yShD6

SPORTS
FOOTBALL
BULLDOGS HOPE TO BUILD ON LAST YEAR’S SUCCESS
The Samford Bulldogs won their first Southern Conference
football title last season, and Coach Pat Sullivan believes
his team will work hard to continue that success in 2014.
“They got a taste of winning the conference, and that’s
something they want to build on,” said Sullivan after spring
practice.
Samford went 8-5 overall and 6-2 in the SoCon, its best league
mark since joining the conference in 2008. The Bulldogs finished
the regular season ranked 18th nationally among Football
Championship Subdivision teams.
“We had a good spring,” Sullivan said. “We wanted effort and
energy out of our players, and we got that. We also got through
without any serious injuries.”
Sullivan faces rebuilding his offense for 2014. The Bulldogs
lost six starters, including quarterback Andy Summerlin, who
passed for 3,640 yards—a school record—and 26 touchdowns.
Others who finished eligibility were all-star running back Fabian
Truss, guard Kasey Morrison, and receivers Kelsey Pope, Chris
Cephus and Zeke Walters.
Receiver Karel Hamilton, who caught 38 passes for 657 yards
and seven touchdowns, returns, along with starting linemen Kyle
Champion, C. H. Scruggs, Jordan Boatright and Gunnar Bromelaw.
Several position battles will carry over into fall practice. One
big question is who will replace Summerlin at quarterback. Several
candidates played well in the spring, including Arizona State
transfer Michael Eubank, a 6-6, 246-pounder who can run and
throw, and returnees Carson Barnett, Albert Mitchell and Drew
Pederson.
“I see them all pulling for each other, and when you get that
going, that’s what can make it special,” said Sullivan.
Eight starters return on defense: ends Michael Pierce and
Calvin Ruff, nose guard Jerry Mathis, strong safety Trey Wesley,
free safety Jaquiski Tartt, cornerback James Bradberry, and linebackers
Justin Cooper and Bobby Wilson.
Linebacker Justin Shade, tackle Jeremy Towns and cornerback
Tae Lewis were defensive starters who finished eligibility.
The Bulldogs also return punter Greg Peranich, place kicker
Warren Handrahan and kickoff specialist Michael O’Neal. ◗
2014 SAMFORD
FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
AUG. 30 AT
TEXAS CHRISTIAN
SEPT. 11
SEPT. 20
SEPT. 27 AT
STILLMAN
VIRGINIA MILITARY*
CHATTANOOGA*
OCT. 4
OCT. 18
OCT. 25 AT
MERCER*
(Family Weekend)
WOFFORD*
FURMAN*
Karel Hamilton
44 • Seasons • June 2014
NOV. 1
NOV. 8
NOV. 15 AT
NOV. 22 AT
*Southern Conference game
CONCORDIA
(Homecoming)
WESTERN CAROLINA*
THE CITADEL*
AUBURN