Wingate, N.C.----The Wingate University Bulldogs open the 2018 season Thursday night, hosting Johnson C. Smith in the first Thursday night game in Irwin Belk Stadium history at 7 p.m. on ESPN3. The Bulldogs are coming off a historic 2017 season, going 9-2 overall and 6-1 in the SAC to capture the second conference title in program history. Wingate also earned its second-ever NCAA Division II play-off bid last season, getting off to a program-best 9-0 start. The 'Dogs climbed to as high as 12th in the AFCA top 25, another high for the program.

"Our goal is to win the SAC every year," head coach Joe Reich says. "Our first goal is to win, to go 1-0 every week, then win the conference. Once we set the goal, we don't talk about it much. For us, preseason is about establishing process with the younger guys. Our veterans already know how we work, the effort we give and the toughness we bring. When the process and culture are correct, that's what will result in wins."

The Bulldogs were picked second in the preseason SAC poll after winning the title last year, with 10 players earning preseason all-conference recognition. "We never talk about preseason polls or preseason all-conference," Reich says. "We have so many other things to concern ourselves with. If guys get motivated by it, that's great, but it's not something most of us think about."

The Wingate players arrived on campus Friday, Aug. 3, then had the first preseason practice Monday, Aug. 6. "The guys came in in good shape physically, which is nice to see," Reich says. "We came in ready to go, stayed relatively injury-free, compared to past years, so we feel good about that. A big part of preseason is that a lot of guys have gotten a ton of reps, even with one practice a day, organizationally we've been good. We are building some depth and are very happy with that. The execution has been solid, but I think it needs to be better. Our mentality is always to get better during the year, we never want to peak in week one. So it was a very good preseason, but execution wise, there is room to improve."

POSITION BREAKDOWNS


QUARTERBACK

Redshirt freshman Shaw Crocker is the starter. "He really established himself coming out of spring and further cemented that with a really good preseason," Reich says. "We are fired up about him and think he'll be really good."

The Bulldogs have plenty of depth at quarterback this season. The backup will be another redshirt freshman in Jacob Satterfield. "Jacob had a good battle in the spring with Shaw," Reich says. "He has a lot of talent, a big arm and will continue to push and will be ready to go at any time."

Behind Crocker and Satterfield are a couple of transfers in junior Darquez Lee, a transfer from Southern University and junior Jordan Lane, transfer from Johnson C. Smith. "Darquez had a good preseason and has shown he has a live arm and has developed a good feel for the offense in a short time. He is accurate, has good decision-making and we expect him to compete down the road. Jordan may have the strongest arm on the team. He needs to clean up technique and decision-making, but he could be very good. Heath Barringer is also a capable back up. This is as deep as we've been at quarterback since I've been here."

WIDE RECEIVER / TIGHT END

The Bulldogs return plenty of experience at the wide receiver position. "Wide receiver is our most talented group coming back on offense," Reich says. "We've got some real playmakers. I wouldn't say there is one go-to-guy, but we do have a few really good guys to throw to."

Redshirt junior BJ Muckelvene leads the way. An All-American all-purpose player in 2017, Muckelvene led the team with 394 receiving yards to go along with four touchdowns. He also had a rushing touchdown and three punt return scores. "BJ is great with ball in his hands, runs great routes and has great feet," Reich says. "He has really established himself this preseason as one of our main go-to-guys."

Senior JT Stokes was elected a team captain this preseason. He was second on the team with 24 catches last year and third with 316 receiving yards, earning preseason All-SAC honors this year. "JT has a great combination of size and speed and is obviously a great leader," Reich says. "I'd like to see his production continue to grow this season."

Senior Malik Bledsoe had 20 catches for 240 yards and three touchdowns last year. "Malik is a big-body guy that we can throw to in traffic," Reich says. "He makes tough catches, gets good yards after contact and is just a big physical player."

Another key senior receiver is Bryan Mitchell, who collected 21 catches, 230 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2017. "Bryan established himself as a big-play guy for us last year," Reich says. "He has great feet, runs great routes and has good quickness. He is a tough matchup problem on the inside."

Adam Riley is the fourth senior who will play a crucial role amongst the receivers. He had six catches for 51 yards last year, while also compiling 44 kick return yards and 41 punt return yards. "Adam makes a good combo with Bryan Mitchell," Reich says. "They are similar in abilities. Adam is also a key returner."

Along with the top five returning receivers, some other players could also see some time this year. "There are a bunch of other guys vying for playing times, including a couple freshmen," Reich says. "We are looking forward to seeing how that plays out during the season."

The tight end position will be led by redshirt sophomore Mason Flynt. He appeared in every game last season, collecting three catches for 68 yards, including a 34-yard reception at Tusculum. "Mason has played a lot for us," Reich says. "He played a lot as Jake Jensen's backup in 2017 and was a starter through spring and camp. He is very athletic, tough and physical. He likes to mix it up and has a little more speed at the position than we had last year."

Wingate will also have some key depth at the tight end position, led by redshirt junior Wade Johnson, along with redshirt freshmen Ryder Martin, Matt Amos and Tyler Marchese. "We use a lot of tight ends, so when we go two tight ends can bring in Wade, who had a nice preseason camp," Reich says. "He's a very athletic tight end that can make some great catches. Ryder got a little banged up in camp, but he's a big 6-7 tight end and provides a great target. Matt got a lot of reps in the preseason and we're excited about his progress. We also know Tyler will be ready to go if needed."

RUNNING BACK / FULL BACK

The running back position will have a different look with the departure of all-conference backs Lawrence Pittman and Blake Hayes. Leading the charge this season will be junior Domineke McNeill, who saw time in four games last season, getting eight carries. He also had five kick returns for 29 yards. "We are excited to see what Domineke does as a main guy after being behind Lawrence and Blake for a couple years," Reich says. "He has great feet and great acceleration. He's also a little bigger than people think, so he's a strong, physical player and is also a good pass protector. He is a very well-rounded football player who can do a lot of things."

The backup running back spot goes to redshirt junior Ronnie Procopio, who had one carry and one catch last season. He saw plenty of time on special teams, finishing second on the squad with nine kick returns for 139 yards. "Ronnie has played a lot on special teams," Reich says. "He has great speed, he's one of the fastest guys on the team, so we are hoping to take advantage of that."

Behind McNeill and Procopio is a slew of younger guys vying for some playing time. "There are a number of guys after Domineke and Ronnie, including a couple of freshmen who we think can play and compete for us right now," Reich says.

Redshirt junior Daniel McRainey returns as the starting fullback this season. McRainey played a key role in helping the Bulldogs rank second in the SAC in rushing yardage last season, piling up 212.8 yards per contest. "We want our fullbacks to be tough guys and that's what Daniel is," Reich says. "He is a really smart individual and isn't afraid to mix it up out there. Billy Luzzi is the backup. He will play a lot of special teams for us and will be ready if called upon during the year."

OFFENSIVE LINE

Wingate has a pair of preseason All-SAC offensive linemen returning to a group that helped Wingate finish second in the league in rushing yards last year, while also allowing just 15 sacks in 10 regular season contests.

Preseason All-SAC redshirt senior Austin May is the starter at left tackle for the fourth straight year. "Austin is a multiple-year starter who provides good leadership and is just a good stable and dependable guy," Reich says.

Junior Connor Baroniunas is a preseason first team All-SAC selection after earning second team honors last season. One of the team captains, Baroniunas is the starter at right guard. "Connor is one of the hardest workers on our team, if not the hardest worker," Reich says. "He really gets after it. He is a great effort guy.

Redshirt junior Johnathon Black gets the start at left guard for the Bulldogs. "Johnathon missed last year with knee injury, but came back this year ready to go," Reich says. "He is a very physical, powerful guard."

