University of Richmond Athletics
Camp Notebook #6: Linebackers
08/24/2023 | Football
Richmond, Va. – In the realm of certainties, death, taxes and Richmond's defense are up there.
Some things are unwavering, but unlike the other two, the latter just gets better with time.
At the core of Richmond's defensive prowess lies the linebackers, a group coached by Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Justin Wood.
Football undeniably thrives on the collective efforts of all eleven players, yet among them, the brilliance of team captain Tristan Wheeler shines particularly bright. Not only does Wheeler lead the team, but he also guides a cohort primed to uphold Richmond's legacy of unyielding linebackers in the upcoming 2023 season.
With his eyes set on being a five-year All-American and five-time All-CAA selection, the two-year team captain looks to put a cap on a once-in-a-generation career.
Heading into the 2023 season, Wheeler boasts an impressive stat line of 366 career tackles, 23 tackles for loss, four sacks, and four interceptions. He has notched three full seasons with over 100 tackles, earning him the fifth spot in HERO Sports' ranking of returning FCS linebackers this offseason.
As Richmond's ironman, he has started an impressive streak of 37 consecutive games, the longest among all Spiders. His contributions earned him the title of Phil Steele and Stats Perform All-American last season, a recognition well-deserved for his role in propelling Richmond to the NCAA FCS Playoffs Second Round.
Wheeler has always built up the man next to him as well. In 2021 he tallied a career-high 114 tackles while Tyler Dressler added 92 and last season, Wheeler recorded 110 while Phil O'Connor picked up 87. This year, he'll look to help players like Wayne Galloway, Donovan Hoilette, Jared Joseph and Quantraill Morris-Walker have big seasons as well.
Galloway has been steadfast for the Spiders between special teams and filling in for vacant roles among the linebackers since his first season in the spring of 2021. Galloway has played in 26 career games and has made 24 tackles and recovered a fumble in 2021's Capital Cup win over William & Mary.
Hoilette, a redshirt sophomore, will have an increased role in 2023. With appearances in 13 games across two seasons, he shined in the last year's FCS Playoffs Second Round game against Sacramento State. After Phil O'Connor's early-game injury, Hoilette seized the opportunity, amassing 11 tackles, a pass breakup, and two tackles for loss. Up until that point, he had 10 career tackles. This standout performance firmly secured his place in the rotation for years to come.
Jared Joseph has been a key member of the Spiders special teams units during his two active seasons following a redshirt freshman year. With appearances in all 13 games in 2022 and 10 in 2021, he has garnered 12 tackles. Anticipated to take on an elevated role within the linebacking unit in 2023, Joseph's potential continues to unfold.
Arriving at the Spiders from Idaho State as a transfer defensive back, Quantraill Morris-Walker has transitioned to the linebacker role. Building on his 31-game career with the Bengals, where he secured 107 tackles across four seasons, Morris-Walker's impact is poised to be significant for the Spiders in 2023.
Zach Chambers preserved his redshirt status as a freshman last season and played in four games where he assisted on two tackles. He, alongside Prince Ekwughalu, Owen Laughlin, Edward McDonough and another defensive back-turned-linebacker, Jordan Allen add depth to the unit.
Freshmen Ryan Hammoud and Jordan Wilkes will get their first taste of college football as the season gets underway.
With key contributions from Wood's linebackers, Richmond had the second-best scoring defense in the CAA, holding opponents to just 20.1 points per game and held offenses to 333.4 yards per game, the second-fewest allowed in the conference. The Spiders also led the CAA against the rush, allowing opponents to pick up just 1,517 yards on the ground all season. Richmond ranked fifth in sacks (29) and third in sack yards (200) and carried a league high 14 interceptions and two pick-sixes.
With no signs of slowing down for Wood and his linebackers, 2023 is poised to be another big year for this group.
2023 Richmond Linebackers:
#9 Wayne Galloway (R-Jr., 6-1, 222)
#10 Jared Joseph (R-Jr., 6-0, 210)
#16 Quantraill Morris-Walker (R-Sr., 6-2, 182)
#24 Prince Ekwughalu (R-Sr., 6-0, 213)
#27 Jordan Allen (R-Fr., 6-0, 196)
#30 Tristan Wheeler (R-Sr., 6-2, 228)
#34 Donovan Hoilette (R-So., 6-4, 208)
#40 Jordan Wilkes (Fr., 6-0, 220)
#41 Zach Chambers (R-Fr., 6-2, 220)
#43 Owen Laughlin (R-So., 6-1, 205)
#49 Ryan Hammoud (Fr., 6-1, 215)
#59 Edward McDonough (R-So., 6-0, 215)
Some things are unwavering, but unlike the other two, the latter just gets better with time.
