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FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University football closed out spring practice with an energetic and competitive spring game that showcased growth on both sides of the football and optimism heading into the 2026 season.

The contest marked the Broncos' fourth scrimmage of the spring and reflected the early stages of a program adjusting to significant change. With four new coaches on staff — including new coordinators on offense and defense — Head Coach Richard Hayes said the focus throughout the spring has been on building cohesion and laying a strong foundation.

"I'm really excited about the progress we made this spring," Hayes said. "This is a really young football team, but they showed a lot of promise."

Offense Shows Explosiveness, Youthful Potential

Despite being young up front, the Broncos' offense generated points and momentum, capitalizing on a few defensive miscues with several big plays. Under first-year Offensive Coordinator Tim Reynolds Jr., Fayetteville State emphasized tempo, versatility, and player development.

"Our offense is a little bit of everything," Reynolds said. "Every personnel, every formation — we want to give defenses a lot to prepare for."

Reynolds highlighted several offensive standouts from the spring:

• Milton Turner (TE) transformed his body and delivered a breakout spring.
• Calvin Banks, a former receiver, found a new role at running back and ran effectively.
• Riley Horton (QB) took a major step forward, showing leadership before exiting the spring game after being banged up.
• Kristian Golden and Zayden Watson both turned in strong springs, with Golden finding the end zone during the game.

While Reynolds graded the spring game as "average" from an offensive standpoint, he noted the unit's improved speed and cohesion — a key objective entering the offseason.

"Coach Hayes was happy with our movement offensively," Reynolds said. "We're taking baby steps, but we're moving in the right direction."

Defense Responds and Finishes Strong

The defense, led by new Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Kienus Boulware, weathered early offensive success but responded with resilience, making key stops and forcing a late turnover to secure a 17–14 victory.

"Defensively, we gave up a couple of big plays early, but the guys fought back," Hayes said. "At the end of the game, the defense won it on a turnover."

Boulware, who joined the program just over a month ago, praised the competitive balance of the spring game and the effort across the roster.

"It wasn't one side whatsoever," Boulware said. "Nobody dominated anybody. The offense moved the ball, and we got some crucial stops — and that's our job."

Several defensive players stood out, including:

• Jatavien Taylor, an inside linebacker Boulware described as one of the best athletes he's been around.
• Terrell Ford (Safety), a physical presence in the secondary with a nose for the football.

Boulware emphasized that the defense's most important growth area has been communication and speed.

"We've got guys that can get us lined up, and we're playing fast," he said.

Looking Ahead

While the Broncos acknowledge they remain a work in progress, the spring concluded with confidence, energy, and clear direction.

"We're a long way from where we want to be," Hayes said, "but I'm really excited about where we're going."

With a young roster, renewed leadership, and competitive balance between offense and defense, Fayetteville State enters the offseason focused on continued development and building toward something special in the fall.