Chris Hatcher talks with the media at the 2021 SoCon Football Media Day.
Photo by: Todd Drexler/SESPORTSMEDIA.com
Hatcher Speaks At SoCon Media Day
7.27.21 | Football
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Samford head football coach Chris Hatcher spoke with the media Monday at the annual Southern Conference Media Day held at the Biltmore Estate.
All nine head coaches met with media members from across the region, previewing the upcoming 2021 fall season. Samford was picked to finish second in the league by the coaches, and the Bulldogs tied for third in the media's poll.
Nine total Samford players were named to the two preseason All-SoCon teams. Liam Welch was named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He was joined on the first team by offensive lineman Gavin Orr, wide receiver Ty King, defensive lineman Armond Lloyd, defensive back Chris Edmonds and return specialist Montrell Washington. Samford's second team members were tight end Michael Vice, wide receiver A.J. Toney and linebacker Trimarcus Cheeks.
"Liam is a great leader for our team and a great success story," Hatcher said. "He had to back up Devlin Hodges for three seasons, then split time with Chris Oladokun, and really took advantage of the spring season. He's a guy that didn't leave, he just hung in there. He's a Samford Bulldog man. He had a tremendous year, being the Southern Conference Player of the Year. Whatever success comes his way, he's earned it and is very deserving of it."
During the spring season, the Samford offense led the Southern Conference in scoring offense (40.3 ppg.), total offense (513.9 ypg.), passing offense (353.1 ypg.) and pass efficiency (148.1). Hatcher pointed out that Welch had a lot of help around him on the offense last season.
"We have a lot of playmakers around him." Hatcher said. "Our offensive line played extremely well, and we ran the ball very efficiently last year."
On the other side of the ball, the Bulldog defense led the league in opponent third-down conversions (31.0%) and turnovers caused (18). Hatcher said he was pleased with the progress the defense made throughout the spring season.
"We're an up-tempo offense, that means we have to play more people, do more rotations on the defensive side of the ball," Hatcher said. "It took us a little while to get to playing complimentary football. About midway through the spring we figured that out and had two huge wins, one on the road versus The Citadel and one versus Mercer."
Samford will open the 2021 season by hosting Tennessee Tech on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Seibert Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the following link: PURCHASE TICKETS.
All nine head coaches met with media members from across the region, previewing the upcoming 2021 fall season. Samford was picked to finish second in the league by the coaches, and the Bulldogs tied for third in the media's poll.
Nine total Samford players were named to the two preseason All-SoCon teams. Liam Welch was named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year. He was joined on the first team by offensive lineman Gavin Orr, wide receiver Ty King, defensive lineman Armond Lloyd, defensive back Chris Edmonds and return specialist Montrell Washington. Samford's second team members were tight end Michael Vice, wide receiver A.J. Toney and linebacker Trimarcus Cheeks.
"Liam is a great leader for our team and a great success story," Hatcher said. "He had to back up Devlin Hodges for three seasons, then split time with Chris Oladokun, and really took advantage of the spring season. He's a guy that didn't leave, he just hung in there. He's a Samford Bulldog man. He had a tremendous year, being the Southern Conference Player of the Year. Whatever success comes his way, he's earned it and is very deserving of it."
During the spring season, the Samford offense led the Southern Conference in scoring offense (40.3 ppg.), total offense (513.9 ypg.), passing offense (353.1 ypg.) and pass efficiency (148.1). Hatcher pointed out that Welch had a lot of help around him on the offense last season.
"We have a lot of playmakers around him." Hatcher said. "Our offensive line played extremely well, and we ran the ball very efficiently last year."
On the other side of the ball, the Bulldog defense led the league in opponent third-down conversions (31.0%) and turnovers caused (18). Hatcher said he was pleased with the progress the defense made throughout the spring season.
"We're an up-tempo offense, that means we have to play more people, do more rotations on the defensive side of the ball," Hatcher said. "It took us a little while to get to playing complimentary football. About midway through the spring we figured that out and had two huge wins, one on the road versus The Citadel and one versus Mercer."
Samford will open the 2021 season by hosting Tennessee Tech on Thursday, Sept. 2 at Seibert Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the following link: PURCHASE TICKETS.
Players Mentioned
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