TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University football program welcomed in 31 new Golden Tigers on National Signing Day, with four of those included as early signees (mid-year transfers).
The list includes 23 high school seniors, including 11 from the state of Alabama. The list includes schools such as Spain Park, Hoover, Demopolis, Spanish Fort, Auburn, Huffman, Austin and Park Crossing. It also includes three players who played in state championship games over the last two years.
The Golden Tigers also welcomed in four defensive backs, three quarterbacks, two defensive linemen, two offensive linemen, six running backs, five receivers, one punter and one punter/kicker.
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Mid-year transfersJeffrey Bowens, 6-2, 195, Jr., WR, Mercer University/Baylor High School (Chattanooga, Tenn.) :: VideoBowens played 18 games during two years at Mercer, mostly used as a back-up receiver and on special teams. He finished with three receptions for 22 yards during his freshman year, and also tallied five total tackles (three solo, two assisted) on special teams. Bowens recorded his first career catch in a win over Reinhardt (August 28, 2014). A three-sport standout at Baylor High School, Bowens was an All-Region and All-State performer during his senior season.
Kenny Gant, 6-0, 205, R-Fr., RB, Bethune-Cookman College/Houston County High School (Tampa, Fla.) :: VideoGant was redshirted at Bethune-Cookman after coming into the school as the 44
th-ranked senior in the state of Georgia by MaxPreps. During his senior season, ran for 1,371 yards and scored 32 touchdowns. He averaged 7.5 yards per carry and 137.1 yards per game during senior season, while earning All-Middle Georgia selection.
Eric Bright, Jr., 5-10, 223, R-Fr., FB, Bethune-Cookman College/Madison County HS (Madison, Fla.) :: VideoBright rushed for 1,772 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry on 310 attempts at Madison County High School. He averaged 136.3 yards per game and scored 16 touchdowns.
Shane Ward, Jr., 5-9, 185, WR Pima Community College/Cedar Grove High School (Decatur, Ga.) :: VideoCaught 13 passes for 159 yards, averaging 15.9 yards per game as he saw playing time at different skill positions for Pima Community College. He averaged 12.2 yards per reception.
High School SigneesDarrian Anthony, 5-10, 175, DB, Memphis East High School (Memphis, Tenn.) :: VideoA great man-to-man cover corner, very smart player with good feet.
Treyvon Brinson, 6-1, 175, WR, Miami Central High School (Miami, Fla.) :: VideoA three-time state champion in Florida and knows how to win. He knows how to run good routes, and knows how to use his hands. A very coachable young man.
Marquez Burdette, 5-7, 150, RB, Westlake High School (Atlanta, Ga.) :: VideoRushed for 918 total yards on 112 carries, averaging 8.2 yards per carry. Averaged 70.6 yards per game on the ground, scoring eight rushing touchdowns and nine total touchdowns.
Quincy Cox, 6-3, 210, TE, Hoover High School (Hoover, Ala.) :: VideoVery athletic with a big upside, he is tall and has broad shoulders. Will need to work in the weight room to get ready to block and he comes from a great program in Hoover.
Jayjerein Craig, 6-0, 255, RB, Demopolis High School (Demopolis, Ala.) :: VideoA power kid, strong physical in-between the tackles. He runs good routes, and can be involved in the passing game. A downhill runner with great vision that will fit the system.
Ahmad Deramus, 5-11, 185, QB, Gadsden City High School (Gadsden, Ala.) :: VideoHe is a tough-nosed quarterback. He is athletic and can run, and he can make the throws you ask him. He plays at a good program at Gadsden City. Deramus gives us an opportunity to do what we want to do at quarterback.
Jamarcus Ezell, 6-1, 185, QB, Demopolis High School (Demopolis, Ala.) :: VideoHelped lead team to the region title during senior season, falling in the first round of the playoffs to Saint Paul's. A very smart kid, and ran the same type of offense we ran. He is good with his legs and his arm.
Christopher Faulkner, 6-0, 285, DL, Baldwin County High School (Bay Minette, Ala.) :: VideoA tough kid that early on had a couple of Division I offers. He uses his hands pretty good and great in the running game on defense. He is one of those guys for the future.
Kalil Gray, 6-0, 235, LB, Georgia Military CC (Union City, Ga.) :: VideoPound-for-pound probably the best athlete that we are going to have on the board. Great in the running game, great in the passing game. Coming out of high school he had a lot of Division I offers and had to go to junior college. He is a steal and he can run.
Dalton Hall, 6-2, 250, K/P, Redwood Community College (Hartsville, S.C.) :: VideoBig leg and consistent. He is a very intimidating kicker with his size, and he wants to be here.
D'Marcus Harris, 6-0, 175, DB, Huffman High School (Birmingham, Ala.) :: VideoHe has great instincts. He is tough, and is a safety that will get involved in the running game. Tough kid that could compete for significant playing time
Mercury Hayes, 6-1, 175, WR, Langham Creek High School (Cypress, Texas) :: VideoVery athletic, has good bloodlines and played across from the top receiver who signed with Texas A&M. His potential level is uncharted.
Steven Hodges, 6-1, 175, WR, Park Crossing High School (Montgomery, Ala.) :: VideoOne of the best players on their team. He has great hands and runs good routes. He is a physical receiver and will make the tough catches.
Dashae Hubbard, 5-10, 175, DB, Spencer High School (Columbus, Ga.) :: VideoHas good feet and good awareness. Has a knack for the ball and is not shy to come up and get physical in the running game. He has great instincts in the passing game.
Chester Hutcherson, 6-1, 200, LB, Spain Park High School (Hoover, Ala.) :: VideoMade great strides from his junior year to his senior year. He is an athletic kid that helped lead his team to the state championship game. He runs well and plays fast, he is good with his hands and has a great upside.
Kali James, 5-11, 275, DT, Jonesboro High School (Stockbridge, Ga.) :: VideoClayton County co-defensive player of the year, who finished his senior season with 44 tackles, including 14 sacks; a verbal commit to Campbell University over the summer.
Justin Johnson, 6-3, 310, OL, Antelope Community College (Lancaster, Calif.) :: VideoA kid that can play multiple positions, can play all three. Athletic offensive lineman, can fit in a lot of different schemes. He has good feet and hips, does a good job in the passing game.
Dante Ogburn, 6-2, 295, OL, Grossmont Community College (Springfield, Ohio) :: VideoHe is a multiple position guy, plays center and guard. He is tough and does a good job in the running game. He will come in and push for playing time just with his experience.
Quintarius Neely, 5-11, 165, QB, Roswell High School (Roswell, Ga.) :: VideoHelped lead team to a state runner-up finish with 2,164 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. Completed 169-of-281 passing with only five interceptions, averaging 166.5 yards passing through the air. He is extremely athletic, can make plays with arm as well as his legs. Neely rated as a two-star athlete.
Oscar Patterson, 6-3, 270, TE, Westminister High School (Miami, Fla.) :: VideoPlayed offensive line in high school, will convert over in college. Very aggressive and physical. He comes off the ball very well, it is what we have been looking for at that position.
John Pecaro, 5-9, 175, P, Atlantic High School (Boynton Beach, Fla.) :: VideoHe is efficient, and can punt the football.
Jocobi Smith, 5-10, 235, FB, Auburn High School (Auburn, Ala.) :: VideoRushed for 632 yards on 91 attempts during senior season after missing spring practice. Rushed for 11 touchdowns.
Rorrick Steward, 6-2, 185, S, Austin High School (Decatur, Ala.) :: VideoLong, rangy safety. He is not afraid to stick his helmet in there and can cover some ground. He knows the game and is willing to learn.
Davoris Thomas, 5-10, 195, LB, Spanish Fort High School (Mobile, Ala.) :: VideoHe is athletic, a kid that is going to be great in the passing game. A kid that comes from a championship program, so he knows how to win. He comes from a football family and is tough.
Ja'tavien Weems, 5-10, 200, LB, Dutchtown High School (Stockbridge, Ga.) :: VideoAthletic, and has great instincts. Has a nose for the ball.
Daymeonta White, 5-11, 180, DB, Spencer High School (Columbus, Ga.) :: VideoA rangy safety, has good hips and good feet. He will be to compete for significant playing time.
Foster Williams, 5-11, 186, RB, Simeon High School (Chicago, Ill.) :: Video
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