against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-Conference Defensive Lineman as a senior. He also participated on the track & field team for Hazelwood East HS where he threw shot put.

WISE WOLF
Defensive lineman Rafe Goucher (Jr./El Reno, Okla.) is a two-time All-MIAA seleciton and has started the last two seasons.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA pick. He recorded a career high ten tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had four tackles and 1.5 sacks against Fort Hays State. He was credited with two tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded two tackles, one for a loss at Neb.-Kearney. He had two tackles against Central Missouri including an assisted tackle for loss. He had three tackles, one for a loss at Washburn. He recorded three tackles and assisted on a tackle for loss against Pittsburg State. He had a fumble recovery against Missouri Western. He was credited with three tackles at Central Oklahoma. He recorded three tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was named honorable mention All-MIAA. He started the last seven games of the year. He had two solo tackles against Lincoln. He had three tackles including a sack at Fort Hays State. He was credited with two tackles against Washburn. He had a career high six tackles, two for a loss, and a sack at Pittsburg State. He had an assisted tackle at Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the Class 5A District 1 Defensive Player of the Year for El Reno HS. He earned Oklahoma All-State honors as a defensive lineman.

ISLAND MEADOW
Defensive lineman Rylan Miller (Jr./Overland Park, Kan.) was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He recorded five tackles against Northwest Missouri. He had six tackles, 1.5 TFL and a key sack late at Missouri Southern. He was credited with five tackles and two quarterback hurries at Neb.-Kearney. He had a solo tackle for loss against Central Missouri. He had two tackles and a pass break up at Washburn. He was credited with three tackles against Pittsburg State. He had three tackles and a sack against Missouri Western. He had an assisted tackle at Central Oklahoma. He was credited with two tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He missed four games with an injury. He had a solo tackle for loss against Lincoln. He had two solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had a pair of assisted tackles at Missouri Western. He had a sack and two tackles at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was Second-Team All-Sunflower League at Shawnee Mission North HS.

BECKER ADDITION
Defensive lineman Daniel Becker (Jr./Conway Springs, Kan.) has steadily progressed through his five years with Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a career high 2.5 sacks at Lincoln. He recorded two assisted tackles against Pittsburg State. He recorded three tackles against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a KFBCA First-Team All-State selection and a Topeka Capital Journal Top 33 player in the state of Kansas. He was the Central Plains Defensive Player of the Year.

ADAMS FAMILY
Defensive lineman C.J. Adams (Soph./Enid, Okla.)  is in his third year with the Hornets.
AS A FRESHMAN: He had half a tackle for loss at Neb.-Kearney. He blocked at PAT against Central Missouri.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a First-Team All-District selection. He was the co-defensive tackle of the year and earned VYPE Oklahoma Athlete of the Month honors for Enid HS.

BEAR DOWN
Defensive lineman Maquay Shaw (Sr./Haskell, Okla.) provides size in the interior of the D-line.
AS A JUNIOR: He had three tackles and a quarterback hurry at Lincoln. He forced a fumble and had two tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He had two assists against Central Missouri. He was credited with two assisted tackles against Pittsburg State. He had a solo tackle against Missouri Western. He had three tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was in on five tackles against Lincoln. He had two assisted tackles against Central Oklahoma. He was credited with four tackles including a tackle for loss at Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the two-time Haskell HS Offensive Lineman of the Year.

BOOMER SOONER
Defensive lineman Charlie Suenram (Jr./Edmond, Okla.) has shown steady progress during his time at Emporia State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was credited with two solo tackles at Central Oklahoma. He also had two solo tackles against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team COAC All-Conference and Honorable Mention OCA All-State selection. He recorded 80 tackles with seven sacks.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
The Hornets were fourth in the MIAA in interceptions last season and return two players that had pick offs last season.

