BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb University has made the decision to play at least two football games this fall and is currently in the process of seeking out potential opponents.

The Runnin' Bulldogs would play those games in November, with one of the games preferably in Spangler Stadium. Gardner-Webb began to make calls to opposing schools in an attempt to find playing partners late last week. Those efforts are continuing this week.

"Our team would benefit from getting on the field and playing this fall," said first-year head coach Tre Lamb. "After missing so much time together with no spring practice, little offseason conditioning or strength training this team was far from ready in August or September. As we have been able to string together more consistent practices, the confidence has grown. Our kids would love the chance to take advantage of the opportunity to play a game or two in November."

Regardless of whether or not it can fill dates in November, Gardner-Webb plans to be on the field again in February competing for a Big South Conference title.

"We are fully committed to playing this spring with the rest of our conference opponents," said Lamb. "A pair of November games will only help us in our preparation for the spring. The opportunity to chase a trophy and an FCS playoff berth is something that should always be taken seriously and we will put our best foot forward in February, or whenever the spring season begins. Then we can begin preparation for a quicker turnaround for the 2021 season in August."

The Runnin' Bulldogs have enough talent to create buzz in Boiling Springs, with All-America receivers Izaiah Gathings (6-4, 225, Jr.) and Devron Harper (5-10, 165, So.) among the top returning performers on offense. Add in big, athletic target Jameson Turner (6-4, 211, So.) and electric freshman Mendez Jean-Baptiste (5-10, 170, Fr.) and there are plenty of options in the passing game.

Running backs Narii Gaither (5-10, 177, So.), Dexter Brown (6-0, 192, R-So.), D.J. Hancock (5-9, 174, R-So.) and A.J. Moses (6-0, 217, Sr.) have formed a good rotation at the position so far during fall camp and a re-tooled offensive line – anchored by graduate transfer Dan Wittekind (6-3, 305) and three-year starter Jack Nichols (6-3, 308) – continues to improve.

Transfers Tayvon Bowers (6-1, 200, R-Jr.) at quarterback and Bryson Duckworth (6-5, 230, Gr.) at tight end have made significant impressions over the past two months as well.

Linebackers Darien Reynolds (6-0, 224, Sr.) and Cade Hamilton (6-1, 233, Jr.) are proven stalwarts on defense – and have continued in their roles this fall. Veterans Shai Thomas (6-2, 260, Sr.) and Janathian Turner (6-3, 306, Jr.) have been strong on the defensive line, along with 300-pounders Marlon Alexander (6-0, 322, So.) and Charlie Jackson (6-4, 300, Fr.).

After producing only 10 sacks in 12 games last season, generating a pass rush was a point of emphasis for the new defensive staff. Moving Thomas from linebacker to defensive end was a start and the summer addition of three-star end/linebacker Ty French (6-3, 225, Fr.) should also help quickly once the 'Dogs hit the field.

The veteran trio of Kendall Bailey (6-4, 265, R-Jr.), John Singleton (6-5, 240, R-Jr.) and Tremayne Booker (6-2, 268, R-Sr.) is also ready and working hard on the defensive line. The trio has combined to start 34 career games.

Athletic hybrid Tray Dunson (6-2, 212, So.) has been impressive on defense and a deep – but young – secondary continues to make strides. Former Georgia Tech transfer Dameon Williams (5-11, 177, R-Jr.) stands out most days at practice at cornerback and several others take turns making plays at both safety and corner.

Gardner-Webb also returns much of its starting experience on special teams, including preseason All-Big South snapper Will Mullins.