2023-24 Eagles Football Preseason Preview

Elgin, IL - With summer winding down, the golden helmets are shining brighter than the sun for Eagles Football! Now in year three for the program, Judson hopes to fly high come Saturdays in the fall. 

This season will mark year one at the helm for Head Coach Quintin Demps, and his second overall within the program. Coach Demps has a well rounded staff that includes; Jamie Herrick (Lead Assistant and DL), Byron Dawkins (Co-offensive Coordinator and QBs), Jesse Booton (Co-offensive Coordinator and RBs), Donald Sweeney (Defensive Coordinator and DBs), Justin Funches (Assistant Recruiting Coach, AD of Football Ops), Keith Otis (Associate Head Coach, OL, TEs), Nolan Owen (Special Teams), De'Ondre Boggs (Wide Receivers), Jake Williams (Chief of Staff), Sammy Harmon (Grad Assistant and Assistant LBs), Dylan Zeno (Grad Assistant and DBs), Kevin Lopez (Grad Assistant). As a staff, our number one goal is to continue to build this program, and teach these athletes," says Coach Demps. 

On offense, the Eagles will be led by junior running back, Brandon Mackey (McRae, GA). Last season, Mackey was named All-Conference for the MSFA, and an All-American. Mackey had nearly 200 carries a season ago in nine games, racking up 1295 yards and 13 touchdowns for Judson. He also added 14 catches good for 155 yards. Returning starting quarterback, junior Christian Miller (San Antonio, TX) will also be a big contributor this season for JU. 

For an offense to fire on all cylinders, it needs that support up front, and the Eagles have that. On the offensive line, MSFA All-Conference players senior Tyler Silverstrand (Raymond, NE) and junior Derek DeVries (Forreston, IL) will lead the group up front. 

On defense, look for the Eagles to receive big boosts from several different players on a squad that will look to be very frustrating for opposing offenses. Senior linebacker Jay Callentine (West Chicago, IL) is someone that will become a leader for this team. Junior linemen Josh Mason (Washington, DC), and Malik Rowe (Brooklyn, NY) will also lead the front line attack. Sophomore Bryce Heerey (Janesville, WI) and his 42 tackles will add a presence on both defense and special teams. 

The ballhawks, or in this case, the balleagles in the secondary will certainly be a group to keep an eye on. Senior Jaylin Ware (Huntsville, AL), junior Camren Carter (Davenport, IA), and junior Ryan Otey (Clinton, MD) will all be flying around in the secondary ready to make plays. 

"We have a good mix of veterans and new players, and the team culture is strong," says Coach Demps. While it may only be year three for the program, this team will not show it. The Eagles are looking to make a huge splash within the Mid States Football Conference. "We have high expectations for this group of players and for this season," says Coach Demps. "It is a championship or bust mentality."

The Eagles kick off the season Saturday, September 2nd against Marian University (Indiana). All of this seasons' home games will be played at Streamwood High School, and be sure to follow along on JudsonEagles.com, and @JudsonUFootball on social media for all of the latest news and updates.