MOUNTAIN
Cornerback Montrell Wilson (Sr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) was tied for the league lead with three interceptions last season on his way to an honorable mention All-MIAA selection
AS A JUNIOR: He picked off a pass against Southeastern Oklahoma and returned it 41 yards in the Live United Bowl. He had a pass break up and half a tackle for loss with two tackles against Fort Hays State. He had three tackles and a pass break up at Missouri Southern. He was credited with three tackles and a pass break up at Neb.-Kearney. He had three solo stops with one for a loss against Central Missouri. He had two interceptions and six tackles against Pittsburg State. He was credited with four solo tackles against Missouri Western. He had five tackles, four of them solo, at Central Oklahoma. He recorded four tackles against Northeastern State.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was 22nd in the MIAA in passes defended while starting five of 12 games. He had five tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass break up at Fort Hays State. He broke up three passes and had four solo tackles against Neb.-Kearney. He had a tackle and a pass break up at Central Missouri. He had two solo stops at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He recorded two tackles against Washburn. He had a career high six tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss against UCO.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team All-City Selection for two-time Oklahoma State Football Champion Millwood HS.

SAFETY FIRST
Cornerback Khalil Rasheed (Jr./Coppell, Texas) had an interception, two pass break ups and a forced fumble as a red-shirt sophomore last year to go with 17 tackles in ten games..
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had four tackles and forced a fumble against Northwest Missouri. He had two pass break ups at Lincoln. He recorded three tackles against Fort Hays State. He had two tackles at Missouri Southern in his return to action after missing three games with an injury. He recorded one tackle at Central Okla. He had four tackles, an assisted TFL and an interception against Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He played in all 12 games last year as a red-shirt freshman, getting a start in the Live United Bowl. He had four tackles at Central Missouri. He was credited with six tackles and two pass breakups against Washburn. He had three tackles and an assisted tackle for loss at Pittsburg State. He had a solo tackle at Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had 70 tackles, two sacks, six tackles for loss,  two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a defensive touchdown as a senior at Coppell HS.

PAPAL AUTHORITY
Safety Chris Pope (Sr./Edmond, Okla.) is in his second year at Emporia State after coming to the Hornets as a graduate transfer from NCAA FCS Northern Colorado.
AS A JUNIOR: He recorded 37 tackles and two pass break ups from his safety position He had a pass break up and two tackles against Fort Hays State. He had three tackles at Missouri Southern. He recorded six tackles at Neb.-Kearney. He was credited with five tackles against Central Missouri. He had four tackles and a pass break up at Washburn. He had a career high nine tackles against Pittsburg State. He had five solo tackles, two of them for a loss at Central Okla. He had three tackles against Northeastern State.
AT NORTHERN COLORADO: He played in seven games last season. He saw action in three games as a redshirt-freshman in 2019.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-Team All-Conference performer at Edmond Memorial HS. He lettered in football,basketball and track.

ARICH'S AMBUSH
Safety Arich Ansley (Jr./Oklahoma City HS) will move to the rover spot in the defense after beginning last season at linebacker. He was third in the MIAA with two forced fumbles and tied for 12th with two interceptions as a freshman.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had five tackles and a fumble recovery against Northwest Missouri. He had five tackles, a forced fumble, and two pass break ups at Lincoln. He had five solo stops at Washburn. He was credited with four tackles against Pittsburg State. He had three tackles against Missouri Western.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was third in the MIAA with two forced fumbles and tied for 12th with two interceptions. He had four tackles against Lincoln and at Fort Hays State. He had an interception, a pass break up and four solo tackles against Missouri Southern. He had four solo tackles and forced two fumbles against Neb.-Kearney. He had three tackles and an interception at Central Missouri. He had a fumble recovery against Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL:  He was Honorable Mention OCA All-State and All-City for Putnam City HS.

JJ JUMPER
Safety Jaaron Joseph (Jr./Nyack, N.Y.) comes to Emporia State from NCAA Division II Southern Connecticut State.
AT SCSU: He played in all 11 games for Southern Connecticut State last year and had 21 tackles, four pass break ups and a forced fumble as a sophomore.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-Section pick for Albertus Magnus HS.

COULD HAVE BEEN A FARMER
Cornerback Rod Farmer (Soph./Memphis, Tenn.) could see action at both corner and safety after recording 22 tackles with four pass break ups last year.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He recorded four solo tackles against Southeastern Oklahoma. He had five tackles against Central Missouri. He recorded two solo tackles at Washburn. He had three tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass break up against Pittsburg State. He recorded on solo tackle in his first start for the Hornets against Missouri Western. He had three tackles and two pass break ups at Central Oklahoma. He had one tackle against Northeastern State but was featured on ESPN's College Game Day TikTok account for his post game dance moves.
PREVIOUSLY: He spent last season at Coffeyville CC after originally signing with Delta State after graduating from White Station HS in Memphis.

RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Defensive back Andrew Kayhill (Jr./Greenwood, Mo.) had 11 tackles in 11 games last season after seeing action in one game as a freshman.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a fumble recovery against Fort Hays State. He was credited with a solo tackle at Neb.-Kearney. He had an assisted tackle against Central Missouri. He had three tackles against Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He as a Second-Team All-Conference performer at Lee's Summit West HS.

BO KNOWS
Defensive back Bo Odom (Jr./Ada, Okla.) is in his fourth year with the Hornets.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He had a solo tackle against Northwest Missouri. He had assisted tackles against both Pittsburg State and Missouri Western.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was the District Defensive Player of the Year and a Class 5A Oklahoma All-Star for Ada HS.

STEAK
Safety Kobe Holley (Jr./Topeka, Kan.) is in his second year at Emporia State.
AT BUTLER CC: He spent two seasons with the Grizzlies. He redshirted his first year and was injured his second.

THE WRIGHT STUFF
Cornerback Keith Wright (Jr./Longview, Texas) is a transfer from Kilgore College.
AT KILGORE CC: He had 20 tackles and won a conference title at Kilgore CC
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He totaled 30 tackles with an interception and nine pass breakups at Pine Tree HS. He was an honorable mention all-district pick and All-Academic member

HOLLYWOOD HILLS
Cornerback Danarius Hollywood (Jr./Cincinnati, Ohio) is a transfer from the College of DuPage.
AT COLLEGE OF DUPAGE: He was a Second-team NJCAA All-American as a sophomore for NJCAA Division III national champions. He played in ten games for NJCAA D3 national champs as a freshman and led special teams in tackles.
HIGH SCHOOL: He was a Second-team All-City pick in Cincinnati for Mt. Healthy HS and was team's defensive player of the year.

SCHULTZY ON D
Safety Tyler Schultze (Fr.-RS/De Soto,Kan.) is in his second year with the Hornets.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an All-United Kansas Conference selection at quarterback for De Soto HS.
PERSONAL: His brother Ethan is a receiver for Emporia State.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Both of Emporia State's kickers earned All-MIAA status last season while as a team the Hornets ranked tenth in the nation in net punting.

WAY/NO WAY
Punter Ross Brungardt (Sr./Lawrence, Kan.) is a two-time First-Team All-MIAA and All-Region  punter while also earning CSC Academic All-District honors. He was second in the MIAA and ranked sixth in the nation in average punt last year.
AS A JUNIOR: He averaged 43.0 yards per punt with ten punts going over 50 yards and a league high 22 getting placed inside the 20 yard line.. He had a punt of at least 50 yards in six games last season and one of at least 60 yards in four games. He is a two-time MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week. He averaged 48.8 yards on six punts against Northwest Missouri with five of the six placed inside the Bearcat 20 yard line. He was named MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week after he punted six times for an average of 40.8 yards per punt against Fort Hays State.  He placed two punts inside the FHSU 20 yard line, including a 41 yarder that was downed at the Tiger one yard line.  He also booted one that deflected off a Tiger player at the FHSU 26 yard line and was recovered by the Hornets. He had two key fourth quarter punts that were inside the 20 yard line at Mo. Southern including a career best 69 yarder with 12 seconds left. Two of his four punts at Neb.-Kearney were inside the Loper 20 yard line.  He averaged 38.0 yards per punt against Central Missouri and the Mules averaging starting field position was inside their own 30 yard when he punted. He averaged 41.7 yards per punt at Washburn and forced two fair catches while placing two inside the 20 yard line at Washburn. He averaged 40.3 yards on three punts against Pittsburg State with two of them going inside the 20 yard line. He averaged 46.3 yards on seven punts against Missouri Western.  His first punt went 64 yards against the wind and was downed at the four yard line. Two plays later Western was called for holding in the end zone for a safety to give ESU a 2-0 lead. He also had a 55 yard punt that was nearly downed at the one yard line. He averaged 46.0 yards on eight punts with a long of 65 yards at Central Oklahoma. He averaged 43.2 yards per punt on five punts against Northeastern State. Four of his five punts went at least 42 yards and the only punt under 40 yards was fair caught at the RiverHawk eight yard line.
AS A SOPHOMORE: He was a First-Team All-MIAA pick, a Football Gazette honorable mention All-American and a first-team CoSIDA Academic All-District performer.  He led the MIAA and ranked fifth in the nation in average punt and has a league high 20 punts of at least 50 yards - twice as many as the next punter -  and placed 17 punts inside the 20 yard line. He had a punt of at least 50 yards in every game last season and one of at least 60 yards in five games. He had two punts of over 50 yards against Southeastern Oklahoma in the Live United Bowl. He averaged 39.8 yards on a season high nine punts at Northwest Missouri with a long of 60 yards. He averaged 46.7 yards on three punts against Lincoln. He averaged 45.6 yards per punt with half of them inside the 20 yard line at Fort Hays State. He averaged 39.5 yards per punt against Missouri Southern, the only game he has averaged less than 40 yards this year. He averaged 49.0 yards on four punts with two of them inside the 20 yard line against UNK. He was not called on to punt at Central Missouri. He averaged 48.8 yards on nine punts against Washburn and the only punt that did not go 40 yards went out of bounds at the WU 15 yard line. He averaged 45.6 yards on five punts with a long of 64 yards at Pittsburg State. He averaged 42.8 yards on eight punts with a long of 61 at Mo. Western. He averaged 42.6 yards on nine punts including a long of 64 yards against UCO. He averaged 46.0 yards on six punts, placing two inside the 20 yard line with three of at least 50 yards at Northeastern State.
AS A FRESHMAN: He was second in the MIAA in fair catches forced, third with nine punts of at least 50 yards and punts inside the 20 yard line. His 67 yarder against Neb.-Kearney was tied for the fourth longest in the league in 2019. He averaged 39.4 yards on eight punts at Missouri Southern. He was credited with six punts for an average of 40.3 yards against Central Missouri. He averaged 40.8 yards per punt on eight punts at Fort Hays State. He averaged 41.2 yards on eight punts a long of 58 yards and three inside the 20 against Northwest Missouri. He averaged 36.5 yards on two punts at Lincoln with one of them inside the 20 yard line. He averaged 40.7 yards per punt with a 35.4 yard net against Neb.-Kearney. He averaged 38.0 yards per punt at Pittsburg State. He had four punts for 33.0 yard average with two of them placed inside the 20 yard line against Northeastern State.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He had six punts of at least 50 yards for Lawrence HS.
RECORD BOOK: He averaged 43.2 yards per punt last season.  The single season record for Emporia State is 44.98 yards per punt set by Justin Marcha in 2017 while the MIAA record is 45.95 yards per punt by Pittsburg State's Brian Moorman in 1997. For his career Brungardt is averaging an ESU best 41.8 yards per punt. Moorman holds the MIAA career record at 43.97 yards per punt.

DODSON INTERNATIONAL
Kicker Caden Dodson (Soph./Argyle, Texas)  was an Honorable Mention All-MIAA selection. He was 37 of 38 on PATs and hit nine of ten field goals over the final six games. His 1.3 field goals per game would have ranked tenth in the nation and his .900 field goal percentage would have been fourth in the nation had he played in enough games to qualify for the national leaders. He is the first Hornet to make at least three field goals in back to back games since Austin Morton hit three against Minnesota State and an NCAA Playoff record five against Henderson State during the 2015 playoffs.
AS A FRESHMAN: He missed his first PAT at Lincoln after hitting 26 straight to start his career. He went six for six on PATs against Fort Hays State and averaged 56.9 yards per kick off. He was three for three on PATs and had a 22 yard field goal that proved to be the difference in the game at Missouri Southern. He hit three field goals at Neb.-Kearney including a career best 42 yarder. He was five of five on PATs and hit field goals of 34, 31 and 34 yards against Central Missouri. He hit all six PATs in his first career action at Washburn.
IN HIGH SCHOOL: He was an ambidextrous punter that averaged 44.5 yards per punt with his left foot and 39 yards with his right foot. He scored 113 points and hit 96% of his PATs as a junior when Argyle HS went 16-0.  He was also a two-time District Utility Player of the Year on the soccer pitch.

