EMORY, Va. - The Emory & Henry College Football Team is geared up for the 2017 season. Under fourth-year Head Coach Curt Newsome, the Wasps look to capitalize on the conclusion of the 2016 campaign as they finished the season with five straight victories. Even though the roster lists just 12 seniors, E&H has a veteran team, returning 18 starters, including 87 percent (403 yds./gm.) of its offensive production. The successful second half of last season convinced the ODAC coaches to vote E&H atop the ODAC preseason poll for 2017.
The Wasps will be led, once again, by four-year starter, Kevin Saxton (Monroe, N.C.). Through his years as the quarterback of the E&H football team, Saxton is knocking on the door of several career school records, including passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns. Along with Saxton, senior running back Isaiah Rodgers (Canton, Ga.) will be looked to for production and leadership. Rodgers has been a crucial piece for four years as well, rushing for over 1,600 yards over his career.
Saxton will have a bevy of receivers at his disposal once again, as six of the top seven receivers return for another shot at an ODAC championship. The receiving corps is led by junior Jesse Santiago (Yorktown, Va.) who was named to the All-ODAC Second Team after leading with Wasps with 624 receiving yards on 39 catches for five scores.
To round out the offense, senior Grayson Williams (Martin, Ga.) - a two-time All-ODAC honoree - will lead a Wasps' front five that returns four starters. Williams and the rest of the line will protect the quarterback and open up holes for some talented backs.
On the defensive side, the Wasps are led by junior Preseason All-America defensive end, Da'von Keith (Columbia, S.C.). The 2016 All-ODAC First-Teamer led the ODAC in sacks (12) and tackles for loss (23.5), and his presence will free up blockers for fellow junior linemen Kash Jones (Gainesville, Ga.) and Josh Fleenor (Christiansburg, Va.). The Wasps also have two senior linebackers who will be relied on heavily throughout the year.
Returning in the defensive backfield is Third Team All-ODAC cornerback, Eric Johnson (Roanoke, Va.). Eric and his older brother, Jaylyn Johnson (Roanoke, Va.), combined for 68 tackles, four interceptions, and nine pass break ups. The Johnson brothers, along with junior Justin Banks (Coeburn, Va.), look to solidify a strong group in the secondary.
To close out the team, sophomore punter Garrett Morgan (Mechanicsville, Va.) returns to help with field position. As a freshman, Morgan was named to the All-ODAC Third Team, averaging 40.2 yards per punt and placing 14 of his kicks inside the 20 yardline. Sophomore Matt Seals (Rogersville, Tenn.) also returns as the Wasps' placekicker after scoring 52 points on five field goals and 39 extra-points a year ago.
Game Day
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. at Fred Selfe Stadium. Fans are reminded that tailgating lots open at 9:00 a.m.
Please join us in the John Rutledge King Center at 10:00 a.m., for the 2017 induction ceremony for the Emory & Henry Sports Hall of Fame.
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