Redshirt junior Bruce Dalton will be the starting right tackle for Wingate this year. "Bruce has had a really good preseason camp," Reich says. "He is solid in all areas and is very reliable."

Redshirt freshman Hunter Jolly gets the nod at center for the Bulldogs. "Hunter had a great spring, he really did some good things and earned job coming into preseason camp," Reich says. "He looks like a veteran."

The Bulldogs will also look to a couple of key players who will see plenty of time on the offensive line in redshirt freshman Xi Simpson and redshirt senior Grayson Johnson, the two main backups entering the year.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Another big strength for the Bulldogs this season will be the defensive line, led by a pair of all-conference selections.

The defensive end position has a pair of explosive players, led by preseason all-conference honoree Cardell Rawlings. The redshirt senior was third on the team with 39 tackles last year, finishing second with eight tackles for loss while leading the team with 4.5 sacks. He also had 13 QB hurries and two forced fumbles. "Cardell is one of our captains, a very athletic defensive end," Reich says. "He had another great camp. He's got a great motor and is a guy with a very strong desire."

The other defensive end is redshirt sophomore Louis Rogers, who had an impressive first year with the Bulldogs in 2017 with a team-best nine tackles for loss. He tied for the team lead with 13 QB hurries, while adding two sacks and a fumble recovery. "Louis is a very talented individual with a high ceiling," Reich says. "We are expecting a lot out of him."

Another key defensive end is redshirt junior Cal Hanford, who registered 31 tackles including four tackles for loss and three sacks in 2017, while also forcing a fumble and recovering a fumble. "We consider Cal a starter, he will play as much as the other guys," Reich says. "Those top three guys see majority of reps. Our fourth defensive end will come from a conglomeration of everyone else."

Leading the way at defensive tackle will be redshirt senior Auntrell Mack, who battled back after injuries to collect 46 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss and a sack in 2017. He is a preseason first team All-SAC selection. "We were excited to see Auntrell back last year after missing two years," Reich says. "He is one of smartest players we've ever had, with very sound technique."

Redshirt sophomore Jordon Anderson will start next to Mack on the defensive line this season. "Jordon is a great young man," Reich says. "He is a very talented hard worker. We are excited to see what he can do coming back from a shoulder injury."

After the two starting defensive tackles, Reich sees several other players contributing, including redshirt freshman Sirod Cook, redshirt sophomore Isaac Allen, redshirt junior Darion Barron and redshirt senior Chris Boykins.

LINEBACKER

Redshirt junior Robbie Wallace leads the way at the linebacker position. He piled up a SAC-best 104 tackles in 2017, adding 6.5 tackles for loss, six pass break-ups, four QB hurries, two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. He is a preseason first team all-conference selection. "Robbie is an experienced, physical talent," Reich says. "He gives great effort and has the whole package. He will keep getting better as the year goes on."

Junior Elijah Gilmore will play a huge role at the linebacker spot this year. He had 16 tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss in 2016, before missing the 2017 season due to injury. "Elijah returns after missing last year with knee injury," Reich says. "He is a very smart player, very physical, and we look forward to seeing him back after missing a year."

Redshirt junior Gabe Price appeared in nine games last season, collecting three tackles including 0.5 tackles for loss. "Gabe has taken the biggest strides of any linebacker," Reich says. "He has gone from part-time guy to being a major player on our defense.

The top two back-ups at linebacker will be senior Nick Vagnone and sophomore Jesiah Carlton. "Nick is a very heady player who really plays like a coach on the field," Reich says. "Jesiah is a young guy with a very high ceiling and lot of upside."

The Bulldogs will have several more players looking to see key time at linebacker, which is as deep as it has been in many years. Sophomore Kendrick Hicks, redshirt sophomores Savon Johnson and Noah Marsh, along with freshman Jaquan Edwards will provide the key depth at the position.

