Faulkner football is just hours away from the much-anticipated kickoff to the 2023 season as it faces No. 10 Reinhardt in Waleska, Ga. tonight. The Eagles go in hunting for just the second win against Reinhardt in program history with the lone victory coming in overtime in 2014.
Rivalry history notwithstanding, Faulkner has plenty of optimism for the season to come. That outlook is anchored in large part by the veteran depth that defines the defense at every level.

DEFENSE
The line consists of guys who have played a lot of snaps including Chinconie Lewis, Jakai Stephens, Terry Brown and Darian Gulley. That quartet has 69 games played and 142 tackles, bringing no shortage of experience. Add in Myles Boyd, Trenton Spaller, Ezekiel Moore, and Marvin Payton and Faulkner feels as good about its defensive front as it has in a long time.
The linebacker group brings plenty of energy and experience in its own right, highlighted by 2022's leading tackler in Jerrell Williamson at the mac spot. Joining him in the middle of the Eagle defense are names like Payton, Tyland Simpson, Darrius Williams, Samaj Washington and Josh Taylor. Emmanuel Olaitan has also impressed with a strong camp and figures to see plenty of snaps.
The secondary returns All-MSC performer Jailen Clemons at corner opposite of camp standout Elliott Shorter. That pair gets relief from the talented tandem of Kordell King and Marcus Williams. The safety spots belong to Kylan Wimbish and Avian Morgan as well as freshmen Aaron Morrow and Le'Brandon Graham.

OFFENSE
While the offensive unit will have a mix of returners and new faces, everything starts up front. The Eagles' offensive line will be anchored veterans Phillip Jackson and Jarrett Browning at the tackles along with senior Jackson Oglesby at center. Nic Rigdon and Trace Wilbanks man the guard spots. Depth along the front comes from Christian Boyd, Or'Lando Lewis, Kristopher Groom and JR Golden. Garrett Orr and 6-6 freshman Clay Morrison will provide support at the tight end spot.
The receiver corps includes returning veterans T.J. Hall, Shaun Vincent, Malik Murray and Daimon Hitchcock. Jaydien Rutledge, Kedric Lackey, Josiah Scott and 6-7 transfer Tucker Marsh add playmaking ability on the edges.
The running back room welcomes back Styles Hughes whose season ended with a four-touchdown performance against Campbellsville that also saw him suffer an injury. Hughes will share the load with Timothy Cody and Jim Mays, giving the Eagles a trio that boasts a dynamic and diverse skillset.
Then there's the quarterback spot. The Eagles return last year's quarterback tandem of Raequan Beal and Ben Anderson, bringing experience and leadership to the spot. However, newcomer Nehemiah Broussard has dazzled at times during camp and figures to see plenty of snaps as well.

THE SCHEDULE
The slate isn't kind in the Mid-South Conference, keeping with the usual order of things. Faulkner plays three of its first four games on the road, not getting a home date until it hosts Receiving Votes Southeastern University at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 23. The non-conference tilts also feature No. 10 Reinhardt, giving the Eagles five opponents getting the attention of national poll voters to start the season. The others on that list are conference foes Lindsey Wilson (No. 9), Georgetown (No. 21) and Bethel (No. 8).