ULM Warhawks

Game 8: Arkansas State (3-4 overall, 1-2 Sun Belt Conference) at ULM (2-5 overall, 0-4 Sun Belt Conference)
Saturday, Oct. 28 | 4:02 p.m.
Malone Stadium (30,000) | Monroe, La.
ESPN+ | KLIP 105.3 FM
 
2023 ULM Football Notes: Game 8 vs. Arkansas State
 
Terry Bowden Weekly Press Conference: Game 8 Preview vs. Arkansas State

FIRST-AND-10 – 
• Following a valiant comeback effort that fell short in a 38-28 loss last Saturday at Georgia Southern, the ULM Warhawks (2-5 overall, 0-4 Sun Belt Conference) return to Malone Stadium to face Arkansas State (3-4, 1-2) at 4 p.m. Saturday. It marks the 2023 Homecoming game for ULM.

• Saturday's game marks the 46th meeting between ULM and Arkansas State. The Red Wolves lead the series, 31-14, and have won the last 13 meetings, dating back to 2010. A-State won last year's meeting, 45-28, in Jonesboro on Oct. 1. The Red Wolves won the last meeting in Malone Stadium, 27-24, on Nov. 13, 2021. ULM last defeated Arkansas State, 16-10, on Oct. 13, 2009, in Malone Stadium.

• Since becoming a four-year college in 1951, ULM is 43-28-1 (.604) in 72 Homecoming games. The Warhawks have won 12 of their last 20 Homecoming contests. Saturday marks the fourth time ULM has entertained Arkansas State for homecoming, posting a 1-2 record in those contests with an average margin of victory of 4.7 points per game. ULM defeated A-State, 13-7, in the 1989 homecoming contest, while the Red Wolves spoiled ULM's homecoming in 2019 (48-41) and 1972 (14-13).

• ULM's 2023 roster features two players from the state of Arkansas: running back Hunter Smith (Little Rock/Joe T. Robinson) and left tackle Stacey Wilkins (Camden/Fairview).

• ULM freshman quarterback Blake Murphy put up an impressive performance in his first collegiate appearance in last Saturday's 38-28 loss at Georgia Southern. Murphy, who rotated with starting graduate quarterback Jiya Wright for much of the game, finished 18-of-33 passing for 320 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Murphy delivered a 51-yard TD pass to NyNy Davis for his first career scoring pass. In all, Murphy accounted for seven explosive plays (20-plus yards), including passes of 54 and 38 yards to Bugs Mortimer. Murphy accounted for 11 of ULM's 17 first down plays.

• As a team, ULM accounted for 10 explosive plays (20-plus yards) in last Saturday's 38-28 loss at Georgia Southern, setting a new season high. While freshman quarterback Blake Murphy had a hand in seven of those plays, sophomore wide receiver Alred Luke added four (three receptions, one kickoff return) and sophomore wide receiver Bugs Mortimer chipped in two (both receptions). Graduate wide receiver Tyrone Howell, sophomore wide receiver NyNy Davis and graduate tight end Nolan Quinlan each added one explosive reception, while sophomore running back Hunter Smith picked up one on his 20-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.

•    Running backs Isaiah Woullard and Hunter Smith continue to pick up a large number of their rushing yards after contact. The duo have posted 663 of ULM's 1,121 rushing yards (59 percent) and four of the six rushing touchdowns through the first seven games of the season. Woullard has 68 carries for 341 yards and one TD while Smith has 49 carries for 322 yards and three TDs.

The 5-9, 215-pound Woullard has picked up an impressive 75 percent of his rushing yards after contact (255 of 341) while forcing 11 missed tackles and leads the team with 13 first down runs. He scored his first rushing TD as a Warhawk on a 7-yard burst up the middle in the first quarter against App State. Woullard posted his second career 100-yard rushing game against Lamar, finishing with a team-leading 113 yards on 14 attempts. It marked his first since 100-yard performance since 2018 as a true freshman at Ole Miss (107 at Vanderbilt).

The 5-foot-11, 181-pound Smith leads the team in rushing yards per carry (6.6) after rushing for 322 yards on 49 carries. He leads the team with three rushing TDs and gains of 15 or more yards (7). He has gained 142 of his 322 yards after contact (44 percent), including no negative plays, and has produced 12 first downs. Smith opened with season with consecutive 100-yard games in wins over Army (seven rushes for 103 yards, including a 62-yard TD run in the fourth quarter) and Lamar (13 for 101, including a 27-yard TD run to open the scoring). His rushing TD last Saturday against Georgia Southern brought ULM within three points, 31-28, after trailing 31-7 in the second quarter. Smith hurdled a defender early in his run and knocked an Eagle defender into the end zone to finish the score.

• While Biletnikoff Award candidate Tyrone Howell leads the Warhawks in receptions (32), receiving yards (361) and touchdown catches (six), but three other ULM wide receivers helped pace the passing game last Saturday at Georgia Southern. Sophomore wide receivers Alred Luke, Bugs Mortimer and NyNy Davis all set career highs against the Eagles.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Luke led ULM with a career-high seven receptions while adding career bests with 76 receiving yards and 109 all-purpose yards at Georgia Southern. It was the second time in his career to top 100 all-purpose yards, joining his 135 yard effort against Texas State last season. He had a hand in four explosive plays (20-plus yards) against the Eagles, catching passes for 24, 24 and 20 yards while adding a 20-yard kickoff return. Luke now has 10 receptions for 126 yards (12.6 yards per reception) in five games in 2023. 

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Mortimer had six grabs for a team-best and career-high 135 receiving yards and had a career-best 150 all-purpose yards against Georgia Southern, marking the first time in his career he has topped 100 yards in receiving or all-purpose yards. He had receptions of 54 and 38 yards, both in the second half. He totaled a career-high 79 receiving yards after the catch. Mortimer has 10 catches for 215 yards (21.5 yards per catch) while playing in all seven games in 2023. Six of his 10 receptions have resulted in first downs.

The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Davis had four catches for a career-high 78 receiving yards and caught his first career TD pass on a 51-yard bomb from Blake Murphy in the second quarter. The Utah State transfer has caught 14 passes, second-most on the team, for 130 yards (9.3 yards per catch) and one TD.

The 6-foot-3, 204-pound Howell is tied for the Sun Belt Conference lead with six receiving TDs (17th in NCAA FBS) and is on the conference leaderboard for receptions per game (eighth at 4.8 per game). His 112 receiving yards after catch and 19 first-down receptions also lead the Warhawks. He has led the team in receptions in four of the first seven games.

