Hampton Football Unveils 2016 Signing Class

HAMPTON, Virginia --  Hampton University head football coach Connell Maynor, who is heading into his third season, announced the Pirates' 2016 signing class, 21 players in all, on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day.

"I thought it was a great recruiting class, our biggest so far. We're looking for a lot of great things out of these guys, we've got a lot of quality players," Maynor said. " We think they can help us out a lot if not next year, then certainly in 2017 and beyond."

Matt Ahearn (6-3, 320, OL, Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity HS): Was on Trinity Christian's undefeated and state championship team this past season, was All-American and All-State.

Noah Boone (6-3, 195, WR, Virginia Beach, Va./Landstown HS): Caught 38 passes for 583 yards and five touchdowns this past season and was a First Team All-Conference 1 (Coastal) selection.

Albert (Ryan) Carlisle III (6-1, 280, C, Opelika, Ala./Opelika HS): Helped Opelika go 11-2 this past season, advancing to the state playoffs. Switched to center as a senior.

Terry Chisley (5-9, 180, CB, Hampton, Va., Bethel HS): Played both wide receiver and defensive back for the Bruins, and he was a Second Team All-Conference 10 selection this past season.

Tarus Dameron (5-10, 220, RB, Lincolnton, N.C./Lincolnton HS): Rushed for 2,304 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior, leading Lincoln County.

Jordan Edwards (6-1, 220, LB, Forestville, Md./Bishop McNamara HS): Played both linebacker and running back for Bishop McNamara, racking up 75 total tackles as a senior, averaging 7.5 per game.

Myles Ferrell (6-3, 300, OL, Atlanta, Ga./Woodward Academy): Helped Woodward go 13-1 and advance to the state semifinals in his senior season, scoring 30 points in all but two games.

Tyheem Freeman (6-0, 185, CB, Lithonia, Ga./Lithonia HS): Two-sport start (football, basketball).

Brendan Greene (6-1, 195, QB, Columbia, S.C./AC Flora HS): Dual-threat quarterback who was one of the best at his position in South Carolina.

Bailey Herring (6-1, 285, OL, Merritt Island, Fla./Merritt Island HS): Played mostly in the tackle position for a Merritt Island team that went 8-4 this past season, and was named First Team All-State.

Auldon Knight (5-10, 165, WR, Akron, Ohio/Copley HS): Was an All-Conference performer who also made several All-State squads, has been clocked at 4.3 in the 40-meter dash. Already enrolled in school.

Yahkee Johnson (5-8, 175, RB, Richmond, Va./Nassau CC/L.C. Bird HS): Rushed for 790 yards and seven touchdowns for Nassau CC in 2013. Already enrolled in school.

Keenan Marr (6-3, 260, DL, Atlanta, Ga./Grady HS): Has a blend of size and athleticism that caught the attention of a few FBS programs.

Keon Marsh (6-3, 190, QB, Springfield Gardens, N.Y./Monterey Peninsula CC): Already enrolled in school.

Derrick Moreland (6-4, 290, DL, Mt. Ulla, N.C./West Rowan HS): Had 53 tackles in 2015 to go along with 17.0 tackles for loss and four sacks, while also playing basketball at West Rowan.

Elijah Nelson (6-2, 205, S, Hampton, Va./Phoebus HS): Played for a Phantoms squad that went 13-2 this past season, advancing to the state semifinals.

Tylon Patterson (6-5, 190, WR, Covington, Ga./Lithonia HS): Was a two-sport athlete at Lithonia and will add size to the Pirates' receiving corps.

Mehran Roshanaei (5-10, 170, K/P, Arlington, Va./Yorktown HS): Former soccer player who made seven of his nine field goals in 2015, including a season-long of 47 yards, while also averaging almost 50 yards a punt.

Donald Smith (6-2, 190, CB, Danville, Va./George Washington HS): Two-spot star (football and basketball) in high school, helped the football team go 12-2 this past season.

Steven Smith (6-2, 235, LB, Virginia Beach, Va./San Jose City College/Salem HS): Was an All-Conference performer at San Jose City College, showcasing the ability to both rush the passer and drop into coverage.

Keldrick (K.J.) Wilson (6-5, 285, OL, Mt. Ulla, N.C./West Rowan HS): Has seen most of his playing time at tackle, and was an All-Conference performer. Also played basketball.

"We're pleased," Maynor said. "We covered all the areas we needed to cover with more than 20 seniors last year."

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.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS