We tell you everything you need to know about the 2023 University Christian football team, including roster changes and what fans can expect from the Christians this season.
2022 Stats
- Overall Record: 11-2
- Points Scored: 501
- Points Allowed: 184
Key Losses
University Christian will lose a few talented players who were a big part of last year’s successful 11-win season, including ATH Desirrio Riles, who played a number of important roles for the Christian during his career there. He is slated to play TE this season at his new college home, East Carolina University.
Other players who head coach David Penland tells ITG Next will be missed this season include RB Orel Grey, who is also moving on to play collegiately. He is now a member of the Florida A&M football team. Penland also said his team will miss the contributions of LB/RBs Dallas Brown and Kaydrick Robinson, along with OT/DE TZion Smith, all of whom have graduated.
Who’s Back
The Christians will welcome back a few heavy hitters on the defensive side of the ball, as well as a couple of big-time offensive contributors. Junior QB Dwayne Stuckey is returning after a 2022 season that saw him pass for 1,564 yards and 16 TDs. One of Stuckey’s favorite receiving targets, junior WR/ATH Jenoa Alford, also is back. Over the past two seasons, Alford has 1,111 receiving yards and 12 TDs. He also has contributed defensively with 2 INT. Alford has offers from Pitt and Georgia Tech.
Speaking of defensive standouts, senior ILB Luke Thomas returns and is looking to add to his 211 career tackles, including 106 tackles and an incredible 20 TFLs last season. Joining him for another year at University Christian is senior ATH Dah’Kari “DK” Gilley, who has committed to Rutgers. Another two-way standout returning for the Christians this season is senior Alan “Boogie” Woods, who has received recruiting interest from Georgia Southern, Concord, and St. Thomas University.
What to Expect
Penland knows how to get the best out of his players, as he did with last year’s group, leading them to a deep run in the Class 1M state playoffs. They advanced to the state semifinals, and much of the firepower that helped them get there is returning. And while you never really know how well the guys are going to gel and play together, he likes this year’s group.
“I think we can be pretty good, and we’re going to be doing a bunch of different things this year,” Penland said. “We have a really good wide receiver core and a great quarterback.”
Penland added that his defense should be “fast and physical,” and said he is eager to get going: “I’m looking forward to getting back to practice and seeing our guys compete.”
The University Christian head coach acknowledged that this year’s schedule will be no cakewalk.
“This season will be a challenge,” Penland said. “Our schedule is brutal. But one thing is for sure – our boys never back down from a challenge.”
That 2023 University Christian football schedule will include trips to Key West, Clearwater, and Tallahassee (North Florida Christian).
Prediction
The Christians finish strong once again under Penland: 11-3 in 2023.
Game to Watch
The September 1 game at North Florida Christian will provide an early-season test.
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