Howell caught three passes for 48 yards and had a 9-yard TD catch last Saturday at Georgia Southern. All three of his receptions resulted in first downs, and his last five receptions overall have resulted in first downs.He caught four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown on Oct. 7 against South Alabama. He hauled in eight passes for 62 yards against App State and matched his career high with three TD receptions, including scoring plays of 14, 3 and 8 yards from Jiya Wright. He had nine receptions for 67 yards against Army in the season opener, including his one-handed, game-winning 9-yard grab from Hunter Herring with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter. 

• The Warhawks lead the Sun Belt Conference and rank among the NCAA FBS leaders in both turnover margin (15th at +0.86 per game) and takeaways (fourth with 16, including nine interceptions and seven fumble recoveries). With 16 takeaways in seven games, the ULM defense already has surpassed its 2022 12-game total of eight (six interceptions and two fumble recoveries). By contrast in 2022, ULM finished 130th in takeaways and 114th in turnover margin (-0.58 pg.) in the NCAA FBS.

The Warhawks recorded multiple takeaways for the fourth time this season with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in last Saturday's 38-28 loss at Georgia Southern. The other three such performances came at home (five vs. Army, two vs. Lamar and four vs. App State).

• Outside linebacker Ja'Terious Evans and safety AJ Watts have been the biggest ball hawks for ULM in the first half of the 2023 season. 

Evans is tied for the Sun Belt Conference lead in interceptions with three other players with three each. The group is part of a tie for 14th in NCAA FBS in total interceptions. Evans' third interception of the season resulted in a 76-yard return for a touchdown on Oct. 14 against Texas State, putting ULM on top 20-9 with 8:57 to play. It was the first pick six for ULM since Quae Drake's interception return for TD at Georgia State on Nov. 12, 2022. It capped a 14-play drive for Texas State. Evans also has recorded interceptions against App State and Army. He also ranks second on the team in tackles with 36 (15 solos, 21 assists) and has three tackles for loss for six yards.

Watts has eight passes defended this season, including six pass break ups and two interceptions. He is tied for fourth in the Sun Belt Conference in passes defended per game at 1.14 per game. Watts' two interceptions, coming against App State and Army, is tied for fifth-most in the SBC.  

ULM/ARKANSAS STATE SERIES NOTES –
Saturday's game marks the 46th meeting between ULM and Arkansas State. The Red Wolves lead the series, 31-14, and have won the last 13 meetings, dating back to 2010. A-State won last year's meeting, 45-28, in Jonesboro on Oct. 1. The Red Wolves won the last meeting in Malone Stadium, 27-24, on Nov. 13, 2021. ULM last defeated Arkansas State, 16-10, on Oct. 13, 2009, in Malone Stadium. 

THE LAST MEETING – 
Arkansas State 45, ULM 28 (Oct. 1, 2022, in Jonesboro, Ark.): Some habits are hard to break.

ULM dropped its 13th consecutive game to Arkansas State on Saturday night with a 45-28 loss at Centennial Bank Stadium. ULM's last win in Jonesboro was 16-7 on Nov. 17, 2001.

Arkansas State (2-3, 1-1 Sun Belt) played a mean game of keep away in the first half while building a 10-point halftime lead. ULM had a hard time getting the Red Wolves' offense off the field as the home team gained 355 yards on 77 plays overall.

ULM (2-3, 1-1 Sun Belt) gained 290 yards total, finished just 3-for-12 on third-down conversions and committed 10 penalties for 105 yards.

Malik Jackson rushed for 89 yards and one touchdown while Chandler Rogers ran for 57 yards and a touchdown and completed 12-of-20 passes for 138 yards and two scores.

The Warhawks played from behind most of the night.

Te'Vailance Hunt's 5-yard touchdown grab from James Blackman gave Arkansas State a 7-0 lead with 6:21 left in the first quarter. The Red Wolves covered 65 yards in 12 plays for the score.

Alred Luke's first career touchdown tied the score at 7-7 with 5:02 remaining in the first quarter. A wide-open Luke split the seam and hauled in a 58-yard scoring pass from Rogers to cap a five-play, 75-yard drive.

After a three-and-out stop by the defense, Boogie Knight's muffed punt set up Arkansas State at the ULM 28. ULM's defense stiffened again, didn't allow a yard on the series and held the Red Wolves to a 46-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada for a 10-7 lead with 2:12 showing in the first.

The Warhawks took a 14-10 lead with 11:33 left in the second quarter when Rogers flipped a play-action pass to tight end Zach Rasmussen for a 5-yard touchdown. ULM needed just six plays to go 69 yards, with Rogers running for 30 yards on three carries during the march.

Arkansas State reclaimed the advantage at 17-14 on Brian Snead's 13-yard touchdown run, closing out an 11-play, 85 yard drive with 6:31 left before halftime.

The Red Wolves extended their lead to 24-14 by completing a nine-play, 53-yard drive with 43 seconds remaining. Blackman's screen pass to Johnnie Lang went for an 18-yard touchdown and a 10-point edge for the home team going into the break.

Arkansas State held the ball 20:28 to win time of possession in the first half and converted 7-of-13 third-down opportunities. The Red Wolves outgained ULM 199-153 over the first two quarters as Blackman passed for 155 yards and two touchdowns. The Warhawks were flagged six times for 79 penalty yards while Arkansas State made five first-half penalties for 50 yards.

ULM's offense started the second half with a three-and-out, then saw the Red Wolves retaliate with a 10-play, 78-yard scoring drive to boost the deficit to 31-14. Lang punched in a 1-yard touchdown rush with 8:32 left in the third. Arkansas State scored on three consecutive possessions after trailing ULM in the second quarter.

The Warhawks pulled within 31-21 after launching a much-needed 13-play, 65-yard drive. Malik Jackson scored on a 1-yard run with 3:02 remaining in the third quarter.

But Arkansas State's Lang delivered a demoralizing jolt on the ensuing kickoff with a 98-yard return for a touchdown and the Red Wolves led 38-21 with 2:48 showing on the clock.

With 11:22 left in the game, Rogers dashed 22 yards around the right side for a rushing touchdown to close the margin to 38-28. The Warhawks rushed for 55 yards during their nine-play, 67-yard drive to get back on the scoreboard.

Arkansas State sealed its win with another long march to go up 45-28 with 4:28 to go in the game. Snead's 10-yard touchdown run finished a 12-play, 67-yard drive.

THE LAST MEETING AT MALONE STADIUM –
Arkansas State 27, ULM 24 (Nov. 13, 2021 in Monroe, La.): ULM's offense slumbered for much of the game Saturday night and Arkansas State hung around long enough to escape with a 27-24 win at Malone Stadium.

Blake Grupe kicked a 42-yard field goal with 1:17 left in the game to give the Red Wolves (2-8, 1-5 Sun Belt) their 12th straight win over ULM (4-6, 2-5).

ULM's third-straight loss overshadowed a breakout game by Malik Jackson and a salty overall defensive performance.

Listed as a receiver on the roster, Jackson made the start at running back and scampered for a career-high 166 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. A 5-foot-9, 178-yard sophomore, Jackson's previous career highs were five carries at Texas State and 49 rushing yards against South Alabama.

Fittingly for Military Day on ULM's campus, the defense snagged two interceptions and made three stops on fourth down. Zack Woodard paced the Warhawks with a career-high 15 tackles, three tackles for losses including a sack.

ULM staggered through most of the first half, yet trailed just 10-7 at the break, thanks to a 53-yard run by Jackson that set up his own touchdown. Prior to Jackson's score with 33 seconds left in the half, ULM's offense produced six punts and an interception.

Then on the first play of the second half, Jackson was off and running again as he raced 75 yards for a touchdown and ULM led 14-10. ULM would extend that lead to 21-10 before faltering down the stretch.

Out with a chest injury since Sept. 25, quarterback Rhett Rodriguez returned to the starting lineup while his replacement Chandler Rogers was also on the field with the first-team offense. Rogers was listed as a starting running back alongside Jackson.

Rodriguez took most of the snaps through the game and finished 12-of-29 passing for 160 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Rogers was 4-for-6 for 35 yards and sacked four times. ULM gained 372 yards on 75 plays overall but it came in spurts.

Neither quarterback was able to move the offense early after the defense provided a pair of first-quarter takeaways.

After tossing an interception to ULM's Quae Drake on Arkansas State's first drive, quarterback Layne Hatcher came back on the second series to lead a six-play, 80-yard drive that took just 1:48 off the clock. Corey Rucker, who opened the drive with a 36-yard reception from Hatcher, finished the march with a 9-yard touchdown on a speed sweep that gave the Red Wolves a 7-0 lead.

Keilos Swinney gave ULM its second interception of the game with 6:58 left in the first quarter, but again, the offense sputtered and the Warhawks punted.

The frustrations continued. After forcing a turnover on downs at the ULM 25 early in the second quarter, the Warhawks went three-and-out.

The Red Wolves extended the lead to 10-0 on a 30-yard field goal by Grupe with 11:10 to go before the half. Arkansas State scored to finish a six-play, 69-yard drive.

Arkansas State gambled on fourth-and-1 from its own 33, but quarterback Wyatt Begeal slipped for a loss of 1. ULM couldn't take advantage of the field position though, as Rodriguez was picked off by Denzel Blackwell at the A-State 6.

Taking over after a punt with 1:28 left in the first half, ULM finally found an offensive spark from Jackson. A 53-yard run up the middle moved the chains down to the ASU 10. Three carries later, Jackson burst into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown run with 33 seconds to go to cut the lead to 10-7.

The Warhawks finished the half with 141 yards total offense but 63 yards came on the final drive. With Andrew Henry out with an injury, Jackson carried 10 times for 72 yards in the first two quarters.

ULM's defense delivered a third fourth-down stop against the Red Wolves on their first drive of the third quarter. Caleb Thomas and Jabari Johnson made the tackle for no gain at the 50.

This time the Warhawks capitalized on the defensive gift. Rodriguez converted on third-and-18 with a 32-yard pass to Boogie Knight before tossing a 17-yard touchdown pass to Jevin Frett to give ULM a 21-10 lead with 10:01 to go in the third.

Even after absorbing a 21-0 run by ULM, the Red Wolves wouldn't go quietly. Hatcher gunned a 22-yard touchdown pass to Te'Vailance Hunt with 7:26 remaining in the third to pull Arkansas State within 21-17.

ULM scored on a fourth-straight possession as Calum Sutherland kicked a 32-yard field goal at the 5:00 mark of the third quarter. A 36-yard pass from Rodriguez to Frett and a 17-yard run by the ULM quarterback helped maneuver the Warhawks into scoring position.

After the Warhawks limited Arkansas State to just three first downs in the third quarter, the Red Wolves regained their offensive footing in the fourth. Hunt hauled in a 20-yard touchdown pass from Hatcher with 7:56 left in the game to tie the score at 24-24. Arkansas State covered 77 yards in nine plays, including converting a fourth-and-2 at the ULM 30.

Arkansas State drove 55 yards in nine plays to kick its go-ahead field goal. The Red Wolves outgained ULM, 155-34, in the final quarter and scored the final 10 points.

The Warhawks managed just 3 yards in the fourth quarter until their final drive, which ended on a Rodriguez interception at the A-State 8 with 20 seconds remaining.

WARHAWKS FROM THE NATURAL STATE –
ULM's 2023 roster features two players from the state of Arkansas: running back Hunter Smith (Little Rock/Joe T. Robinson) and left tackle Stacey Wilkins (Camden/Fairview).

THE LAST TIME OUT  –
Georgia Southern 38, ULM 28 (Oct. 21, 2023, in Statesboro, Georgia): ULM lost a game and found a quarterback in a topsy-turvy tilt Saturday at Georgia Southern's Paulson Stadium.

Freshman quarterback Blake Murphy made a stunning collegiate debut as he passed for 320 yards and led a spirited comeback from a 24-point deficit, but it wasn't enough to overcome a second-quarter meltdown in 38-28 loss to Georgia Southern. 

ULM outgained Georgia Southern in total offense, 432 to 415, but rushed for just 28 yards and surrendered four sacks. The Warhawks committed four turnovers, including a pick-six in the final minutes that sealed the 10-point loss.

Also enjoying a breakout performance was ULM receiver Bugs Mortimer, who caught six balls for 135 yards.

Tied 7-7 after one quarter, ULM (2-5, 0-4 Sun Belt) committed turnovers on three consecutive second-quarter series in a horrific three-minute sequence, leading to 17 Georgia Southern points. The Eagles (5-2, 2-1 Sun Belt) outscored ULM 24-7 in the quarter to open up a 31-14 halftime lead.

The biggest development of the game besides the outcome was Murphy's introduction into the lineup. The young playmaker alternated series with starter Jiya Wright in the first half before taking command right before halftime.

Wright finished 7-of-13 for 84 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Combined, the two quarterbacks were 25-of-46 for 404 yards.

Ranked among the nation's top dual-threat quarterbacks, Murphy accounted for 4,752 yards total offense and 53 touchdowns in his prep career at American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida. Murphy flashed big-play ability with a 51-yard touchdown pass late in the first half that cut the deficit to 31-14 and played the majority of the second half as he completed 18-of-33 passes -- with the one costly interception when the Warhawks were desperately trying to complete a miracle comeback.

Thanks to Murphy's production and a defense that made four takeaways on the day, ULM pulled within three points with 6:52 remaining in the game.

There was hope late after David Godsey Jr.'s first career interception with 2:29 left in regulation halted a GS drive in the red zone and gave ULM the ball at its own 11.   

But Murphy's second-down pass attempt was intercepted by Damell Hickman and returned 28 yards for a touchdown with 1:50 to go to end the comeback.

Jalen White provided 164 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 attempts for Georgia Southern. The Warhawks sacked GS QB Davis Brin three times, including two by Adin Huntington and one by Kenard Snyder.

ULM made its own good fortune early with Snyder's fumble recovery at the 48 to derail Georgia Southern's opening drive. The takeaway was the 13th of the season for ULM's defense.

Creating points off the turnover, Tyrone Howell made a one-handed 9-yard touchdown grab from Wright five plays and 52 yards later and the Warhawks led 7-0.

It didn't take the Eagles long to retaliate, however, as Brin and Derwin Burgess Jr., connected on a 52-yard touchdown pass. The third-down strike tied the game at 7-7 with 10:27 left in the first.

Cornerback Lu Tillery's first interception of the season, the second takeaway of the game, stopped a long Georgia Southern drive at the ULM 10 with 12:37 remaining in the second quarter.

Playing alternating series at quarterback, Murphy took the offensive reins and pushed ULM past midfield with a couple of nice pass plays before the drive stalled and the Warhawks punted.

The Eagles then drove 60 yards in six plays to score on a 2-yard touchdown run by White, giving Georgia Southern its first lead, 14-7, with 6:14 remaining before the half.   

Back in the game, Wright lost a fumble at the GS 2. One play later, White punched in his second touchdown for a 21-7 lead with 5:11 showing in the quarter.

Murphy fumbled on the next series and Georgia Southern recovered at the ULM 17. Two plays later, Brin flipped a 14-yard touchdown pass to Keaton Upshaw for a 28-7 advantage at the 4:28 mark.

The second-quarter house of horrors continued with a Wright interception, returned by Georgia Southern's TJ Smith 43 yards to the ULM 9. The Warhawks kept the Eagles out of the end zone, but a Michael Lantz 27-yard field goal extended the lead to 31-7.

Back under center, Murphy delivered a 51-yard touchdown pass to NyNy Davis with 1:34 to go before the half for a 31-14 score. Murphy was back under center for a second consecutive series after his big play and finished out the half for the Warhawks. 

Georgia Southern outgained ULM 305 to 233 in total first-half offense, with the Warhawks limited to minus-7 yards rushing. Murphy was 10-of-14 for 156 yards and the touchdown in his opening half, while Wright was 7-of-11 for 84 yards and one TD and one interception.

Murphy started the second half and hit a 54-yard pass to Mortimer to move the offense into scoring position. Wright came in mid-series on first-and-goal at the 8 but the offense stalled and ULM settled for a 27-yard field goal by Derek McCormick. The Warhawks trailed 31-17 with 10:03 left in the third.

On Georgia Southern's next offensive series, ULM's Michael Batton blocked a 48-yard field goal attempt but the Warhawks went three-and-out after taking over at their own 45.

As the quarter was winding down, ULM saw another decent drive end with a turnover on downs at the Georgia Southern 37.

Murphy directed a five-play, 39-yard drive and McCormick boomed a season-long 50-yard field goal with 11:56 left in the game as ULM pulled within two scores at 31-20.

ULM's defense came through again with 6:58 left in the fourth when Earl Barquet Jr., recovered a fumble by White and returned it nine yards to the GS 20.

One play later, Hunter Smith hurdled a would-be tackler on his way to a spectacular 20-yard touchdown run. With a successful two-point conversion run from Mortimer, ULM had clawed back within 31-28 with 6:52 remaining in the game.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS –
• Through seven games, ULM continues to value the football. The Warhawks lead the Sun Belt Conference and rank among the NCAA FBS leaders in turnovers gained (fourth, 16) and turnover margin (15th, +0.86). ULM is tied for the SBC lead and ranked 12th in FBS with Georgia Southern and Marshall with nine interceptions and tied with Texas State and for the SBC lead and ranked ninth in FBS with seven fumble recoveries. Ja'Terious Evans is tied for the SBC lead and ranks 14th in FBS with three interceptions, while AJ Watts is tied for fifth in the SBC with two interceptions.
• In addition to valuing the football, ULM continues to play disciplined football. The Warhawks are second in the Sun Belt Conference and listed among the NCAA FBS leaders in fewest penalties (19th, 33), fewest penalties per game (20th, 4.71), fewest penalty yards (26th, 304) and fewest penalty yards per game (29th, 43.43).

SMITH, WOULLARD PROVIDE BIG PLAYS WITH RUSHING ATTACK –
Running backs Isaiah Woullard and Hunter Smith continue to pick up a large number of their rushing yards after contact. The duo have posted 663 of ULM's 1,121 rushing yards (59 percent) and four of the six rushing touchdowns through the first seven games of the season. Woullard has 68 carries for 341 yards and one TD while Smith has 49 carries for 322 yards and three TDs.

The 5-9, 215-pound Woullard has picked up an impressive 75 percent of his rushing yards after contact (255 of 341) while forcing 11 missed tackles and leads the team with 13 first down runs. He scored his first rushing TD as a Warhawk on a 7-yard burst up the middle in the first quarter against App State. Woullard posted his second career 100-yard rushing game against Lamar, finishing with a team-leading 113 yards on 14 attempts. It marked his first since 100-yard performance since 2018 as a true freshman at Ole Miss (107 at Vanderbilt.

The 5-foot-11, 181-pound Smith leads the team in rushing yards per carry (6.6) after rushing for 322 yards on 49 carries. He leads the team with three rushing TDs and gains of 15 or more yards (7). He has gained 142 of his 322 yards after contact (44 percent), including no negative plays, and has produced 12 first downs. Smith opened with season with consecutive 100-yard games in wins over Army (seven rushes for 103 yards, including a 62-yard TD run in the fourth quarter) and Lamar (13 for 101, including a 27-yard TD run to open the scoring). His rushing TD last Saturday against Georgia Southern brought ULM within three points, 31-28, after trailing 31-7 in the second quarter. Smith hurdled a defender early in his run and knocked an Eagle defender into the end zone to finish the score.

ULM lost 87 percent of its ground production (1,258 of 1,448 rushing yards). Gone are the top three rushers from a year ago, who combined for 1,183 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns.

HOWELL BUILDING OFF BREAKOUT 2022 CAMPAIGN –
Biletnikoff Award candidate Tyrone Howell leads the Warhawks in receptions (32), receiving yards (361) and touchdown catches (six). The 6-foot-3, 204-pound Howell is tied for the Sun Belt Conference lead with six receiving TDs (17th in NCAA FBS) and is on the conference leaderboard for receptions per game (eighth at 4.8 per game). His 112 receiving yards after catch and 19 first-down receptions also lead the Warhawks. He has led the team in receptions in four of the first seven games.

Howell caught three passes for 48 yards and had a 9-yard TD catch last Saturday at Georgia Southern. All three of his receptions resulted in first downs, and his last five receptions overall have resulted in first downs.He caught four passes for 41 yards and a touchdown on Oct. 7 against South Alabama. He hauled in eight passes for 62 yards against App State and matched his career high with three TD receptions, including scoring plays of 14, 3 and 8 yards from Jiya Wright. He had nine receptions for 67 yards against Army in the season opener, including his one-handed, game-winning 9-yard grab from Hunter Herring with 2:48 left in the fourth quarter.

EH, WHAT'S UP, DOC? –
Sophomore wide receiver Bugs Mortimer posted the biggest stat line of his collegiate career last Saturday at Georgia Southern. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound Mortimer had a career-high six receptions for a team-best and career-high 135 receiving yards and had a career-best 150 all-purpose yards against Georgia Southern, marking the first time in his career he has topped 100 yards in receiving or all-purpose yards. He had receptions of 54 and 38 yards, both in the second half. He totaled a career-high 79 receiving yards after the catch. 

Mortimer has 10 catches for 215 yards (21.5 yards per catch) while playing in all seven games in 2023. Six of his 10 receptions have resulted in first downs.

He played in 10 games as a freshman in 2022, making 14 catches for 85 yards.

COOL HAND LUKE –
Sophomore wide receiver Alred Luke posted his first 100 all-purpose yard game of the 2023 season and the third such game of his career with 109 all-purpose yards last Saturday at Georgia Southern.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Luke led ULM with a career-high seven receptions while adding career bests with 76 receiving yards and 109 all-purpose yards at Georgia Southern. He had a hand in four explosive plays (20-plus yards) against the Eagles, catching passes for 24, 24 and 20 yards while adding a 20-yard kickoff return. Luke now has 10 receptions for 126 yards (12.6 yards per reception) in five games in 2023. 

Luke posted a career-high 135 all-purpose yards in ULM's 31-30 win over Texas State on Nov. 3, 2022, posting a career-best 111 kickoff return yards on six attempts while adding 24 receiving yards.

The New Orleans native recorded his first career game with more than 100 all-purpose yards on Oct. 8, 2022, against Coastal Carolina. Luke caught a team-best six passes for 55 yards, added three carries for 26 yards and tacked on one kickoff return for 21 yards to total 102 all-purpose yards. 

Luke played in all 12 games in 2022 as a redshirt freshman, catching 23 passes for 293 yards and one touchdown, coming at Arkansas State. He added a team-high 396 kickoff return yards.

He played in four games as a true freshman in 2021, seeing time against South Alabama, Arkansas State, at LSU and at the Ragin' Cajuns.

WARHAWK OFFENSIVE LINE LEADS WAY ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL NETWORK MIDSEASON HONORS  –
The ULM offensive line was recognized as the Sun Belt Conference Offensive Line of the Year in the College Football Network's midseason SBC honors, presented Oct. 9. Right tackle Keydrell Lewis was named CFN's Midseason Offensive Lineman of the Year and earned First-Team All-SBC honors, while right guard Tellek Lockette and center Zarian McGill also earned First-Team honors.

Also on the offensive side of the ball, running back Hunter Smith and wide receiver Tyrone Howell earned honorable mention selections to the CFN midseason All-SBC team.

Defensively, safety A.J. Watts earned First-Team recognition, while defensive tackle Adin Huntington was named to the Second Team. On special teams, Carl Glass earned Second-Team recognition.

LEWIS EARNS WEEK ONE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NETWORK NATIONAL TEAM OF THE WEEK HONOR –
Junior right tackle Keydrell Lewis was named to the College Football Network National Team of the Week following his performance in the Sept. 2 season opening win over Army. Lewis graded out at 84% over 64 offensive snaps in the win. He was part of an offensive line that paved way for ULM to rush for 207 yards on 32 carries (6.5 yards per rush) against Army and 285 yards on 40 carries (7.1 yards per rush) last Saturday against Lamar.

FIVE WARHAWKS WITH STARTING EXPERIENCE ON OFFENSIVE LINE  –
ULM will rebuild its offensive line around three veterans, in right tackle Keydrell Lewis (27 career starts), center Zarian McGill (19) and left guard (moving from right guard) Elijah Fisher (17), who have combined for 54 career starts. In addition, left tackle Stacey Wilkins (9) and right guard Tellek Lockette (10) also have starting experience.

The Warhawks added depth by going to the Mississippi junior college ranks in recruiting, bringing in left guard Jay Mickle, center Matt Williams and right guard Markell Smith. Mickle and Williams were teammates at Northwest Mississippi Community College, where Mickle was a Second-Team NJCAA Division I All-American in 2022 and Williams was honorable mention All-Conference as NWMCC ranked fourth in NJCAA with 2,096 rush yards. Williams made his first career start, filling in for Wilkins at left tackle, against South Alabama. Smith is a transfer from Jones College, where he was an NJCAA All-Region 23 selection in 2022.

Kyle Segler takes over as the offensive line coach in 2023, sliding over from his previous spot with the tight ends.

WARHAWK DEFENSE RANKS AMONG NCAA FBS LEADERS IN TAKEAWAYS –
ULM's newfound athleticism and speed on the defensive side of the ball has been on display in the first seven games of the season. 

The Warhawks lead the Sun Belt Conference and rank among the NCAA FBS leaders in both takeaways (fourth at 16) and turnover margin (15th at +0.86 per game). With 16 takeaways in six games, the ULM defense already has surpassed its 2022 12-game total of eight (six interceptions and two fumble recoveries). The Warhawks have recorded multiple takeaways in four games after coming up with four takeaways (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries) at Georgia Southern last Saturday. The other three games with multiple takeaways have come at home (five vs. Army, two vs. Lamar and four vs. App State).

