News Summary
Newberry College football coach Todd Knight has secured a contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2031 season, marking his 17th year as head coach. With just four more wins needed for a milestone of 100 victories at Newberry, the Wolves aim to reclaim their standing in the South Atlantic Conference after a challenging previous season. The team has bolstered its roster with new talent, including several high-profile transfers, as they prepare for their upcoming season set to begin against UVA Wise.
Newberry, South Carolina – Newberry College football coach Todd Knight has received a contract extension that will keep him on board through the 2031 season. This contract extends Knight’s impressive tenure as head coach, now entering his 17th season at the helm and a total of 23 years on the coaching staff at Newberry.
As Knight approaches a significant career milestone, he currently requires just four more victories to achieve 100 wins at Newberry. The Wolves’ focus for the upcoming season is to bounce back into contention for the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) championship, a title Newberry last claimed in 2021 and 2022. After a tough 2024 season in which they ended with a 3-7 overall record and a 3-5 mark in the SAC, the team is eager to improve.
In preparation for the 2025 season, Newberry has brought in a wave of new talent, with 53 incoming freshmen and eight mid-year transfers joining the program. This roster change aims to enhance their performance as they look to improve their standing in the SAC, where coaches have predicted the Wolves will finish seventh in the conference this season.
Despite the team’s recent challenges, Knight has expressed optimism about the squad’s dynamics. He has noted a favorable atmosphere in the locker room, speaking to the strong chemistry built among players during this offseason—one of the best he has observed in recent years.
The Wolves will open their 2025 season on September 6 against UVA Wise. Newberry’s recruitment efforts have been notable, with high-profile transfers like receiver De’Andre Coleman and defensive back Quan Peterson from Coastal Carolina, quarterback Mason Kidd from South Carolina State, and wide receiver Avery McFadden from Georgia State joining the ranks. The incoming freshman class boasts several standout athletes from local high schools, including tight end Joseph Albritton, defensive back Matthew Blocker, and offensive lineman Ryan Love.
A highly competitive quarterback position will see Reed Charpia, from Brookland-Cayce High, contesting with former Irmo quarterback Izayah Whiteside for the starting role. Veteran linebacker Devron Williams, who led the team in tackles last season, is set to be a cornerstone of the Wolves’ defense, while teammate Jalen Stradford, who appeared in every game last season, will also contribute significantly to the defense’s efforts.
Newberry will face a challenging schedule, with tough matchups against teams such as Lenoir-Rhyne, Wingate, and Mars Hill. Looking to recover from consecutive losing seasons, the coaching staff is placing a major emphasis on achieving consistency at the quarterback position. Following the graduation of key defensive players like Luke Taylor, Colby Taylor, and Chucky Roach, along with the need to rebuild running back depth after losing Trakell Murray, the team is focused on bolstering their lineup.
This season will also see the addition of former player Deshun Kitchens, who has been hired as the tight ends and H-backs coach for 2025. However, this year has already been marked by tragedy; Mycheal Edwards-Wallace, an incoming freshman player, was killed in a shooting incident at an apartment complex in Kingstree, leaving a significant impact on Knight and the wider school community.
With these changes and challenges ahead, the Newberry Wolves are set to take on a new season striving for a turnaround amidst a largely revamped roster and a focus on consistency and teamwork.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Newberry Observer
- On3 Sports
- WACH News
- Wikipedia: Newberry College
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newberry College
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