Oct. 9, 2006

Senior center Graham Lemmond came to Samford in 2004 as a defensive lineman. He had no experience playing center.

However, after a season that saw Lemmond register three tackles in three games as a defensive lineman, he was moved to center. Brad Baker, who had served as Samford's starting center for the previous four seasons, graduated making Lemmond's move necessary.

"It was definitely a tough transition because I had never played center except for maybe early in youth league," Lemmond said. "Having to take charge of the offensive line, make the calls I have to make and snapping the ball, it was definitely a difficult transition. But, once I got it, it was a dream position for me to play."

Lemmond adjusted well to his new position and, coming into today's game against Eastern Kentucky, has started the last 16 games at center for the Bulldogs.

Head coach Bill Gray said Lemmond has turned into the leader of the Samford offensive line.

"Graham transferred here a couple of years ago and is playing a position he had never played before coming here," Gray said. "He is in his second year at center, and is definitely the leader of our offensive line."

Prior to the 2006 season, the Samford coaches were impressed with the improvement Lemmond showed during the spring.

"What we got out of Graham this spring, compared to what we got out of him last spring, is just night and day different," Gray said prior to the season.

As a senior, Lemmond leads an offensive line that ranks third in the Ohio Valley Conference in sacks allowed through the first four games of the season. In those first four games, the Bulldogs have allowed just three sacks.

Lemmond said playing football is something he always knew he wanted to do, even as a small child.

"I just always remember watching college football, when I was about eight years old. It was just awesome, it was my favorite thing to watch," Lemmond said. "I told my dad that was what I wanted to do, and he got me into playing football, and it has been that way ever since."

Lemmond played at Hayden High School in nearby Hayden, Ala. He was named his team's Most Valuable Player as a senior. He was also named to the All-Area, All-North Jefferson, All-Blount County and Birmingham All-Metro teams as a senior.

Lemmond said his goal in high school was always to play Division I college football.

"It was definitely a goal I had throughout high school," Lemmond said. "I was determined that, one way or another, I was going to play college football."

At Samford, Lemmond has established himself as one of the team's leaders, and he was voted one of the team's four captains, along with fellow seniors Josh Brennard, T.C. Myers and Freddy Young prior to the season.

"Being named captain is a huge honor," Lemmond said. "It lets me know that my teammates are behind me, and it lets me know that they look up to me."

Lemmond added that, along with being an honor, there is also some responsibility that comes with being one of the team's captains.

"It is also a huge responsibility," Lemmond said. "You can never let your guard down, because you always have eyes watching you."

When asked about his goals for his final season in a Samford uniform, Lemmond said he had more team goals than individual goals.

"Ultimately, I would like to win a conference championship," Lemmond said. "Having a winning season is also a big goal for me, I've only had one winning season in my varsity career in football, all through high school up to now. As for conference honors, that would be nice, but my goals are all team-oriented."

As for his plans for after his time at Samford is through, Lemmond said he is open to whatever God has planned.

"Hopefully, I can get a job in advertising, but if not, whatever God leads me to," Lemmond said.