In the Oct. 14 21-20 loss at Texas State, ULM's defense forced just one turnover, but turned it into points. Linebacker Ja'Terious Evans returned an interception 76 yards for a touchdown to increase the Warhawks' lead to 20-9 in the fourth quarter.

In the 24-14 win over Lamar on Sept. 9, ULM limited the Cardinals to 311 yards of total offense on 62 plays. Lamar rushed for 121 yards on 36 carries (3.4 yards per carry) and threw for 190 yards on 26 pass attempts (7.3 yards per attempt). The Warhawks registered seven tackles for loss for 34 yards and four sacks for 25 yards, led by defensive lineman James Smith's 3.5 tackles for loss for 20 yards and 2.5 sacks for 16 yards. Defensive lineman Adin Huntington tallied 14 tackles (2 solos, 12 assists) with one tackle for loss for 3 yards and half a sack for 4 yards. Defensive backs Austin Goffney and Max Harris recorded interceptions in the win.

In ULM's 17-13 win over Army on Sept. 2, the new-look Warhawk defense made a statement. ULM limited an opponent without an offensive touchdown for the first time since a 47-0 win over Nicholls in 2015. The Warhawks recorded five takeaways (three fumbles, two interceptions) in the contest after forcing just eight turnovers for the entire 2022 season. It was the highest single-game turnover total since picking up five takeaways against Nicholls in 2015. Evans and safety AJ Watts came up with interceptions for ULM, linebacker Carl Glass, linebacker Norman Massey and cornerback Car'lin Vigers forced fumbles and cornerback Lu Tillery, Vigers and defensive lineman Jaylan Ware each recovered fumbles.

ULM limited Army to 2-of-8 on third-down conversions in the second half, including an 0-of-3 clip in the fourth quarter. The Black Knights went three-and-out on each of its last four possessions. In the fourth quarter, ULM's defense held Army without a first down, allowed 15 total yards on 14 plays and tallied three takeaways (two fumbles and one interception).

"BATMAN" FLIES INTO 2023 – 
Junior middle linebacker Michael Batton leads the team with 56 tackles (20 solos, 36 assists) and ranks seventh in the Sun Belt Conference, averaging 8.0 tackles per game. He had six tackles (4 solos, 2 assists) to match the team lead and blocked a 48-yard field goal attempt last Saturday at Georgia Southern. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Batton recorded double digit tackles twice this season, finishing with a team-high 10 stops (2 solos, 8 assists) against App State and also collected 10 tackles against Lamar. Batton has produced double-figure stops in four of his last 10 games, dating back to Nov. 12, 2022, at Georgia State (career-best 16 tackles).

Prior to ULM, Batton played quarterback at Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York. He was 6-3 in nine starts in 2021, accounting for 1,110 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns while leading his team to an appearance in the NJCAA Division III Championship Game.

HARRIS COMES UP WITH FIRST TURNOVER AT ULM –
Sophomore linebacker Max Harris was tied for third on the team with five tackles (2 solos, 3 assists) lat Saturday at Georgia Southern. He posted a career high 12 tackles (5 solos, 7 assists) while playing against his former head coach, GJ Kinne, and Texas State on Oct. 14. He moved up to second on the team with 40 tackles (15 solos, 25 assists) over seven games. The 5-foot-11, 221-pound linebacker recorded five stops (1 solo, 4 assists) on Oct. 7 against South Alabama. He had five stops (1 solo, 4 assists) and forced a fumble against App State. His forced fumble, recovered by AJ Watts, helped set up ULM's first touchdown against the Mountaineers.

He posted his first interception at ULM in the 24-14 win over Lamar. Harris ranged back and took the ball out of the hands of Lamar tight end Ja'Corey Hyder at the ULM 39-yard line. His interception set up a touchdown drive to put the Warhawks up 21-0 in the second quarter. He added four tackles (1 solo, 3 assists) against the Cardinals. 

Harris opened the season with six tackles (3 solo, 3 assists) against Army West Point.

A transfer from Incarnate Word where he played for Kinne, Harris appeared in nine games for UIW in 2022, picking up 26 tackles (16 solos, 10 assists) including 2.5 for losses (14 yards).

EVANS SHOWCASES REVAMPED WARHAWK DEFENSE –
Graduate student Ja'Terious Evans had a huge game on Oct. 14 against Texas State, returning an interception 76 yards for a touchdown to go with eight tackles (5 solos, 3 assists). Evans ranks third on the team with 40 tackles (15 solos, 25 assists) with 3.0 tackles for loss for 6 yards and a conference-leading three interceptions through the first seven games of the 2023 season.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Evans had six tackles (2 solos, 4 assists) on Oct. 7 against South Alabama. He made three solo stops and added an interception against App State. He totaled three tackles (2 solos, 1 assist) at Texas A&M and tallied five assists, with half a tackle for loss for 2 yards against Lamar.

In his first career start for ULM at outside linebacker, Evans recorded a career-high 11 tackles (8 solos, 8 assists), including a career-best 1.5 tackles for loss (3 yards), and an interception as the Warhawks rallied from a 13-3 fourth-quarter deficit for a 17-13 victory over Army in the 2023 season opener. His interception early in the second quarter set up Derek McCormick's 24-yard field goal for the game's first score.  

In the second half, the Warhawk defense limited Army to 2-of-8 on third down, including 0-of-3 in the decisive fourth quarter. The Black Knights went three-and-out on their last four possessions. ULM held Army without a first down in the fourth quarter, permitted 15 total yards on 14 plays and had three takeaways (two fumbles and an interception).

A graduate transfer from Stephen F. Austin, Evans recorded 110 tackles, four interceptions and seven pass break-ups in 41 career games for the Lumberjacks. He started all 11 games at cornerback in 2022 and ranked fourth on the team with a career-best 40 tackles (26 solos, 14 assists), with 3.5 resulting in losses (13 yards) including 1.5 sacks (10 yards). He recorded two interceptions (21 yards) and three pass break-ups. He also was credited with three quarterback hurries.

WARE DISRUPTIVE UP FRONT –
Defensive lineman Jaylan Ware is fourth on the ULM roster with 36 tackles (11 solos, 25 assists), with 4.5 tackles for loss for 7 yards and one fumble recovery through the first seven games of the season. Last Saturday, Ware totaled five tackles (2 solos, 3 assists) with half a tackle for a loss of 1 yard at Georgia Southern.

The 6-foot-0, 285-pound Ware had five tackles (2 solos, 3 assists) and half a tackle for loss on Oct. 14 at Texas State. He tallied four tackles (1 solo, 3 assists) with half a tackle for loss for 1 yard against South Alabama. He made seven stops (1 solo, 6 assists) against App State, including a half tackle for loss.

