Local College Awards

AWARDS

EPHRAIM WRIGHT 

Wingate University  | Defensive Back 

5-9, 175
Freshman 
Covington, GA

Wingate University redshirt freshman defensive back Ephraim Wright has emerged as a reliable and productive presence in the Bulldogs’ secondary in his first full collegiate season. A versatile defender with quickness, instincts, and strong tackling ability, Wright has stepped into a significant role for a Wingate defense that ranks among the top units in NCAA Division II. Entering the final stretch of the season, he has showcased his ability to impact both the run and pass game while playing with confidence and discipline.
Wright has delivered some of his best performances in key South Atlantic Conference matchups. He posted a season-high seven tackles in Wingate’s road victory at nationally ranked Emory & Henry, while also contributing seven tackles in the Bulldogs’ win at UVA Wise. Wright’s consistency in coverage, physicality in space, and attention to detail have established him as a dependable contributor in the defensive backfield.
A native of Covington, Georgia, Wright starred at Newton High School before continuing his athletic and academic career at Wingate. An exercise science major holding a 3.519 GPA, he balances his on-field development with excellence in the classroom. Wright also remains active in his hometown community, volunteering as a youth football coach at Newton and participating in local outreach initiatives. His work ethic, character, and competitive drive have positioned him as a foundational piece of Wingate’s defensive future.

KELVIN DURHAM 

Johnson C. Smith University  | Quarterback

 6-3, 211
Senior
 Homestead, FL

A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Kelvin Durham has established himself as one of the most impactful offensive leaders of the 2025 season. Standing at 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds, the Homestead, Florida native brings a balanced blend of poise, accuracy, and athleticism to the field. Now in his senior season at Jackson C. Smith University following his transfer from Fort Valley State, Durham has become the centerpiece of his team’s offensive identity, directing the passing game with efficiency while posing a constant threat as a runner. His playmaking ability and command of the offense have positioned him among the premier quarterbacks in his conference.
Durham’s production throughout the 2025 campaign reflects his growth and consistency. He surpassed 2,250 passing yards while completing over 67 percent of his attempts, adding 19 passing touchdowns and nine rushing scores to his season totals. Durham demonstrated exceptional accuracy throughout the season, completing over 70 percent of his passes in five different games while consistently stretching defenses vertically with explosive plays, including a 72-yard touchdown pass against Morehouse.
A native of Homestead and former standout at Fort Valley State, Durham has continued to elevate his game through leadership, preparation, and competitive drive. His presence in the huddle, ability to manage tempo, and capacity to deliver in high-leverage situations have made him a foundational piece of Jackson C. Smith University’s success.

MASON SHERON

 Davidson College  | Running Back 

6-0, 220
Senior 
Leo, IN

Davidson senior running back Mason Sheron has established himself as one of the most consistent and productive offensive players in the Pioneer Football League, entering his final campaign already among the program’s all-time greats. As of November 1, 2025, Sheron ranks seventh all-time in rushing yards, third all-time in yards per carry, and sixth all-time in rushing touchdowns, solidifying his role as the focal point of the Wildcats’ ground attack.
Sheron enjoyed a breakout junior season in 2024, recording 923 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, and four 100-yard performances, highlighted by a 152-yard, two-score effort on the road at Dayton. His 2023 campaign was equally impressive, earning Honorable Mention All-PFL and First-Team All-Academic selection while leading the conference in yards per rush (6.8), ranking second in rushing touchdowns (13), and finishing top-four in rushing yards (949).
A native of Leo, Indiana, Sheron starred at Leo High School before continuing both his academic and athletic success at Davidson. A three-time PFL Academic Honor Roll selection and two-time First-Team All-Academic honoree, he has balanced elite on-field production with excellence in the classroom throughout his collegiate career. Sheron’s combination of downhill running ability, efficiency, and consistent playmaking has made him a cornerstone of the Wildcats’ offense and one of the most respected backs in the Pioneer Football League.

Nate Hampton

Liberty University | Quarterback

Graduate
Advance, NC

Hampton is a graduate quarterback who transferred from Liberty University and has spent the last year playing at Gardner-Webb.
While with the Runnin’ Bulldogs, Hampton became a staple for the offense, playing in eight games. He completed 83 of 143 passes for 1,245 yards and 10 touchdowns against just one interception. Nate also used his legs, rushing for 290 yards and four scores. His best game of the year came against No. 19 Western Carolina where Hampton tossed for 263 yards and two scores while rushing for 132 yards and four scores, earning him FCS National Offensive Player of the Week.
Prior to his arrival in Boiling Springs, Hampton played at Liberty University in Virginia. During his time with the Flames, Hampton saw action in 10 games from 2021-2024. In total, Hampton completed 17 passes for 230 yards. He completed a 63-yard touchdown pass against UMass as a freshman.
Hampton played his prep career at Davie County High School in Mocksville, N.C. He was pinned a three-star recruit by 247sports.com and Rivals.com. Hampton received offers from 20 programs, including App State, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Cornell, Dartmouth, FAU, FIU, Kent State, Kentucky, Marshall, Old Dominion, Princeton, UAB, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, Western Kentucky, and Yale.
Hampton finished his senior year at Davie County passing for 3,300 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 427 yards and 10 scores. For his efforts, Hampton was an All-Conference honoree and was selected to play in the Northwest Shrine Bowl.
Hampton was born on August 26 and is the son of Lori and Ryan Hampton.

NIGEL GAY 

Catawba College  | Cornerback

 5-11, 180
Sophomore 
Kernersville, NC

Catawba College sophomore cornerback Nigel Gay is in his second season as a regular starter for the Catawba Indians and has emerged as one of the most productive defensive backs in the South Atlantic Conference. Through the first seven weeks of the 2025 season, Gay led the SAC with nine pass breakups, including a career-high three in Catawba’s 21-10 conference win at Newberry, marking the program’s first road victory there in nine seasons. His consistency in coverage and ability to make plays on the ball have made him a key component of the Catawba secondary.
Gay made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2024, playing in 10 games and recording 15 total tackles (12 solo), one pass breakup, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. His early production, combined with his continued development, has positioned him as a foundational piece of the Catawba defense.
A native of Kernersville, North Carolina, Gay played high school football and competed in track and field at East Forsyth under head coach Todd Willert. He was a two-time all-conference selection and earned all-area honors as a senior while participating in the prestigious East-West All-Star Game. During his senior campaign, he totaled 75 tackles, three interceptions, and four pass breakups.
Gay comes from a strong football lineage. His father and grandfather both played collegiately at Fayetteville State, and his cousin played at Florida State. His competitive drive, work ethic, and technical discipline continue to shape him into one of Catawba’s most impactful defensive players.

RANDY FRANKLIN 

Charlotte 49ers  | Defensive Back 

6-0, 195
Senior 
Fayetteville, NC

Charlotte 49ers redshirt senior defensive back Randy Franklin is in his third season with the program and is enjoying a breakout year in 2025. Having played in every game throughout his Charlotte career, Franklin recently crossed the 30-game milestone in the Green and White. Primarily a special team’s standout during his first two seasons, Franklin has expanded his role this year, contributing consistently on defense and earning a start in the 49ers’ road matchup at Army. Earlier in the season, he recorded a career-high 12 tackles against Rice, marking a defining moment in his development and impact on the field.
During the 2024 campaign, Franklin appeared in all 12 games, leading the 49ers with 213 total special team’s snaps while adding 10 tackles, including nine solo stops. In 2023, he also played in all 12 contests, recording five tackles and contributing on multiple phases of special teams and secondary rotations.
Franklin spent two seasons at the United States Naval Academy prior to arriving in Charlotte, appearing in six games in 2022 after developing within the program in 2021. He attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School during the 2020–21 academic year following a standout career at E.E. Smith High School, where he excelled as a two-sport athlete in football and track and field.
A two-time American Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll selection and a member of the Athletic Director’s List, Franklin is recognized for his consistency, accountability, and disciplined approach. He is joined on the 49ers roster by his younger brother, Seth, continuing a meaningful family connection within the Charlotte football program.

Joseph Reddish

Wingate | RS

6-0, 190
Freshman
Charlotte, NC

Wingate University redshirt freshman cornerback Joseph Reddish is making a tremendous
impact in his first year wearing the Navy Blue and Vegas Gold. Entering the final four games of
the season, Reddish has compiled 15 tackles (10 assists, five solo), eight pass breakups, and
one interception. A product of Independence High School, he has recorded five punt returns for
44 yards in six contests.
Reddish had five tackles and one interception in Wingate’s season-opening victory at UNC
Pembroke. He contributed three tackles each against Carson-Newman and Barton. Reddish is a
member of the third-ranked defensive squad in NCAA Division II. The Wingate Bulldogs allow
205.5 yards per game. In Division II, only Harding and Kutztown boast stronger defenses.
Nick Ulassin, Wingate University defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator, describes
Reddish as one of the key pieces to the Bulldogs’ defense this season, “Joe’s work ethic and
development have been on display since he stepped on campus in August 2023 as a true
freshman. He goes about his business the way someone should, setting an example every day
of what it takes to be a great Wingate football player. He is extremely coachable and a great
person to have in our defensive backs room.”
Off the field, Reddish enjoys reading, weightlifting, hiking, and eating all kinds of pasta. He is
also learning about mindful practices and exploring how they connect to mental performance.
Reddish is currently working to establish a nonprofit organization with a focus on mental health.
After graduation, Reddish looks to start a career in real estate and grow his nonprofit while
making a positive impact in the community.

Jeff Bowens

Gardner-Webb |

5-10, 161
Senior
Detroit, MI

Since joining the Gardner-Webb program in early 2024, Jeff Bowens has started every game for
the Runnin’ Bulldogs this season and has led the defense with four pass breakups and 33 total
tackles. Bowens is an Illinois State transfer who appeared in 33 games where he recorded 83
total tackles, three interceptions, six pass breakups, and a punt return for a touchdown.
According to Gardner-Webb’s Head Football Coach Cris Reisert, “Jeff is one of the hardest-
working, most focused, driven players we have. He has been invaluable to our defense this
season."
In high school, Bowens was a two-year starter at Southfield for head coach Tim Conley, earning
all-conference honors as a senior, while recording 22 catches for over 700 yards with six
touchdowns on offense. Bowens also shined as a defensive back, recording a pair of
interceptions.
As a junior, Bowens tallied 14 catches for 350 yards with four touchdowns, recorded 18 tackles
on defense, and caught 16 passes for over 300 yards with five touchdowns. On defense, he
was credited with two interceptions. As a sophomore, while playing at Detroit Renaissance,
Bowens caught 16 passes for over 300 yards with five touchdowns.
Bowens starred on the track as well, as an all-American qualifier in the 60-meter dash with the
fourth-best time in the state of Michigan clocking in at 6.99 seconds. He was part of a Southfield
4×200 meter relay team that turned in a blistering time of 1:26.9, which was the No. 1 time in the
U.S. Bowens was also an AAU Track National Qualifier during his prep career.

Julian Rawlins

Davidson |

6-2, 230
Senior
Huntersville, NC

A four-year letter winner and standout for the Wildcats on the defensive line, Rawlins ranks
among Davidson’s all-time leaders in sacks and tackles for loss. As a junior, he was the
Wildcats' top pass rusher, leading the team in sacks (6.5), quarterback hurries (11), and tackles
for loss (10.5).
His excellent play has resulted in Rawlins earning multiple national and conference honors,
including the 2024 FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award Finalist, 2024
Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, 2024 Preseason All-Conference, 2023 First-Team All-
Conference, and 2022 Honorable Mention All-Conference.

Rawlins is also active in the community volunteering at the Ada Jenkins Center, a non-profit
organization that helps those in poverty break the cycle and gain economic independence. He
also volunteers at the Room at the Inn in Charlotte, which partners with colleges and
congregations of many faiths to open their facilities to provide shelter and food for the homeless
during the winter months.
In addition to his volunteer work, Rawlins is one of five undergraduates to be selected to the
2024 MHI Summer Research Internship in Chapel Hill. The program consists of a 10-week
mentored cardiovascular research project that addresses an important scientific question. MHI
SUMMER students interact with lab members in their respective labs daily and meet with their
mentors weekly.
Rawlins is from Huntersville, NC where he attended William A. Hough High School.

Khalil Stimpson

Catawba |

6-0, 225
Sophomore
Greensboro, NC

From the moment he joined the Catawba Indians, Khalil Stimpson has made an enormous
impact playing in all 11 games as a true freshman. Stimpson is sixth on the team with 55 total
tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery.
Stimpson logged a team and career-high 15 tackles in the loss at Tusculum on September 23.
He is also credited with seven tackles at Newberry on October 14. Facing 16th-ranked Lenoir-
Rhyne on November 4, Stimpson recorded four tackles and recovered a fumble.
Catawba Head Coach Tyler Haines describes Stimpson as “special on and off the field and that
he represents Catawba College and the football team in an elite way.”
A multi-sport star at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, NC, Stimpson earned varsity letters in
football and basketball. Throughout his high school career, Stimpson received many honors
including two-time All-Conference selection (2021 and 2022), All-Area selection in 2022, and
All-Area Honorable Mention in 2021. While at Grimsley, the school won the 2020 NC Football
State Championship and was the State Championship Runner-Up in 2022.
Stimpson finished his high school career with an undefeated 24-0 conference record and four
conference championships. A dominant force on defense, Stimpson recorded 195 total tackles
(148 solo and 54 assists), 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble
recovery, and one interception over his four-year career.
Stimpson is the son of Leshia Marcus. His brother, Malik Stimpson played football at
Fayetteville State.

Dontae Balfour

Charlotte 49ers |

6-2
Sophomore
Starke, FL

Balfour attended Bradford High School and was rated a four-star prospect by 247sports and ranked as the nation’s No. 17-rated cornerback by 247Sports. Balfour had 201 tackles over three seasons with 14 interceptions and 12 pass break-ups and earned first-team All-First Coast by Jacksonville.com as a senior and is credited with 77 tackles with four INTs and two PBU to help Bradford to the second round of the state 4A playoffs. Balfour also caught 25 passes for 386 yards and scored two TDs.

Balfour competed in three varsity high school sports and was a state qualifier in the 300-meters and triple jump. He also averaged over 20.0 points per game in basketball as a senior.

Before joining Charlotte, Balfour played two seasons at North Carolina Chapel Hill and saw action in four games in 2022 collecting six tackles (five solo) in the season-opener vs. Florida A&M. Balfour also played in ACC tilts vs. Virginia Tech and Miami (Fla.) and in two games as a true freshman in 2021 vs. Georgia State and Wofford. Through seven games this season with Charlotte, Balfour has amassed 32 total tackles, including an 8-tackle performance against Florida on September 23. Balfour is also credited with one forced fumble.

Benari Black

Johnson C. Smith | Linebacker

6-2, 215
Junior
Charlotte, NC

Benari Black is a 6’2” Junior from Charlotte, North Carolina. Black attended West Charlotte High School and played for coach Joshua Harris. As a prep senior, Black was credited with 123 tackles (66 solo), including three tackles for loss. Black also tallied 4.5 sacks, two interceptions, and a pair of quarterback hurries. Black tallied 10 or more tackles in six games, including a season-best 22 stops (8 solo) against Vance. Before joining the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls, Black attended UNC Pembroke where he played in six games and is credited with a total of 26 tackles.

Through eight games this season with JCSU, Black has amassed 70 total tackles, including 10.0 tackles for loss as well as a spectacular 15-tackle performance against West Va. Wesleyan. Black also has 1 sack to his credit so far this season. Black is the son of Maria and Ben Black and has a younger brother, Benjamin, and a younger sister, Bella-Marie. Black maintained a 3.2 cumulative grade point average at West Charlotte High School and lists his hobbies as hanging out with his family and listening to music. Black proudly names his parents as his heroes and his favorite sports team is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Black’s favorite food is ribs and was enrolled in pre-major studies at UNCP.

Dontae Balfour

Charlotte 49ers |

6-2,
Sophomore
Starke, FL

Balfour competed in three varsity high school sports and was a state qualifier in the 300-meters and triple jump. He also averaged over 20.0 points per game in basketball as a senior.

Benari Black

Johnson C. Smith | Linebacker

6-2, 215
Junior
Charlotte, NC

Gilbert Deglau

Davidson | Offensive Lineman

6-5, 285
Senior
Richmond, VA

Gilbert Deglau is a 6’5” 285 offensive lineman from Richmond, VA, and has started every game this season. In 2022 Deglau appeared in all 12 Wildcat games and anchored an offensive line that led Davidson to the nation’s top rushing offense for the third consecutive year. Deglau was a 2022 Second Team All-PFL Selection and was named to the 2022 Phil Steele / Draft Scout FCS Postseason All-Conference Second Team. Deglau was also named to the Pioneer Football League (PFL) Academic Honor Roll. In 2021 Deglau appeared in eight games on the offensive line and helped lead the Wildcats to the nation’s top rushing offense, averaging 336 yards per game on the ground. Deglau was also named to the PFL Academic Honor Roll. In 2020-21, Deglau saw action in the FCS Playoff game at Jacksonville State (4/24). A 2020 graduate of the Collegiate School, Deglau played football under Coach Mark Palyo and was a two-time second-team All-State selection (2018-19). Deglau was a two-time All-Conference Team honoree (2018-19) and was honored as his team’s Offensive Most Valuable Player in 2019 while also serving as a team captain. While in high school, Deglau was also a member of the track and field team. Born June 1, 2001, Delau is the son of Maggie and Eric Deglau and has two sisters; Ellie and Gabi.

Brendan Jackson

Gardner-Webb | Linebacker

6-2, 220
Junior
Statesboro, GA

Brendan Jackson is a junior linebacker from Statesboro, Georgia and is in his second season with the Runnin’ Bulldogs. In his first season, Jackson played in 10 games, recording 25 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. During the 2022-23 season, he was named the Big South Defensive Player of the Week on October 24, after recording five tackles, three tackles for loss, and one sack at Charleston Southern.

So far this season, Brendan is third on the team in tackles, with 49 total, along with five tackles for loss and two sacks. He also scored his first career rushing touchdown, lining up at running back and powering his way into the endzone for a one-yard touchdown vs Elon.

Brendan spent his first year at Savannah State where he played in all 10 games and finished with a team-high 37 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles. He was also named SIAC Newcomer of the Week after posting seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble vs. Kentucky State. Brendan spearheaded a defense that was ranked No. 7 nationally among Division II programs, allowing just 250.0 yards per game and 17.6 points per game.

Jackson attended Statesboro High School where he played football and was selected to play in the 2019 Broder Blitz Bowl against the All-Stars from South Carolina. Brendan was selected as a 2023 team captain. He is majoring in Broadcast Journalism.

Jakarri Martin II

Catawba | Defensive Back

5-10, 180
Freshman
Atlanta, GA

Jakarri Martin II is a 5’10” freshman defensive back from Atlanta, Georgia where he attended Langston Hughes High School. Through his first eight games with the Catawba Indians, Martin has racked up 54 total tackles, eight pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Single game highlight includes a seven-tackle and six-tackle assist performance against Tusculum.

A four-year varsity letter winner in high school at Langston Hughes HS, Martin received First Team All-Region and Second Team All-State recognition while helping the Panthers to the 6A Georgia Football State Championship as a senior. He also excelled in track, earning the 6A state title in 4×200 relay.

Martin, who has yet to declare a major, is the son of Jakarri Martin and Yolanda Weems. His father played both football and baseball at Morris Brown College before continuing on to semi-professional football and minor league baseball careers.

Daniel Morrison

Wingate University | Defensive Tackle

6-2, 285
Redshirt Senior
Monroe, NC

Daniel Morrison is a 6’2” 285 lb. redshirt senior defensive tackle from Monroe, NC. Morrison is one of the top defenders in the South Atlantic Conference. Through nine games this season, Morrison has accumulated five sacks, 38 total tackles and eight tackles for loss.

Morrison had a season-high eight tackles against Tusculum. Morrison is a team captain who had two QB sacks each in victories over Emory & Henry and Erskine. In a homecoming contest against Limestone, Morrison collected six tackles and his first interception of the season.

Morrison hails from Monroe, NC, and attended Parkwood High School. In the classroom, Morrison is an exercise science major.

Marquise Fleming

Wingate University | Defensive End

6-1, 230
Redshirt Sophomore
Charlotte, NC

Wingate University redshirt sophomore defensive end Marquise Fleming is listed in the NCAA Division II Top 20 in tackles for loss (13.5) and quarterback sacks (6.5) entering the last month of the 2022 season. Fleming opened South Atlantic Conference play with a huge Tusculum game recording nine tackles, seven of those being solo, three QB hurries, three QB sacks, and three tackles for loss.
Thanks to the play of Fleming and his teammates, Wingate is No. 2 in the nation in scoring defense, allowing only 9.29 points per game. The Bulldogs lead the SAC in rushing defense, passing defense, and scoring defense.
At Wingate, Fleming has played in 14 games, recording 59 total tackles, 22 solo, and 37 assisted tackles.
Fleming is 6’1” and 230 pounds. He is from Charlotte, NC, and attended Olympic High School. In the classroom, Fleming is a finance major with a management minor.

