By Allison Dobson

As the UMHB football team begins preseason camp, students are divided between early optimism and a realistic view of what has held the Crusaders back. Many of the players believe UMHB has what it takes to compete, but getting past Hardin-Simmons remains their biggest challenge.

Gavin Owens, a freshman linebacker, believes the team’s identity is rooted in leadership. “We have a pretty player-led mentality,” Owens said. “We have some guys that stand out and do what they’re supposed to. They lead by example. I think we’re definitely going to do amazing this season.”

Brandon Lumpkins, a junior, shared that confidence, pointing to the program’s foundation. “UMHB football is going to go very well this year,” Lumpkins said. “They got a lot of good recruits, and the coaching staff definitely developed good players out there.” Lumpkins sees strength across the board. “They have a good offense and a good defense. I especially feel like the offense has really been a dominant factor in a lot of the winning games.” He’s watching Rance Perser, a transfer kicker, closely this fall, calling him a boost for special teams.

Scooby Carter, a junior cornerback, sees it differently on scheme, crediting head coach Larry Harmon’s background for the team’s identity. “Coach Harmon is more of a defensive mind, so I’ll say we’re a more defensive-minded team,” Carter said. “We focus a lot on defense, getting three-and-outs, getting the ball back to the offense. But we also definitely focus very highly on offense.” 

Carter also is confident about the kicking game. “We got a lot of kickers, a lot of fast guys. I feel like we’re gonna put the opposing teams in tough positions.”

Omari Tiny, a freshman linebacker, agrees with Carter, even while bracing for a learning curve, saying the offensive line has looked fast early in camp. “[My concern is] the plays, trying to understand it more.”

Most of the players believe that the game against Hardin-Simmons University on Nov. 14 will be the most difficult to win.

“It’s going to be Hardin-Simmons,” Carter said, calling it the toughest test, “just because of the culture behind it and how intense the rivalry is.”

“We truly have been the better team over them over the past few years, which I believe we could win a championship, but our players just always seem to lack it when we play against them,” Jesse Pasat, a senior, said. 

Beyond this year’s questions, UMHB’s track record speaks for itself; a program that is built on discipline, coaching stability and belief that hasn’t wavered as the roster changes. Carter said, “‘we can always play with better effort, more intensity. We’re always going to focus on perfecting our craft.’”