He picked up nine tackles (3 solos, 6 assists), 1.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble in his first career start for ULM on Sept. 2 against Army. His fumble recovery in the first quarter ended Army's first trip into the Warhawk red zone.

Ware was rated among Mississippi's Top 50 JUCO prospects by 247Sports (No. 46) at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi, in 2022. He was a three-time All-MACCC South First-Team selection and a two-time NJCAA All-Region 23 pick. His JUCO career totals included 86 tackles, with 19.5 for losses including 4.5 sacks. He ranked second on the Eagles in tackles (37: 14 solos, 23 assists) and tackles for loss (11.5 for 49 yards) as a third-year sophomore in 2022.

HUNTINGTON BECOMES FORCE UP FRONT –
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington ranks fifth on the Warhawks with 35 tackles (11 solos, 24 assists) while adding five tackles for loss for 31 yards, 4.5 sacks for 30 yards, a pass break up, a forced fumble and two quarterback hurries. He has totaled four sacks and a forced fumble over the last two games. He ranks fifth in the Sun Belt Conference and 41st in NCAA FBS with his 4.5 sacks.

Last Saturday at Georgia Southern, Huntington had four tackles (3 solos, 1 assist) while picking up two sacks for 14 yards and forced a fumble in the fourth quarter.

On Oct. 14 at Texas State, Huntington totaled six tackles (2 solos, 4 assists) and posted two sacks for 13 yards, both coming in the third quarter. Huntington's first sack forced a Bobcat punt, while his second sack ended a Texas State drive on a fourth-down conversion attempt.

Huntington recorded a career-best 14 tackles (2 solos, 12 assists), with one resulting in a loss (4 yards) including a half sack for 3 yards, as ULM improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2018 with a 24-14 win over Lamar on Sept. 9. For his effort, Huntington was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Defensive Player of the Week. The Warhawk defense produced seven tackles for loss (34 yards), including four sacks (25 yards), and forced two turnovers (both interceptions).

Huntington, a junior transfer from Kent State, emerged from spring practice as the top candidate to replace two-year starter Caleb Thomas at defensive tackle. He was a preseason All-Sun Belt Fourth-Team selection by Phil Steele. His explosiveness and athleticism were on full display during ULM's summer conditioning program, posting personal bests of 665 pounds in the squat, 435 on the bench, 4.72 in the 40 as well as a 38-inch vertical jump. He recorded 45 tackles (24 solos, 21 assists) over the last three seasons at Kent State (22 career games), with eight resulting in losses (42 yards) including three sacks (27 yards).

SNYDER EMERGES AS PLAYMAKER ON D-LINE IN 2022 –  
Defensive end Kenard Snyder, who led ULM in tackles for loss (10 for 22 yards) and ranked third overall in tackles with 61 (36 solos, 25 assists), was selected honorable mention Freshman All-American by College Football News in 2022. The 6-1, 257-pound Snyder averaged 6.3 tackles over the last eight games since entering the starting lineup. He received preseason All-Sun Belt honors from Lindy's (second team) and Phil Steel (fourth team).

Snyder is tied for fifth on the team with 35 tackles (10 solos and 25 assists) with five tackles for loss for 22 yards and two sacks for 16 yards, a pass breakup, a quaterback hurry and two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery through the first seven games in 2023. He had three tackles (2 solos and 1 assist), including a sack for a loss of 13 yards, a forced fumble and fumble recovery last Saturday at Georgia Southern. He had a season-high nine tackles (5 solos, 4 assists) with 2.5 tackles for loss for 5 yards on Oct. 14 at Texas State. He produced eight stops (1 solo, 7 assists), including a 3-yard sack, against App State. Snyder had five tackles (1 solo, 4 assists) and a quarterback hurry against Army.

GLASS COMING UP BIG AT LINEBACKER –
Linebacker Carl Glass has totaled 34 tackles (14 solos, 20 assists) while adding three tackles for loss for 14 yards, 1.5 sacks for 9 yards, a quarterback hurry and is tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles in 2023.

The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Glass tied for the team lead with six tackles (2 solos, 4 assists) and half a tackle for loss for one yard last Saturday at Georgia Southern. He contributed four tackles (2 solos, 2 assists) with one tackle for loss for 4 yards on Oct. 14 at Texas State. He had six stops (1 solo, 5 assists) against App State. He posted 1.5 sacks for 9 yards among his seven tackles (6 solos, 1 assist) at Texas A&M. Glass forced a fumble on his first sack of the day, but the Aggies recovered the football. He combined with Tristan Driggers for the second sack during the second half.

Glass, a Monroe native who played at Ouachita Parish High School, played his freshman season at Harding before transferring to ULM as a walk-on in 2022. He earned a scholarship during fall camp, and Coach Terry Bowden called Glass "the biggest surprise" during spring practice in 2022. He had 23 tackles (11 solos, 12 assists) while playing in all 12 games in 2022.

BIG PLAY VIGERS STRIKES AGAIN –
Car'lin Vigers continues to make big plays for ULM on defense and special teams. On Sept. 9 against Lamar, the senior defensive back had six tackles, all assists, and blocked a Cardinal punt in the second quarter, which was recovered by Tristan Driggers for a touchdown, extending ULM's lead to two scores.

He made one of the biggest plays of opening night when he forced and recovered the fumble by Army's Ay'juan Marshall at the Black Knight 45-yard line with 4:48 remaining, setting up ULM's go-ahead touchdown drive on Sept. 2. He had one tackle to go with his forced fumble and recovery.

He has played in six of the first seven games of 2023, racking up 34 tackles (19 solos, 15 assists) with one pass break up, a forced fumble, fumble recovery and a blocked kick.

Vigers, who started the last three games of the 2022 season at free safety, ranked eighth on the team in tackles with 39 (25 solos, 14 assists). The 6-2, 198-pound Vigers displayed a knack for delivering big plays when the game was on the line. He dropped Jamari Thrash 2 yards shy of a first down on a fourth-and-12 play in the closing seconds to secure ULM's 31-28 win at Georgia State that ended a 19-game road losing streak and came up with a fourth-quarter interception in the Warhawks' 21-17 victory over the Ragin' Cajuns in the Sun Belt Conference opener. Vigers, who has transitioned back to his normal position of cornerback, was named to preseason All-Sun Belt Third Team by Pro Football Focus.