At the core of Richmond's defensive prowess lies the linebackers, a group coached by Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Justin Wood.
Football undeniably thrives on the collective efforts of all eleven players, yet among them, the brilliance of team captain Tristan Wheeler shines particularly bright. Not only does Wheeler lead the team, but he also guides a cohort primed to uphold Richmond's legacy of unyielding linebackers in the upcoming 2023 season.
With his eyes set on being a five-year All-American and five-time All-CAA selection, the two-year team captain looks to put a cap on a once-in-a-generation career.
Heading into the 2023 season, Wheeler boasts an impressive stat line of 366 career tackles, 23 tackles for loss, four sacks, and four interceptions. He has notched three full seasons with over 100 tackles, earning him the fifth spot in HERO Sports' ranking of returning FCS linebackers this offseason.
As Richmond's ironman, he has started an impressive streak of 37 consecutive games, the longest among all Spiders. His contributions earned him the title of Phil Steele and Stats Perform All-American last season, a recognition well-deserved for his role in propelling Richmond to the NCAA FCS Playoffs Second Round.
Wheeler has always built up the man next to him as well. In 2021 he tallied a career-high 114 tackles while Tyler Dressler added 92 and last season, Wheeler recorded 110 while Phil O'Connor picked up 87. This year, he'll look to help players like Wayne Galloway, Donovan Hoilette, Jared Joseph and Quantraill Morris-Walker have big seasons as well.
Galloway has been steadfast for the Spiders between special teams and filling in for vacant roles among the linebackers since his first season in the spring of 2021. Galloway has played in 26 career games and has made 24 tackles and recovered a fumble in 2021's Capital Cup win over William & Mary.
Hoilette, a redshirt sophomore, will have an increased role in 2023. With appearances in 13 games across two seasons, he shined in the last year's FCS Playoffs Second Round game against Sacramento State. After Phil O'Connor's early-game injury, Hoilette seized the opportunity, amassing 11 tackles, a pass breakup, and two tackles for loss. Up until that point, he had 10 career tackles. This standout performance firmly secured his place in the rotation for years to come.
Jared Joseph has been a key member of the Spiders special teams units during his two active seasons following a redshirt freshman year. With appearances in all 13 games in 2022 and 10 in 2021, he has garnered 12 tackles. Anticipated to take on an elevated role within the linebacking unit in 2023, Joseph's potential continues to unfold.
Arriving at the Spiders from Idaho State as a transfer defensive back, Quantraill Morris-Walker has transitioned to the linebacker role. Building on his 31-game career with the Bengals, where he secured 107 tackles across four seasons, Morris-Walker's impact is poised to be significant for the Spiders in 2023.
Zach Chambers preserved his redshirt status as a freshman last season and played in four games where he assisted on two tackles. He, alongside Prince Ekwughalu, Owen Laughlin, Edward McDonough and another defensive back-turned-linebacker, Jordan Allen add depth to the unit.
Freshmen Ryan Hammoud and Jordan Wilkes will get their first taste of college football as the season gets underway.
With key contributions from Wood's linebackers, Richmond had the second-best scoring defense in the CAA, holding opponents to just 20.1 points per game and held offenses to 333.4 yards per game, the second-fewest allowed in the conference. The Spiders also led the CAA against the rush, allowing opponents to pick up just 1,517 yards on the ground all season. Richmond ranked fifth in sacks (29) and third in sack yards (200) and carried a league high 14 interceptions and two pick-sixes.
With no signs of slowing down for Wood and his linebackers, 2023 is poised to be another big year for this group.
2023 Richmond Linebackers:
#9 Wayne Galloway (R-Jr., 6-1, 222)
#10 Jared Joseph (R-Jr., 6-0, 210)
#16 Quantraill Morris-Walker (R-Sr., 6-2, 182)
#24 Prince Ekwughalu (R-Sr., 6-0, 213)
#27 Jordan Allen (R-Fr., 6-0, 196)
#30 Tristan Wheeler (R-Sr., 6-2, 228)
#34 Donovan Hoilette (R-So., 6-4, 208)
#40 Jordan Wilkes (Fr., 6-0, 220)
#41 Zach Chambers (R-Fr., 6-2, 220)
#43 Owen Laughlin (R-So., 6-1, 205)
#49 Ryan Hammoud (Fr., 6-1, 215)
#59 Edward McDonough (R-So., 6-0, 215)
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