Kaedon Jenkins

Davidson College | Cornerback

6-0, 195
Senior
Jacksonville, AL

Kaedon Jenkins is a senior cornerback from Jacksonville, Alabama. Three games into this season, Jenkins accumulated nine total tackles including two TFLs and broken up five passes.
He played in all 11 games for the Wildcats his junior season, tallying 43 total tackles, 31 of them solo. Additionally, he recorded two TFLs and nine pass breakups. As a sophomore, Jenkins made 25 tackles, and 21 solos with six pass breakups, and closed out the season on defense in his hometown in Davidson’s first FCS playoff appearance in program history. His freshman year saw him start in two games with an interception, 15 tackles and an appearance on the PFL Academic Honor Roll.
Off the field, Jenkins is studying computer science and is a member of the competitive coding team at Davidson. Additionally, he is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and participates in Davidson Football’s P.A.C.E. Initiative – where student-athletes seek to deal with social injustice through progress, advocating, cooperating, and educating.

Tray Dunson

Gardner-Webb University | Linebacker

6-2, 221
Senior
Franklin, GA

Tray Dunson is a senior linebacker for the Bulldogs. At 6’2, 221 pounds, Dunson is one of the Big South’s most athletic linebackers. Dunson has played in 27 career games at Gardner-Webb with 63 total tackles. Dunson is in his second year as a full-time starter and has played in 9 games with 22 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and an interception return for 46 yards.
In the fall 2021 season, Dunson started the season opener at Georgia Southern, where he had four tackles, 3 of them solo. Dunson was subsequently injured, qualifying him for a redshirt. During the spring of the 2021 season, Dunson had 22 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, half a sack, and one pass breakup during the spring season. As a freshman, he played in 10 games with 15 tackles and a sack.
Dunson hails from Franklin, GA, and played at Heard County High School, where he helped the team earn a 13-2 record and won the Class 2A State Championship. He was a two-time All-Region selection at receiver and finished his senior season with 40 tackles on defense.

Chris Reynolds

Charlotte University | Quarterback

5-11, 202
Senior
Mocksville, NC

Chris Reynolds, of Mocksville, North Carolina, is the all-time Charlotte 49ers leading passer. Reynolds has been the team captain for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 seasons. During his time as quarterback, Reynolds has a career total of 9271 passing yards and 76 passing touchdowns. Reynolds boasts six fourth-quarter/overtime game-winning drives in his career and four game-winning touchdown passes in the final minute or overtime in his career.
Reynolds has earned many awards throughout his college career, which include three-time Maxwell Award Watch List for college football’s top player, a three-time Manning Award Watch List, a two-time Watch Lister for the Davey O’Brien Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Reynolds is a former walk-on that was recognized as a 2021 Burlsworth Trophy Semifinalist, which is awarded to the top college player that began their career as a walk-on.
Reynolds has also achieved success in the classroom as a member of the 2021 Conference USA All-Academic Team.

Calvin Stephens

Catawba College | Defensive Back

6-0, 200
Redshirt Sophomore
Salisbury, NC

Calvin Stephens is a defensive back from Bessemer City, NC, and is in his third year with the Catawba football team. Stephens is a 6’, 200 pounds, redshirt sophomore for Catawba. He has played in 16 career games with the Indians and recorded 25 solo tackles and 16 tackle assists for 39 tackles while in a Catawba uniform. Stephens also has two interceptions and five pass breakups.
In this 2022 season, Stephens had a high of 6 total tackles at Marshall Hill. Of those tackles, he had 2 solo, and 4 assisted. Against Shorter, Stephens had 4 solo and 1 assisted tackle.
In his second year, he played 9 games for the Indians and recorded 15 tackles and 6 tackle assists for a high of 21 tackles. In Stephens’s first year with the Catawba football team, he had 2 solo tackles and 2 tackle assists for a total of 4 tackles.

Tyrell Jackson

Johnson C. Smith | Quarterback

6-2, 200
Junior
Easley, SC

Tyrell Jackson is a 6’2” Junior from Easley, South Carolina. Jackson attended Wren High School and is a quarterback for the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls.
This 2022 season Jackson has a total of 1240 yards. Jackson’s longest pass was for 86 yards at Chowan University. Jackson has a total of 6 touchdowns through mid-season, with a career-high of 2 passing touchdowns at Chowan. He also had a career-high of 371 passing yards at Bluefield State University.
Against Lincoln University, Jackson threw for 211 yards on 17-of-29 passes and a touchdown. When the Golden Bulls played Shaw University, Jackson put up 259 yards, and a touchdown. The Golden Bulls put together 325 yards of total offense, including 66 on the ground and 259 through the air against Shaw.