Howard Football Fills Needs With Recruiting Class

WASHINGTON, D.C.  -- Howard University head coach Gary "Flea" Harrell says that he is pleased with the incoming class of recruits that he signed.

The two main areas of concern for the Bison (6-6 overall, 4-4 in the MEAC) was at offensive line and wide receiver.  Gerald Wright (6-2, 310), Tyler Shadrach (6-5, 310), James Holman (6-4, 320) and Corey White (6-3, 285) all figure to contribute and provide depth to an offensive line that returns four starters and ranked high nationally in fewest sacks allowed and least penalized.

"We wanted to address our needs for 2014," said Harrell.  "We feel that Gerald Wright, Tyler Shadrach, James Holman and Corey White can help us right away.  It is a physical group that is suited to provide blocking for our running back Anthony Philyaw."  Philyaw, a freshman last season, rushed for over 700 yards and scored 16 touchdowns.

"We also wanted to address the needs at wide receiver," he continued. "Odis Grimes (6-5, 210) has good size and runs great routes."

He continued, "Cameron Taylor (6-2, 170)  is very impressive.  He and Grimes give Greg McGhee a couple of legitimate weapons with their big play ability."  Taylor, from Clayton, OH, is the son of former Howard standout, cornerback Chuck Taylor.

Other needs that Harrell filled was at the cornerback, fullback and at quarterback.

"David Chin (6-0, 230) will be able to help us at fullback," said Harrell.  "We signed a couple of cornerbacks and Atavius Matthews (6-1, 225), a transfer from ODU should help us at linebacker."

Harrell had nothing but praise for quarterback Kalen Johnson (6-1, 192).

"We will be grooming him to replace Greg McGhee," said Harrell.  "He is an outstanding talent that we think has a bright future."

The Bison signed 12 total, but Harrell adds that he will still be looking to sign a couple of cornerbacks and a kicker at a later date.

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS