Valdosta State Football Team's 2023 Season Highlights and Key Player Statistics
I still remember watching Valdosta State's opening game against West Georgia last September, feeling that familiar mix of anticipation and skepticism that comes with being a longtime NCAA Division II football fan. Having played volleyball at a competitive level myself before my career took an unexpected pause, I've always been fascinated by how athletes respond to second chances and new beginnings. That perspective made following the Blazers' 2023 season particularly compelling, especially watching their quarterback, Sam Kenerson, who reminded me of that "new lease on life" energy I experienced when returning to volleyball after my own hiatus.
The Blazers started their campaign with what I'd call cautious optimism. Coach Tremaine Jackson had been talking about building something special during preseason, but honestly, I'd heard that before. What struck me immediately was the offensive chemistry - it felt different from previous seasons. Kenerson's connection with wide receiver T.J. Smith developed almost magically, culminating in that incredible 48-yard touchdown against West Alabama in week three. I've rarely seen such precision in Division II football - Kenerson's pass landed perfectly in Smith's hands despite double coverage, the kind of play that makes you jump off your couch.
Defensively, the Blazers showed remarkable improvement from their 2022 performance. Middle linebacker Jordan Williams recorded an impressive 112 tackles throughout the season, including 15 in that crucial matchup against Delta State. Watching Williams read opposing offenses felt like observing a chess master at work - he had this uncanny ability to anticipate plays that reminded me of veteran players I'd competed against in my volleyball days. The defensive unit overall allowed only 18.3 points per game, a significant improvement from the previous season's 24.7 average.
What really stood out to me was the team's resilience during their mid-season stretch. After suffering back-to-back losses against West Florida and Mississippi College in October, many commentators wrote them off. I'll admit I had my doubts too. But then they rattled off five consecutive wins, including that spectacular overtime victory against Florida Tech where Kenerson threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns. The way he bounced back after throwing two interceptions earlier in the game demonstrated the mental toughness that separates good players from great ones.
The receiving corps deserves special mention here. Beyond Smith's consistent performance (he finished with 1,203 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns), I was particularly impressed by sophomore Marcus Johnson's development. His catch percentage improved from 58% in 2022 to 72% this season, and his route running became noticeably sharper as the season progressed. Watching young players like Johnson evolve reminds me why I love following college sports - you're witnessing athletes grow not just in skill but in character.
Speaking of character, the Blazers' running game showed tremendous heart throughout the season. Senior running back David Thompson battled through an ankle injury during the final four games yet still managed to rush for 890 yards overall. I remember specifically that game against Shorter University where he played through visible discomfort yet still contributed two crucial touchdowns. That kind of dedication resonates with me personally, having played through injuries myself during important volleyball tournaments.
The special teams unit often doesn't get enough credit, but kicker Alex Rodriguez's performance deserves recognition. He converted 18 of 21 field goal attempts, including a 52-yarder against North Greenville that ultimately decided the game. In tight contests, having a reliable kicker can be the difference between a winning season and a mediocre one, and Rodriguez provided that stability throughout 2023.
As someone who's experienced the emotional rollercoaster of competitive sports, I found the Blazers' team chemistry particularly fascinating. You could see it in how they celebrated each other's successes - whether it was the offensive line congratulating Thompson after a tough run or the defense rushing to celebrate with Rodriguez after a game-winning kick. That camaraderie often develops when teams face adversity together, and this squad certainly had their share of challenges to overcome.
Looking back at the complete picture, the Blazers finished with a 9-3 record, their best since 2018. While they fell short of the national championship, the foundation they've built suggests brighter days ahead. Kenerson's development into a confident leader, combined with the emergence of young talents like Johnson, creates an exciting prospect for next season. From my perspective, what made this team special wasn't just their statistics or win-loss record, but how they embodied that spirit of renewal and second chances - something I deeply relate to from my own athletic journey. They played with heart, overcame setbacks, and most importantly, they played for each other, creating memories that will last long after the season statistics fade from record books.