Hampton football announces 2013 signing class

HAMPTON, Virginia  --  Hampton University head football coach Donovan Rose announced his 2013 class of signees on Wednesday, a slate of five players that includes one student-athlete from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

“We’re committed to continuing to recruit character guys, and I think this year’s class fits that mold,” Rose, coming into his fifth season, said. “We’re anxious to see these kids come in and compete and begin working toward getting back to where we need to be as a program.”

This year’s signees:

-Bryan Bailey (6-2, 185, QB, Woodruff, S.C., Woodruff HS): was named All-Region and All-Conference, as well as earning WSP Player of the Week honors. He chose Hampton over Western Carolina.

-David Holley (5-11, 225, LB, Stockton, Calif., San Joaquin Delta College): was All-State in high school and played in the Dade-Broward All-Star Game. He was also a junior college All-American, recording 96 tackles (15 for loss), two sacks, and three forced fumbles. Holley chose Hampton over a number of schools, including MEAC rivals Howard, Bethune-Cookman, and South Carolina State.

-Blake Porter (6-3, 285, OL, Charlotte, N.C., West Charlotte HS): was an All-Conference and All-Region selection. He was also named Student-Athlete of the Year and was a member of the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

-Paul Robertson (5-10, 204, RB, Richmond, Va., LC Bird HS): rushed for 2,935 yards this past season and was named VHSL Player of the Year. He earned All-District, All-Metro, All-Region, and All-State honors. Robertson chose Hampton over such schools as Delaware and Massachusetts.

-Tyric Robinson (5-11, 170, WR, Columbia, S.C., Ridge View HS): was named All-Conference and holds the South Carolina record for longest touchdown reception at 99 yards. He chose Hampton over Alcorn State and Coastal Carolina.

“Our recruits this year were very need-specific,” Rose said. “We still have a few more slots left open, but I feel like we’re in good shape in being a little more selective.”

The Pirates will open the 2013 season on Aug. 29, when they head to Macomb, Ill. to take on Western Illinois. For more information on Hampton University football, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.




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