Wednesday, February 5, 2014

It's Official: Grambling State Sign Eleven New Tigers for Football

GRAMBLING, Louisiana  -- Grambling State University has been busy on the recruiting trail since the arrival of Head Football Coach Broderick Fobbs. Here are the latest commitments that have signed National Letters of Intent.

Here are the latest commitments that have signed National Letters of Intent:
  1. Ryan Moore 6'1 270 OL St. Augustine New Orleans, La
  2. DeVante Brown 6'3 270 OL Westgate New Iberia, La.
  3. Devohn Lindsey 6'3 200 WR N. Little Rock North Little Rock, Ar.
  4. Charlie Payne 6'1½ 265 DE East St. John LaPlace, La.
  5. De'Vante Davis 6'3 190 WR Kaplan Maurice, La.
  6. Marcus Perkins 5'9 165 WR Naaman Forest Garland, Tx
  7. Raymond Richardson 6'3 230 DL Wenonah Birmingham, Al
  8. Marc Orozcon 5'9 190 P/K Ryan Denton, Tx
  9. Deangelo Gaston 6'2 222 DE Union Parish Farmerville, La.
  10. Jordan Powell 6'3 190 WR C.E. Byrd Shreveport, La
  11. Eugene Wells 5'9 190 ATH East Jefferson Kenner. La


COURTESY GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn Braves Ink 14 on National Signing Day

HEAD COACH JAY HOPSON
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES
 
LORMAN, Mississippi  -- Head football coach Jay Hopson and his staff are excited to announce the signing of 14 new faces who joined the Alcorn State football program today during early signing period.

Hopson and his staff welcome players from all around the surrounding states which include: Mississippi, Tennessee, and Florida.

"We are very excited about the young men we've signed here today to become a part of the Alcorn State family," stated Coach Hopson. "Each of these individuals are very talented football players and are expected to make an immediate impact for the 2014 season."

Alcorn State's 2014 Football Signing Class

Michael Brooks
DE • 6-3 • 205 • Brandon, Miss./Brandon HS

Brandon Campbell
DL • 6-4 • 255 • Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage HS

Cameron Carter
LB • 6-0 • 210 • Prentiss, Miss./Prentiss HS

Daniel Franklin
DB • 5-10 • 160 • Memphis, Tenn./Memphis East HS

Ashton Hall
RB • 6-0 • 205 • Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast HS

Tavares Johnson
QB • 6-1 • 170 • Vicksburg, Miss./Vicksburg HS

Jeremy Jordan
DE • 6-3 • 265 • Madison, Miss./Germantown HS

Kris Lingo
OL • 6-7 • 260 • Tallahassee, Fla./Leon HS

Christopher McCrea
OL • 6-5 • 280 • St. Petersburg, Fla./St. Petersburg HS

Darryan Ragsdale
RB • 6-0 • 198 • Brandon, Miss./Hinds CC

Frederick Ross
LB • 6-1 • 205 • Madison, Miss./Madison Central

Lamar Scott
DB • 6-0 • 180 • Germantown, Miss./Germantown HS

Sterling Shippy
DT • 6-2 • 265 • Miami, Fla./Coral Reef HS

Eric Snow
OL • 6-4 • 292 • Moorhead, Miss./Mississippi Delta CC

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

SSU Signs 28 Players in 2014 Class

SAVANNAH, Georgia  -- Savannah State head football coach Earnest Wilson III announced that 28 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play football with the Tigers, joining nine players who were enrolled at SSU in January and will compete in spring practice later this semester.

Staying true to his promise, Wilson made it a point to recruit local players for the program. Of the signees, 11 hail from Savannah.

Ellison Burns (Benedictine), Keynnard Campbell (Bible Baptist), Willie Cooper (Beach), Traynearious Dillard (Savannah), Sean Fogarty (Benedictine), Rodheem Greene (Memorial), Quaron Hilliard (Savannah), Derek Kirkland (Calvary), Marlin Latson (Memorial), Johvonte Singleton (Memorial) and Deric Wright (Memorial).

From the coastal empire are Taylor Gordon (Bluffton), Tyler Hagan (South Effingham) and Bradley Stophel (Brunswick).

