Robert Preston Jr./DouglasNow.com
The 2026 college football season is underway and several Coffee High alumni are playing on teams at every level from NAIA to the Division I ranks. Some former Trojans have played two games, others one. Here is how they’ve done far this season.
Jaydon Vester, sophomore long snapper, Tennessee State: Played at Clark Atlanta last year. Vester played Saturday against the University of Georgia in Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs won 63-3; Vester, however, was the long snapper on the field goal that netted the Tigers their only points of the game. Other former Trojans may have played more snaps but nobody played on a bigger stage or in a more electric atmosphere. “It was a lot to take in but it wouldn’t have been possible without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the coaches here taking an opportunity on me to come play for their program. I’m just so overwhelmed with gratitude. It was only one play but it was a perfect snap and a good kick to put points on the board,” said Vester after the game.
Maurice Turner, a senior running back with the Tulane University Green Wave: 4 carries for 15 yards in Tulane’s 17-3 loss to Duke. Turner’s 3.8 yards per carry was the second highest average for a Green Wave running back on Saturday.
Tyrese Woodgett, sophomore running back at Georgia Southern: Recovering from a shoulder injury and will be sidelined for a few more weeks.
Jyarius Carter, sophomore linebacker at Mercer: In the Bears’ two games, Carter has recorded 17 total tackles (six solo, 11 assisted), one tackle for loss, and a half sack for a three-yard loss. The Bears are 2-0 with wins over East Texas A&M and Presbyterian.
Anthony Paulk, redshirt sophomore defensive back at Charleston Southern: Preseason First Team All-Conference. Six total tackles in two games this season, including four against Georgia Southern Saturday night. The Buccaneers are 0-2 this season.
Jayden Hancock, sophomore defensive back, Charleston Southern: Five total tackles including one tackle for a loss, and one deflected pass in two games this year for the Buccaneers. Four of those tackles, including the TFL, came against Georgia Southern on Saturday.
David “Tug” Vaughn, redshirt sophomore kicker at West Alabama: Has kicked off three times in West Alabama’s two games this season, a 27-17 win over Tuskegee and a 34-23 win over Lenoir-Rhyne. He’s averaging 62.3 yards per kick with one touchback over those two games. Vaughn played at Georgia Military last year.
Kyler Smith, sophomore offensive lineman at Georgia Military College: Played in two of GMC’s three games this season.
Chris Reed, sophomore linebacker at Reinhardt University: Has tallied two tackles over Reinhardt’s two games this season, both losses (one to Lindsey Wilson and the other to Newberry).
Jackson Banks, redshirt junior defensive tackle, Concord University: Played at Western Carolina last season. Two total tackles in Concord’s two games this season, both of which were wins (against Davidson and Bluefield State).
Tyriq Edwards, redshirt sophomore defensive back, Cumberland University: four tackles, a fumble recovery, and three pass breakups against St. Thomas, a 27-6 loss.
Kenyon Livingston, freshman cornerback, Point University: Played in the Skyhawks’ 31-7 loss to LaGrange College but didn’t record a tackle.
KJ Debruce, freshman running back, Savannah State: Has not played in 2026.
