NCCU Football Adds Three Eagles during Early Signing Period

DURHAM, North Carolina -- The North Carolina Central University football program added three Eagles, including two FBS transfers, during the new early signing period.

The new additions are Missouri graduate transfer quarterback Marvin Zanders, N.C. State transfer receiver Daeshawn Stephens and Deerfield Beach High School linebacker Zach Simmons.

Zanders, a 6-2, 205-pound dual-threat quarterback out of Jacksonville, Florida, spent three seasons (2014-16) at the University of Missouri. In 2016, he completed 10-of-12 passes for 114 yards and a touchdown, while rushing 35 times for 198 yards and two scores for the Tigers. As a senior at Raines High School in 2013, Zanders amassed more than 2,500 yards of total offense, and was responsible for 37 touchdowns, completing 130-of-224 passes for 1,866 yards and 22 touchdowns, while rushing for 705 yards and 15 more scores. He is the older brother of current NCCU sophomore quarterback Micah Zanders.

"Marvin is an experienced, dual-threat quarterback," said Granville Eastman, interim NCCU head football coach. "He's a fierce competitor who has the ability to become a great contributor for the team."



Stephens, a 6-2, 190-pound receiver from Durham, North Carolina, spent the past two seasons (2016-17) at North Carolina State University, appearing in 10 games this year after redshirting during the 2016 campaign. He signed with the Wolfpack after a stellar career at Hillside High School, amassing 71 receptions for 989 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior. Stephens and current NCCU freshman quarterback Chauncey Caldwell were high school teammates, helping to lead Hillside to a 10-3 record and the N.C. 4A state quarterfinals in 2015.

"Stephens is a versatile wideout with a large catch radius, who has the ability to stretch the field," Eastman said.



Simmons, a 6-1, 220-pound linebacker out of Broward County, Florida, amassed 178 tackles, 19 sacks, three fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown during his career at Deerfield Beach High School.

"Simmons is a tough, versatile linebacker who wreaks havoc on the football field," said Eastman. "He plays the run or pass very well."

More recruits will sign the dotted line to become Eagles on the traditional signing day in early February 2018.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION