Cullowhee, N.C. – Every defense begins in the trenches, and for Western Carolina in 2026, that's where one of the team's most intriguing position battles has unfolded throughout preseason camp.
 
A blend of returning talent, experienced transfers, and promising newcomers has created competition across the defensive front as the Catamounts prepare for the first season under defensive coordinator Nick Reveiz. His multiple defensive schemes feature a traditional defensive line alongside a group of hybrid edge defenders known as "bandits," placing a premium on versatility, depth, and relentless effort.
 
The result is a youthful unit that may lack extensive experience together, but not enthusiasm.
 
"We have a young defensive line room, but the guys are very hungry and eager to compete," said defensive line coach Mike Welch, who enters his first season in Cullowhee and his fourth coaching under Reveiz. "We plan on being very multiple on defense, so you will see a lot of guys rotating in and out."

Welch is joined by former Georgia Southern standout Ty Phillips, whose imposing presence, infectious energy and personality have helped shape the bandit position group throughout camp.
 
Western Carolina enters the season with 18 players across the defensive line and bandit positions, including 11 upperclassmen, six transfers, and three true freshmen.
 
The group collectively brings 166 career games of experience, although much of that experience is concentrated among a handful of veterans. As a whole, the room remains one of the younger units on the roster, making fall camp an important opportunity for players to establish themselves.
 
Among the returning Catamounts are Vanier Baptiste III, Jaden Meeks, Gavin Rowell, Brandon Joseph II, Jeremy Johnson II, Adrian Stone, Caleb Turner-Allen, and Cain Jefferson.
 
While game experience is limited among many of the returners, the potential is evident.
 
Baptiste III continues to flash considerable upside despite battling injury during camp. Stone returns after appearing in all 12 games last season, while Meeks brings athletic versatility and athleticism to the interior.
 
Several players who have patiently developed within the program are also poised for larger roles. Turner-Allen has emerged as one of the breakout performers of preseason camp at the bandit position, while Joseph II enters his second season eager to make an impact. Rowell, who fought back from injury and saw action late last season, returns healthy and ready to contribute after a productive collegiate career at Tusculum.
 
One of the most unique stories on the roster belongs to Jordan Martin-Durham.
 
A former Catamount quarterback, Martin-Durham has made the transition to bandit and has quickly embraced his new role. The Jacksonville, Fla., native has impressed coaches with both his athleticism and his understanding of offensive tendencies. His experience under center provides a different perspective when attacking opposing offenses, making him one of the most intriguing developmental players in the defensive front.

Recognizing the need for experience and depth, the Catamount coaching staff turned to the transfer portal.
 
"We believe we hit on a few transfers who lead the way for us up front," Welch said.
 
The newcomers include Jabari McWilliams (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC), Chase Kerns (Georgia Military College/Iowa Western), Jakoby Diamond (Tuskegee), Fernando Jeanty (Florida Memorial), Trystan Anderson (Drake), and Da'Shawn Davis (Georgia Southern).
 
Davis arrives as the most experienced member of the bandit group, having played in 37 career games at Georgia Southern. Though slowed late in camp by injury, his leadership and experience have already become valuable assets.
 
Anderson brings another veteran presence after appearing in 28 games at Drake, while Jeanty arrives following a productive season at Florida Memorial where he recorded 59 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
 
Kerns could be one of the most disruptive additions. After redshirting at Iowa Western, he exploded at Georgia Military College with 26 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and five sacks last season.
 
McWilliams has also displayed promise despite dealing with injury during camp. Coaches have praised his leadership and steady progress toward returning to full strength.
 
The Catamounts also welcomed three true freshmen who made strong impressions during preseason practices.
 
Dylan Harris, Malachi Hill, and Aiden Black each flashed their potential throughout camp, giving the defensive staff additional depth and developmental pieces for both the present and future. While their opportunities may develop gradually, all three demonstrated why the coaching staff was eager to bring them to Cullowhee.
 
Perhaps the greatest advantage of this year's defensive front is its depth. With multiple players capable of contributing at both defensive line and bandit, Western Carolina expects to rotate frequently and maintain fresh bodies throughout games. That depth will be especially important as Reveiz's defense aims to create pressure, generate negative plays, and maintain a high-energy style across four quarters.
 
The unit may not yet have a household name, but it enters the season with something equally important: competition.
 
Nearly every position remains up for grabs, and that has elevated the urgency and intensity throughout camp.
 
If the Catamounts are going to make strides defensively in 2026, they'll likely begin where football games are often won and lost: the trenches.
 
And while this group may be young, the hunger to prove itself is undeniable.
 
DEFENSIVE LINE (14):
10 – Jabari McWilliams (6-0, 270 lbs., Jr.) – 20 GP at MGCCC, 57 tackles, 8 TFLs, 1.5 sacks
14 – Vanier Baptiste III (6-3, 280 lbs., Jr.) – 15 GP at WCU, 10 tackles
16 – Chase Kerns (6-1, 280 lbs., Jr.) – 11 GP at GMC, 26 tackles, 12 TFL, 5 sacks
18 – Trystan Anderson (6-4, 255, 5th) – 28 GP at Drake, 53 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks                                                                                                      
30 – Jaden Meeks (6-2, 225 lbs., Jr.) – 2 GP at WCU, 2 tackles
33 – Gavin Rowell (6-3, 255 lbs., 5th) – 18 GP at Tusculum, 4 GP at WCU; 57 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 5 sacks
47 – Dylan Harris (6-5, 245 lbs., Fr.)
91 – Jakoby Diamond (6-1, 305 lbs., So.) – 6 GP at Tuskegee, 15 tackles, 1.5 TFL, sack
92 – Brandon Joseph II (6-3, 275 lbs., So.) – DNP last year
94 – Malachi Hill (6-3, 295 lbs., Fr.)
96 – Jeremy Johnson II (5-10, 300 lbs., Jr.) – 3 GP at Concord Univ., DNP at WCU
97 – Fernando Jeanty (6-3, 270 lbs., Jr.) – 10 GP at FMU, 59 tackles, 11.5 TFL, 5 sacks
98 – Aiden Black (6-1, 295 lbs., Fr.)
99 – Adrian Stone (6-3, 290 lbs., Jr.) – 12 GP at WCU, 6 tackles
 
BANDITS (4):
13 – Caleb Turner-Allen (6-2, 250 lbs., Jr.)
19 – Cain Jefferson (6-3, 225 lbs., So.) – 4 GP at WCU
34 – Jordan Martin-Durham (6-3, 255 lbs., So.) – Converted QB
90 – Da'Shawn Davis (6-2, 235 lbs., 5th) – 37 GP at GSU, 57 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 6 sacks
 
Western Carolina opens the 2026 campaign on Saturday, hosting Eastern Kentucky at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. as the Catamounts debut their new Night Cat black Nike uniforms and invite fans to help Blackout Whitmire by wearing their black WCU gear to the game.
 
The first 3,500 fans in attendance will receive a free black WCU T-shirt, while 4,000 Blackout thunder sticks, courtesy of The Everson, will also be distributed. Ahead of kickoff, the 15th Annual Freshmen Run returns as members of WCU's Class of 2030 – the largest incoming class in school history – lead the Catamounts onto the field.
 
The home opener will conclude with a special drone light show presented by Catamount Athletics and Vannoy Construction and produced by Sky Elements, and an encore postgame presentation of the "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band.
 
The game is presented by Ingles and media partners Kiss Country and Star 104.3.
 
Season tickets, single-game tickets, and gameday parking for all six home games are available through the Catamount Athletics Ticket Office, by calling (828) 227-2401, or online at CatamountSports.com.
 
Additional Positional Previews:
Offensive Line
Defensive Secondary
Special Teams
Wide Receivers
Linebackers
Quarterbacks
Tight Ends

Keep track of everything related to Catamount football and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (FB.com/CatamountSports, FB.com/WesternCarolinaFootball), Twitter (@catamounts, @CatamountsFB), and Instagram (wcu_catamounts, catamountsfb).
 
Important Dates in Catamount Athletics & Catamount Football:
Saturday, Aug. 29 – Catamount Football season-opener vs. Eastern Kentucky (7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Volleyball Home Opener – vs. Gardner-Webb (Ramsey Center, 6 p.m.)
Sept. 13-15 – Men's Golf – JT Poston Invitational – (Waynesville Inn & Golf Club)
Friday, Oct. 2 – Bob Waters Memorial Golf Tournament – (Sequoyah National, Cherokee)