Football | 8/12/2026 9:22:00 AM
August 12, 2026- Emporia State will have a new kicker, punter and long snapper this season.
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Brandon McCary transferred to Emporia State from Minot State at the semester. He went 10 of 13 on field goals last season for the Beavers, including a perfect five for five performance against MSU Moorhead. He nailed a career-long 48-yarder against Sioux Falls. He was named the NSIC Special Teams Player of the Year after breaking MSU records for most field goals in a game, most points scored in a season, and most consecutive PATs made, making all 28 attempts last season.
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Jordan Cartwright came to the Hornets last spring after his freshman season at UT-Permian Basin. He played in three games for the Falcons to preserve his eligibility. He averaged 56.9 yards per kickoff and recorded 13 touchbacks in 23 attempts.
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Parker Leeds makes the move from receiver to long snapper this season. He is in his fourth year at Emporia State.
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SPECIALISTS NOTES
There are no seniors, one junior, one sophomore, one redshirt freshman and one true freshman listed among the four specialists.
Half of the specialists are high school signees and half are transfers.
Two of the specialists are from Texas, one is from Kansas, and one is from Oklahoma.
SPECIALISTS
Kicker Brandon McCary, Punter Jordan Cartwright and long snapper Parker Leeds along with special teams coordinator Cade Harelson and head coach Garin Higgins will be available on Wednesday, August 12 in the interview tent at Welch Stadium.
This is the final part of an eight-part series of position previews for the Emporia State football team. The entire team will be available to the media again on Sunday, August 16 for Hornet Football Media and Team Picture Day beginning at 2:00 pm at Welch Stadium.
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