Hampton University signs 15 new Pirates on National Signing Day

HU Pirates Head Coach Donovan Rose

HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University head football coach Donovan Rose announced on Wednesday the signing of 15 players – including six transfer students – as part of National Signing Day.

“We feel real good about the incoming class,” Rose said. “They fit into the philosophy we have here … offensively, they’re lean and fast and match the fast-paced way we’re looking to do things. Defensive, even though we’re not done yet, we’re getting some good athletes who fit into the way we do things.”

Incoming Freshmen:

Ronald Rose (OL, 6-3, 275, Dematha HS/Fort Washington, Md.): All-District.

J’rod Beard (WR, 5-8, 170, Atlantic HS/Boynton, Fla.): First Team All-Palm Beach County.

Rodney Joiner III (S, 6-0, 200, Auburn HS/Auburn, Ala.): All-Area.

Chris Gooden (ATH, 6-2, 195, Warren Easton HS/New Orleans, La.): All-District.

Chris Dukes (RB, 5-9, 190, UMS Wright HS/Mobile, Ala.): All-State, 6,300 yards, 92 TDs, Ala. All-Star Game.

Christopher Scott (OL, 6-5, 340, N.C. Prep/Carol City HS/Miami, Fla.): All-Dade, played in Dade County All-Star Game.

DaMarcus Bell (DT, 6-3, 285, Dudley HS/Greensboro, N.C.): Defensive MVP, Shrine Bowl All-State.

Charles Benning (LB, 5-11, 210, McGill Toolen HS/Mobile, Ala.): All-State, MVP All-Region.

Steven Johnson (LB/FB, 5-9, 230, Warren Easton HS/New Orleans, La.): All-Area.

Khalid Marshall (DB, 5-9, 170, Miami Northwestern HS/Miami, Fla.): First Team All-Dade, two-time state champion; Runs a 4.41 40 yard dash.

Dylan Kearns (LS, 5-10, 190, Palm Beach Lakes HS/Palm Beach, Fla.): All-District.

Leon Shorter (WR, 6-3, 195, Fort Pierce HS/Fort Pierce, Fla.): Offensive Player of the Year, All-State.

Transfers:

Khambrel McGee (DB, 5-8, 176, Florida International/Booker T. Washington HS/Miami, Fla.): First Team Class 6-A All-State, two-time state champion, Dade vs. Broward All-Star; Sophomore

Nubian Peak (RB, 6-0, 200, 4.2 40 yard dash; Virginia Tech/Pulaski HS/Pulaski, Va.): Offensive Player of the Year, All-Region; r-Sophomore;

Tahrick Peak (LB, 6-3, 210, Texas Tech/Pulaski HS/Pulaski, Va.): Rated No. 32 outside linebacker in the nation by Rivals; 4.45 second 40 yard dash.

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By Hampton University Office of Sports Information