Emporia State opens fall camp with renewed focus

EMPORIA (KSNT)- The wait is over in Emporia. Hornet football is officially back.

The Hornets opened camp bright and early with energy, tempo, and a purpose.

Head coach Garin Higgins knows he has a talented group on his hands, but it's all about work ethic to avoid a tumble similar to last season.

"This is maybe one of the most talented teams I've had," Higgins said. "These guys are talented and competitive, but we haven't faced any team of adversity yet. We'll have to learn those things as we progress."

The Hornets are coming off a 7-4 season that started hot and ended with frustration. ESU won seven of its first eight games in 2024 before dropping the final three — a skid that ultimately kept them out of the postseason.

"We have an extra chip on our shoulder this year," redshirt-sophomore linebacker Jake Tucker told 27 News. "Losing those last couple of games didn't feel good, and it's something we can't let happen again."

Redshirt-sophomore receiver Malik O'Atis had a great summer in conditioning and has been leading by example with the younger receiving core.

"I just try to be the guy that can bring everyone together," O'Atis said. "I'm trying to be the type of leader for this group that Tyler Kahmann was for us."

Kahmann was an undrafted free agent wide receiver currently fighting for a roster spot with the Indianapolis Colts.

Senior wide receiver Kingley Bennett echoed the importance of leading by example.

"Preach the details on focusing on the little things," Bennett said. "They probably get annoyed at me, but I say learn all the details like their route trees, going through the playbook in the fast-paced offense."

The Hornets will get into the pads for the first time on Friday and continue to prepare for its season opener at home against Minot State on Aug. 28.