News Summary
With the arrival of spring, the Newberry College Wolves football team is set to commence its much-anticipated spring practice on March 24. Following challenging seasons, the team is focused on making a significant turnaround. Key battles, especially for the quarterback position, will be pivotal as they prepare for the spring game on April 26. Fans can look forward to watching the Wolves overcome past setbacks as they prepare for their upcoming season opener against Valdosta State on September 7.
Newberry, Get Ready for an Exciting Spring Season!
As spring blossoms in Newberry, the local Newberry College Wolves football team is gearing up to hit the field for their much-anticipated spring practice. The excitement kicks off officially on March 24, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation!
Mark Your Calendars!
And don’t forget to save the date for the spring game on April 26 at noon. It’s a great opportunity to see the team in action as they gear up for what many hope to be a significant turnaround from the previous seasons.
A Journey of Resilience
The Wolves are shaking off the dust of back-to-back losing seasons, including a challenging 3-7 record in 2024. However, despite these setbacks, the team has shown incredible competitiveness within the South Atlantic Conference. Who could forget the heart-wrenching homecoming loss to Limestone that derailed their season? It’s moments like these that make the coaching staff and players even more determined to rise again.
The Quarterback Puzzle
One of the biggest focuses during this spring practice will undoubtedly be the battle for the quarterback position. The Wolves have struggled to find a consistent playmaker at this crucial role for the past couple of seasons. Fans will want to keep a close eye to see who rises to the occasion and possibly leads the team to a brighter future.
Defensive Adjustments
The defensive front seven will also see some changes, as the team bids farewell to standout players like Luke Taylor, Colby Taylor, and Chucky Roach, each contributing over 40 tackles in the last season. Colby Taylor was a star, leading the Wolves in sacks (7) and tackles for loss (14.5), so filling these gaps will be crucial for the upcoming season.
Running Back Lineup Shift
On the offensive side, the Wolves face a shift in their running back depth as Trakell Murray departs. Murray had a challenging season in 2024 with only 171 rushing yards on 45 carries after notably rushing for 537 yards and four touchdowns the year prior. Newberry College will need to strategize effectively to compensate for this loss and develop new talent in the running back position.
Welcome to the Coaching Staff!
Excitingly, the coaching staff has expanded with the addition of former Newberry player Deshun Kitchings. He is stepping in to coach the tight ends and H-backs for the 2025 season, replacing Dre Harris, who has returned to his professional football career in Germany. Kitchings, who played for Newberry from 2018 to 2022, was one of the school’s star playmakers and has a fantastic track record to bring to the team.
Impressive Stats & Coaching Experience
With an impressive college career, Kitchings recorded 103 receptions for 1,773 yards and 9 touchdowns. He ranks eighth in Newberry’s career receiving yards, making him a prominent figure in the history of the program. Not to mention, his experience as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Chicago Bears and stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2023 preseason adds to his impressive resume.
Looking Ahead
Not only did Kitchings contribute to back-to-back South Atlantic Conference championships in 2021 and 2022, but he was also known for his explosive kick returns, averaging 31.2 yards each time. His return will bring a fresh and experienced perspective to the coaching team, surely inspiring the upcoming generation of Wolves!
Kickoff Season Approaches
As the team prepares for its season opener against Valdosta State on September 7 at 7 p.m., there is a tangible hopefulness in the air. Fans, students, and locals alike are all looking forward to coming together to support their beloved Wolves. Let’s cheer them on as they embark on this thrilling new chapter!
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Additional Resources
- Newberry Observer: Newberry College Football Practice Schedule
- Keiser Hawks: No. 1 Football Faces Newberry College
- The State: NFL News and Updates
- FloFootball: How to Watch No. 1 Keiser vs. Newberry
- WPDE: Student Signs Football Scholarship with Newberry College
- Wikipedia: Newberry College
- Google Search: Newberry College Football
- Google Scholar: Newberry College
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newberry College
- Google News: Newberry College
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