RETURN SPECIALISTS
Returner Billy Ross Jr. (Jr./Oklahoma City, Okla.) had a 21 yard punt return at Lincoln. He had an 24 yard punt return against Fort Hays State. He had a 16 yard punt return against Northeastern State in addition to his 59 rushing and 13 receiving yards.
He was a Third-Team All-MIAA pick at returner last season. He was 12th in the MIAA in all-purpose yardage. He led the league and ranked third in the nation in punt return touchdowns while ranking fourth in the MIAA in punt return average and fifth in kick-off return average.
Kick returner Zion Jones (Jr./Wichita, Kan.) had a 19 yard kick return against Northwest Missouri. He returned the opening kickoff against Central Missouri 64 yards. He is averaging 32.8 yards per return on four kick returns.

HEAD COACH GARIN HIGGINS
Former Hornet Garin Higgins is in his 16th season as the Hornets head coach in 2023. He is seventh on the MIAA's all-time wins list and is the second winningest active coach in the league. He has taken his alma mater to the postseason seven times, including a national quarterfinal appearance in 2015.
He ranks second in career wins at Emporia State behind stadium namesake Fran Welch's 115 wins from 1928-54. He has a 148-86 record in 20 seasons as a head coach with a 97-77 record in 15 seasons at his alma mater.  
He built the Hornets the right way during his 16 years and orchestrated one of the great turnarounds in Emporia State history. The Hornets have gone 78-41 after going 19-36 in his first five seasons.
He is the 21st head football coach at Emporia State, was the first to lead the Hornets to ten wins in two different seasons and has done it in three seasons with three different quarterbacks. He has coached in more post season games than any one in Emporia State history. He took his alma mater deeper into the NCAA Division II playoffs than ever before in 2015 while winning seven more games than in 2014. In 2013 he became just the second coach to take the Hornets to the NCAA Playoffs and is one of just six Emporia State coaches to take the Hornets to a post season game of any type.
He had led the Hornets to within just one game of a post season berth in 2010 and 2011 before winning the Kanza Bowl in 2012 and was one win away in 2017. He joins Larry Kramer, Fran Welch and Bill Hargis as the only Emporia State coaches to have a span of four straight winning seasons.
He compiled a 51-9 record as the head coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University before becoming the co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota State in 2005. He was the offensive coordinator at Northeastern State in 2006.  While at Northwestern Oklahoma State, he was named the Central State Football League Coach of the Year five straight years from 2000 through 2004. The Rangers won 31 consecutive games from 1998 through 2000.
A native of Blackwell, Okla., Higgins graduated from Emporia State in 1992. He was a four-year letterman for the Hornets and helped lead the team to a national runner-up finish in 1989. He has been involved with four teams that have played for or won national championships as a player, coordinator or head coach. Higgins and his wife Heather, a 1995 graduate of ESU, are the parents of three children - son Halen and daughters Harlee and Gracyn.

CAPTAINS
This year's captains are defensive lineman Jordan Williams and Rafe Goucher, linebacker Declan Haub, punter Ross Brungardt, receiver Tyler Kahmann and quarterback Braden Gleason.

THE POLLS SAY
Emporia State is ranked #19 the AFCA Preseason National Poll, #18 in the D2Football.com Poll and #17 in Lindy's Sports Magazine. The MIAA has three teams ranked in the top 25 of the AFCA poll and the D2Football.com national poll. The Hornets have been ranked or received votes in the AFCA Poll at some point during the regular season for eight straight years. Emporia State is 9-17 against teams ranked in the AFCA Top 25 over the last seven years, with a 9-6 record against teams other than Northwest Missouri. The Hornets are ranked #9 in the Massey Ratings.

BEST IN THE STATE  
Emporia State's three NCAA playoff appearances and seven total years in the post season are the most among Division II teams in the state since 2012.

LISTEN & WATCH LIVE
Video webcasts for all of Emporia State's regular season games are available on a pay per view basis from the MIAA Digital Network. The MIAA Network content is available live and is immediately archived for on-demand viewing after each event.  Fans can find the action on www.themiaanetwork.com and on The MIAA Network apps for Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.
Audio of all Emporia State games are available on KFFX 104.9FM and at www.kvoe.com with new Voice of the Horents Blake Cripps and former Hornet Dan Courtwright in the booth along with Tagan Trahoon on the sidelines. KFFX is in their 36th straight year as the radio home of Hornet Athletics, the longest active streak between a commercial station and an MIAA school.

