We are just days away from the 2024 NCAA Football season, and the Eastern Kentucky Colonels are preparing for a tough road opener at Mississippi State. I wanted to take a look at EKU football by the numbers. So I pulled some numbers to help you get ready for the season.
Three – 3
EKU has three straight seasons under HC Walt Wells with a winning record in their conference. Three is also the new number for DE Darian Baker who is coming off a 25-tackle season in which he had four sacks and six tackles for loss.
Eight – 8
There have been only eight games since the 2019 season that the Colonels have not had Parker McKinney under center (or in Shotgun). This year Matt Morrisey becomes the first QB to start a game other than Parker, since Dakota Allen in 2020. Kicker Patrick Nations has recorded eight tackles in his tenure at EKU. This season RB Joshua Carter will wear the number 8. Carter had a career year last season with 714 yards rushing and four touchdowns. The Colonels will be playing eight conference games this season starting September 14 at home against West Georgia.
Twenty-Two – 22
Senior Vincent Munlin has started 22 games in his EKU career, most of those at Guard. Munlin will open the 2024 season as the starting RT. EKU has won 22 games under Walt Wells. Redshirt Senior Frank Lee returns in the number 22 jersey, he is coming off a 31-tackle season with 4.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss.
Forty – 40
There are currently 40 players from the state of Kentucky on the EKU Football roster. 36 of them came to EKU straight out of high school, while four have transferred in. Backup QB Cam Hergott rushed for 40 yards against Cincinnati last season. Louisville native Garrett Thornsberry will wear number 40 this year, he will see time at Inside Linebacker.
Fifty-Six – 56
Safety Mike Smith Jr was credited with 56 total tackles last season and has been named to the Reese’s Senior Bowl Watchlist for 2024. Kent State transfer, Nick Bryan, will wear 56 and could see time at Guard this season.
Ninety-Seven – 97
Defensive Tackle Ryan Jackson… That is all.
We are in for another exciting year of EKU Football. Tune in to the Sports Stove Podcast each week as Ryan Jackson and myself recap and preview each game, and as we talk to EKU football players. Follow me on Twitter for more EKU opinions. All photos were taken by members of the EKU staff.
