Honored to have EARNED a perfect 4.0 GPA this semester as well as receiving my leadership certification! Always improving on and off the field. #StudentAthlete
Fort Hays State 2025 Preview
@FHSUFootball loses stars like Shane Watts, Myles Menges, and Jack Dawson...But with Caleb Heavner at QB, Gaven Haselhorst up front, and LB John Johnson back healthy, the Tigers have the experience, depth, and culture to stay in the MIAA hunt.
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Fort Hays State went 8–3 in 2024 with the MIAA’s best scoring defense and a top-five offense. Now they turn the page. New weapons. New roles. Same expectations. With Chris Brown entering year 14 and the staff intact, the identity is set. They win at the line, they travel well, and they don’t beat themselves.
Here’s who’s back and where they fit.
🔹 Quarterback: Caleb Heavner (@CalebHeavner_)
▪️ 1,649 pass yards, 13 TD, 2 INT
▪️ 353 rush yards, 5 TD
▪️ 70.15% completion (school record)
📝 One of the most accurate QBs in D2 last year. Took over midseason and made it his job. Steady, mobile, and ready for a full season as QB1.
🔹 Tight End: Cale Cormaney (@CCormaney)
▪️ 32 catches, 310 yards, 1 TD
▪️ All-MIAA Second Team
📝 Veteran target with a strong frame and soft hands. He’ll be a key piece in the middle as the WR corps gets reloaded.
🔹 Wide Receiver: Jabari Lewis (@1JabariLewis)
▪️ 29 catches, 469 yards, 3 TD
▪️ 16.2 yards per catch
📝 Now the deep threat. With Jayden Horace gone, Lewis is the next man up. Speed, separation, and yards after catch.
🔹 Wide Receiver: Ryan Allen
▪️ 28 catches, 323 yards, 2 TD
▪️ 10.0-yard punt return average
📝 Experienced and versatile. Reliable hands underneath and adds value on special teams.
🔹 Linebacker: John Johnson (@JohnJohnsonn_3)
▪️ 230 career tackles
▪️ Two-time All-MIAA
📝 Smart, physical, and back to lead the middle after missing time last year. His return changes the tone of the entire defense.
🔹 Defensive Line: Gaven Haselhorst (@GavenhHasel)
▪️ 6.0 TFL, 3.5 sacks
▪️ All-MIAA Third Team
📝 Disruptive off the edge. With Menges gone, Haselhorst becomes the tone-setter on the line.
🔹 Cornerback: Keiyon Turner (@KeiyonTurner)
▪️ 1 INT, 1 PBU
▪️ Played all 11 games
📝 With Mason Perez and Benyon Williams graduated, Turner becomes one of the most experienced DBs in the secondary.
🔹 Offensive Line: Porter Dannevik (@DannevikPorter)
▪️ All-MIAA Second Team
📝 Steady presence at tackle. With Josh Shaw graduated and Dawson Reynolds gone, Dannevik leads a reshaped front.
🧠 Staff & Foundation
🔹 Head Coach: Chris Brown (@HCFHSUFB)
▪️ 14th season, 89 wins
🔹 OC: Tom Ross (@coachrossFHSU)
🔹 DC: Cooper Harris
The identity hasn’t changed. Fundamentals, toughness, and consistency. That’s what gets you to November.
📊 By The Numbers (2024)
▪️ 30.4 points per game
▪️ 16.9 points allowed (best in MIAA)
▪️ +8 turnover margin
▪️ 6–0 at home
Fort Hays State lost 13 all-conference players from last season, including its top rusher, top two receivers, leading tackler, and both specialists. Several positions will be filled by returning backups and transfers brought in during the offseason.
Wins over Angelo State, Missouri Western, Washburn, and Central Missouri. Close losses to Northwest and Pitt kept them out of the playoffs.
📌 What to Watch in 2025
🔹 Heavner’s command over a full season
🔹 Running back depth post-Watts
🔹 Secondary leadership behind Turner
🔹 Special teams transitions
🔹 Offensive rhythm with a new WR1 and rebuilt line
Fort Hays State has enough talent and structure to be right back in the MIAA title picture. If Heavner levels up, this group could push deeper.
#D2FB#MIAA#FHSU#TigerFootball#D2Spotlight#RoadToMcKinney
Early morning kickboxing workout!! Improving on footwork, hand eye coordination, and endurance!! Always trying to improve in all aspects to prepare me for the next level!! @CoachRoc@CoachMaggitt38@STARSMP1