Although Tony Epperson will finish his undergraduate work this semester, the Wildcats won’t lose him just yet. Epperson sat out the 2009 football season as a redshirt freshman and began his football career in 2010. His decision to apply to the WSU business graduate program and his late start in football will allow him to play another season on the Wildcat football team as a senior athlete.

Epperson was injured after playing only six games for the Wildcats this season, but his defensive numbers were still solid. As a safety, he had 42 tackles, one forced fumble and an interception returned for 25 yards.

While he was a standout defensive player, Epperson was most recognized this season for his punting performance. Epperson led the entire nation in punting with an average of 48 yards per punt, making 16 punts of 50 yards or more, including a punt of 74 yards — one of the longest in school history.

The Wildcat football standout has proved it is possible to find success in all areas as a student athlete.

“My biggest accomplishment was finishing my degree with a 3.9 (GPA),” Epperson said. “The lowest grade I had was a B-plus, so it was a great achievement for me here at Weber State.”

After he graduates this semester, Epperson looks to attend the graduate business program offered at WSU while continuing his football career.

“It’s going to be different — the classes for business school at Weber State are all at night,” he said. “ . . . I don’t think it will affect how I play, really . . . The classes won’t be easier, but I will have more time than I did this season, at least.”

Epperson showed his wide skillset this season before falling to injury. He looks to get back on the field next season and continue where he left off.

“It was great leading the nation in punting before I got hurt,” Epperson said. “My season average didn’t count because I didn’t play enough games . . . But I will be kicking again next season. Honestly, I don’t do a whole lot of stuff with punting other than the special teams stuff at practice. Other than that, I don’t pay much attention to it. I mostly focus on my work on defense.”

Epperson said the Wildcats look to take their recognized skill from this season and strengthen for the upcoming year.

“It was kind of a down year for us in football,” he said, “but we’re definitely looking to turn it around and contend for the Big Sky Championship and, hopefully, win it next year.”

After a busy undergraduate career, Epperson recognized the lasting benefits from attending WSU and said he looks forward to his future career as a Wildcat.

“I loved it,” Epperson said simply. “Once I decided I was going into finance, I stayed in the same classes with the same people, and it’s been awesome. I’ve made a ton of friends from that who are outside of my football circle. I got to meet different people and work with them. And Weber State has a great business program — I’ve been able to take advantage of that.”