BUENA VISTA, VA. — With three weeks remaining until the first game of the season, the Southern Virginia University football team began their fall camp Thursday afternoon for their first practice of 2022.
 
The team reported to campus on Tuesday, August 9, before kicking off the year the following day for their annual conditioning test where the team was expected to complete a minimum of ten reps while completing the test after a total of 20 reps.
 
Following the conditioning test, head coach Ed Mulitalo addressed the team, stating "rent is due", building a wall of motivation around everyone, followed by the team rallying around each other invigorated by Mulitalo's words.
 
The Knights' first week together consisted of various positional drills while collectively working towards creating a bond with one another.
 
With a solid amount of time together and practices under their belts, the team is beginning to develop and mold into shape for the season and the coaching staff is coming together to form an idea of the depth chart at the various positional groups.
 
Southern Virginia looks poised for a stronger season with a mixture of seasoned veterans while welcoming a talented freshman class.
 
The Team in Depth
 
The Knights are led by fifth-year head coach Ed Mulitalo, who will be flanked by recently promoted assistant coach and offensive coordinator, Patrick Hofmann, who will bring a new identity and fresh look to the offensive unit.
 
Southern Virginia returns a strong number of personnel with the likes of Chase Wester, Jake Schenk, Jacob Wood, and Cade Nelson on the offensive end while returning Kymani VaiVai, Jacob Taloa, Dylan Andrew, and Cole Oldham on the defensive side.
 
The Knights will be paying close attention to both the quarterbacks, and inside linebackers following the graduation of Davis Pinkston and Leka Apodaca, and Jason Siaosi transferring to the University of Utah as a preferred walk-on.
 
Last year, quarterback Davis Pinkston left his mark on the program as the leader in every statistical category while having a career-high and program-record 355 passing yards in their overtime win against Wilmington (Ohio).
 
Colten Shumway will take the reins from Pinkston as the leader of the offense as the starting quarterback. Shumway got reps in 2021, throwing for 228 yards while throwing for three touchdowns.
 
During the linebackers' slot, Stockton Ferguson and Colby Hyder were taking lead in all the drills and seem to be the frontrunners to fill in for Siaosi and Apodaca, who was recently hired as the linebackers coach for the Knights.
 
Senior captain, Chase Wester, will lead an experienced receiving corp, and will be aided by Jake Schenk, and Chase Pope who return from last season.
 
Caden Hyder will look to make noise this year, returning from injury back in 2020. Hyder was a primary target for Pinkston in their first year together and is looking strong for the Knights.
 
Southern Virginia opens the season in Knight Stadium on Thursday, September 1, taking on Wilmington (Ohio) under the lights for a rematch of last year's 41-34 overtime victory.
 
Post Practice Quotes
 
Head Coach Ed Mulitalo
On what he is looking to accomplish out this year's camp
"If we can come out of this camp as brothers, and have a little more discipline, that will carry us through the season."
 
On the team needing to fill key roster spots
"It's going to be interesting. You don't try and replace the guys that have left because you're always going to compare them, but rather, you give an opportunity."
 
On his message that "Rent is Due"
"Everybody knows when rent is due, but are you saving enough in the bank? We know the game is on Saturday, but are you going to prepare on Monday?"
 
Senior Captain Wide Receiver Chase Wester 
On his role as a captain this year
"I'm excited to be able to help lead these guys. I'm excited to see what we can build here, and I think we are on to something great."
 
On his message for the team this year
"The message we've all been trying to preach to each other is just to stay positive. Even when we make a mistake, which is going to happen in fall camp, it's just something we can learn from."
 
Defensive Back Jacob Taloa
On the environment in the defensive backs room
"We've got a good mixture and diversity class-wise. It's a very humbling environment and I'm liking what I see so far."
 
Senior Running Back Cade Nelson 
On his goals for this year as a senior running back
"The biggest thing is having fun. That is something that I am trying to demonstrate and pass on to those that are around me. Along with that, for me, it's about staying healthy, taking care of my body, and getting wins."
 
Running Back Jacob Wood
On what he's looking forward to this season
"I think just understanding the running back position better, and our system…I'm excited to have Coach Hofmann running the offense now. It's going to be a lot of fun."
 
Follow @knight_ftbl on Instagram and Twitter for more updates and details on the team.