BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Samford Athletics is continuing the Student-Athlete Spotlight series, presented by Coca-Cola, which this week, will feature quarterback Liam Welch.
 
Welch and the Samford football team recently wrapped up an unusual spring football season, due to COVID-19. The Bulldogs finished with a 4-3 record, playing seven of the originally scheduled eight games. The team wrapped up its season with an impressive 44-20 win over 23^rd-ranked Mercer last Saturday. Welch gave his thoughts on the season.
 
"In the beginning of the season, I think we were just happy enough to be playing some games," Welch said. "It hurt to be canceled in the fall, but Coach (Chris) Hatcher telling us that Samford was still trying to hang on, still trying to get those games in was good to hear. And then when we knew that we were going to suite up in the spring, we were ready to go, we were all-in. On offense and defense, we were just having fun, and we were just happy to be out there."
 
Welch talked a little about what he thought about playing football in the spring as opposed to the normal fall schedule.
 
"When we were preparing for the spring, it was freezing cold, every single day at practice," Welch said. "I'm not going to lie, I was thinking, 'this is ridiculous, I can't even warm up correctly.' But, I actually ended up liking it a lot more, honestly. It got warmer throughout the season, and this last game against Mercer, it was beautiful."
 
Welch had a breakout season, individually. He led the Southern Conference in touchdowns, passing yards, total offense, passing yards per game and total offense per game. Welch talked about his season individually.
 
"I'm very critical of my own play," Welch said. "Coach Hatcher will tell you sometimes I'm my own worst enemy. When he and I went back and watched the film each week, I always thought I could do better. I never want to pat myself on the back or think I played a great game because I always know that if we didn't score this one drive or we didn't win, I think it's on me. I was really happy with the way the offense finished, but I think there is room for improvement, for sure."
 
Since the season concluded, Welch had received a few accolades. He was named one of 16 finalists for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the top offensive player in all of FCS football. He was also named first team All-SoCon, and the coaches named him the SoCon Offensive Player of the Year.
 
"I'm really thankful to be in the position I'm in," Welch said. "I thank God for giving me this opportunity. I hope I have represented Samford well."
 
The Bulldogs will have a quick turnaround to play a fall season, beginning in September.
 
"These are some waters we've never been in," Welch said. "It's just such a quick turnaround. I imagine that fall camp won't be as hard on us as it has been in the past, just in terms of getting ready for the season because it is such a quick turnaround. We just need to get healthy, for one, and then get our bodies ready."
 
Welch said some of the missed opportunities in the spring season will serve as motivation as the team heads into the fall. 
 
"We had a really good shot to go undefeated this year (spring), and our guys know that," Welch said. "It starts from the top down, Hatch is trying to get us going, because he is like, guys, that was ours to win. This coming fall season, we're going to have a chip on our shoulder."
 
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