WATTS DISRUPTIVE IN PASSING GAME –
Senior AJ Watts is tied with three other players for the Sun Belt Conference lead with 1.14 passes defended per game, registering six pass break ups and two interceptions for 33 return yards through the first seven games of the season. He came up with an interception in the season opener against Army and added another against App State. He also recovered a fumble against the Mountaineers, which was forced by Max Harris. Last Saturday at Georgia Southern, Watts had four tackes (all solos) and one pass break up.

Watts sat out the 2022 season after transferring from Akron. He played in 27 games over three seasons for the Zips, totaling 94 tackles (68 solos, 26 assists) with 2.5 tackles for loss for 7 yards, 11 passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His brother, Antwone, is also a safety on the ULM football roster.

GOFFNEY HAS BIG GAME AGAINST FORMER TEAM –
Playing against his former team, graduate student Austin Goffney intercepted a pass at the goal line and returned it 30 yards, off a fake field-goal attempt by Lamar in the first quarter, and recorded four tackles. Thanks to his interception, Goffney was named Louisiana Sports Writers Association Special Teams Player of the Week. Goffney played for the Cardinals in 2021-22, and previously played at Abilene Christian.

Goffney has recorded 20 tackles (4 solos, 16 assists) over six contests in 2023. He did not play on Oct. 14 at Texas State.

He played two seasons at Lamar after transfering from Abilene Christian. Goffney recorded 47 total tackles (27 solos, 20 assists) in 23 career games for the Cardinals and Wildcats, including 2.5 for losses, two interceptions and two pass break-ups.

WARHAWKS ADD FOUR NEW ASSISTANT COACHES IN 2023 –
ULM's coaching staff features four new faces in 2023, including assistant head coach/running backs coach Broderick Fobbs, special teams coordinator Jason Rollins, defensive line coach Cody Grice and tight ends coach Davis Lewandowski. Both Fobbs (Grambling, 2014-21) and Rollins (Southern University, interim 2021) previously served as HBCU head coaches.

2023 ULM SCHEDULE FEATURES SIX HOME GAMES –
ULM's 12-game football schedule features six home games for the third time in the last five seasons (previously in 2019 and 2021). Overall, it marks just the sixth time that the Warhawks have played a six-game home schedule in Malone Stadium since joining the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A).

The Warhawks' 2023 opponents went a combined 74-76 (.493) last season, with six opponents posting .500 or better records, including two teams that posted double-digit win totals, in South Alabama (10-3) and Troy (12-2). In addition, six foes also participated in postseason bowl games a year ago, South Alabama (New Orleans Bowl), Georgia Southern (Camellia Bowl), Southern Miss (LendingTree Bowl), Troy (Cure Bowl), Ole Miss (Texas Bowl) and the Ragin' Cajuns (Independence Bowl).

A closer look at the schedule reveals that ULM will play four of its first five games in Malone Stadium before hitting the road for five of its last seven contests.

Terry Bowden says "November is for contenders," and ULM closes out the 2023 regular season by facing four consecutive bowl participants, in Southern Miss, Troy, Ole Miss and the Ragin' Cajuns. The Warhawks' November opponents produced a combined worksheet of 33-20 (.622) in 2022.

BOWDEN CELEBRATES TEAM ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS – 
The ULM football team completed the 2023 spring semester with a cumulative grade-point average of 2.881 – its highest total since at least 2015.  

In addition, 54 members of the Warhawk football team posted at least a 3.0 GPA during the spring semester, with 11 student-athletes featured on the President's List (3.9-4.0 semester GPA) and another 12 named to the Dean's List (3.5-3.89 semester GPA). Ten of the 23 student-athletes mentioned on the President's and Dean's Lists graduated from Ouachita Parish high schools. The ULM football team finished the spring semester with a combined 2.79 GPA, an improvement of +0.04 from the fall semester. 

Seven football student-athletes participated in ULM's 2023 spring commencement ceremonies, including Tyrese Black (bachelor's degree in general studies), Seth Mason (bachelor's degree in secondary education & teaching), Garrett Kahmann (bachelor's degree in finance), Zack Martin (bachelor's degree in business administration), Sam Plants (bachelor's degree in computer information systems), Tralon Thomas (master's degree in business administration) and Jabari Johnson (master's degree in exercise science). 

"Our student-athletes compete in a sport where success is defined by wins and losses," ULM head football coach Terry Bowden said. "These academic successes are wins too — wins in the playbook of life — and should be celebrated just like the triumphs on fall Saturdays. I congratulate our student-athletes, who have embraced the Warhawk Way and committed themselves to pursuing excellence in the classroom and the community just like they do on the practice field and in the stadium." 

Bowden also acknowledged the work of Director of Student-Athlete Success Carmen Wright and her staff, especially senior athletic academic counselor Oliver Jackson and athletic academic counselor Karlin Walmsley. 

"Carmen, OJ and Karlin deserve a great deal of credit for the performance of our student-athletes in the classroom," Bowden said. "Not all student-athletes learn in the same way and at the same pace, and our academic support staff does an incredible job of developing plans tailored to meet their individual needs. Our student-athletes are more than just student ID numbers to Carmen, OJ and Karlin. Our academic support staff is truly invested in each of our student-athletes, and I salute them for their commitment to encouraging our student-athletes to pursue excellence in the classroom.  

"A degree from ULM sets up our student-athletes for success long after their competitive careers are over. Our Warhawk Way motto is to develop 'first-class men and world-class leaders,' and as ULM President Dr. Ron Berry professes, we're all here to 'change lives on the bayou.'"  

In April, graduate linebacker Zack Woodard was named to the 2023 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society. Woodard, who earned All-Sun Belt honorable mention after leading the team in tackles with 77 last season, received his Master in Business Administration from ULM in December 2022 while posting a 3.8 GPA as a graduate student. NFF Hampshire Honor Society members must be in their final year of eligibility, have attained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale) and be a starter or significant contributor throughout the 2022 season.

BOWDEN: WINNINGEST FAMILY IN NCAA DIVISION I FOOTBALL HISTORY –  
The late Bobby Bowden (377 career victories) and his sons, Terry (185) and Tommy (90), have combined for 652 wins – the most by any family in NCAA Division I football history. With ULM's 31-28 win at Georgia State on Nov. 12, 2022, the Bowden coaching family reached another milestone with 650 combined career victories. Bobby and Terry became the first father-son combo to serve as head coaches at the NCAA Division I level at the same time while Bobby and Tommy became the first father-son combo ever to coach against each other as head coaches. In a feat likely never to be duplicated, all three Bowden coaches went undefeated and were named National Coach of the Year in the same decade (1990s: Terry, Auburn, 1993; Tommy, Tulane, 1998; and Bobby, Florida State, 1999).