RICHMOND, Ky. – "It's a matter of pride." A phrase made synonymous with Eastern Kentucky University football by legendary head coach and College Football Hall of Famer, Roy Kidd.
 
It is a phrase that is repeated and instilled in every part of Colonel Nation from fans to student-athletes reflecting the proud history and standard of success within Colonel Football and EKU.
 
A mantra that must be quickly learned by new Colonels from across the country when they get on campus for the first time.
 
For one current Colonel, however, it is a rallying cry that he has grown up with, and now grown into embodying that mentality on Saturdays wearing Maroon and White.
 
That Colonel is sophomore running back Brady Hensley.
 
Born and raised in EKU fandom, Brady is the son of Eternal Colonel David Hensley and his mother fellow EKU alumnus Danielle.
 
The Hensley name is a familiar one around the EKU fan base with David having played under the legend Roy Kidd, leading the Colonels in scoring in the 1984 season at running back.
 
"EKU and football have always been a part of my life," said Brady. "Growing up my parents used to tell me all about their time at EKU as students, especially with my dad sharing his stories playing under Roy Kidd … I grew up a Colonel fan, I went to games as a kid with my family to Roy Kidd Stadium and growing up that's all I wanted to be. Getting the chance to live out that dream now is special."
 
A true local, Hensley's journey to playing under the lights of Roy Kidd Stadium began just a few miles away in Madison County Youth Football.
 
"Getting to play college ball is a privilege and accomplishment in its own right," said Brady. "Getting to do it in your hometown where I have been playing ever since I was a kid in the county youth league is something most guys don't get to do. I still remember playing on teams with guys on the team now like Jayden West and going up against Jeff Kinley. Now having the opportunity to go out on Saturdays and perform in front of the people that watched me grow up and helped me become who I am today is something that is truly special."
 
It was only fitting that EKU was the first school to offer Brady a scholarship in high school.
 
"I still remember when I got offered at camp as a sophomore," said Brady. "I was so excited, not just because it was my first college offer, but because it was at my parents' school, the school I grew up next to as a fan, and it was something I felt like I had been working towards for a long time."
 
Like any dream that is fulfilled, there has been a lot of learning and hard work for Brady to do, something he learned in 2024, his freshman season at EKU.
 
"There's always going to be a big learning curve going from high school to college," said Brady. "I had to learn a lot last year as a freshman, and I was just excited to be on the special team units. I was blessed to have great guys in front of me in the running back room with the likes of Josh [Joshua Carter], Telly [McCallister], [Brayden] Latham, and Mont [Jalen Montgomery]. They taught me how to practice like every rep you get could be your last, how to study film effectively, and so much more even off the field."
 
Brady's hard work paired with the lessons learned have just started to bear fruit this season with a breakout game last Saturday against Nicholls rushing for 148 yards on 14 carries including a massive 68-yard touchdown run to tie the game in the second quarter.
 
"That run was crazy," said Brady. "I hit the hole and got to the second level, and it was like everything went quiet as I got out to the open field, and I got nervous because I thought someone was tracking me down, but went I got in the end zone, it was as if all the sound came rushing back in at once like a wave."
 
Brady had indeed electrified his hometown crowd, helping EKU extend its home winning streak to nine games dating back to the season finale in 2023.
 
"Having that moment in front of the Richmond faithful is something I'll always cherish," said Brady. "I've talked with my dad a lot about what he experienced playing at EKU, and now getting to share that experience now … I'm truly blessed and I'm excited to keep working for more."
 
Not only is Brady following in his father's footsteps on the field, but he is following in both of his parents' footsteps off the field studying special education at EKU.
 
"Both of my parents taught special education for years around Madison County," said Brady. "They are both such huge role models for me, and getting to follow in their footsteps on campus, on the field, and in the community is special for me."
 
It is safe to say that for the homegrown Colonel, that "It's a matter of pride." goes well beyond just the football field.