Former Warrior football standout Deshon Saunders is hoping for a strong senior campaign at Elizabeth City State University.

With the official start of football season not too far away, Saunders is excited about his last hoorah. As an offensive standout for the NCAA Division II ECSU, Saunders has already amassed 1,193 all-purpose yards for the team heading into this last year.

“I’m honestly just pumped to be able to play and enjoy it with a group of guys that’s willing to be coachable,” Saunders said.

Last season was tough for Saunders. He was on his second coach in two years and also wasn’t able to play the first few games. In limited time, though, he was able to put together more than 300 rushing yards.

“It definitely didn’t start the way I wanted it to,” he said. “We just wanted to get the best out of what we had with a new coaching staff and everything. We just had to go out there and have fun.”

Saunders primarily plays running back for the Vikings but saw himself starting at the quarterback position for a game. He played quarterback in his time for the Warriors. It spoke to the versatility Saunders has as a player, as he can also catch the ball and is a returner on special teams for ECSU as well. He expects his senior year to be his best yet.

“I plan on playing the best I ever played,” Saunders said. “I just want to really enjoy every hour, every second, and every chance I get to put on those cleats. I’m trying to be known as one of the best players in the conference, so whatever I can reach for, I am going to try to get.”

In a talented Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, Saunders doesn’t want to be just the best running back in the conference on the field but also an excellent student in the classroom and everything that goes into being a good student-athlete. With this being his last year as well, he also feels like it is important for him to set an example for the younger players on the team.

At Nansemond River High School, he helped the Warriors make the playoffs while also becoming an All-Conference selection at quarterback.