Markel Townsend

2023 (Freshman): Played in four games as a reserve in the offensive backfield, remaining eligible for a redshirt … Rushed 18 times for 62 total yards, adding two receptions for 21 receiving yards … Rushed a career-best six times for 20 yards, adding a reception for 11 yards to record 31 all-purpose yards … Posted five rushes for 15 yards against Charleston Southern (Sept. 23), with four runs totaling 14 yards at The Citadel (Sept. 30) … In the season finale, rushed three times for 13 yards at VMI (Nov. 18) … Credited with a tackle assist at The Citadel (Sept. 30) … Carried the ball five times for 28 yards and a touchdown in WCU’s annual Spring Game, adding a reception ... Named to the 2023-24 Southern Conference Academic Honor Roll. Prior to Western Carolina: Amassed 4,987 career rushing yards and scored 81 touchdowns as a prep … Rushed for 2,660 yards on 270 carries – the second-leading rusher in South Carolina – with 43 touchdowns, adding 230 receiving yards as a senior … Named the Region Player of the Year in 2022, also earning Class 4A All-State and Richland County High School Football Player of the Year accolades. Personal: Is the son of Melanie Townsend. Career Highs: Rushes – 6, at Arkansas (9/2/23) Rushing Yards – 20, at Arkansas (9/2/23) Receptions – 1, twice – MR: at The Citadel (9/30/23) Receiving Yards – 11, at Arkansas (9/2/23)