ETSU football fans ‘Meet the Team’ at Greene Stadium

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Bucs fans of all ages turned out to have a catch, run a drill or grab a quick autograph inside William B. Greene Jr. Stadium on Monday night at the school’s Meet the Team event.

“I think it’s great for fans, boosters and donors to see some of these guys’ faces and realize they are human beings,” head coach Tre Lamb said. “They’re good kids.”

Some familiar contributors remain on the 2024 roster, but about 50 of this year’s scholarship players are new to the program.

One of those new guys is redshirt-sophomore wide receiver AJ Johnson. It hasn’t taken him long to find the charm of the Appalachian Highlands.

“Everyone always has a smile on their face and that warms my heart,” he said.

But, a few of the new faces will be familiar to some, as Tennessee High graduate Steven Johnson returns to the Tri-Cities. Johnson will suit-up in the Blue and Gold this fall after spending the last few seasons as a quarterback at UNC Charlotte.

I’m obviously closer to family and friends – all that,” he said Monday. “Just connecting with the new guys over at ETSU has been great and just getting this bond going. You can tell something special is happening in Johnson City.”

Jayson Graham – son of former Vols great and NFL running back, Jay Graham – is a freshman this season, as well. He is already savoring his time in Johnson City – with dad serving as ETSU’s special teams coordinator.

“He coached me my senior year of high school over in Knoxville,” Jayson explained. “But, this is the first time in a college football sense. So, it’s a little more structured and serious. But, it’s good, I really enjoy having my dad on the staff.”

It’s a staff and squad that is preparing to meet Appalachian State in just 12 days to open the campaign. But, Monday night wasn’t about studying scheme or film – it was about having fun with their biggest supporters.

“It’s almost like a big family and we’ve been embraced, for sure.”

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