WKU Football: Under-The-Radar Players Who Could Burst Onto The Scene in 2023
Everyone knows the stars of this year's Hilltopper team. But who are some under-the-radar names to know before they hit it big?
The 2023 Western Kentucky football team is not lacking in star power. Austin Reed, Malachi Corley, JaQues Evans, Quantavious Leslie. The Hilltoppers have talent up and down the roster and are a big reason why they’re, on paper, primed for a big year.
But behind the stars is always a strong supporting cast that keeps the motor running. That said, who will be the hidden heroes for the Tops this season?
Offense
Davion Ervin-Poindexter
WKU is known for its air raid offense and putting up video game numbers in the passing game, but what about the run game?
Often forgotten, Davion Ervin-Poindexter is very underrated in this offense. In his first year with WKU, he rushed for 525 yards and three touchdowns while also contributing in the passing game, catching 15 passes for 84 yards.
I expect with the focus to be on the receiving corps, and with the departures of Kye Robichaux and Jakari Moses, he will improve both numbers and be a safety value for Reed.
River Helms
When speaking of safety valves, you must mention the tight end position. Like running back, it’s another position that was hit hard by the transfer portal this past offseason, leaving the opportunity to River Helms.
Coming in at 6’4”, 242-pound tight end, Helms could hear his name a lot this upcoming season. He played in 13 of the Tops’ 14 games last year, but mostly saw special teams snaps. His next reception will be his first for the Chrome Domes and could be a secret change-of-pace weapon for Reed and the passing game.
Blue Smith
A Cincinnati transfer, Blue Smith enters his debut season on the Hill having seem limited action while wearing the C-Paw.
However, the talent is still there: Prior to his move to UC, Smith signed with Ohio State out of high school and was ranked the No. 39 player in the country by Rivals.
A lot of attention from opposing defenses will be focused on Corley, Michael Mathison and Dalvin Smith, the former Bearcat should feast on the secondary trying to pick their poison.
Defense
Kenyonte Davis
Let’s start with a big, nasty up front in Kenyonte Davis. At 6’5” and 300-pounds, he is a space eater and a mass of man. His stats won’t wow anyone - he recorded 38 tackles, 3.0 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss at UT Martin last year - however what he does in the trenches causing disruptions and pass hurries that won’t show up in the stat sheet.
Davion Williams
One of the senior leaders on the defense should have a breakout season to close his career out on the Hill. He isn’t a ball hawk forcing turnovers, where he makes plays is in pass deflections.
Last season, his second after transferring in from Michigan State, Williams forced five pass breakups and has tallied seven overall in his time at Western. With the departures of Kahlef Hailassie, AJ Brathwaite and Kaleb Oliver, look for Williams to burst onto the scene.
With a squad with as much star power as the Hilltoppers will have in 2023 it’s easy to overlook the guys on the second line of the marquee. Hopefully this gives you just a taste of some of the supporting cast that could be household names by the end of the year.