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| HEAD COACH JON ANDERSON WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY YELLOW JACKETS |
The announcement comes on the first day of the NCAA's national letter of intent signing period for football.
The single largest block of new student athletes comes to Institute from within the state of West Virginia, however, WVSU's recruiting class also features players from throughout a multi-state region, including Ohio, Maryland, Texas, Florida, Kentucky and Washington D.C.
“We had two goals when we started out recruiting this class,” said Anderson, who was named coach of the Yellow Jackets in December. “Number one, we wanted to focus on the state of West Virginia. We worked hard to introduce ourselves to the state high school coaches, and West Virginia ended up being the state where we got the most recruits from. ”
In all, 11 students who played their high school football in West Virginia have committed to continue their careers for the Yellow Jackets, and will begin play next season in the newly formed Mountain East Conference.
Another factor that was important to Anderson was to recruit players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the football.
“We wanted to build an overall team from this recruiting class,” said Anderson, who came to WVSU following a career as a defensive coordinator of one of the nation's most successful NAIA and NCAA Division II football programs.
“You will see every position represented with great high school student athletes. Our initial goal was 20 and to be able to introduce over 30 today is outstanding.”
Despite the fact that the new coaching staff arrived in December and January, they were determined to cover as much ground as possible to recruit in such a short amount of time.
“I believe that we accomplished everything we set out to do with this recruiting class and I am confident that these student athletes will have a bright future at WVSU,” said Anderson.
The 2013 West Virginia State University football signees are (individual biographies below list:
- Luke Barnes, 5'11'' 160, safety. Chillicothe High School (Ohio)
*Luke Barnes* 5'11'' 155, Defensive Back. Chillicothe, Ohio. Chillicothe High School. A standout in the classroom as well, Barnes was a member of the Beta Club, and Honor Roll at Chillicothe High boasting a 3.2 GPA. A two year varsity letter winner for head coach Ron Hinton, he was also chosen as a team captain and received the “elite cavalier” award. Barnes recorded 63 tackles during his senior campaign, and received his team's defensive back of the week award twice. Barnes is also a 2 year letter winner in track, he is the son of Terrill and Erica Barnes, and plans to major in graphic design while attending WVSU.
*Sherman Bernett* 6'0'' 210, Linebacker. Washington, D.C., St. John's High School. Burnett comes to Institute from St. John's High School where he not only excelled on the football field, but proved to be an excellent student as well recording a 3.2 GPA and being named to the St. John's Honor Roll for his work in the classroom. Burnett was a standout on a defense that led its team to the state semi-finals, recording 60 tackles, along with 3 sacks for head coach Joe Patterson. Sherman is the son of Sherman Burnett Jr. & Nichole Humphries. Burnett plans to major in forensic science while at WVSU.
*Dwight Blankenship* 6'0'' 225, Linebacker. Wayne, WV. Wayne High School. Blankenship comes to West Virginia State University after a stellar playing career at Wayne High School, while at Wayne, Blankenship's performance earned him all state honors in both his junior and senior campaigns. Blankenship's play helped earn Wayne High School two state championship crowns in 2011 and again in 2012 under head coach Tom Harmon. Dwight is the son of Dwight & Terrina Blankenship.
*Trevon Bolin-Hitchens* 6'4'' 200, Tight End. Waverly, Ohio. Waverly High School. Trevon joins the WVSU family after an outstanding playing career at Waverly High School under head coach Rusty Wright. Trevon had an excellent junior season in which his play earned him All SOC II First Team honors, followed by a senior season that saw him earn more post season accolades including 2012 All SOC II First Team honors and, 2012 All Southwest District Division Honorable Mention. Trevon plans to major in Education while at WVSU. He is the son of Amy and Shelby Hitchens.
*De'Von Bollinger* 6'1'' 260, Defensive Tackle. Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Reynoldsburg High School. Bollinger not only excelled on the playing field, but also in the classroom earning Scholar Athlete of the Year honors as senior at Reynoldsburg High. As a senior, the 6'1'' 260 pound tackle proved to be disruptive force for opposing offenses recording 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 30 tackles along with 23 solo stops, and recording 9 touchdowns for head coach Buddy White. De'Von is the son of Gregory & Cheryl Hines.
*Noah Brown* 6'4'' 290, Defensive Tackle. Lexington, Kentucky. Lafayette High School. Brown brings outstanding athletic ability to the State football team that will thrive off having an athletic defensive tackle within their defensive scheme. Brown provides just that earning All-City and All-District honors in 2012 during his senior campaign at Lafayette High under head coach Carl Hayden. Respected by his teammates as well Brown was named the most valuable defensive lineman at Lafayette High School. Noah plans to major in Biology at WVSU, he is the son of David and Tammy Brown.
*Justin Carr* 6'2'' 228, Linebacker. Lexington, Kentucky. Lafayette High School. One of the most decorated players in this year's signing class Carr comes to Institute from Lafayette High School where he was a 4-time defensive MVP for head coach Carl Hayden. After having a career that saw Carr record 487 tackles, 17 sacks, and over 50 tackles for loss he was named to the All-City team in 2011, 2012, and 2013. After leading the state in tackles in 2012 and 2013 he was named to the All-State team in both of those seasons as well. Justin is the son of Jerry & Phyllis Carr.
*Zevin Clark* 5'10'' 190, Running Back. Crystal Lake South High School. As a senior at Crystal Lake South Clark rushed for over 1,000 yards in just a six week span for head coach Chuck Ahsmann. It was this kind of performance that earned him numerous post season accolades including, All Conference, All Area, the Max Emfinger All-American Team honors, North West Heralds Athlete of the Week honors, as well as earning him his team's Offensive MVP Award. Zevin is the son of Kevin and Zerria Clark.
*Kevin Coffie* 6'0'' 150, Defensive Back. Springbrook High School. The Laurel, Maryland product comes to Institute after an outstanding playing career at Springbrook High under head coach Adam Bahr. Coffie will certainly add some talent to the Yellow Jacket secondary with his exceptional athletic ability, as a senior Coffie recorded 47 solo tackles, 2 interceptions, and 5 PBU's. Respected by his teammates, Coffie was named a team captain at Springbrook. Coffie plans to major in Physical Therapy while at WVSU. Kevin is the son of Richard and Beatrice Saunders.
*Darrod Doleman* 5'10'' 160, Defensive Back. Ranson, West Virginia. Jefferson High School. Doleman comes to Institute from Jefferson High School, where he earned three varsity letters under head coach Richard Mills. Highly respected by his teammates Doleman was also chosen as two time captain at Jefferson High. Doleman's play on the field led to two selections on the All-PVC team as a junior and again as a senior. Darrod finished second on the team in receptions as a junior, and followed that up by leading his squad in receptions as a senior. Doleman also won player of the week honors during his senior campaign, he is the son of Kevin Doleman & Renee Smith. Darrod plans to major in Sports Studies while at WVSU.
*Nick Dreixler* 6'2'' 250, Center. Steger, Illinois. Mount Carmel High School. Dreixler comes to WVSU after a highly decorated high school career. Not only did Nick excel on the playing field but also in the classroom earning the freshman student athlete award, as well as being named to the Mount Carmel honor roll. Highly respected by his opponents Dreixler was named to the Pre-Season All Area Team, as well as receiving the Order of the “C” award. Dreixler's performance up front helped his team become 2009 CCL Champions, 2011 Chicago Prep Bowl Champions and finally becoming the 2012 8A state champs during his senior campaign. Dreixler plans on majoring in Mathematics while at WVSU. Nick is the son of Tom and Katie Dreixler.
*Jared Fehrens, 6'4'' 230, Defensive End. Fredericksburg, Virginia. Courtland High School. Highly respected by coaches and teammates Fehrens was selected as team captain for the Courtland High program. Fehrens, a member of the varsity team as a sophomore that won the regional championship, as well as a advancing all the way to the state semi-final team, this same team also earned a regional championship. As a senior under head coach JC Hall, Fehrens earned First-Team All-District honors at defensive end, First-Team All-Region Defensive End, Second Team All-District Tight End, as well as honorable mention All-State honors at defensive end. Jared is the son of Albert & Mary Fehrens, and plans to major in Business while at WVSU.
*Jules Ferguson* 6'3'' 230, Linebacker. Cincinnati, Ohio. Princeton High School. Standout for linebacker for head coach Gary Croley. Jules is the son of Leslie Spencer & Norman Ferguson.
*Dennis Gardeck* 6'1'' 200, Linebacker. Lake in The Hills, Illinois. Crystal Lake South High School. Gardeck comes to Institute from Crystal Lake South High School where his performance on the field earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches after they named him team MVP for his performance during his senior campaign. Gardeck helped lead a defense for head coach Chuck Ahsmann, in which he received All-Conference and All-Area accolades for his play at linebacker. Gardeck will bring an explosive athleticism to the State linebacking corps, he plans to major in Criminal Justice as well during his time at WVSU. Dennis is the son of Jim and Terri Gardeck.
*Geoffrey Gardner* 6'2'' 280. Guard. Grayslake North High School. Gardner comes to West Virginia State from Grayslake North High fresh off of the best season in school history which saw head coach Steve Wood's squad post a school best 8-1 record, and the first playoff appearance in school history. Gardner was a major factor in the team's success anchoring an offensive line that paved the way to a Fox Valley Conference Championship. Gardner will add some talented depth to the State offensive line, with his exceptional talent up front. Gardner plans to major in Sports Studies while at WVSU, Geoffrey is the son of Bonnie Gardner.
