Bulldog Faithful,
As we kick off the 2025 season, the Bulldogs are embracing a blue-collar mentality, building an identity where everything is earned through hard work and with a focus on player development. This offseason, our players have been grinding, starting their days at 0500 before heading to work, embodying the grit that defines us. We’re thrilled to welcome FCS champions NDSU to town, giving us a chance to compete against a perennial powerhouse and measure ourselves against the best. Our preparation has been relentless, studying opponents past games, staff tendencies, and even weather conditions to ensure we’re ready.
With injuries to key players like QB Dustin Fletcher and RB Corey Ibrahim, our depth will be tested, but the team is united and ready. Our QB room brings a variety of different traits to the table. Cobey Thompkins is dynamic and can make something happen at any time, Quentin Hayes brings a calmness and veteran presence to the huddle because of the experience he brings with him, while Cooper Tankersley has great long speed and the moxie that you want your quarterback to exhibit. Our running back room, led by Coach Everette Sands, keeps our run-heavy DNA alive with a rotation of talented players starting with Garrison Johnson. The offensive line has continued to get better, and their physicality is a cornerstone of this offense. Facing NDSU’s All-Americans, linebacker Logan Kopp and star receiver Bryce Lance, we’re focused on situational football and avoiding self-inflicted mistakes.
We’re looking forward to hearing the cannons firing all day long this weekend! Go Dogs!
Sincerely,
Maurice T. Drayton
Head Coach ’98