These players are now focused on Saturdays in the fall, even though they were undoubtedly the center of attention during Friday night lights in the prep football scene.
Northern Kentucky has 19 NCAA Division I football players on their rosters that currently play on Saturdays (we apologize in advance if we missed anyone).
Here is a quick overview of them, including their current team status and their actions after leaving the area.
Rodriguez, Willie, Kentucky
After a strong rookie campaign, the Covington Catholic graduate, who is into his second season in Lexington, could see a lot more of the field. During his rookie season, Rodriguez was a vital member of the special teams and caught five catches for 94 yards. In offensive settings, he is expected to start as the F receiver. You can anticipate seeing No. 81’s number called more frequently this season when you combine it with his run game blocking skills and some special teams plays.
Kentucky’s Aba Selm
The Simon Kenton graduate, a redshirt freshman for the Wildcats, is expected to play guard as a backup, so he will see the field more frequently in the event of an injury or other depth-related problem.
Edwards, Aumad, Kentucky
The Dixie Heights graduate’s path to Division I football was unconventional. Before joining the club this season as a wide receiver, he worked on his studies at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington and Gateway Community Technical College in Florence.
Evan Wibberley, Kentucky
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Wibberley, a redshirt junior who transferred from Western Kentucky after three years on the Hill, is a graduate of Dixie Heights. As a Hilltopper, he participated in 25 games and started 15 of them. He is vying for the starting center position.
Louisville’s Dillon SmithDillon Smith | UK Athletics contributed the image
The Ryle graduate joins the Cardinals for his first season. He is described as a defensive lineman and enrolled early to join the team for spring practice.
Louisville’s Nick Keller
In the 2024 season, the Conner graduate, a redshirt junior for the Cardinals, attempted 31 kickoffs, 22 of which ended in touchbacks. In addition, he converted a two-point conversion and made a PAT. He kicks and is designated as the backup placekicker.
North Carolina’s Austin AlexanderAustin Alexander | UNC Athletics submitted the image
The Cooper graduate joins the Tarheels for his first season. He is expected to play weakside linebacker and enrolled early to join the squad for spring practice. One of the best football coaches in NFL history, Bill Belicheck, will be his next coach.
Middle Tennessee State’s Brody Benke
Last year, the Highlands graduate ended up redshirting his freshman year. Last season, during the week of October 13, he was named the specialist scout team player of the week. He currently plays tight end with the Blue Raiders.
Mwamba Beni, Memphis
After a freshman season with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Mwamba, a graduate of Dixie Heights, switched to Memphis. Mwamba played in seven games as a defensive back during his strong rookie campaign, recording two interceptions, 17 tackles, and four passes defended. Due to injury, he missed the season’s last five games.
Eastern Kentucky’s Cameron HergottCameron Hergott | EKU Athletics donated the image.
The Beechwood graduate recently switched from quarterback to wide receiver while playing for the Colonels as a redshirt junior. He participated in all 13 of the 2024 games, mostly as the field goal and PAT holder. He went 3-of-8 via the air and gained 12 yards as a quarterback. Additionally, he scored his first touchdown as a college football player on Homecoming versus Utah Tech, running for 125 yards on 12 attempts.
Adam from Eastern Kentucky’s Surrey
The Highlands graduate is categorized as a wide receiver going into his first season with the Colonels.
Delaware’s Dylan Stewart
The Conner graduate is listed as an offensive lineman for the Fightin Blue Hens as he begins his rookie season.
Miami, Ohio’s Brach RiceMiami (Ohio) Athletics donated the image of Brach Rice.
The Dixie Heights graduate made two tackles in seven games during his rookie campaign with the Redhawks. The Miami (Ohio) athletics website lists Rice as a defensive lineman, but he ultimately took a redshirt.
Western Michigan’s JR Hays
The Ryle graduate is a Broncos redshirt freshman. The athletics website for Western Michigan states that he did not play in any games during the previous season. He is listed as a running back for the next season after switching from wide receiver.
Kelly, Mattox, Illinois State
The Redbirds have designated the Beechwood graduate as a defensive lineman going into his rookie campaign.
Southeast Missouri State’s Isaac BrownIsaac Brown | SEMO Athletics submitted the image
The Cooper grad enters his freshman season with the Redhawks and is listed as a cornerback.
Josh Bowling, Morehead State
The Simon Kenton grad is a redshirt sophomore linebacker for the Eagles. Last season he appeared in all 12 games, recording 22 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack. He also had a pass deflection and a fumble recovery.
Drew Dickerson, Morehead State
The Ryle grad is a redshirt sophomore for the Eagles, appearing in one game last season. He plays along the offensive line.
Liam McCormack, Murray State
McCormack, a Beechwood grad, is a redshirt freshman for the Racers. He appeared in one game last season and is listed as a wide receiver.
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