*Kamal Garner* 6'4'' 184, Wide Receiver. Washington, D.C. Friendship Collegiate Academy. Garner comes to Institute where he will add a big, athletic body to the receiving corps. As a senior at Friendship Garner's performance on the field helped him earn Second Team All-Metro honors, as he led his team in receiving touchdown as a senior for head coach Aazar Rahim. Kamal is the son of Bell Garner & Kevin Jones, Kamal plans to major in communications/broadcasting while at WVSU.
*Garrett Grafton* 6'3'' 300, Guard/Tackle. Winfield High School. Grafton, a local product joins the Yellow Jacket family from nearby Winfield High School where he played for head coach Craig Snyder. Grafton was a key contributor up front to the success of Winfield High, even as a junior Grafton earned the Lineman MVP award at Winfield. Grafton plans to major in Education while attending WVSU. Garrett is the son of John Grafton & Sharla Griffith.
*Paul Hammer* 6'1'' 220, Linebacker. Dallas, Texas. Hebron High School. As a junior at Hebron Hammer performed well enough to earn 2011 All-District Honorable Mention as an underclassmen. After recording 82 solo stops, and 10 sacks as a senior for head coach Brian Brazil Hammer was named 2012 Unanimous All-District 1st Team, as well as serving as a team captain for Hebron. Paul is the son of Mike Hammer & Amy Kinser.
*Kurt Jones* 6'2'' 250, Guard. Ona, West Virginia. Cabell Midland High School. Jones excelled in the classroom as well as the playing field earning a sport on the Cabel Midland High School Honor Roll. Jones helped paved the way for one of the most daunted rushing attacks in the state of West Virginia under head coach Luke Salmons. Cabell Midland held the top spot in the state with a number one ranking throughout the entire season, finishing the regular season with a 10-0 record, finishing 13-1 overall, falling just short in the 3A state championship game. Jones helped pave the way up front for an offense that produced three running backs with over 1,000 yards, including one rusher with over 2,000 yards. As a team Cabell Midland finished the year with over 5,000 yards rushing which led the state of West Virginia. Kurt plans to major in Business Management at WVSU. Jones is the son of Tom & Kim Jones.
*T.C. Kester* 5'10'' 175, Safety/Corner. Winfield High School. A local product Kester comes to Institute from Winfield High School where he excelled both in the classroom and the playing field. Kester comes to WVSU with a 3.25 GPA, while earning 4 varsity letters on the football field. Kester earned the coaches award for outstanding play from head coach Craig Snyder, he also performed well enough to earn Honorable Mention honors in the tough MSAC conference. T.C. is the son of Ted & Missy Kester, and plans to major in accounting while attending WVSU.
*Matt Kinnick* 6'1'' 182, Quarterback. St. Clairsville, Ohio. St. Clairsville High School. As a junior, Kinnick was named 3rd Team All-Ohio, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Conference, as well as being name Team MVP as an underclassman. As a senior Kinnick continued to torch through defenses earning 1st Team All-Ohio honors, 1st Team All-Eastern District, as well as 1st Team All-Conference under head coach Brett McLean. One of the top quarterbacks in the state of Ohio, Kinnick led St. Clairsville to a state runner up finish in the Division 4 class. In just two years as a starting QB Kinnick compiled over 6,000 career passing yards, and 70 passing touchdowns. Matt is the son of Michael and Judy Kinnick.
*Jarod Martin* 6'4'' 225, Tight End. Huntington, WV. Huntington High School. Martin who was a multi-talented performer for head coach Billy Seals was a 4 year varsity letterwinner. Martin had a highly decorated career at Huntington High earning four varsity letters, 2011 All-MSAC 1st Team honors as a Punter, 2012 All-MSAC 2nd Team Honors at Punter, 2012 Class AAA All-State Football Special Mention, as well as earning 2012 NUC Combined East Division MVP honors at Tight End. During his senior campaign Martin recorded 2.5 sacks, 61 tackles, averaged 17 yards per catch, as well as averaging 37 yards a punt. Jarod is the son of Ron & Kathy Martin.
*Raleigh Mason* 5'8'' 205, Running Back. Follansbee, WV. Brooke High School. A West Virginia product Mason led the state of West Virginia in tackles as a junior at Brooke High School. As a senior he racked up numerous post season accolades for his performance on the gridiron, racking up First Team All-State honors, First Team All-OVC, as well as earning First Team Track honors. Mason was also selected to represent Brooke High as a Big “22” candidate.
