Emporia State football is set to introduce new specialists this season, including a kicker, punter, and long snapper. Brandon McCary joins from Minot State, where he achieved impressive stats, including a career-long 48-yard field goal and setting multiple records at MSU. Jordan Cartwright transferred from UT-Permian Basin after a brief stint while Parker Leeds shifts from receiver to long snapper. The group consists of predominantly younger players with a mix of high school signees and transfers from Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

By the Numbers
  • Brandon McCary: 10 of 13 field goals last season, perfect 5 of 5 against MSU Moorhead.
  • Jordan Cartwright averaged 56.9 yards per kickoff, with 13 touchbacks in 23 attempts.
Yes, But

While the new specialists boast strong individual performances, their ability to gel with the team and perform under pressure remains untested. The transition of players, especially Leeds moving to a pivotal role, may introduce challenges as they adapt to new responsibilities.

State of Play
  • New specialists are primarily redshirt freshmen and sophomores, signaling a focus on rebuilding and future development.
  • The team will hold media availability on August 16, creating anticipation around how the new specialists will integrate into the line-up.
What's Next

As training camp progresses, the performance of these specialists will be closely monitored. Fans and coaches alike will look for signs that these players can fill their roles effectively as the season approaches.

Bottom Line

Emporia State's new specialists bring a mix of talent and potential, but their success will depend on their ability to adapt to new roles and execute under pressure. Monitoring their development in training camp could be key to the team's success this season.