DID YOU CATCH IT
The 2021 Pittsburg State game was the 22nd time the Hornets have played a game on live television since 1997. The Emporia State football game at Northwest Missouri on Saturday, November 7, 2015 was selected for the DII Football Showcase on the American Sports Network, giving the Hornets three televised games that season. For the entire six year run of the MIAA Television Network the Hornets had a home game featured, capped by their 45-34 win over Central Missouri in the 2015 home opener. The Hornets are third behind Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri for the most appearances on live television over the last ten years. The Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 game against Missouri Western was the first televised match-up of nationally ranked teams from Jones Field at Welch Stadium.

THE NFL EXPERIENCE
The Hornets have had 16 players play in one of the major professional football leagues.  Two Hornets have won Super Bowl rings - Kelly Goodburn with the Washington Redskins and Leon Lett with the Dallas Cowboys. Jeff Richards appeared in the playoffs in 2019 with the Los Angeles Chargers after winning a Grey Cup with the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL in 2016. Adam Schiltz saw action in exhibition games with the Chiefs in 2015 while Austin Willis played in exhibition action for the Buffalo Bills in 2016. Harold Ayodele was a part of the Kansas City Chiefs during training camp and saw action in exhibition games in 2011. Higgins has coached four players that have gone on to play in the NFL regular season - Jeff Richards with the Chargers, Lynn Scott with the Dallas Cowboys, Sam Breeden with the Green Bay Packers, and Patrick Crayton with the Cowboys and San Diego Chargers. Most recently Jeff Richards appeared in six regular season and two playoff games in for the Chargers in 2018. Three former Hornets - Adam Schiltz with the Kansas City Chiefs, Austin Willis with the Buffalo Bills, Harold Ayodele with the Chiefs have appeared in NFL Preseason games since in 2011.
Both Jeff Richards and Patrick Crayton spent time on the Emporia State coaching staff.

A Hornet win would...
•make Emporia State 1-0 overall, 1-0 in the MIAA;
•be Emporia State's fifth straight season opening win;
•make Emporia State 8-2 all-time against Lincoln;
•be the Hornets eighth straight win against the Blue Tigers;
•be Emporia State's fourth straight win over Lincoln in Welch Stadium;
•make Coach Higgins 98-77 at Emporia State and 149-86 overall.

A Hornet loss would...
•make Emporia State 0-1 overall, 0-1 in the MIAA;
•make Emporia State 6-3 all-time against Lincoln;
•be the Hornets first loss to the Blue Tigers since 1961;
•be Emporia State's first loss to the Blue Tigers in Welch Stadium;
•make Coach Higgins 97-78 at Emporia State and 148-87 overall.

LEADING THE WAY
Emporia State has led for 469:59 of the 720 minutes (65.3%) played this year and have trailed for just 146:57 (20.4%) of the 720 minutes played.

WORKING OVERTIME
• The Hornets are 6-8 in overtime games with wins in six of their last eight after dropping their first four extra period contests.
• Emporia State is 4-1 in overtime games under Garin Higgins with wins in the last four games.
• The quadruple overtime game in 2006 between Emporia State and Pittsburg State was the first MIAA regular season game to go to four overtimes and the first involving an MIAA team since Northwest Missouri's 4 OT win against Carson Newman in the 1999 National Championship Game.
• The 18 point deficit (28-10) in the second quarter at Minnesota State in the 2015 NCAA Division II playoffs is the largest deficit Emporia State has overcome to win a game as an NCAA school.
• Emporia State has twice overcome a 17 point deficit at the half for a win in MIAA play. Most recently they trailed 17-0 at Neb.-Kearney before rallying for a 20-17 win in 2018. The first was against Missouri Southern in 2011 when the Hornets trailed 17-0 and eventually won 31-24 in Welch Stadium.
• Emporia State came from 17-0 down at the end of the first quarter to defeat Ft. Hays State 24-17 to open the 1992 season.