SECONDARY

A very experienced and talented group at the safety position starts with another team captain in Kam Johnson. The redshirt senior is a preseason second team All-SAC selection after registering 47 tackles last year, with five tackles for loss, two interceptions and two pass break-ups. "Kam is one of the most physical players I've been around," Reich says. "He only knows one speed, he is very tough and will always give great effort.

Redshirt senior Joe Kelly collected 36 tackles and five pass break-ups in 2017, adding an interception and forced fumble. "Joe is a great all-around player," Reich says. "He is a heady, smart football player who is very well-respected."

Redshirt senior Cameron Mattison appeared in just four games last season, missing the final seven games due to injury. He had two interceptions in his four games, notching a pick in each of the first two games of the season. "We are thrilled to get Cameron back after missing so much of last year with an injury," Reich says. " Besides his great physical talent, he's a great leader and is like a coach on the field."

Adding depth at the safety spot will be redshirt sophomore Antonio Booe and senior Cedric Jones.

Leading the way at cornerback will be redshirt sophomore Matthew Ellis-White. He had six pass break-ups and an interception last year while collecting 45 tackles on the season. "Matthew is a very solid corner," Reich says. "He is a reliable, fundamentally sound player.

Junior Davion Washington is the other starting corner. He had 31 tackles and three pass break-ups last year, adding an interception while seeing time at safety and cornerback for the Bulldogs. "Davion has played both positions very well for us and really looks the part out there," Reich says. "He has good size, good athleticism and can cover a lot of ground. He is a physical corner with great upside."

SPECIAL TEAMS

The punter position will once again be filled by Academic All-America honoree Chris Birozes. The preseason first team All-SAC selection did all of the punting for the 'Dogs last season, averaging 39.0 yards per punt, with four punts over 50 yards and 15 inside the 20. Birozes will also handle the holding duties. "Chris is just in a different dimension as a punter for us," Reich says. "He is a really good directional punter, has good hang time and is cool under pressure. He is a great leader for the younger guys in the group."

Sophomore Tucker Mullis is a preseason All-SAC long snapper. "Tucker had a great camp," Reich says. "He has been solid through the preseason and is very consistent."

Sophomore McLean Robertson will handle the kicking duties for the Bulldogs. "McLean won the job in the preseason camp," Reich says. "He has a tremendous leg with great range."

Battling for the place-kicking and kick-off duty is redshirt freshman Alex Virgilio, who will serve as the back-up placekicker with the kick-off duties rotating between the two.

Muckelvene is one of the nation's most dangerous punt returners, with 356 return yards in 15 attempts last season. He had touchdown returns of 73, 63 and 85 yards, earning All-American accolades. "When BJ gets it in his hands in the open field, everyone gets excited, Reich says. "Guys go harder when he has it, which is great to see."

Muckelvene will also be a key kick returner, along with Riley, Procopio and freshman RaQuan Simmons.

The Bulldogs open the season with Johnson C. Smith for the fourth straight year, hosting the Golden Bulls Thursday night at 7 p.m. on ESPN3. It is the first of seven home games for Wingate, who plays four of its first five games at home in 2018. The Bulldogs travel to Carson-Newman in week three to take on preseason SAC favorites Carson-Newman. The first conference home game is Sept. 22 against Lenoir-Rhyne at 6 p.m. Homecoming will be Oct. 20, when the 'Dogs face Mars Hill at 6 p.m.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
A comprehensive, independent and growing university, Wingate serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina. Founded in 1896, the University offers 37 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional programs. Wingate is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. Wingate blends in-class exploration with out-of-class application to deliver an uncommon and life-changing educational experience.
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past 12 years. Wingate is first in the 2000s among NCAA Division II and North Carolina's colleges and universities with 105 CoSIDA Academic All-America® selections. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 114 lifetime Academic All-America® honorees. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com. Current news and videos can be found at www.wingate.edu.