Samford football is coming off of a record-breaking season, and a SoCon Championship win. Despite the tough start to the 2023 campaign, this season will still go down as a memorable conclusion for the senior Bulldog players.
Linebacker Josiah Cotton and defensive back Kourtlan Marsh are two seniors who are grateful for the opportunity that Samford football has given them, carving their last four years into the school’s iconic legacy.
Cotton described this current season as a rollercoaster, but appreciates the value of his position on the team.
“We’ve had some really high highs and some really low lows,” Cotton said. “But I can’t complain – I know I’m blessed that God has allowed me to play in this position.”
Marsh echoed Cotton’s sentiment when reflecting on past and current seasons.
“Obviously, some games haven’t gone our way. But right now, and the past couple of weeks, I think we as a team are finally coming together as one and are playing complementary football,” Marsh shared.
These two seniors have been playing football for most of their lives – and as the countdown runs for the culmination of their time as athletes at Samford, they leave with many great memories. Cotton recounted his personal favorite: the game against Florida in 2021.
“The Florida fans started chanting our school’s name,” Cotton recalled. “‘Go, Samford! Go, Samford!’ They were lowkey rooting for us to win.”
Among the constellation of cherished memories, one stood out to both Cotton and Marsh: last season’s big Southern Conference title win. Marsh’s favorite moment was the team receiving their championship rings this past summer. Cotton also enjoyed the win against his hometown team, Mercer University.
Marsh, a health science major with a minor in strength and conditioning is anticipating a future dedicated to community service and the promotion of healthy living. He aspires to extend his impact beyond the field by helping to foster healthier and longer lives for those around him.
Cotton has his sights on a post-graduation career in broadcasting, leveraging his journalism and mass communications degree to assist young athletes like himself through the artful lens of college sports media.
As their final season unfolds, the players took the time to offer advice to the upcoming senior class.
“You have to be committed, or else it won’t work. Keep your head down and keep working,” Marsh said.
“Live in the moment – time goes by fast. Experience life to the fullest,” Cotton commented.
You can catch Cotton and Marsh in action this Saturday, Oct. 21 at VMI.
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