Jeff Faris (HC) – Faris is beginning his second season with the Governors after being hired in December of 2023. His first season was a bit of a struggle, as the team went 4-8 including a 62-0 loss to Louisville to begin the year. This season started a lot better, as Faris and the Governors downed Middle Tennessee on the road 34-14. While it is evident this coach is still building this program, playing a solid game of football against a high-level FBS team such as Georgia will be beneficial as they fight for relevancy this season in FCS play.
Nate Garnett (WR #8) – The junior wide receiver transferred from Morehead State this offseason where he had over 900 yards receiving and six touchdowns last year. His first game with the Governors was quiet yet explosive, as he went for 50 yards on two receptions. The Governors will need more volume from Garnett if they want any chance to stay close with the Bulldogs.
Isaiah Groves (RB #10) – Groves is a freshman running back from Cross Plains, Tennessee. He flipped from Georgia Tech to Austin Peay during the recruiting process. Though he did not see any production in the team’s win over Middle Tennessee, he will most likely see that change if the Bulldogs run away with the game early on.
Chandler Kirton (OL #52) – Kirton is playing in his fifth season with the Governors. Last year, he started every game at center on the offensive line. The graduate student will have a tough task ahead of him, but his veteran presence in the huddle as the Sanford crowd reigns down will do nothing but help the offense try and execute their game plan.
Ellis Ellis Jr. (DB #1) – Ellis Jr. began his junior year on the right foot, leading the defense with six tackles and three pass deflections against Middle Tennessee in week one. This week’s matchup with the Bulldogs will certainly test his ability to lead his team once again, as Stockton and Branch continue to build a deadly relationship out wide. If he can somehow cause fits for the duo, the Governors might have a great player this season on the defensive side of the ball.
Marcus Howard (DL #18) – Howard spent his first three seasons with Northern Colorado. Now with the Governors, he recorded a half sack in their win over Middle Tennessee. Howard and his fellow defensive lineman will need to find a way to stop the Bulldogs’ rushing attack and keep Stockton contained on the ground and through the air.
The most famous athlete in Austin Peay history is the record breaking sharp-shooting James “Fly” Williams, third team All-American and 1974 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year.
Austin Peay has won five conference championships in football … in four different leagues: 1948 Volunteer State, 1977/2019 Ohio Valley, 2022 Atlantic Sun and 2023 United Athletic.
One of Austin Peay’s greatest football players ever is Bonnie Sloan, an outstanding defensive tackle drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, who was the first ever deaf player in the NFL.