Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Seniors ready for what could be final collegiate season
9/2/2020 6:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — When Middle Tennessee and Army kick off their respective football seasons Saturday at Michie Stadium in West Point, New York, it will finally begin what could be the last campaign for the Blue Raiders' senior class.
The NCAA voted on Aug. 21 to grant fall sport students-athletes an extra year of eligibility due to the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with uncertainty surrounding whether or not they'll come back, MT's seniors are preparing for what could be their last year lacing up their cleats for the blue and white.
"2020 has been a crazy year, but it has kind of set in a little bit that this could be my last year here. … I'm just going to give it all I got," said senior safety Reed Blankenship, who hasn't participated in a game since October of 2019 because of an injury.
"Football is my pride and joy. Not being able to hit someone since October, it's been tough. That first hit is going to be amazing, and I can't wait for that."
Living in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, not to mention the other societal issues in America presently, has made this offseason different from any the seniors have participated in since coming to Middle Tennessee.
They didn't have spring practice and couldn't be on campus over the summer to utilize the facilities until July. Then, they didn't find out their Week 1 opponent, Army, until Aug. 10.
As the elder statesmen of the team, the seniors have had to develop leadership roles in ways other senior classes may not have had to. They've embraced those roles and built a closer bond off the field.
"I'm proud that I got to be around these guys and build strong connections," senior running back Jayy McDonald said. "Honestly, with so much stuff going on in the world today, I have a lot of focus on what's going on outside of football. … When football ends, there are still life problems going on."
With negativity seemingly taking over social media and the news, head coach Rick Stockstill has preached to his players during fall camp the importance of controlling what they can control.
Part of that is coming to practice ready to compete and creating lasting memories with each other, something senior linebacker DQ Thomas has tried to do.
"I'm just trying to make sure I'm leaving something with the young guys, creating memories, having fun, trying to enjoy myself," he said. "This could be my last year, so I'm just trying to enjoy it as much as I can."
If this really is their last campaign, the seniors know they've created a family the last few years both with their teammates and coaches.
"You really can't put MT into words," senior wide receiver Jimmy Marshall said. "They've given me so much. … Coach Stock has been the best human being that's been put into my life besides my family.
"MT is definitely a place that if my kids came to, I would have faith they would be taken care of. It's a good spot, for sure."
It'll be bittersweet taking the field at Army on Saturday, but once the ball is placed for the kickoff, don't expect the seniors to be thinking about it being their last opening day.
They've been through too much the last few years — especially the last couple of months — and they're ready to begin what will be a unique senior season.
The NCAA voted on Aug. 21 to grant fall sport students-athletes an extra year of eligibility due to the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with uncertainty surrounding whether or not they'll come back, MT's seniors are preparing for what could be their last year lacing up their cleats for the blue and white.
"2020 has been a crazy year, but it has kind of set in a little bit that this could be my last year here. … I'm just going to give it all I got," said senior safety Reed Blankenship, who hasn't participated in a game since October of 2019 because of an injury.
"Football is my pride and joy. Not being able to hit someone since October, it's been tough. That first hit is going to be amazing, and I can't wait for that."
Living in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, not to mention the other societal issues in America presently, has made this offseason different from any the seniors have participated in since coming to Middle Tennessee.
They didn't have spring practice and couldn't be on campus over the summer to utilize the facilities until July. Then, they didn't find out their Week 1 opponent, Army, until Aug. 10.
As the elder statesmen of the team, the seniors have had to develop leadership roles in ways other senior classes may not have had to. They've embraced those roles and built a closer bond off the field.
"I'm proud that I got to be around these guys and build strong connections," senior running back Jayy McDonald said. "Honestly, with so much stuff going on in the world today, I have a lot of focus on what's going on outside of football. … When football ends, there are still life problems going on."
With negativity seemingly taking over social media and the news, head coach Rick Stockstill has preached to his players during fall camp the importance of controlling what they can control.
Part of that is coming to practice ready to compete and creating lasting memories with each other, something senior linebacker DQ Thomas has tried to do.
"I'm just trying to make sure I'm leaving something with the young guys, creating memories, having fun, trying to enjoy myself," he said. "This could be my last year, so I'm just trying to enjoy it as much as I can."
If this really is their last campaign, the seniors know they've created a family the last few years both with their teammates and coaches.
"You really can't put MT into words," senior wide receiver Jimmy Marshall said. "They've given me so much. … Coach Stock has been the best human being that's been put into my life besides my family.
"MT is definitely a place that if my kids came to, I would have faith they would be taken care of. It's a good spot, for sure."
It'll be bittersweet taking the field at Army on Saturday, but once the ball is placed for the kickoff, don't expect the seniors to be thinking about it being their last opening day.
They've been through too much the last few years — especially the last couple of months — and they're ready to begin what will be a unique senior season.
Players Mentioned
S
/ Football
WR
/ Football
RB
/ Football
MTSU Football at Nevada highlights – 9/13/25
Sunday, September 14
MTSU Football at Nevada Full Game Highlights – 9/13/25
Saturday, September 13
MTSU Football Postgame Press Conference @ Nevada on 09-13-25
Saturday, September 13
Raider Report Week 3 - MTSU vs. University of Nevada
Friday, September 12
