In an era when many college football programs keep spring practices tightly guarded, Western Carolina has taken a different approach—welcoming fans, students and, plausibly, even opposing scouts to see how the 2025 Catamounts are being built.
With regular updates and detailed scrimmage breakdowns coming from the school’s official website – and a public spring game set for Saturday at noon – the message from Cullowhee is clear: there’s nothing to hide when you’re chasing a Southern Conference championship.
Western Carolina has never won the league since joining in 1976 and hasn’t reached the FCS playoffs since 1983. But momentum continues to build after a 7-5 season that saw the Catamounts finish second in the SoCon at 6-2.
Fifth-year head coach Kerwin Bell, extended through 2028, returns both coordinators—Rylan Wells on offense and Jerry Odom on defense—and believes the program is primed to take the next step.
“Other than some injuries that kept us from getting a look at some guys, it’s been good,” Bell said this week of his squad’s spring drills. “We’ve found some guys that we think can help us next year with depth – and maybe some starters. I think we’re going to be a really physical football team on both sides of the line of scrimmage.”
Letting Fans In, Not Locking Them Out
Every practice this spring has been open to the public—no need for binoculars over fences or secret practice fields. Practice and scrimmage coverage, spearheaded by longtime WCU sports information director Daniel Hooker, has given fans unique access to the development of the team (read his full reports here).
From daily drills to red-zone reps and position battles, WCU has posted specific updates after multiple sessions—something no other program in the state has matched this spring.
The final chapter comes Saturday at Noon, when the Catamounts take the field for their annual Spring Game at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field. Rosters will be split between a Purple and White team, with reps shared across the roster.
🚨𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐭🚨#NoExcuses » #LOTE pic.twitter.com/0pLPMSJcru — Western Carolina Football (@CatamountsFB) April 4, 2025
QB Development After Gonzales’ Departure
The loss of starting quarterback Cole Gonzales to Oklahoma could have left a crater at the position. Instead, it has created competition. Four quarterbacks—Taron Dickens, Bennett Judy, Isaac Lee, and early enrollee Jordan Martin-Durham—have shared reps all spring.
All have found success. Dickens, who started multiple games a year ago when Gonzales suffered an injury, hit De’Andre Tamarez, James Tyre and Malik Knight for scores this week, while Martin-Durham connected with Knight, Tyre, and tight end Bode Burns, per Hooker’s post-practice posts. Judy found Jai Boyd for a touchdown, and Lee tossed two scores to Chad Turner.
Plenty of Playmakers at the Skill Spots
WCU returns a deep group of playmakers, including wideouts De’Andre Tamarez, Malik Knight, AJ Colombo, Jai Boyd and Isaiah Johnson, all of whom have factored into spring scrimmages.
In the backfield, Patrick Boyd Jr., Corey Reddick, and Camury Reid—a SoCon All-Freshman pick in 2023—have shouldered most of the rushing load.
Bigger, More Physical and Deeper Up Front
The theme of spring has been physicality—something Bell wants to see more of in 2025.
“I think we’re going to be a really physical football team on both sides of the line of scrimmage,” he said this week.
WCU lost multiple linemen to the transfer portal but added players, too, with Ilija Krajnovic (Boston College), La’Charles Taylor (North Alabama), Vito Moriana-Sigel (Mississippi Valley State), and Renard Smith (Pikeville) joining the fold. They join a solid group of returners in Zach Watson, Brett Gray and Steven Hamby.
Defense Fast and Opportunistic
The Catamount defense has stood out during spring scrimmages, producing multiple interceptions and fumble recoveries.
Armond Anderson, Hasaan Sykes and Zayveon Wells have all come up with picks in recent sessions. Ja’morri Downing forced a fumble, and Blue Monroe recovered one. The secondary, led by veterans Ken Moore Jr., Samaurie Dukes, and Ed Jones IV, looks confident entering year two under defensive coordinator Jerry Odom.
Newcomers like Cam’Ron Dabney (Northern Illinois), Jahleel Anderson (Alcorn State) and Jordan Thompson (Middle Tennessee) have added depth and competition at key spots.
A Fun Finish Ahead of a Big Fall
Saturday’s Spring Game marks another step forward for a program on the rise. Bell has emphasized enjoying the moment while building for the season ahead.
“We’re a better football team here this week than we were to start this (spring), and that’s great to know,” said Bell. “Let’s go have fun, let’s see guys make some plays, and enjoy playing the game of football.
We ranked North Carolina’s seven FCS teams in our “Way Too Early” power rankings, published last month. Read why we picked Western Carolina as the state’s top FCS team here.
Check out Western Carolina’s 2025 schedule breakdown here.
