New faces competing for positions at Emory & Henry

EMORY — There is plenty of competition for positions at Emory & Henry, and for good reason. The Wasps, who have gone 17-5 over the last two seasons, must replace a slew of production lost either to graduation or the transfer portal. Emory & Henry third-year head coach Quintin Hunter credits former Wasps' head coach Curt Newsome, who died in May, with giving him an opportunity at a coaching career, and teaching the importance of competition. "I think that the most exciting thing for our football team is to see each group compete. That is what you have to do on Saturdays, and if you are not competing at all times then you need to play something else," Hunter said. "Athletics in general you have got to compete at a high level. "That is even in life. If you are not competing at all there is going to be a struggle for you to accepting challenges and moving forward in life. Teaching these young men to compete now is something that they can take for them when they get in the real word when football is done." With leading rusher Jordan Jackson, top receiver Cam Peoples, and South Atlantic Conference defensive player of the year Ean Rhea among numerous departures, that competition takes place on a daily basis for the Wasps. "It is time for another group...Now is time for you to step up, mature, continue to develop and make the plays that the guys in front of you were making," said Hunter, who credited that the departed senior group for setting the foundation for the Wasps' move to Division II in 2022. "The standard is the standard. Some young men have got to grow up quick and be guys that we can count on to win football games on Saturday." Cole Lambert from Abingdon has the inside track at quarterback, while Deante Childs will run the ball and Parker Prioleau is the veteran in the receiving corps. Trey Secrist and Cole Pruitt have the most experience on the offensive line, with four-year starter Bryson Lutz graduating and Christian Young leaving for Southern Mississippi. "That is the name of the game that we play now is personnel, it is matchups," said Hunter, who also serves as offensive coordinator for the Wasps. "That is what you are looking for, that is the game plan part, now you have just got to go out and execute it." With Rhea (Illinois) and Mason Purham (James Madison) playing at higher levels, the Wasps do return Dalton Roberts and Joshua Gooding on the defensive line, while Marc Harris and Trey McBride will be linebackers. Three players were added from the transfer portal to help fill holes in the secondary, including that of Shawn Collins, who attended mini-camp with the New York Giants. Brennan Hanley returns at punter, while the Wasps are also looking to replace kicker Jake Butcher, who graduated as the second leading scorer in program history. "So far I think we are definitely heading in the right direction. Obviously we have new faces..." said Hunter, whose Wasps will open the season by visiting four-time national champion Valdosta State, followed by a visit to Ferrum, the first meeting between those rivals since 2021."The system at Emory & Henry as far as being 'Blue Collar, Gold Standard, those standards are still the same. "The expectations are the same, it is just new faces. That is what camp is for. Camp is for us to continue to get better, continue for our guys to get reps. Up to this point until classes start it is all about preparation for week zero." Emory & Henry, which was picked fifth in the always-daunting SAC, will open its home slate on Sept. 12 against Tusculum. Hunter encourages local fans to check out the Wasps. "I would say if you have never been to an Emory & Henry football game I think the culture and what Emory & Henry means to this community within our radius of recruiting, I think you are missing out on a great atmosphere at 1 o'clock on a Saturday," he said. "No matter who we are playing at Fred Selfe Stadium, there is always excitement."