Tyrone Wheatley Head Coach | Wayne State University Athletics Website
Tyrone Wheatley Head Coach | Wayne State University Athletics Website
With the 2025 college football season approaching, Wayne State University is focusing on its running backs as part of a series of positional previews. Head coach Tyrone Wheatley discussed the group as the Warriors prepare for their home opener against Tiffin University on September 4.
Returning to the team are last year’s top two rushers: junior quarterback Champion Edwards, who gained 570 yards, and redshirt sophomore running back XaVior Tyus, who rushed for 423 yards. Tyus had his first 100-yard game in the 2024 season finale with 116 yards on 14 carries in a win over Northern Michigan.
Despite losing over 500 rushing yards due to graduation from D'Marco Singleton and Jeremiah Sterling, Wayne State has added depth through transfers and incoming freshmen. Redshirt junior Brayden McKenna returns as a two-year letterwinner who contributed mainly on special teams last season. Redshirt freshman Mickey Keller appeared in three games in 2024.
New transfers include D'Vaun Bentley from Lawrence Tech, where he was named Second Team All-Mid States Football Association after leading his team with 984 rushing yards and ten touchdowns last season. Bentley also caught 22 passes for 158 yards. Sterling Anderson joins from Davenport after limited playing time with the Panthers.
Four freshmen join the roster: Kayden Forbes, Malik Shephard, Chase Stephens, and Jermiah Taylor.
Wayne State will wrap up its second week of fall practice this Saturday ahead of its season opener. Season and single-game tickets are available online for fans interested in attending games or joining WSU Athletics’ W-Club.
Coach Wheatley commented on the preparations: "This segment is the running backs preview with head coach Tyrone Wheatley."
The university continues to release previews for other positions ahead of kickoff next month.
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