*Dustyn Murphy* 6'3'' 210, Tight End. Mt. Lookout, West Virginia. Nicholas County High School. Murphy comes to Institute where he will add some much needed depth to the Tight End position. An outstanding performer at Nicholas County High Murphy earned 1st Team All-Conference honors for his play at Tight End as well as earning a sport on West Virginia AA All-State Team. Murphy was part of a program that saw plenty of success at Nicholas County under head coach Gene Morris, making it to the first round in the playoffs in 2009 & 2010, topping of his career by making it the second round of the playoffs in 2012 earning the first playoff win in school history. Dustyn plans to major in Criminal Justice at State. He is the son of Brian and Tina Murphy.
*Garrett Peavler* 6'0'' 165, Defensive Back/Quarterback. Lexington, Kentucky. Lafayette High School. Peavler a standout quarterback at Lafayette High School completed his senior season under head coach Carl Hayden with 2,270 yards passing on 166 completions, along with connecting 19 times for touchdowns. Respected by his teammates Peavler was selected as team captain, as well as receiving the team's most valuable offensive player award, as well as the attitude and effort award. In addition to these honors, Peavler was selected by the Lexington-Herald Leader All-City Team. Garrett is the son of Jerry & Billie Peavler, and plans to major in communications while attending WVSU.
*Mitchell Rowell* 5'11'' 235, Linebacker. Gahanna, Ohio. Gahanna Lincoln High School. Rowell had an outstanding playing career at Gahanna helping his team to a 7-3 record and a 3rd place finish in the OCC during his senior season. Rowell's play on the field spoke for itself during the post season when he racked up numerous post season honors including; 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All-OCC, 1st Team All-District, 2nd Team All-Metro, Agonis Club Player of the week honors for week one of his senior campaign, as well as being named to the Super 25 team. Rowell plans on majoring in Sports Studies while at WVSU. Mitchell is the son of Londale and Sandra Rowell.
*Dalton Shannon* 6'2'' 285, Guard/Center. Ocklawaha, Florida. Belleview High School. Shannon excelled in the classroom as well as the playing field earning a 4.0 GPA during his time at Belleview High School. As a junior Shannon was named to the All-County team, as well as being named All-District, and All-County as a senior. In both his junior and senior campaigns Shannon led his team in both knock down blocks, and graded out higher than any other offensive lineman in both seasons at Belleview for head coach Phillip Yancey. Shannon is the son of CJ & Pamela Shannon, Dalton plans to major in psychology during his time at WVSU.
*Gavin Smith* 5'9'' 155, Kicker. Saint Albans High school. Smith comes to WVSU after an outstanding senior season as Saint Albans High School under head coach Steve Sophl. During his senior season he handled his specialist's duties well enough to earn his team's Special Teams MVP award. Smith plans to major in Criminal Justice at WVSU.
*Geoffrey Walker* 6'2'' 191, Wide Receiver. Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Jefferson High School. Walker not only excelled on the football field but also in the classroom and in the community earning the Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Excellence Award, and well as the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Commendation. His performance on the field under head coach Mills, earned him First Team All-Potomac Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors. Walker is the son of George & Barbara Walker, Geoffrey plans to major in Business Marketing while at WVSU.
*Akil Washington* 6'2'' 185, Wide Receiver. Capitol Heights, Maryland. Suitland High School. A three year letterman for head coach Ed Shields at Suitland High, Washington recorded 28 receptions for 500 yards as a junior, and another 16 for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns during his senior campaign. Respected highly by his teammates Washington was selected as a team captain at Suitland High School. The All-County selection was also selected to play in the PG vs. SMAC All-Star Game. Washington was in the top five for receiving yards in PG County (4A) in both his junior and senior campaigns, leading his team to a 20-4 record when in the lineup, averaging nearly 19 yards per reception (18.8) during his career at Suitland. Akil is the son of Brian & Michelle Washington, he plans to major in computer science while at WVSU.
*Trent Williamson* 6'0'' 205, Quarterback. Grove City, Ohio. Westfall High School. Williamson excelled in both his junior and senior seasons, earning First Team All-Ohio in both campaigns for head coach Scott Keller. Keller also performed extremely well when it mattered most to his team, earning 2-time district player of the year honors. Williamson also earned 2-time SVC conference player of the year honors. Williamson was a crucial part of his team's success throughout his career, leading his team to playoff appearances in 2011 & 2012, while also capturing the SVC conference crown in 2011 & 2012. Trent is the son of Charles & Kelly Williamson, he plans to major in education while attending WVSU.
*Jamir Wilson* 6'0'' 175, Safety. Germantown, Maryland. Seneca Valley High School. As a senior Wilson earned his team's most outstanding improved player award for his performance on the field for head coach Fred Kim. With Wilson in the Lineup Seneca Valley compiled a 20-4 record throughout his career. As a senior Wilson led Seneca Valley to the regional final, defeating the #1 ranked team in the DMV area. Jamir is the son of Edward & April Wilson. While at WVSU Jamir plans to major in Sports Science.
COURTESY WEST VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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