Savannah State Signs 13 In-State Recruits

Bradwell's and Darvean Herron and Sheldon Barnes...
These two Tigers will remain Tigers at Savannah State.

SAVANNAH, GA - Savannah State University interim football coach Julius Dixon announces the signing of 13 players to National letters of Intent to play football for the Orange and Blue. Dixon and his assistants focused on in-state recruits this year. “Until we get the program up and running we have to sign kids from the state of Georgia. We tried to concentrate our efforts to make the dollar go as far as it can. In getting in-state players, there is more opportunity for family and friends to come see them play.”

The 42-year-old interim coach is pleased with his first signing class. “I am very pleased with these young men. Not only what they bring athletically but academically. We made it a point to get kids who have been academically sound,” said Dixon. Dixon feels all of the recruits bring a lot to the table for SSU. „I consider all 13 of these kids jewels. They picked Savannah State because they thought SSU gave them the best opportunity.”

Lifelong friends sign with SSU even after coach leaves school

HINESVILLE, GA - Darvean Herron and Sheldon Barnes seemingly have been attached at the hip since they met in the fourth grade. They attended Taylors Creek Elementary School and Lewis Frasier Middle School. Wednesday, National Signing Day, the Bradwell Institute football players signed letters of intent to attend Savannah State University together. "My best friend my whole life," Herron said of Barnes. "It's a wonderful experience to sign with him."

Herron, a 5-foot-11, 202-pound linebacker, and Barnes, a 5-foot-10, 217-pound running back, accepted SSU scholarship offers during an 11 a.m. ceremony inside Bradwell Institute's cafeteria. They were among 13 players, all from Georgia, who signed with SSU despite Robby Wells' unexpected resignation as head coach last Thursday.

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SSU 2010 Recruits

Sheldon Barnes (RB, 5-11, 215, Bradwell Institute/Hinesville, Ga.) -- In his senior season, Barnes had 200 carries for 1,252 yards with 15 touchdowns. He was named the Region 3-AAAAA Offensive Player of the Year.

Bryce Bell (OL, 6-2, 350, Martin Luther King/Lithonia, Ga.) -- He was named to the All Region Team three times and All State Team three times.

Josh Coleman (WR 5-9 170, Brunswick/Brunswick, Ga.) -- He finished his senior season
with 2,017 all purpose yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged 23.6 yards in kick returns and 11.6 yards in punt returns. He was also named to the All Region First Team.

Dylan Cook (WR, 6-2, 185, Hiram/Hiram, Ga.) -- He holds the season and career reception records at Hiram High with 41 and 78. He also holds the school receiving yards record with 142 yards in a game, 639 yards in a season and 1,213 yards in his career. For his accomplishments, in his senior year, he participates in the GACA North-South All Star game and was named to the First Team All-Region.

Trent Demeritte (WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Winder Barrow/Winder, Ga.) -- He led the team with 60 receptions for 1078 yards along with 11 touchdowns. He was named to the All Region Team and All-State team Honorable Mention.

Darvean Herron (LB, 5-11, 185, Bradwell Institute/Hinesville, Ga.) -- He finished his career with 158 tackles, nine sacks, five fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles. He was also named to the All Region First-Team.

Dimitri Holmes (WR, 5-9, 165, Clark Central/Athens, Ga.) In his senior year, he had 36 receptions for 500 yards. During his career, he had over 100 receptions for 1500 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also had 528 career kick return yards.

Brian Lackey (WR, 6-4, 195, East Paulding, Dallas, Ga.) -- He finished his senior season with 29 receptions for 405 yards along with three touchdowns, five tackles and three pass break ups.

Patrick McCrary (TE, 6-4, 210, Madison County/Danielsville, Ga.) -- In his senior year, he recorded 21 receptions for 430 yards and three touchdowns. He was named to the All Region First Team and All Northeast, Ga. Second Team.

Malcolm Poindexter (DB/RB, 6-0, 190, Northgate/Newnan, Ga.) -- He finished his senior season with 43 tackles, seven breakups, three interceptions, and two tackles for loss. As a receiver, he had 16 receptions for 352 yards and four touchdowns.

Anthony Prophet (QB, 5-11, 205, Johnson/Gainesville, Ga.) -- In his senior season, he completed 67 passes for 900 yards with nine touchdowns. He also rushed for 950 yards and nine touchdowns. He was named to the All County, All Region and All Area teams.

Broderick Sellers (LB, 6-0, 215, South Paulding/Douglasville, Ga.) -- Named to the All District First Team and the All Region Team.

Quan Trammell (DB/WR, 6-3, 190, Stephens County/Toccoa, Ga.) -- A four-year starter, he finished his high school career with 93 receptions for 1,397 yards. He also had five interceptions.

Grambling State Selects 15 New Tigers for Football

Grambling addressed some key areas

Grambling signed 15 recruits on Wednesday, plugging several holes on its roster — some current, and some that will open up down the road. The signing class included four linebackers, two defensive backs, two offensive lineman, and some potential successors to quarterback Greg Dillon, who will be a senior in the upcoming season. It addressed some key areas of need for fourth-year head coach Rod Broadway. The playmakers that might someday replace Dillon bring the most intrigue. Anthony Carrothers, a 5-foot-8, 175-pound quarterback from Independence High in Charlotte, N.C., has an eye-popping resume. He finished his prep career with 13,000 yards of total offense, 100 passing touchdowns, and 56 rushing touchdowns.

Tigers Close Day One of National Signing Day With 15

Grambling, LA--- Grambling State head football coach Rod Broadway was very pleased with the results at the end of the day on day one of the football national signing period. With 15 freshman and transfers inked, Broadway feels the Tigers have addressed some needed issues. “We went after needs. We didn’t get a lot of numbers but we are happy with what we received”, Broadway said. We didn’t go after a lot just what we needed in spots and so hopefully we have put some pieces of the puzzle together and it will show up down the road.”

GSU Tigers 2010 Football Signees

NAME SCHOOL HOMETOWN POS. HT. WT. NOTES

1. Quinton Crowe, Ruston H.S. Ruston LA LB 6-2 225 Honorable Mention 4A All-State; first-team All-District 3-4A, 63 tackles last year, including 17 for a loss.

2. Frank Rivers, Fairfield Central H.S. Fairfield, AL QB 6-5 205 2,500 yards, 18 TD’s, as a baseball player recorded 22 strikeouts as a pitcher.

3. Hakeem Lassiter, Lakawanna C.C. Scranton, P.A. OL 6-3 300.

4. Barry James, Williamson H.S. Mobile, AL LB 6-2 245

5. Gaither Madison, Williamson H.S. Mobile, AL DB 6-0 190

6. Lucktes Estiverne, Oak Ridge H.S. Orlando, FL LB 5-11 215 162 Tackles, Orange Co. 1st team, Honorable Mention All-State.

7, Thomas Bridgewater, Evangel Christian Shreveport, LA WR 6-0 200 56 rec., 1126 yds, 14 TD’s, 20.1 yds/c avg., All-District, All-City.

8. D’Mario Turner, Mays H.S. Atlanta, GA LB 6-0 255.

9. Devon Carter, N. Clayton H.S. College Park, GA OL 6-3 260.

10. Malcolm Robinson, Garland H.S. Garland, TX DB 5-10 185.

11. Anthony Garrison, John Ehret H.S. New Orleans, LA Ath 5-11 185.

12. Greg Allen, Carver H.S. Birmingham, AL DE 6-5 240.

13. Jeremy Runner, Neville H.S. Monroe, LA ATH 5-11 195 All NE-Louisiana, All-State, KNOE TV-4 Offensive Player of the Year.

14. Anthony Carrothers, Independence H.S. Charlotte, NC QB 5-8 175 Second in State, fifth in nations history with over 13, 000 yards total offense. 100 passing TD’s, 56 Rushing TD’s.

15. Kameron Thurmond, Saddleback C.C. Mission Vallejo, CA WR 6-4 Washington State signee out of high school. Big WR that can play TE with 4.5 speed.

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Quarterback struggles at Tennessee State appeal to signee

Michael German followed new Tennessee State Coach Rod Reed's advice and did his "homework" when it came to studying the Tigers' offense. German, a quarterback at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Fla., saw TSU was unable to find a quarterback who could consistently lead the offense in 2009 and it swayed his decision when it came time to sign. Reed called German (6-2, 210) the "shining star" of his first signing class, which included 20 prospects. German passed for 2,653 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as a senior while leading his team to the third round of the Class 5A playoffs.

"The biggest role in my decision was the trouble they had at quarterback,'' German said. "That gives me more opportunity to come in and play as a freshman or as a sophomore." TSU finished eighth in the OVC in total offense (273.4 yards) and last in passing offense (123.6). When asked if he believes German can compete for playing time as a freshman with junior Calvin McNairl and senior Dominic Grooms, Reed said: "That's what we're hoping for."

Tigers Ink 20 Players in Early Hours of Signing Day

The Tennessee State University Tigers have inked twenty football signees in the first hours (as of 12 noon) of National Signing day.Coach Rod Reed’s first recruiting class include eleven defensive players and nine offensive players. Eight players hail from the state of Tennessee, six players from Florida, three players from Georgia, two from Alabama and one player from Delaware.Offensively, TSU signed four linemen, two quarterbacks, two wide receivers and one tight end.

TSU Tigers 2010 Football Signees

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. School
Ayobami Ayoola DB 5-10 170 N. Broward Prep (Fla.)
Stephen Brooks LB 6-0 230 Liberty Tech
Romario Cathey DL 6-3 300 Texas Tech
Chris Deloney WR 6-2 185 Howard
Francis Drummond QB 6-2 215 Red Lion (Del.)
Michael German QB 6-2 210 Blanche Ely (Fla.)
Stephen Godbolt DB 6-0 175 Dixie Co. (Fla.)
Jimmie Kitchen LB 6-2 265 Lithonia (Ga.)
Ishmael Lewis OL 6-2 260 Brentwood Acad.
DeMarco McNeal DB 6-2 180 Banneker (Ga.)
Anthony Morris DL 6-7 275 Cordova
Robert Myers OL 6-6 303 La Vergne
Lawrence Peterson DE 6-2 230 Melrose
Kenneth Pettiford DB 6-3 200 Whites Creek
Wilson Robinson LB 6-4 210 Spain Park (Ala.)
Brandon Rogers OL 6-4 300 Trinity (Fla.)
Wesley Samuels WR 6-4 205 Minor (Ala.)
Je-Marc Sears TE 6-3 235 New Smyrna (Fla.)
Derek Sibley OL 6-6 303 Stone Mountain (Ga.)
Bryce Wilson DB 6-0 190 Canterbury (Fla.)

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Alcorn State Goes Offensive With 23 New Signees

The Alcorn State University football program has announced the signing of 23 new Braves for the 2010 recruiting class. Coach Earnest Collins Jr., and his staff focused on the offensive side of the ball by signing seven offensive linemen, three quarterbacks and three wide receivers. The offensive linemen average 6-3/305 in size. The gem of the group is all-state selectee, Derrick Henderson, (6-4/310) Brookhaven High School (Mississippi).

On paper, quarterback Jeremy Collins appears to be a potential star with over 4,000 career passing yards and 20 touchdowns. In his junior year at Greenwood High School (M.S.), the All-Region quarterback had only six interceptions the entire season.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Braves signed Ricky Joseph from Miami Northwestern H.S. (Florida), who comes from a great program with a winning tradition. ESPN has this to say about the 6-2/275 defensive tackle: "Joseph comes from a program that produces many good prospects so you know he is used to competing against good competition. He has solid size for the defensive tackle position and displays the frame to be able to add more good bulk."

Joining Joseph from South Florida is Fort Lauderdale Stranahan H.S. safety/DB Derwin Brown, a 6-1/180 athlete that can play running back or wide receiver. Brown played on both sides of the ball for the 9-3 Stranahan Dragons.

At this time of the year, every coach will tell you that they have fulfilled their needs with the incoming recruiting class. And Coach Earnest Collins, Jr. is no difference in that regard. The "undefeated" and new Alcorn University Braves are:

Derrick Henderson- OL 6’4” 310 Brookhaven High School (MS)
Brandon Bridge- QB 6’5” 195 St. Marcellinus Secondary School (ONT)
Jacody Rose- OL 6’3” 309 O.P. Walker High School (LA)
Rodney Whitmore- WR 6’1” 175 Mansfield High School (TX)
LaRon Trigg- LS 6’2” 205 Hinds Community College (MS)
Michael Young- QB 6’2” 207 McLaurin High School (MS)
Chris Perkins- WR 6’6” 205 Hazlehurst High School (MS)
Ricky Joseph- DL 6’2” 275 Miami Northwestern High School (FL)
Jamison Knox- DB 5’9” 185 East High School (TN)
Maurice Redick- OL 6’3” 298 East High School (TN)
Fred Avery- DL 6’1” 278 Mobile Christian School (AL)
Jeremy Collins- QB 6’2” 210 Greenwood High School (MS)
Joshua Dupre- OL 6’4” 285 Captain Shreveport High School (LA)
Thomas Lacy- OL 6’2” 305 Robert Lee High School (TX)
Orlando Stringer- LB 6’0” 195 Carver High School (AL)
Derwin Brown- DB 6’1” 180 Stranahan High School (FL)
Terrence Barnes- DT 6’0” 295 Mize Attendance Center (MS)
Josh Dotson- ATH 5’10”175 Port Gibson High School (MS)
Stephen Fields- DB 5’11”175 Cedar Hill High School (TX)
Brian Malone- OL 6’5” 310 Hinds Community College (MS)
Avis Shelton- OL 6’3” 320 E. Mississippi Community College (MS)
Kenny Roby- LB 6’1” 220 E. Mississippi Community College (MS)
Ramon Brown- DB 6’2” 195 College of Dupage (IL)

-beepbeep

Alcorn State University head football coach Earnest Collins, Jr. finished his first season with a 3-6, 3-4 SWAC record.

Alcorn fills needs with signing class

LORMAN, MS — Having a full year to get to know players makes a huge difference in recruiting, especially compared to only a few months. Now that Alcorn State head football coach Earnest Collins has been on the job for about a year, his hard work convincing athletes to sign with the Braves is much more evident. This past Wednesday, the Braves landed signatures from 23 high school and junior college athletes who will be joining the Braves in the fall.

“We had some needs we needed to fill, and the biggest one was on the offensive line,” Collins said. “We signed six total on Wednesday, so that was a big need we got filled.” In addition, Collins said he needed more athletes in the secondary, and competition at quarterback.

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Delaware State Strikes "Lucky 13" with Football Recruits

Delaware State University Head Football Coach Al Lavan (R) on the sidelines at Michigan.

Dover, DE -- Delaware State University has announced that 13 football recruits have accepted offers to attend the university and compete for the Hornets next season. DSU head coach Al Lavan has also announced the addition of two major college transfers who are enrolled at the university, and expect to participate in the upcoming spring camp. The signees include six defensive linemen, two linebackers, two defensive backs, a wide receiver, offensive lineman and tight end.

"I am pleased with the quality athletes we have signed so far," said Delaware State head coach Al Lavan, who is 38-28 in six seasons as head coach of the Hornets. "We graduated some top players on our defense, so our focus was filling needs on that side of the ball, in addition to improving our overall strength and speed. We are off to a good start, and expect to announce more signings in the days ahead."

The Delaware State defensive line will be bolstered the addition of Josh Alaeze (fr. 6-1/240), Darian Scott (fr. 6-4, 210), Lafeit Frierson (fr. 6-2/240), Craig Woodus (fr. 6-5/265), Darrel Brown (jr. 6-2/285), and Rodney Gunter (fr. 6-4, 240). Alaeze and Scott were teammates at Dunbar High School in Baltimore. They helped lead the Poets to an 11-2 record and state playoff berth in 2009. Alaeze was a Maryland All-State First Team and All-Baltimore Metro First Team selection. He ranked 24th among Maryland high school prospects, according to 3-Star Rivals. Scott was a 2009 Maryland All-State Second Team and All-Baltimore Metro selection. He ranked in the top five in the state in sacks last season.

Frierson was a two-time All-Passaic County defensive end at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson, N.J. He recorded 50 tackles, including 10 sacks as a senior year in 2009. Woodus was an All-Southeastern Virginia and All-Tidewater First Team selection as a defensive lineman and offensive lineman at Lakeland High School in Suffolk, Va. Brown joins the Hornets after two seasons at Hudson Valley Community College, where he helped lead the team to a 7-3 record last season. Prior to attending Hudson Valley, he was a standout at Pennwood High School in Philadelphia.

The Hornets have also inked offensive lineman Trevor Sales (fr. 6-2/285) of La Porte, Indiana. Sales was an All-Indiana First Team and all-conference selection at La Porte High School. In addition, he was a "National Underclassman Strong Man" award recipient. According to ESPN.com, Sales "is a fundamentally sound offensive lineman." Delaware State has added helped in the defensive backfield with the signing of Jermond Colston (fr. 5-11/175) of Norfolk, Va., and Joe Boyd from Fort Washington, Md. Colston was a 2009 All-Tidewater (Va.) selection, and is the school record holder in the 55-meter dash.

Bo Cerravolo (fr. 6-1/190), a standout wide receiver from Venice, Fla., will join the Hornets this year. Last season, the Florida high school all-star had 48 catches and helped lead Venice High to a No. 48 USA Today ranking. Tight end Nick Brackett (fr. 6-4/235) of Lawrenceville, N.J. has also signed to attend DSU. The Hornets have also welcomed University of Maryland transfer Dominique Herald (DB) and former Rutgers defensive lineman Wayne Thomas to the team. Herald competed in 14 games at Maryland. As a senior at Pennington School in New Jersey, he was one of the top defensive backs in the nation, ranking No. 6 nationally among safeties by Scouts, Inc. In addition, he was the 16th-ranked prospect in the state of New Jersey by Rivals.com. Thomas signed with Rutgers as the No. 11 prospect in New Jersey as a senior at Nottingham High School.

Delaware State Football 2010 newcomers

Josh Alaeze FR DE 6-1/240 Baltimore, Md./Dunbar HS
Joe Boyd FR DB 6-0/180 Ft. Washington, Md./Friendly HS
Nick Brackett FR TE 6-4/235 Lawrenceville, N.J./Lawrenceville HS
Bo Cerravolo FR WR 6-1/190 Venice, Fla./Venice HS
Jermond Colston FR DB 5-11/175 Norfolk, Va./Booker T. Washington
Lafeit Frierson FR DE 6-2/240 Paterson, N.J./John F. Kennedy
Rodney Gunter FR DL 6-4/240 Haines City, Fla./Haines City HS
Kennedy Ogbonna FR LB 6-1/215 Wash., D.C./Friendship Academy
Trevor Sales FR OL 6-3/285 La Porte, Ind./La Porte HS
Darian Scott FR DE 6-4/210 Baltimore, Md./Dunbar HS
Dominic Shepard FR LB 6-1/200 Hyattsville, Md./Eleanor Roosevelt
Craig Woodus FR DL 6-5/265 Suffolk, Va./Lakeland HS

Transfers
Darrel Brown JR DL 6-2/285 Phila., Pa./Hudson Valley CC/Pennwood
Dominique Herald JR DB 5-11/195 Newark, N.J./Maryland/Pennington
Wayne Thomas SO DL 6-5/285 Nottingham, N.J./Rutgers/Nottingham HS

Courtesy: DSU Athletic Media Relations, Release: 2/4/2010

Alabama A&M Bulldogs Signs Top Playmakers

Alabama A&M head football coach Anthony Jones and his staff signed 24 future Bulldogs on National Signing Day. The 2010 recruting class represents six states ranging from California to Florida, and includes 13 players from the state of Alabama. The class is expected to grow over the coming days as more recruits finalize their college choices.

Alabama A&M University head football coach Anthony Jones

Alabama A&M Bulldog 2010 Recruiting Class

Frederick Barnes - DT, 6-1, 300, Memphis, TN, Westwood HS
Christopher Boykin - OL, 6-4, 270, Birmingham, AL, Parker HS
A.J. Clark - QB, 6-2, 185, Pensacola, FL, Pine Forest HS
Alan Cruz - OL, 6-2, 270, Huntsville, AL, Buckhorn HS
Giba Goba - OL, 6-5, 265, Philadelphia, PA, Overbrook HS
Justin Goodrich - OL, 6-1, 325, Huntsville, AL, Buckhorn HS
Derrick Harris - DB, 5-10, 170, Stone Mountain, GA, Stone Mountain
Kierri Issac - DB, 6-0, 180, Stone Mountain, GA, Stone Mountain HS
Vandrick Jackson - DB, 5-11, 185, Birmingham, AL, Jackson-Olin HS
Brendan Johnson - RB, 5-7, 180, Atlanta, GA, Carver HS
Brandon Knight - RB, 5-8, 205, Dothan, AL, Dothan HS
Chris Leachman - QB, 6-3, 180, Long Beach, CA, Long Beach HS
Ricky Morton - DE, 6-2, 215, Memphis, TN, Oak Haven HS
Joseph Porter - FB, 5-8, 220, Phenix City, AL, Central HS
Terrance Pride - WR, 5-10, 170, Harvest, AL, Sparkman HS
Jordan Roman - LS, 5-11, 200, Lithonia, GA, Lithonia HS
Brandon Savage - DE, 6-1, 225, Bay Minette, AL, Baldwin County HS
Montarius Smith - WR, 6-0, 170, Birmingham, AL, Jackson-Olin HS
Terrance Spinks - TE, 6-1, 215, Opelika, AL, Opelika HS
Derrick Square - WR, 6-2, 170, Birmingham, AL, Parker HS
Jonathan Sullivan - OL, 6-2, 310, Holly Pond, AL, Fairview HS
Jawanza Vickers - DT, 6-0, 280, Enterprise, AL, Enterprise HS
Nathan Woodard - OL, 6-1, 260, Mobile, AL, Theodore HS
Dominique Wright - DE, 6-2, 220, Hallandale, FL, Hallandale HS

Maryland Bill would mandate Morgan State, Towson football match-ups with the Terps

Maryland Delegate Jay "Sky" Walker has introduced legislation that would require the University of Maryland to play the Tigers (Towson) and Bears (Morgan State) once every four years in a "money" football game. Terps, Tigers and Bears! Oh, my!

Bill would mandate Towson, Morgan State football match-ups‎

The University of Maryland Terrapin football team is scheduled to play Morgan State this fall (Sept. 11, 2010) and Towson in 2011. But if a state legislator has his way, there might be rematches — a lot of them. Del. Jay "Sky" Walker (D-Prince George’s) has introduced a bill requiring the Terps to play either Morgan State or Towson once every four years, arguing it would help fund the two smaller schools’ football programs. But university officials are opposing the bill, saying it would strip the Athletics Department of flexibility in scheduling and force it to subsidize the smaller programs.

“The university should be making its decisions on scheduling football, not the legislature,” university lobbyist Ross Stern said. “This really is stepping on the university’s autonomy.” The Terps are generally regarded as the most prestigious football program in the state, but Walker said the state’s two Football Championship Series (formerly called Division 1-AA) teams would benefit financially and otherwise from playing their in-state ACC counterpart. Instead of playing out-of-state FCS schools, he said, the Terps should play the Tigers or the Bears.

“It’s definitely about keeping money in the state of Maryland,” said Walker, a former NFL quarterback who also works as a college football commentator for ESPN. “In the past two years, Maryland has played James Madison and Delaware, which are both FCS schools. We have two FCS schools right here in Maryland. “Now we can have these schools play all the time, not just once in a lifetime,” added Walker, who starred for Howard University before playing for the New England Patriots, Barcelona Dragons and Minnesota Vikings as a professional in the 1990s.

House bill would require more in-state matchups

State Del. Jay Walker, an ESPN college football commentator and former NFL player, has introduced House Bill 482, the Maryland Football Act, which would require the University of Maryland, a Football Bowl Subdivision school, to play at least one game every four years against Morgan State or Towson, two Football Championship Subdivision schools. Walker said he was inspired to create the bill when he saw Maryland schedule FCS team James Madison instead of one of the state schools.

"The football commentator in me understands football," Walker said. "The legislator in me sees a way to help fund the football programs at our FCS schools properly. We've got one flagship program, Maryland, and two FCS teams, Towson and Morgan State. When you see Maryland play James Madison, you say: 'Wait - we have Towson and Morgan State. They could do so much for their programs with the proceeds from that game.' "And Morgan and Towson should have the ability to play Maryland more than once in a lifetime. We want to see it happen on a more frequent basis."

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READ Jay "Sky" Walker BIO:
www.friendsofjaywalker.com/bio.htm
Jay Walker, Maryland State Delegate

Note to Fans: In the past, Maryland has scheduled games with Football Championship Subdivision (formerly 1-AA) Colonial Athletic Conference (CAA) members James Madison, William and Mary and Villanova. Towson is also a member of the CAA and is scheduled to open the 2010 season at Indiana (money game). The Tigers recently have played money games at Northwestern (2009) and Navy (2008). Morgan State (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) has played money games at Akron (2009), Rutgers (2008) and San Jose State (2004). Both are experienced at taking a butt kicking and picking up a $100,000 to $350,000 check from the home team. If Maryland does not want to play Tigers and Bears --the 1-AA Howard Bison (MEAC) are less than 15 miles away from Byrd Stadium and does not recruit the same type student/athletes as Maryland. Howard standards are higher on the academics.

No excuse for the Terps not playing two local teams twice in a decade which are located within a 50 mile radius of College Park. "Sky" Walker is right--keep some of the money in Maryland and give the local teams an opportunity to knock off the Terrapins. We expect House Bill 482 to get some traction with the push from state delegates from Towson and Morgan. All three are state-supported and funded schools. Terps, Tigers and Bears! Oh my!

-beepbeep

Texas Southern Signs 29 Players for the 2010 Season

Texas Southern Signs 29 Players for the 2010 Season

The Texas Southern Tigers football team finished the 2009 with the second best record for the school this decade. The Tigers finished the season 6-5 overall and 5-2 in conference…both records were only matched by the TSU’s 2000 season. Nearly all of the 2009 team will return in 2010, which means competition will be tough and this season’s signees will have an opportunity to learn and grow.

“Our 2010 class will have the best of both worlds. They won’t be pressured to make an impact right away, but they also have an opportunity to fight for a spot in the rotation,” said head coach Johnnie Cole. Coach Cole focused on two areas main areas in this class…quarterback and defensive line. “We have our senior quarterback Arvell Nelson returning and he will be the leader for the guys coming in. We brought in three capable young quarterbacks as we look toward the future of this program,” Cole said.

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Texas Southern University Tigers Football 2010 Recruits

NAME HT WT POS HOMETOWN SCHOOL
Le'Tevin Wilcox 6'0" 200 FB/LB Bay City, TX Bay City HS
JohnHolt III 6'4" 315 OL Tallahassee, FL Leon HS
Leonard Moon 6'0" 170 DB Houston, TX Lamar HS
Andre Kelly 6'1" 175 QB Houston, TX Chavez HS
Darveon Trahan 6'4" 200 QB Houston, TX Jack Yates HS
Rudy Johnson 6'1" 185 QB Chula Vista, CA Horizon HS
Tim Turner 6'3" 190 WR Houston, TX Madison HS
Andre Coleman 5'11" 180 WR Houston, TX Madison HS
Jacolby Joseph 6'0" 180 WR Houston, TX Westfield HS
Trevion Porter 6'0" 170 DB Houston, TX Reagan HS
Cory Williams 6'3" 215 LB Converse,TX Converse Judson HS
Donovan Roberts 6'5" 220 WR Missouri City, TX Willowridge HS
Micah Tillotson 6'0" 170 WR Pearland, TX Pearland Dawson HS
Jerome Thomas 6'2" 200 DB Miami, FL. Northwestern HS
Byron Blake 6'2" 200 DB Belle Glade, FL Belle Glade Central HS
Johnathan Craig 6'1" 210 ATH San Antonio, TX SA MacArthur HS
Tim Benford 6'5" 240 DL Houston, TX Jersey Village HS
Broderick Simpson 6'1" 295 DL Duluth, GA Duluth HS
Robert Lee 6'1" 195 DB Reedly, CA Central East HS
Lagrone Shields 6'3" 270 DL Memphis, TN Ridgeway HS
David Rue 6'6" 250 TE New Orleans, LA Richwood HS
Mario Goins 6'1" 185 DB Copperas Cove, TX Copperas Cove HS
Cedric Everson 6'2" 185 DB Detroit, MI Martin Luther King HS
Porter Hill 6'5" 300 DL Long Beach, CA Compton HS
Michael Edwards 5'11" 190 DB Cleveland, OH Glenville HS
Deandre Savage 6'3" 295 DL Flint, MI. Southwestern HS
Dechon Daniels 6'0" 225 RB Miami, FL Southridge HS
Markee Drummer 6’4” 230 DL West Palm Beach, FL Cardinal Newmann HS
Cohren Alexander 6’3” 315 OL Houston, TX Westfield HS

2010 Signees: 29
Offense 13 (QB 3, FB 1, RB 1, TE 1, WR 5, OL 2)
Defense 16 (DB 8, LB 1, ATH 1, DL 6)
By State: Texas 15, Florida 5, Ohio 1, California 3, Georgia 1,
Tennessee 1, Louisiana 1, Michigan 2
Author: Rodney Bush, Sports Information Director

READ RELATED ARTICLES:
Area College Notebook: Cole fills TSU staff vacancies
TSU, PV reap benefits of 2009 success on signing day
Alabama State tops Texas Southern 62-61

Signing Tidewater recruits is a big step for North Carolina Central football program

Rison Signing Tidewater recruits is a big step ...

DURHAM, N.C. - The needs were few for N.C. Central, but the haul of players signed on Wednesday exceeded the expectations of Coach Mose Rison. "We're upgrading at every position," Rison said. "We're recruiting Division I kids now. We need to recruit those types of players because we're playing against those types of players." With NCCU's move to the MEAC, Rison was able to open a recruiting front in the Tidewater area of Virginia by signing two players.

"For us to break into the Tidewater are was big," Rison said. "It's a tremendous accomplishment. The area has such a rich tradition of producing football players. Going into the MEAC helped make us attactive." The Eagles only have to replace five departed seniors from the 2009 squad that posted a 4-7 record. The recruiting class Rison is bringing in consists of 14 players. Most of the newcomers were recruited for offense, including three linemen, three receivers, two tailbacks and a fullback.



NCCU ANNOUNCES 15 AMONG 2010 FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

1. Dennis Alleyne, WR, 6-3, 180, Winston-Salem, N.C., Parkland H.S. - Selected All-Conference. Recorded 48 catches for 872 yards in 2009. Lettered in three sports (football, basketball, track).
2. Ty Brown, FS, 6-3, 215, Claremont, N.C., Newton-Conover H.S. - Selected Associated Press First-Team All-State, First-Team All-Western Region and All-Conference. Collected 83 tackles, eight interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns), seven pass break-ups and three forced fumbles.
3. Dajuan Calloway, OL, 6-4, 320, Cleveland, Ohio, Glenville H.S. - Named 2009 Associated Press Northeast Lakes All-District First Team. Three-year starter. As a senior, graded out at 86 percent blocking efficiency with 12 pancake blocks.
4. Andre Clarke, RB, 5-10, 220, Mauldin, S.C., Mauldin H.S. - Chosen 4A All-State, All-Region, All-County. All-time leading rusher at Mauldin High School. As a senior, ran for 1,685 yards and 23 touchdowns, averaging 8.9 yards per carry. Team posted a 10-3 record.
5. Ryker Goodell, LB, 6-1, 220, Woodstock, Ga., Etowah H.S. - Selected as the 2009 Cherokee County co-Defensive Player of the Year. Amassed 101 tackles with six sacks as a senior.
6. Shaun Millien, OL, 6-8, 350, Roslindale, Mass., Dean College, Catholic Memorial H.S. - Transfer from Dean College in Franklin, Mass. Two-year starter at Dean, where team won back-to-back conference championships. Selected All-Northeast Conference. All-Conference honoree at Catholic Memorial High School. Starter on both sides of the ball.
7. Darren Moore, OL, 6-5, 315, Fayetteville, N.C., Westover H.S. - Selected to 2009 Mid-Southeastern 4A All-Conference Team. Also lettered in track & field.
8. Fred Ominde, DB, 6-0, 180, Rochester, Minn., Rochester Community & Technical College, Bloomington Kennedy H.S. - Selected All-Division and All-Conference (Minnesota College Athletic Conference) Second Team. As a sophomore in 2009, recorded 47 tackles (37 solo) with 13 pass break-ups, two interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. As a freshman in 2008, collected 36 tackles (27 solo) with 12 pass break-ups, five interceptions and a sack. Named 2008 All-MCAC Honorable Mention.
9. Rasheen Person, LB, 6-3, 250, Newport News, Va., Heritage H.S. - As a senior, topped team with 94 tackles, including 12 hits for a loss with eight sacks, along with two interceptions. Scored three touchdowns and five 2-point conversions as a short-yardage back.
10. Demontray Ryland, LB, 6-1, 230, Portsmouth, Va., Norcom H.S. - Two-time First-Team All-Tidewater and All-District selection. Named 2008 Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year. 2009 All-Region honoree.
11. Duval Smith, RB, 5-10, 185, Roswell, Ga., Roswell H.S. - Rushed for 1,119 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.
12. Shavarez Smith, WR, 6-2, 180, McDonough, Ga., Henry County H.S. - Named 2009 Associated Press All-State Honorable Mention, First-Team All-Region, First-Team All-County, Henry County Player of the Year. Selected to the North/South All-Star Game. Collected 32 receptions for 834 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 26 yards per catch.
13. Jordan Toomer, FB, 6-2, 235, Gastonia, N.C., Ashbrook H.S. - Selected 2009 All-Big South 3A Conference Team. Averaged more than four yards per carry.
14. Chase Tripp, DL, 6-2, 245, Chocowinity, N.C., Winston-Salem State University, Washington H.S. - Transfer from Winston-Salem State University. Played in six games for WSSU in 2009, recording five tackles and a pass break-up as a freshman. Two-time All-Area First Team pick as a defensive end at Washington High School. Topped team in total tackles, tackles for loss and sacks.
15. Lamar Whidbee, WR, 6-3, 180, Hertford, N.C., Winston-Salem State University, Perquimans County H.S. - Transfer from Winston-Salem State University. Started in all 11 games for WSSU in 2009 as a redshirt freshman. Caught 16 passes for 208 yards on the season. Earned All-Conference and All-Region honors in both junior and senior seasons (2006, 2007) as a wide receiver at Perquimans County High School. Three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track) in high school.

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Norfolk State goes for the beef; 16 players signed

Norfolk State signs 16, expects more

NORFOLK, Va. -- Norfolk State football coach Pete Adrian announced Wednesday the signing of 16 players to national letters of intent to play for the Spartans beginning next fall. The list released Wednesday consists of 14 high school signees and two junior-college recruits. The Spartans bulked up with the signing of eight linemen, five who project as offensive linemen and three as defensive linemen. NSU also signed three wide receivers, three defensive backs, one linebacker and one junior college quarterback.

"We're extremely excited about this class," Adrian said. "Especially being able to bring in eight linemen…it's not easy to get that many in one class, especially with the size and talent level of this group. That lays a good foundation for the program's future. We also signed some very athletic skill people and we got some much-needed experience at the quarterback and receiver positions with the junior college recruits." Following is a player-by-player breakdown of the class, with statistics, honors and Adrian's quotes on each. Adrian also said that he anticipates a couple of additional signees in the coming days.

Adrian Announces 16-Member Football Signing Class


















1. Tremondae Branch, DL, 6-1, 290, Flint, Mich./Carman Ainsworth HS. Notes: A first-team All-Big 9 selection…also selected to the all-state Division 2 team, the second-largest in Michigan. Adrian says: “Branche is a real physical player with good quickness off the ball. We’ll look at him as a nose guard, but he is also capable of playing tackle for us.”

2. Dionte Edwards, WR/KR, 5-8, 170, Norfolk, Va./Booker T. Washington HS. Notes: First-team All-Eastern District at receiver and second team as a utility player…tallied 1,400 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns in seven games before suffering an injury…scored five TDs in one game. Adrian says: “Dionte has good speed and quickness not only as a receiver, but we’ll also give him the chance early to earn a spot in our return game.”

3. Montel Gamble, WR, 6-2, 190, Tarpon Springs, Fla./West Hills (Ca.) CC. Notes: First-team All-Northern California Football Association pick...had 26 receptions for 412 yards and three touchdowns…first-team All-Suncoast and honorable mention all-state class 4A pick as a senior at Tarpon Springs HS. Adrian says: “Gamble is a tall receiver who catches the ball across the middle. He has great hands, deceptive speed, and really attacks the football.”

4. Matthew Grant, DL, 6-4, 250, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Boyd Anderson HS. Notes: Played defensive end and tackle for Boyd Anderson…also saw some time on offense at tight end…helped Boyd Anderson reach the state Class 5A regional semifinals. Adrian says: “Grant is a very quick defensive tackle who has only played ball for a couple of years. He has a great first step and fits into our scheme well.”

5. Darrin Marrow, DB, 6-1, 190, Virginia Beach, Va./Cox HS. Notes: Recorded 30 tackles, six pass deflections, two interceptions and two forced fumbles as a senior…started three games at free safety and eight at corner…had four interceptions as a junior, when he helped Cox reach the playoffs for the first time in its 48-year history…also helped the Falcons make the playoffs his senior year…100-meter runner on the track team. Adrian says: “Darrin is a great high school athlete. We’re looking at him as a safety, but he can also play corner and possibly even receiver.”

6. Justin Myler, OL, 6-5, 270, Woodbridge, Va./Freedom HS. Notes: A two-way starter on the lines for Freedom HS…also a standout basketball player. Adrian says: “We think Justin will be a very good offensive tackle for us. He’s very athletic with good feet and long arms.”

7. Devonte Norman, LB, 6-0, 215, Virginia Beach, Va./Landstown HS. Notes: First-team All-Beach District and second-team All-Tidewater and All-Eastern Region…tallied 110 tackles and 18 sacks as a senior. Adrian says: “Devonte is in the same mold as (current All-MEAC Spartan) Anthony Taylor. He’s a very smart player, does a great job off the edge in the blitz game, and is very tough with a great motor.”

8. Charlie Ricks, WR, 5-11, 170, Chesapeake, Va./Oscar Smith HS. Notes: Led the Tidewater area with 59 catches for 996 yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior…intercepted eight passes as a defensive back…first-team All-Southeastern District and All-Eastern Region at both positions…first-team All-Tidewater defensive back…named to the VHSCA all-state second team on offense…helped Oscar Smith finish 13-1, winning the district and Eastern Region Division 6 championships before losing in the state final. Adrian says: “Charlie is one of those guys who could score any time he touches the ball. He could get into our rotation as a freshman because he is a potential game-breaker.”

9. Edwin “E.J.” Rogers, OL, 6-4, 320, Alexandria, Va./Edison HS. Notes: First-team All-National District and honorable mention All-Northern Region offensive lineman…helped team to a 7-4 mark and a berth in the Northern Region playoffs…blocked for unit which ran for over 2,000 yards and averaged 330 total yards per game…all-academic team member...named team’s top offensive lineman. Adrian says: “E.J. is a big, physical guard who is light on his feet as a big man. We’re expecting big things from him.”

10. Ali Scott, OL, 6-4, 330, Portsmouth, Va./Churchland HS. Notes: First-team All-Eastern District on both sides of the line…second-team All-Tidewater as an offensive lineman…named team MVP…also plays basketball for Churchland. Adrian says: “Much like Rogers, Scott is an athletic player who should be a fine college guard. He comes off the ball like a truck.”

11. Dionte Sullivan, DB, 5-10, 170, O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon HS. Notes: A first-team all-conference and all-area selection as a junior and senior… tallied 55 tackles, five interceptions and 16 pass deflections as a senior…also played receiver, catching 28 passes for 465 yards and four touchdowns...also a standout track athlete for O'Fallon. Adrian says: “Sullivan is a great man-to-man cover guy. Though he isn’t really big, he is a physical football player and runs a 4.4 in the 40.”

12. Nick Taylor, DB, 5-9, 175, Richmond, Va./Varina HS. Notes: A first-team all-district and second-team All-Metro and 2nd team All-Central Region pick as a senior…started 44 games in his career for Varina, one of the top teams in the state…four-time all-district and academic all-district selection. Adrian says: “Nick is a great athlete, a heck of a defensive back who hits well. He started every game since his freshman season at Varina, which says a lot.”

13. Chris Walley, QB, 6-2, 190, Tallahassee, Fla./Joliet JC (Ill.) Notes: Passed for a school-record 2,656 yards and 18 touchdowns as a sophomore at Joliet…named to the all-conference and all-region second teams…was a first-team All-State 1A-1B player as a senior at North Florida Christian School in Tallahassee…enrolled at NSU in January of 2010 and has two years of eligibility remaining. Adrian says: “Chris is a veteran quarterback who makes good decisions on film. He is a drop-back passer but can also run the football.”

14. Nico Washington, DL, 6-4, 300, Waldorf, Md./North Point HS. Notes: First team All-Southern Maryland Athletic Conference at both OL and DL…first-team all-county and second-team All-Met by the Washington Post at OL…honorable mention Big School All-State team selection at DL. Adrian says: “Nico can really run for a player his size. He has a lot of ability and could get into our rotation as a freshman.”

15. DeAnte Williams, OL, 6-3, 250, Hyattsville, Md./St. Johns College HS. Notes: Honorable mention all-conference selection…two-way starter on both sides of the line.
Adrian says: “We’ll look at DeAnte as a center because he has good movement for that position. He needs to get a little bigger, but he should develop into a very good player.”

16. Julius Wormley, OL, 6-5, 285, Yorktown, Va./Tabb HS. Notes: A first-team All-Bay Rivers and second-team All-Region I selection on defense...had 39 tackles and six tackles for loss despite missing a game due to injury…started on both sides of the line for the Tigers…helped pave the way for Tabb to average 370 total yards of offense per game. Adrian says: “Julius can play offense or defense, but he is just what we’re looking for in an offensive tackle. He moves very well and is an extremely tough kid.”


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South Carolina State gets more powerful; Signs 22 new All-Stars

Midlands talent boosts S.C. State

South Carolina State's back-to-back MEAC championships and appearances in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs have not gone unnoticed by recruits. The Bulldogs landed a class of 22 players Wednesday, highlighted by a dozen instate players. "We're getting a different kind of reception from people in general, both instate and in neighboring states," S.C. State coach Buddy Pough said. C.J. Wilson, a Shrine Bowl offensive tackle from Richland Northeast High, was more than happy to sign with the Bulldogs. "I was looking for the best school that fit me," the 6-foot-4, 270-pound Wilson said. "I've been to Orangeburg, and there's something about that place that kept me coming back."

A large part of the appeal was consecutive 10-win seasons, which both ended with tough first-round losses to perennial FCS power Appalachian State on the road, as well as a black college national championship this past season. Curtis Hill, a 6-1, 287-pound defensive tackle from Blythewood High, wants to take the Bulldogs even higher. "I would love to go there and play Appalachian State again, beat them and possibly go to the (FCS) national championship game," said Hill, who had an offer from Big 10 power Wisconsin earlier in the process. Coach Buddy Pough was thrilled to get both players.

SC State Signs 22 Football Prospects

S.C. State head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough said the Bulldogs meet all of its needs with the 2010 Class.

ORANGEBURG, SC – South Carolina State, on Wednesday, announced the signing of twenty-two prospects to national letters. Twelve of the Bulldog signees are from the Palmetto State, seven are from Georgia, two from North Carolina and one from Maryland. Three are from schools not far from the SC State campus. The 2010 Class, which features three Shrine Bowl and North-South All Star Game participants each, includes five wide receivers and defensive linemen each, four defensive backs, three offensive linemen, two prospects designated as athlete, and one running back, quarterback and linebacker each.

Coach Buddy and his staff were seeking help at defensive line, wide receiver and defensive back and it appears they met their goals for the most part. We had three areas (WR, DB, DL) that we concentrated our efforts on,” said Pough who begins his ninth season at the helm. “You are never certain about things, however, we think we addressed our needs. In this group, we have some outstanding personnel, some good people with strong credentials and several who are highly rated,” Pough continued. “Sometimes it takes some players a little longer than others to play well at this (collegiate) level, but I expect a few of these guys to come in and really fill some of the voids we have.

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2010 S.C. State Bulldogs Signed Recruits
1. Antuawn Blue WR 5-10 175 Dillon, S.C. Shrine Bowl
2. AJ Brown DL 6-5 380 Rockmart H.S., Rockmart, GA, Rivals 2 Star
3. Charles Brown RB 5-11 200 St. John’s College H.S., Capitol Hgts., MD 1,816yds, 24 TDs
4. Darius Drummond DB 6-0 170 Asheville H.S., Asheville, NC All-State
5. Santez Emory ATH 6-1 175 Heard County H.S., Franklin, GA All-State
6. Terrell Fitts LB 6-1 230 Glenn Hills H.S. Augusta, GA Georgia All-Star Game
7. Dtwane Fulmer WR 6-2 200 Hunter-Kinard-Tyler H.S., Springfield, SC All-State
8. Kendrick Frazier DL 6-3 250 Denmark-Olar H.S., Denmark, SC, North-South Game
9. Curtis Hill DL 6-2275 Blythewood H.S., Columbia, SC Rivals 3 Star
10. Matt Jackson DL 6-2 240 Camden CountyH.S., Kingsland, GA, Georgia State Champ
11. Schawn Jamison WR 6-1 175 Hunter-Kinard-Tyler H.S., Salley, SC All-State
12. Tyler McDonald WR 6-1 185 Stratford High/Fork Union H.S., Summerville, SC, North-South Game
13. Xavier McFadden DB 5-11 165 Rock Hill H.S., Rock Hill, SC, Shrine Bowl
14. Denzel Myers DB 5-11 180 North Charleston H.S., N. Charleston, SC North-South Game
15. Brandon Miller ATH 6-0 170 Manning H.S., Manning, SC, 2,000yds, 30TDs
16. Steven Murphy DB 6-1 180 Camden County H.S., St. Mary’s, GA, Georgia State Champ
17. Marquis Parks DL 6-3 260 Lincoln County H.S., Lincolnton, GA All-State
18. Dennis Rowe WR 6-3 190 Keenan H.S., Columbia, SC 42 Receptions, 1123 yds, 14TD
19. Jarrad Quarles OL 6-1 330 Richmond Academy, Augusta, GA All-Region
20. TeDarrius Wiley QB 6-2 185 Richmond County H.S., Rockingham, NC, NC State Champions
21. Cephas “CJ” Wilson OL 6-3 275 Richland Northeast H.S. Columbia, SC Shrine Bowl
22. Domanic Wilson OL 6-3 260 Lake City H.S., Scranton, SC 3-Yr. Starter

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3-Star LB Turice King is signed in Class of 16 for Jackson State

Tigers, who zeroed in on 19, bring home 16

Being successful in 16 of 19 attempts in any realm is a pretty good percentage. If National Signing Day were a baseball game, Jackson State would be hitting .842. Let's just say the coaching staff will take that any day and twice on Sundays. Jackson State offered 19 scholarships Wednesday and received 16 signed national letters of intent. That doesn't include two players coach Rick Comegy hopes to sign in the next few days, and the 19 offers do not include SMU transfer B.J. Lee and Minnesota transfer Tim Dandridge, who are already enrolled. "I knew we didn't send out an over-abundance of scholarships," Comegy said. "I was hoping we didn't make a mistake by sending out so few, and it worked. The ones we went after we nailed down. "That process worked today ... so we didn't over-scholarship, but we didn't under-scholarship."

Jackson State football signs 16 to National Letters of Intent ...

JACKSON, Miss. - The Jackson State University football team has officially signed 16 football players to National Letters of Intnet Wednesday. Below is a complete list of the newest members of the JSU football program:

Offensive Guard Jonathan Smith (6-2, 290), Pensacola HS (FL): An undersized lineman that relies on quickness to get to linebackers... was a major factor in the offensive success that Pensacola had.

Linebacker Connor Thompson (6-1, 230) New Mexico Militay Inst (JUCO): Recorded 55 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and a sack as a sophomore in 2009 ... was second on the team with 44 tackles and three tackles for loss as a freshman in 2008.

Linebacker Carlos Williams (5-11, 235), American Heritage HS (FL), from Vicksburg, MS: Helped his Heritage team to a 9-3 record during his senior season.

Running Back Rakeem Sims (5-10, 225), Richton HS (MS): Named to the 2009 2009 WDAM/Hair World of Laurel All-Area Football Team as a fullback... has a 32 inch vertical jump... was also a basketball standout for Richton.

Linebacker Turice King (6-2, 230), Yazoo City HS (MS): Rated a three star recruit by Rivals.com, had a strong showing at the Mississippi -Alabama All-Star Classic where he led the Mississippi squad in tackles... rated as the nation No. 25 inside linebacker coming into his senior season... three star prospect by ESPN... he has the size and playing speed for the inside linebacker position at the major level of competition. He is an active, productive player vs. both the run and pass... recorded 111 tackles, three fumbles recovered and two sacks as a senior... finished his junior season with 111 tackles and seven sacks... can bench press 315-pounds, squat 500 and has a 32-inch vertical jump.

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JSU Tigers 2010 Football Signees
Offensive Guard Jonathan Smith (6-2, 290), Pensacola HS (FL)
Linebacker Connor Thompson (6-1, 230) New Mexico Militay Inst (JUCO)
Linebacker Carlos Williams (5-11, 235), American Heritage HS (FL), from Vicksburg, MS
Running Back Rakeem Sims (5-10, 225), Richton HS (MS)
Linebacker Turice King (6-2, 230), Yazoo City HS (MS)
Linebacker Ariane McCree (6-1, 220), Chester High School (SC)
Defensive End Kadeem Taylor (6-4, 270) Carroll HS (LA)
Quarterback Te'Shon Burton (6-3, 190) Leuzinger HS (CA
Tight End/Offensive Line Jordan Arthur (6-4, 260), Carroll HS (LA)
Quarterback Tevin Chapman (5-11, 180), Hattiesburg HS (MS)
Quarterback Torrey Harkness (5-11, 175) Los Angeles Southwest College (CA)
Quarterback Mark Thigpen (6-3, 200), Callaway HS (MS)
Wide Receiver Williams Golston (6-2, 185), Murphy HS (AL)
Tight End Renty Rollins (6-3, 245), Scottsdale CC
Running Back Tommy Gooden (5-11, 205) Douglas HS (GA)

Southern University to kick off 2010 football season in Orlando

SU to kick off 2010 football season in Orlando

Stump Mitchell’s new office overlooks the playing field at A.W. Mumford Stadium, but his first game as Southern’s new football coach won’t happen there. It’ll be 798 miles away. Mitchell and the Jaguars will kick off their season at Orlando, Fla., in the MEAC-SWAC Challenge — the first of six games on the road in 2010, according to the schedule released by the university Thursday. Athletic Director Greg LaFleur confirmed that Southern had been tabbed as the SWAC’s representative for months. The MEAC hasn’t officially settled on its participant, though LaFleur expects the announcement will come by the end of this month. Attempts to reach Patricia Porter, media relations director for the MEAC, were unsuccessful.

SOUTHERN RELEASES 2010 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

BATON ROUGE, La. - Nine Southwestern Athletic conference games, six games inside the state and the first meeting with Arkansas-Monticello highlight Southern's 2010 football schedule, which all adds up to what should be another exciting year of Southern Jaguar Football.

Southern will open the 2010 season in the sixth annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Orlando, Florida on September 4th. The SWAC earned its first and only MEAC/SWAC Challenge trophy in 2007 when the Southern Jags defeated Florida A&M, 33-27. SU will return home the following week to face the Boll Weevils of Arkansas-Monticello for the first time on September 11th. After the Jags first open week, Southern will then hit the road for Huntsville, Alabama to take on Alabama A&M on September 25th. The Bulldogs are back on the SU Jags schedule after a two-year hiatus.

Southern University 2010 Football Schedule

Sept. 4 SWAC/MEAC Challenge Orlando, Fla. TBA
Sept. 11 Arkansas-Monticello Baton Rouge 6 p.m.
Sept. 25 at Alabama A&M Huntsville, Ala. TBA
Oct. 2 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Baton Rouge 6 p.m.
Oct. 9 Mississippi Valley St. Baton Rouge 6 p.m.
Oct. 16 at Jackson State Jackson, Miss. TBA
Oct. 23 at Prairie View Houston TBA
Oct. 30 at Alcorn St. Lorman, Miss. TBA
Nov. 6 Texas Southern Baton Rouge 6 p.m.
Nov. 13 Alabama St. Baton Rouge 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 27 x-Grambling St. New Orleans 1 p.m.
Dec. 11 SWAC Championship Birmingham, Ala. TBA

x-Bayou Classic
Note: game times are subject to change

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Complete 2010 Southern University Football Schedule in PDF Format
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NOTE TO FANS: Here are some facts to limit Jaguar speculations on the MEAC opponent for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge...

• Florida A&M opens its season on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the University of Miami (Sun Life Stadium) in a $600,000 money game. As much as Rattlers fans would love to steamroll the Jaguars, don't expect the Rattlers to walk away from the big money Miami is offering nor break its pact with Bethune-Cookman. Both agreed in principle to not complete against its own Florida Classic in Orlando's Citrus Bowl, the site of the MEAC/SWAC Challenge. Although attendance fell in 2009, the FAMU vs. Bethune-Cookman, Florida Classic was the highest attended HBCU game of the season with 59,418. Last year Challenge with Grambling State vs. South Carolina State drew only 21,367 to the same Citrus Bowl.
• 2-Time MEAC Champions South Carolina State Bulldogs are scheduled to play a money game with ACC Champions -Georgia Tech on Sept. 4 at Bobby Dodd Stadium, Atlanta. The payout for the Bulldogs is $400,000.
• The Hampton Pirates will open their season at Central Michigan on Sept. 2 in another much needed money game in a down economy.
• North Carolina A&T opens their season against arch-rival Winston-Salem State at Aggie Stadium on September 4. The question is will the Aggies forego a home date with a hated rival with a guaranteed 21,000+ Rams/Aggie fans--for a little ESPNU television time? Not likely with the higher costs for travel and lodging.
• Norfolk State is the best candidate for this game. The Spartans finished '09 in 3rd place at 7-4, behind S.C. State and FAMU. The others--Howard (2-9), Morgan State (6-5) and Delaware State (4-7) averaged less than 4,000 fans to home games last season. Delaware State is still in our doghouse for forfeiting a conference game with N.C. A&T last season, to play at Michigan on the same date. They are the very last team I would want representing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. However, expect the ESPNU brass to select Morgan State--playing off the fact that Southern's new coach Stump Mitchell previously coached at Morgan State (1995-98). In Florida, who cares? Count this as just another Southern "home game" for the JaguarNation with 16,000 -20,000 in attendance to watch the Human Jukebox do their thing.
• Either way-- Norfolk State or Morgan State will steamroll the Jaguars! The Howard Bison are not ready for prime time, although we love the Howard "Showtime" band.

-beepbeep

Hampton Pirates Signs a Load of Football Talent

HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University football team, under the direction of second-year head coach Donovan Rose, welcomed in a new class of Pirates on Wednesday, National Signing Day. The Pirates signed eight transfers, as well as 12 other recruits. Four of Hampton’s recruits hail from the Hampton Roads area – including two athletes who went to high school in the city of Hampton. Five transfers are coming to Hampton from FBS (Formerly Div. I-A) schools, and the Pirates’ high school recruits have won a combined five state championships and six all-state honors.

“I feel really good about this class as it is my first full class as a head coach,” said Rose. “We are trying to get back where we once were here at Hampton and with these additions I feel that we can get there. It was not that long ago when Hampton won the MEAC and made it to the playoffs year after year and it is my task to get us back there and this is a major step in that direction.”

Hampton University Football Class of 2010 Signees

FBS Transfers
1. Jamal Lewis (Sr., OG, 6’4”, 310, Huntsville, Ala.): transfer from Middle Tennessee State; an All-Metro and All-State selection in high school.
2. Rafael Vazquez (Jr., OT, 6’6”, 320, Orlando, Fla.): transfer from Tulane University; All-District and All-County in high school.
3. Jeremiah Swartz (So., RB, 5’11”, 238, Orlando, Fla.): transfer from Iowa State University; rushed for 264 yards on 71 carries in 2009, averaging 3.7 yards per carry.
4. Marell Evans (Jr., LB, 6’3”, 230, Richmond, Va.): transfer from the University of Michigan; two-time All-State, Player of the Year in high school.
5. David Luckett (So., OC, 6’2”, 270, Waldorf, Md.): transfer from Winston-Salem State University; All-County, All-Conference and All-State in high school.
6. Nu’Keese Richardson (So., WR, 5’10”, 170): transfer from the University of Tennessee; caught eight passes for 102 yards and a touchdown in 2009 for the Volunteers – including three receptions for 54 yards and a score against Memphis.
7. Donte’ Davis (Sr., WR, 6’1”, 185, Chantilly, Va.): transfer from Syracuse University; caught 24 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown in 2009; named All-Big East as a freshman.
8. Lance Hawkins (R-Fr., DL, 6’2”, 315, Virginia Beach, Va.): All-state selection who redshirted as a walk-on for the Pirates.

High School Signees
9. Courtney Hunter (LB, 6’3”, 215, Middleton HS, Tampa, Fla.): Hillsborough County All-Star.
10. Andre Griffin (WR, 5’11”, 175, Phoebus HS, Hampton, Va.): played on three state championship teams, including the last two.
11. Leron Thomas (QB, 6’2”, 185, Belle Glades Central HS, Belle Glades, Fla.): All-State, All-County and All-Conference, 26-1 as a starter, threw for 70 career TDs and 6,791 yards.
12. John Dougherty (DE, 6’2”, 230, Milford Academy, Harrisburg, Pa.): All-State and All-Conference.
13. Greg Reese (TE, 6’6”, 220, Woodview Wilson HS, Camden, N.J.): All-Conference.
14. Delbert Tyler (LB, 5’11”, 225, Gateway HS, Pittsburgh, Pa.): All-Conference.
15. Norman Booker (OL, 6’2”, 265, Berkmar HS, Atlanta, Ga.): Preseason All-State selection.
16. John Rose (ATH, 5’10”, 190, Holy Cross HS, Jamaica, N.Y.): All-League CHSFL.
17. Rodrigo Hernandez (K, 6’1”, 155, Miami Springs HS, Miami Springs, Fla.): Second Team All-County.
18. Lorenzo Shinhoster (WR, 5’7”, 170, Miami Northwestern HS, Miami, Fla.): state champion as a sophomore, caught 33 passes for 655 yards and eight scores in 2009.
19. Robert Copeland (DL, 6’3”, 220, Bethel HS, Hampton, Va.): Second Team All-District, Second Team All-State.
20. Donte Dotson (ATH, 5’9”, 170, Deerfield HS, Deerfield, Fla.): named All-State, also set the 4x100-meter relay national track record.

Alabama State Signs a Solid 25 for Depth, Size and Speed

MONTGOMERY, AL. – The Alabama State University football program signed 25 players Wednesday to national letters-of-intent to play for the Hornets this fall. "This is always an exciting time of year," said ASU head coach Reggie Barlow. "We feel like we've signed a very solid class of players that will not only provide us depth but also produce some impact performers for our program. With this class, we were focused on adding some depth on both the offensive and defensive lines and we feel like we accomplished that goal. We also were looking to bring in some size at wide receiver and we did that too. Overall, I feel like the staff did a great job of finding players to fit our schemes and our needs."

The incoming 2010 class features 14 players on the offense and nine defensive players. In addition, all but one of the players in this year's class comes from the high school ranks. James McIver joins the Hornets after playing at the College of the Sequoias. ASU signed five wide receivers including a pair of players listed at 6-3 or taller. With the loss of three starting offensive linemen from the 2009 roster, the Hornets were also able to reload along the frontline signing five prospects in this class including four players listed at 300 pounds or more.

Read Player Capsules

ASU Hornets 2010 National Signing Day Class

1. Derrick Billups DT 6-2 310 Carrollton, Ala.
2. Jaron Bush DL 6-1 300 Mobile, Ala.
3. Andrew Dougherty WR 6-1 185 Blue Springs, Mo.
4. Cornelius Fenderson WR 6-3 175 Prattville, Ala.
5. Charston Gandy RB 6-2 195 Bay Minette, Ala.
6. Chris Gilzeane LB 6-0 230 Stone Mountain, Ga.
7. Chad Griffin TE 6-2 250 New Orleans, La.
8. Carlton Jones DE 6-3 230 Shreveport, La.
9. Julius Jones WR 6-4 190 Athens, Ala.
10. Charlie Long DE 6-0 230 Millbrook, Ala.
11. Jordan McFadden WR/PR 5-8 160 Gainesville, Fla.
12. James McIver OL 6-5 320 Atlanta, Ga.
13. Quendarius McKibbons RB 5-10 195 Jackson, Ga.
14. Trei Mitchell OL 6-3 300 Baton Rouge, La.
15. London Pitts IV CB 5-9 165 Montgomery, Ala.
16. Kenneth Preston OL 6-4 300 Villa Rica, Ga.
17. Demetric Price QB 6-3 195 Birmingham, Ala.
18. Jamarius Ragland LB 5-10 210 Englewood, Tenn.
19.Dominique Roberts WR 6-1 200 Ormond Beach, Fla.
20. Khalid Smith DB 6-0 185 Jacksonville, Fla.
21. Terrence Swift OL 6-5 315 Birmingham, Ala.
22. Kyle Tippins RB 6-1 200 Conyers, Ga.
23. Marcel Walden OL 6-3 290 Alcoa, Tenn.
24. Doral Willis DT 6-0 295 Pahokee, Fla.
25. Deion Woods QB 6-0 215 Memphis, Tenn.

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Bethune-Cookman recruits South Florida; Gets a few Bluechips

Bethune Cookman University head football coach Brian Jenkins signs highly regarded QB Tim Smith and safety Jabari Cargill, Fort Pierce Central to first recruiting class.

Fort Pierce Central High School athlete Tim Smith, who originally committed to Rutgers, signed to play quarterback at Bethune-Cookman, where his recruiter from Rutgers is now head coach, and teammate Jabari Cargill will join him as a defensive back. Smith said he felt good about Rutgers, but “things started to change” when wide receivers coach Brian Jenkins left for Bethune-Cookman. The relationship he had built with Jenkins was the biggest draw to Rutgers, and he liked what he saw when he visited Bethune-Cookman about two weeks ago.

“I just felt good about the environment, and the coaches there and everything about,” Smith said. At Rutgers, Smith was going to play receiver and some Wildcat quarterback, but at Bethune-Cookman he could play quarterback, which was his original position before a suspension at the beginning of the season changed his role to more of an athlete position. Smith said he didn’t care which position he played and was confident he would still be sought out despite the disciplinary issue. He had received offers from Iowa State, Purdue, South Florida, Tennessee and several other Division I schools.

Bethune-Cookman University Head Football Coach Brian Jenkins has been a busy man since being named new coach December 21. Along with Tim Smith, the Wildcats announced signing 20 student-athletes to attend B-CU and play football for the ‘Cats and Jenkins in the 2010 season. "This recruiting class will always be special because it was my first one," said Coach Jenkins. "We recruited players who were high in character and high in integrity and we didn't just recruit anybody. This is a special group we will bring to Bethune-Cookman University and I am excited with the signees. I am thankful to basically four coaches who were relentless and worked long hours and pulled off this recruiting class in a short amount of time."

Bethune-Cookman University National Signing Day Student/Athletes

Offense
1. Andrew Ferris OL/LS 6-2, 250 Daytona Beach, Fla. (Mainland HS)
2. Angelo Cabrera RB 5-8, 175 Dunnellon, Fla. (Dunnellon HS)
3. Anthony Jordan RB 6-1, 215 Atlanta, Georgia (North Atlanta HS)
4. Anthony Reagan OL 6-4, 340 Ocala, Fla. (West Port Ocala High)
5. Brett Kremer TE 6-2, 215 Daytona Beach, Fla. (Seabreeze HS)
6. Brian Dorsey OL 6-4, 355 Jacksonville, Fla. (Ribault HS)
7. David Blackwell QB 6-2, 225 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Iowa Western CC)
8. Javoris Johnson WR 5-10, 170 Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida High)
9. Pat Harris WR 6-0, 180 Ft. Pierce, Fla. (Treasure Coast HS)
10. Jazz Moss WR 5-9, 175 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Plantation HS)

Defense
11. Arlen Nibbs DE 6-0, 260 Atlanta, Georgia (North Cobb Christian HS)
12. Dion Hanks CB 5-10, 180 Miami, Fla. (Edison HS)
13. Isiah Corbett DE 6-1, 240 Belle Glades, Fla. (Glades Central HS)
14. Jabari Cargill S 6-3, 205 Ft. Pierce, Fla. (Ft. Pierce Central HS)
15. Marcus Farley LB 6-0, 215 Miami, Fla. (Miami Central HS)
16. Michael Ross LB 6-1, 200 Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington HS)
17. Tevin Toney DE 6-2, 230 Sebring, Fla. (Sebring HS)
18. Tim Burke CB 5-8, 180 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Plantation HS)
19. Jackie Wilson Athlete 6-1, 210 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (Boyd Anderson HS)
20. Tim Smith Athlete 6-2, 210 Ft. Pierce Fla. (Ft. Pierce Central HS)

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Baltimore QB Jerry Lovelocke leads Prairie View A&M Class of 20

Edmondson QB Lovelocke headed south

Baltimore (Md.) Edmondson-Westside High School quarterback Jerry Lovelocke will play his college football in Texas. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound rocket-armed senior signed with Prairie View A&M, Red Storm coach Dante Jones said today. “It was within the last couple days,” Jones said. “After he took the visit, Prairie View was the highest on his list. Jerry wanted to get away from home. He went on the visit and they play a good brand of football. They won the [Southwestern Athletic Conference] last year. So a lot of things weighed into his decision.”

Lovelocke is a Rivals.com two-star QB and selected the PVAMU Panthers over Kent State, Morgan State, Norfolk State, Akron, Central Michigan, Temple, Towson and Rhode Island. When he [Lovelocke] came into the program we knew we had a special kid," Jones said. His stature and poise in the pocket is remarkable." Though Lovelocke has all the physical tools, his best trait could be mental. "He has strong pocket presence," Jones said. "He has no problem taking a hit. He will stand there until the last minute to complete the throw." Lovelocke finished the 2008 season with 2,496 yards passing, 25 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. ESPNRise.com Scouting Report says: "Jerry Lovelocke could be the best player that's ever come out of this state (Maryland) if everything works out for him."



Prairie View A&M University 2010 Football Signees

1. Idreis Augustus RB 5-9 190 Fr. Springfield, Va. (Lee)
2. Christopher Barrick PK 6-4 180 Fr. Copperas Cove, Texas (Copperas Cove)
3. Shawn Brisker S 5-11 170 Fr. Monroeville, Pa. (Gateway)
4. Danny Brownell LB 6-0 230 Fr. Houston, Texas (Elsik)
5. Blake Dixon LB 5-11 205 Fr. Arlington, Texas (Mansfield Timberview)
6. Stephen Eggins ATH 5-9 170 Fr. Garland, Texas (Naaman Forest)
7. Omarr Finn OL 6-3 280 Fr. Monroeville, Pa. (Gateway)
8. Tre Glover OL 6-3 275 Fr. Waskom, Texas (Marshall)
9. D’Cody Harris WR 5-11 180 Fr. Dallas, Texas (Bryan Adams)
10. JohnMark Henderson CB 5-11 190 Jr. South San Francisco, Calif. (Syracuse)
11. Joshua Holguin DE 6-2 220 Fr. El Paso, Texas (El Dorado)
12. Keith Hutchins S 5-11 180 Fr. Upland, Calif. (Upland)
13. Jeremy Johnson DE 6-3 260 Jr. Chicago, Ill. (College of Dupage)
14. J’marcus Joubert LB 6-1 205 Fr. Houston, Texas (Eisenhower)
15. Jerry Lovelocke QB 6-5 210 Fr. Baltimore, Md. (Edmonson)
16. George Moore WR 6-2 180 Fr. Houston, Texas (Aldine)
17. Jacquez Polk ATH 6-2 185 Fr. Bellville, Texas (Bellville)
18. Jamichael Rozier RB 5-9 200 Fr. Spring, Texas (Klein Collins)
19. Jordan Turner DT 6-2 260 Fr. Las Vegas, Nev. (Canyon Springs)
20. Krystopher Watkins FB 5-11 250 Jr. Lombard, Ill. (College of Dupage)

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Howard Bison signs Tap-dancing DL/OL Khalid Jordan

Tap-dancing, Howard-bound lineman Khalid Jordan first from Arts High (N.J.) to earn full athletic scholarship

Khalid Jordan doesn’t look nimble. He’s 6-5 and weighs 330 pounds — and plays offensive and defensive line. His arms and body swallow nearly everyone he hugs. But Jordan isn’t just a hulking football player who uses his giant-size fingers to wipe away his mother’s tears of happiness. His alter-ego is the step master for a dancing fraternity, The Kudo’s. When he was younger, he used to tap dance. “I never thought the dancing would help,” Jordan said. “But now I use that to my advantage.”

His active, light-footed agility was born on the dance floor but has earned him a spot on the college football field for the next four years. Wednesday, the Arts High senior signed a national letter of intent to play football for Howard University this fall, becoming the first player in Arts history to sign on for a full athletic scholarship.

Jordan played offensive and defensive line for Shabazz High’s program because Arts doesn’t field a team. He is the only football player from Newark to sign with a Division 1 program this season. “I told him, ‘With your size and your personality, you will not have to pay for college,’” said Ian Scott, who played at Newark East Side and Norfolk State and mentored Jordan throughout his football career. “He’s not a lazy, big guy. He’s a big, active guy.”

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Bison Coach Carey Bailey will eventually sign 22 new recruits and at least three transfers in an effort to improve on last season's 2-9 record. Bailey has a career record of 7-26 as a head coach (all at Howard).

Howard University Bison 2010 Football Signees

NAME POS HT WT High School/CC/Hometown
1. Daniel Mendoza FB 6-1 232 Colonial HS/Hudson Valley/ Orlando, FL
2. Ibrahima Kalil Kebe DL 6-2 275 Wilson HS/ Washington, DC
3. Lucious Ray DL 6-1 310 Columbia HS/Decatur, GA
4. Cameron Alston DB 6-0 180 North Augusta HS/N. Augusta, SC
5. Jabril Ezell DB 6-0 185 Friendship Collegiate/Washington, DC
6. Julian David DB 5-11 190 American Heritage HS/Plantation, FL
7. Thomas Jordan OL/DL 6-3 300 Richland North East HS/Columbia, SC
8. Nathaniel Coleman OL/DL 6-3 292 Livonia Franklin HS/Livonia, MI
9. Malcolm Rutledge OL/DL 6-3 300 Southfield HS/Southfield, MI
10. Khalid Jordan OL/DL 6-5 330 Malcolm X Shabazz HS/Newark, NJ
11. Montario Hunter WR 6-2 175 Ahoskie HS/Ahoskie, NC
12. Stephen Sims, Jr. RB 5-9 210 Norview HS/Norfolk, VA
13. Bryan F. Jackson, Jr. P 6-0 200 Southern Univ. Lab School/Baton Rouge, La
14. Joshua Matthews OL/DL 6-3 285 Bethune Bowman HS/Bowman, SC
15. Markee White LB 6-3 220 Ahoskie HS/Ahoskie, NC
16. Brandon Summers 5-11 170 Inglewood HS/Inglewood, CA
17. Shahid Jones 6-2 225 Ribault HS/Jacksonville, FL