The 28 players hail from five states – Georgia (22), South Carolina (3), Florida (1), Tennessee (1) and Virginia (1).

Others inking national letters of intent were Nicholas Bentley (RB), Damien Campbell (OL), Conner Christian (DT), David Crowley (DB), Jamal Earls (OL), Rohan Francis (OL), Anquavius Fuller (OL), Blake Gerido (OL), Christian Guinn (DE), Michael Knox (QB), K'Lon Lovett (DB), Leonard Miller (OL), Aaron Redmond II (DL) and Stephen Reynolds (DB).

As listed by position, the Tigers added nine offensive linemen, six defensive linemen, four wide receivers, four defensive backs, one running back, one tight end, one quarterback, one linebacker and one athlete.

Nine players –Brandon Bailey (CB), Josh Berry (DB), Marcus Collins (LB), Edward Goubadia (DE), Jaylen McGriff  (WR),  Daniel McKoy (OL), Leonardo Myers (LB),  Tino Smith (QB) and Kersean Wilson (QB) – are already attending classes at the university. They all enrolled in January, began taking classes for the spring 2014 semester and will be able to participate in SSU's spring football practices.

Gerido, McGriff and Lovett are legacy Tigers, following in the footsteps of their fathers. Steve Gerido and Wesley McGriff played with current SSU assistant Michael Wallace in the late 1980s under Bill Davis. Neely Lovett also played for Davis and was a member of the 1992 team that went to the Division II playoffs. Gerido currently works with the FBI, McGriff is an assistant coach with the New Orleans Saints while Lovett is an assistant coach at Evans High School near Augusta.

Greene is also continuing a family tradition of attending the College By the Sea. His mother and grandmother along with other relatives attended Savannah State.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Damien Campbell and Francis both played at Hapeville Charter in College Park where former SSU defensive lineman Winston Gordon is the head coach as well as assistant principal.

Hagan and Wright are both 6-foot-7 and are the tallest signees but Redmond II, a defensive lineman from Tucker, Georgia is the largest at 360-pounds. Latson is the smallest at 5-foot-7, 158-pounds.

2014 Full Recruiting Class List (Click Here)


Full NamePos.Ht.Wt.Hometown / Highschool
Brandon Bailey CB6-1185Duncan, S.C. / Fork Union Military Academy
Nicholas Bentley RB5-10225Decatur, Ga. / Decatur 
Josh Berry DB5-11210Fort Pierce, Fla. / Long County
Ellison Burns TE6-3205Savannah, Ga. / Benedictine 
Damien Campbell OL6-3250College Park, Ga. / Hapeville Charter 
Keynnard Campbell ATH5-11185Savannah, Ga. / Bible Baptist 
Conner Christian DT6-3250Dallas, Ga. / East Paulding 
Marcus Collins LB6-0230Philadelphia, Pa. / University of Iowa
Willie Cooper DL6-1266Savannah, Ga. / Beach 
David Crowley DB5-10180Jacksonville, Fla. / Trinity Christian 
Traynearious Dillard SS5-10190Savannah, Ga. / Savannah High 
Jamal Earls OL6-3275Hampton, Va. / Phoebus 
Sean Fogarty OL6-4265Savannah, Ga. / Benedictine 
Rohan Francis OL6-3240College Park, Ga. / Hapeville Charter 
 Anquavius Fuller OL6-2290Sharpsburg, Ga. / East Coweta 
Blake Gerido OL6-4305Brentwood, Tenn. / Ravenwood 
Taylor Gordon OL6-4275Bluffton, S.C. / Bluffton HS 
Edward Goubadia DE6-2228Union, N.J. / Union HS
Rodheem Greene DE6-3260Savannah, Ga. / Memorial Day School 
Christian Guinn DE6-3220Dallas, Ga. / East Paulding 
Steven "Tyler" Hagan WR6-7205Guyton, Ga. / South Effingham 
Quaron Hilliard DE6-6240Savannah, Ga. / Savannah High 
Derek Kirkland WR6-2180Savannah, Ga. / Calvary Day 
Michael Knox QB6-3205Columbia, S.C. / C.A. Johnson 
Marlin Latson WR5-7158Savannah, Ga. / Memorial Day School 
 K'Lon Lovett DB6-1190Evans, Ga. / Evans 
Jaylen McGriff WR6-2190Savannah, Ga. / Fork Union Military Academy
Daniel McKoy OL6-4310Newark, N.J. / ASA Junior College
Leonard Miller OL6-4290Augusta, Ga. / Union Military Academy 
Leonardo Myers LB6-1225Augusta, Ga. / Monroe Junior College
Aaron Redmond II DL6-1360Columbia, S.C. / Ridgeville 
Stephen Reynolds DB5-11175Tucker, Ga. / Tucker HS 
Johvonte Singleton LB5-11190Savannah, Ga. / Memorial Day School 
Tino Smith QB6-2215Noblesville, Ind. / Fork Union Military Academy
Bradley Stophel OL6-4260Brunswick, Ga. / Brunswick 
Kersean Wilson QB6-2195Columbia, S.C. / Eastern Arizona Community College
Deric Wright WR6-7199Savannah, Ga. / Memorial Day School

2014 Full Recruiting Class List (Click Here)


COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Norfolk State's Adrian Announces Signing of 11-Member Football Recruiting Class

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  Norfolk State head football coach Pete Adrian announced Wednesday the signing of 11 recruits to national letters of intent to play for the Spartans beginning this fall.

Of the 11 recruits, eight will likely start their NSU careers on offense. That group includes three offensive linemen, two receivers, one tight end, one running back and one quarterback. The three defensive recruits consist of two linebackers and one defensive back.

Of the 11 recruits, 10 are high school products and one signed out of prep school. The Spartans added 10 in-state recruits – including four from the immediate Hampton Roads area – and one from Florida.

"This is a very athletic group that has good collective speed," Adrian said. "We needed to add some key pieces at most positions on offense, and we feel we were able to do that. Defensively, we focused on quality over quantity. With most of our defensive starters back (from 2013), we were looking to improve our depth there, and I think we did that."

Following is a look at NSU's recruits who signed on Wednesday, with biographical information, links to their video highlights and comments from Adrian on each. Adrian noted that more signees are possible in the coming weeks.

2014 Football Signees

2014 NSU Recruiting Class

Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown / Previous School Highlights
Ebenezer Agyemang-KusiDB5-11180Triangle, Va. / Forest Park HSClick here
Kyle ArchieLB6-0230Portsmouth, Va. / I.C. Norcom HSClick here
Thomas ColemanOL6-3280Chesapeake, Va. / Western Branch HSClick here
Terrance ErvinQB6-3210Chesterfield, Va. / L.C. Bird HSClick here
Ricky HaleyLB6-3225Norfolk, Va. / Maury HSClick here
Bryce HankinsWR5-9175Ridgeway, Va. / Magna Vista HSClick here
Marques HarveyOL/DL6-4270Portsmouth, Va. / I.C. Norcom HSClick here
Christopher LeeTE/LB6-4245Woodbridge, Va. / C.D. Hylton HSClick here
Terry PolkRB5-10165North Port, Fla. / Venice HSClick here
Martavias RobinsonOL6-4340Chesterfield, Va. / Atlanta Sports AcademyClick here
Darius WilsonWR6-3170Amherst, Va. / Amherst County HSClick here

Ebenezer Agyemang-Kusi • DB • 5-11 • 180
Triangle, Va./Forest Park HS
High School: Two-time first-team all-conference selection … also a second-team All-Region 6A South selection as a senior … made 40 tackles and five interceptions as a senior … also deflected 14 passes … scored four touchdowns, three on interception returns and one on a blocked punt return … blocked a pair of punts.
Adrian Says: "Ebenezer is a good fit for our defense because he is a good cover corner and can also play downhill. He could play corner or safety for us."

Kyle Archie • LB • 6-0 • 230
Portsmouth, Va./I.C. Norcom HS
High School: Named the Eastern District Defensive Player of the Year … first-team All-Eastern District, All-Region 4A South and All-Tidewater … amassed 112 tackles, six sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception … helped Norcom reach the second round of the state playoffs … played for his father, Larry, at Norcom … Larry Archie was a former assistant football coach at NSU and his grandfather, Bill, was a former NSU head football coach and athletics director.
Adrian Says: "Kyle is a physical inside linebacker with good lateral movement. He has quite an NSU lineage in his family and we're excited that he chose to be the next Archie at NSU."

Thomas Coleman • OL • 6-3 • 280
Chesapeake, Va./Western Branch HS
High School: A first-team All-Tidewater and All-Conference 2 selection as a senior … helped Western Branch rush for a South Hampton Roads-leading 3,849 yards … rated a two-star recruit by Rivals.com
Adrian Says: "Thomas is a very smart player who has a big upside. He could play a number of positions but we're going to look at him at center first. He also has plenty of growth potential."

Terrance Ervin • QB • 6-3 • 210
Chesterfield, Va./L.C. Bird HS
High School: Quarterbacked L.C. Bird to its first two VHSL state titles his junior and senior seasons … was 29-0 as a starter … Conference 12 and Region 5A South Offensive Player of the Year as a senior after throwing for 2,065 yards and 27 TDs – both school records – as a senior … passed for 266 yards and two TDs and also ran for a score to help L.C. Bird clinch its second straight state title in his final prep game, earning Player of the Game honors … first-team all-conference and all-region … also earned honorable mention All-Metro honors … set school records with 3,666 passing yards and 50 TDs over his two years on the varsity squad.
Adrian Says: "Terrance never lost a high school game. He's very athletic, throws well and runs a team well. We're excited about having him in the program."

Ricky Haley • LB • 6-3 • 225
Norfolk, Va./Maury HS
High School: Second-team All-Eastern District as a senior … played linebacker and tight end … scored six total touchdowns, three on receptions, two on fumble returns and one on an interception return … finished with 60 total tackles, 16 for loss, and 6.5 sacks … added three blocked kicks and two forced fumbles.
Adrian Says: "Ricky plays well off the edge and that's where he'll begin his career for us. But he's also physical enough to play inside."

Bryce Hankins • WR • 5-9 • 175
Ridgeway, Va./Magna Vista HS
High School: First-team All-Conference 31 and second-team All-Region 3A as a senior … first-team All-Timesland by The Roanoke Times … caught 51 passes for 756 yards and four touchdowns … also amassed 402 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in just 29 carries … honorable mention all-region and all-state as a junior … also ran track and played baseball at Magna Vista.
Adrian Says: "Bryce is very explosive and is one of three sub-4.5 guys in this class. He could be one of the fastest guys on the team next year. He can play slot receiver, running back and return kicks."

Marques Harvey • OL/DL • 6-4 • 270
Portsmouth, Va./I.C. Norcom HS
High School: Two-way standout and prep teammate of fellow NSU signee Kyle Archie … first-team All-Eastern District at offensive tackle and second-team all-district at defensive end … second-team All-Tidewater at offensive line … honorable mention All-Region 4A South and All-757.
Adrian Says: "Marques has a big upside. He could play either side of the ball, but he'll get his first look at offensive tackle. He is very athletic, but also has potential to add weight and play at 300+ pounds."

Christopher Lee • TE/LB • 6-4 • 245
Woodbridge, Va./C.D. Hylton HS
High School: A first-team All-Conference 4 pick at defensive end … also made the All-Region 6A South second team … started at defensive end and also at tight end/H-back on offense … on defense, registered 72 tackles, 22 for loss, and 14 sacks … a key blocker on an offense that ran for over 3,000 yards both of his final two years … also first-team all-district and all-region as a junior.
Adrian Says: "Chris is an outstanding tight end who runs and catches the ball well. He could play either side of the ball, but we're looking at him as a very good tight end prospect."

Terry Polk • RB • 5-10 • 165
North Port, Fla./Venice HS
High School: Ran for a school-record 1,840 yards as a senior … scored 24 total touchdowns, 22 rushing and two receiving … Class 6A all-state second-team selection … named to the All-Southwest Florida Regional Elite and the Sarasota Herald Tribune all-area first teams after leading the area in rushing … rushed for 1,541 yards as a junior.
Adrian Says: "Simply put, Terry is just an outstanding running back. He has great speed and shifting ability. With his sub-4.5 speed, he can be a game-changer."

Martavias Robinson • OL • 6-4 • 340
Chesterfield, Va./Atlanta Sports Academy/L.C. Bird HS
High School/Prep: First team All-Dominion District, All-Central Region and All-Metro as a senior in 2012 at L.C. Bird … helped Bird win its first-ever VHSL state football title … named co-MVP of the East team at the 2012 VHSCA state all-star game … spent the 2013 season playing for the Atlanta Sports Academy prep team.
Adrian Says: "Martavias is the true definition of a road-grader. He has great feet and lateral quickness for his size and should compete for playing time right away."

Darius Wilson • WR • 6-3 • 170
Amherst, Va./Amherst County HS
High School: Was a first-team All-Conference 23 pick as a senior at both receiver and defensive back … second-team all-conference selection at punt returner … also made honorable mention All-Region 4A North on both offense and defense … caught 32 passes for 547 yards and six touchdowns as a senior … tallied 1310 all-purpose yards … averaged 33.6 yards per kickoff return and 17.7 on punt returns … had 40 tackles and four interceptions on defense.
Adrian Says: "Darius has outstanding speed. He's almost 6-4 and is a good returner. He catches the ball over the middle and also blocks well."

By Matt Michalec, SID
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Hampton's Maynor Announces First Signing Class

HAMPTON, Virginia  -- Hampton University first-year head football coach Connell Maynor – two months into his tenure – announced his first signing class on Wednesday as part of National Signing Day, a slate of 11 players that include two local players and three transfers.

"I'm pleased," Maynor said. "We expected to get about 10 to 12 guys, and we wound up with 11, right in between there. We got everyone we thought we would get, and we can kind of keep a couple others in our back pocket until after spring ball, see where things fall."

The signees out of high school:

-Jerrell Antoine (QB, 6-2, 170, Orlando, Fla./Oak Ridge HS): Threw for 3,305 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior, while also running for 777 yards and six scores.

-Darius Banks (WR, 5-10, 165, Newport News, Va./Denbigh HS): Caught 45 passes for 656 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior, ranking second in the Peninsula District in catches and touchdowns.

-Eric Carter Jr. (RB, 5-10, 215, Fayetteville, N.C./Britt HS): Rushed for 2,605 yards and 32 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 10.8 yards per carry.

-Chaka Diarrassouba (DB, 6-2, 200, Lithonia, Ga./Martin Luther King HS): Totaled 63 tackles (56 solo), while recording two sacks and three interceptions as a junior.

-Hayden Gregory (LB, 6-1, 226, Nashville, Tenn./Pearl-Cohn HS): Won the 2011 Georgia 5A state championship; had 97 tackles and 10.0 sacks as a senior.

-Joshua Harlan (FB/LB, 6-0, 195, Columbia, S.C./Spring Valley HS): Was named to play in the 2013 Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl North vs. South Game.

-Keito Jordon (DE, 6-4, 228, Columbia, S.C./Ridge View HS): Played both football and basketball at Ridge View High.

-Owen Obasuyi (DE, 6-5, 252, Virginia Beach, Va./Landstown HS): Named Second Team All-Beach District as a junior, before earning First Team honors as a senior.

"I'm very happy with the quarterback we picked up," Maynor said, "and we got a great running back."

The transfers:

-Jonathan Black (DT, 6-5, 295, Scottsdale, Ariz./Scottsdale CC): Was on a Scottsdale CC squad that went undefeated in 2013.

-Andre Fils (DB, 5-11, 172, Scottsdale, Ariz./Scottsdale CC): Recorded 78 total tackles (55 solo) in 2013, helping Scottsdale CC go undefeated. Averaged 7.1 tackles per game.

-Michael Young (C, 6-1, 290, Brooklyn, N.Y./ASA Junior College): Played on an ASA squad that went a perfect 6-0 in 2013.

"We got just about every position we needed," Maynor said. "We might need a little bit more on the offensive line, but we'll get a better idea of that after spring ball, once we have a better idea of what our strengths and weaknesses are."

"These guys can play; they'll come in and battle right away. No one has a job, everyone has to compete for a spot. Everyone has to go out there and work hard and prove what they can do and show us that they can go out there and play 60 minutes of Pirate football."

The 2014 season will open on Aug. 30, when the Pirates head to Norfolk, Va. to take on Old Dominion. 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.

2014 Hampton Football Signees

NamePos.Ht.Wt.Last School HometownVideo
Jerrell AntoineQB6-2170Oak Ridge HSOrlando, Fla.Video
Jonathan BlackDT6-5295Scottsdale CCScottsbale, Ariz.Video
Eric Carter, Jr.RB5-10215Britt HSFayetteville, N.C.Video
Chaka DiarrassoubaDB6-2200Martin L. King HSLithonia, Ga.Video
Hayden GregoryLB6-1226Pearl-Cohn HSNashville, Tenn.Video
Joshua HarlanFB/LB6-0195Spring Valley HSColumbia, S.C.Video
Keito Jordon, Jr.DE6-4228Ridge View HSColumbia, S.C.Video
Owen ObasuyiDE6-5252Landstown HSVirginia Beach, Va.Video
Michael YoungC6-1290ASA Junior CollegeBrooklyn, N.Y.Video
Andre FilsFS5-11172Scottsdale CCScottsdale CCVideo
Darius BanksWR5-10165Denbigh HSNewport News, Va.Video

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

JSU Football Signing Day Central

JACKSON, Mississippi  -- Jackson State football fans, keep up with all the signees for the 2014 Tigers recruiting season on National Signing Day. Updates will be made throughout the day as National Letters of Intent come in. Player bios and highlights will be available at the end of the day on jsutigers.com.

JSU fans can hear first hand from head coach Harold Jackson and rest of the JSU coaching staff about the new crop of student-athletes during a meet and greet on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The event will be held at the JSU Welcome Center beginning at 6 p.m.  The meet and greet is open to the public and food will be served. Admission to the event is $5.
         
NAME                                   POS        HT           WT         CL           HOMETOWN/SCHOOL

Keontre Anderson          DE           6-4          230         Fr.           Canton, MS /Canton           

Highlights

Keontre is rated as a 3-star prospect by Rivals.com and 247 Sports… Following his senior year, he was named a first-team All-State member and second-team member of the 247 Sports All-Mississippi Team… He was named to the Clarion Ledger All-Metro team… He finished his senior campaign with 82 tackles and 18 sacks.

Shawn Bishop                    DE/LB    6-0          235         Fr.           Jackson, MS/Callaway HS  

Highlights
  
Bishop was named a Clarion Ledger All-Metro selection following his senior season (2013)… He recorded 96 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and seven sacks during his senior campaign… He was a key member of the Chargers team that recorded a 14-1 overall record and went 7-0 in league play… Callaway finished the season as the 14th ranked team in Mississippi… During his high school career he recorded over 226 tackles.

Jonathan Burnett             LB           6-4          220         Fr.           Terry, MS/Terry HS         

Highlights

The Terry High School standout had a stellar senior season, as he finished with 168 tackles and four sacks… He averaged 15.3 tackles per game en route to helping lead the Bulldogs to a 5-6 overall record and a 3-4 league mark… As a junior he recorded 156 tackles (103 solo)… Over his high school career he recorded 242 solo tackles, 103 assisted tackles, 12.3 tackles per game, six sacks, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.

Frank Carter                       OT/NG  6-3          330         Fr.           Tampa, FL/Hillsborough HS

Highlights
 
Carter is a scholar-athlete who has a 4.6 grade point average… He is a two-star prospect according to 24/7 sports... After starting his high school career as an offensive lineman he switched to defense during his senior season… He recorded 46 tackles for the season and helped Hillsborough to a 7-3 overall record and a 6-2 league mark… He is expected to play on both sides of the ball for JSU.

Vincent Davis                     QB          6-2          205         Fr.           Tuscaloosa, AL / Central HS  

Highlights

Davis is considered a dual-threat quarterback… During his senior season he passed for over 1,508 yards and 18 touchdown… He ran for another 891 yards and eight touchdowns… he attended the same high school as former JSU standouts Marcellos Wilder and Demario Pippen… His high school coach was Dennis Conner a member of the JSU Sports Hall of Fame.

Quatez Harris                     S              6-0          215         Fr.           Greenwood, MS/Greenwood HS                           

Highlights
 
Quatez helped lead the Greenwood High School football team to a 10-2 overall record and a 5-0 mark in league play during his senior season… He tallied 139 total tackles (11.6 tackles per game)… For his career he recorded 491 tackles (257 solo, 234 assisted)… He averaged 10.4 tackles to go along with eight sacks, 10 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries.

Christian Jacquemin        K             5-11       180         Fr.           Miami, FL/Coral Reef H

Highlights

Jacquemin finished his senior season going 8-8 in field goal attempts… His kicking instructor, Eric Peri, is JSU’s all-time kicking leader.

Brent Lyles II                      QB          6-2          175         FR.          Indianapolis, IN/Pike HS

Highlights

During his senior year Lyles completed 186 of 321 pass attempts for 2,377yards and 24 touchdowns. During his career he completed 463 of 794 pass attempts for 6,230 yards and 66 touchdowns.

Asam Obi                             OG         6-2          310         Fr.           Baton Rouge, LA/McKinley HS          
Highlights

Asam can play both the tackle and guard positions on the offensive line… He has a 5.4 40 yard dash time and a 19” vertical leap… He can also bench press 275 pounds and squat 525 pounds.

Rodney Shorter II            DE/LB    6-1          230         Fr.           Long Beach, CA (Poly HS)                    
Highlights
   
Shorter helped lead the Long Beach Poly Jackrabbits to an 11-2 overall record and a 6-0 mark in league play… Poly finished the season with a top 10 ranking in the state of California and a national ranking of 54… As a senior he recorded 45 tackles (32 solo), a sack, 15 tackles for loss and an interception…  In Poly’s 35-28 win over Centennial he recorded a season high 10 tackles and three tackles for loss… He has a younger brother named Rodney Shorter III… He was named the team MVP during his senior season and was the No. 26th pick in the B2G West Coast Bowl… Has the ability to play three positions (OLB, MLB and DE).

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELEASE

National Signing Day: MVSU football makes it official with recruits

HEAD COACH RICK COMEGY (r)
ITTA BENA, Mississippi  -- The Rick Comegy era at Mississippi Valley State is officially underway with the start of National Signing Day. The new head coach has inked brought in a new crop of student-athletes with more on the way.

Signees are listed below. The list will be updated throughout the week.

Nelson Hale (DT, 6-1, 265, Pensacola, Fla., Pensacola Catholic HS) Finished with 102 tackles and five sacks, two forced fumbles during senior year for team that finished 12-1
  • Highlight Video
  • 2013 Class 5A Second Team
  • 2013 All-Panhandle Regional Elite Second Team

  • Ben Lyda (OL, 6-1, 250, Tallahassee, Fla., Godby HS)
  • Highlight Video
  • 2013 Associated Press Class 5A First Team All-State
  • 2013 All-Panhandle Regional Elite First Team
  • 2012 All Big-Bend First Team
  • Rated as a 2-star by Rivals.com
Tavis James (WR, 5-11, 180, Tallahassee, Fla., Godby HS)
Also lettered in baseball at Godby HS
  • 2013 All-Big Bend Second Team
  • Had offers from Memphis, Georgia State and Middle Tennessee, among others
Javon O'Neal (WR/DB, 6-1, 185, Tallahassee, Fla., Godby HS)

Also lettered in track and field at Godby HS
  • Had offers from Florida International, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Kent State and Southern Miss, according to Scout.com
  • Played in the Georgia-Florida War of the Border All-Star game; scored Florida's lone touchdown on a 45-yard punt return
  • Highlight Video
COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

The Official List of the 2014 AAMU Football Signees


NORMAL, Alabama  -- Throughout National Signing  day aamusports.com will post and update the official list of prospective student-athletes who have signed National Letters of Intent to play football at Alabama A&M in 2014. Refresh/reload this page for the latest information.

Prospective student-athletes are listed below only when the AAMU Football Office has received an official, signed NCAA National Letter of Intent that has been verified by the AAMU Athletics Compliance Office.

Updated Alabama A&M Football Signing List as of 2:14 p.m.

• DANNY JOHNSON            HUNTSVILLE AL       JOHNSON HS                    QB    6'2    185  

• DEVON JOHNSON            HUNTSVILLE AL       JOHNSON HS                    WR    6'1    180  

• JAY ROGERS                   MADISON AL           BOB JONES HS                 RB    5'11    210

• KAILAN JACKSON            HUNTSVILLE AL       JOHNSON HS                    DE    6'2    245  

• VERNON MOLAND            BIRMINGHAM AL       MINOR HS                        LB    6'1    215  

• DOMINIQUE GOODWIN     BIRMINGHAM AL       MINOR HS                        DB    5'11    175  

• CHARLES BUCHANNON   PLEASANT GROVE,AL PLEASANT GROVE HS        RB    5'11    190  

• PATRICK BURROUGHS    PLEASANT GROVE,AL PLEASANT GROVE HS        DE    6'4    230

• RODERICK RANDOLPH     MADISON AL             BOB JONES HS                 WR    6'1    210

• DAVEON DILLARD        CEDAR HILL TX            CEDAR HILL HS                NB    5'10    205

• JALON DOUGLAS            BELLAIRE TX             BELLAIRE HS                    LB    5'11    200

• LADARION HEATH        PHENIX CITY AL            SMITHS STATION HS        WR    6'4     195

• AVIREE GILES                LILBURN     GA          BERKMAR HS                    DL    6'2    320

• TAIVON THOMPSON        HAMPTON GA             DUTCHTOWN HS               TE    6'5    240

• JUSTIN BROWN              ODENVILLE AL           ST CLAIR HS                     NB    5'11    195

• JORDAN STRONG           PHENIX CITY AL          CENTRAL-PHENIX CITY       DE    6'2    235

• DEQUAN YOUNG            PENSACOLA FL            WEST FLORIDA TECH        DB    5'11  175

• DEONTE NICHOLSON     PENSACOLA FL            TATE HS                           NB    5'11   175

• OCTAYVIUS MILES        MESQUITE TX              MESQUITE HS                    WR    5'10 180

• DAMION MAY                BILOXI MS                   BILOXI HS                        QB    6'1    190

• CODY LUI-YUEN            HONOLULU HI              RADFORD HS                    QB    6'3    225

• CHANDLER CAMPBELL   FORT LAUDERDALE FL  FORT LAUDERDALE HS      TE     6'5    250

• DEVONTE SIMON          REFORM AL                 PICKENS COUNTY HS        ATH   5'11  170

• KENNETH DAVIS           PENSACOLA FL            WEST FLORIDA TECH        LB    6'0     210

• KEVIN ATWOOD            PENSACOLA FL           PINE FOREST HS                LB    6'0    190


In addition to midterm signees:

• Raener Ayers Fleming     TE    6'3    230        Birmingham, AL    Memphis Univ.

• Adrian Saterfield            OL    6'3    290        Milton, FL            New Mexico Military
• Nhan Mai                      OL    6'3    300        Corpus Christi      New Mexico Military


10th Annual MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney Announces 2014 Matchups

ORLANDO, Florida  -- The MEAC/SWAC Challenge Presented by Disney – celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014 – will showcase North Carolina A&T of the MEAC against Alabama A&M of the SWAC on Sunday, Aug. 31. The yearly event – which features teams from two prominent Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) – will be aired on an ESPN network.

“We are thrilled to have North Carolina A&T and Alabama A&M play in our 10th anniversary game,” said Pete Derzis, senior vice president and general manager, ESPN Regional Television.

“As we celebrate this occasion, we are reminded of our beginning – in 2005, in Birmingham, Ala. We have watched the event grow since its move to Orlando, and we are proud that we will have showcased 13 different schools over the 10-year period. Our mission remains strong, which is to build on HBCU traditions while providing a stellar experience for the student-athletes and fans.”

It will be Alabama A&M’s first game under new head coach, James Spady. North Carolina A&T and third-year head coach Rod Broadway are coming off a seven win season in 2013.

“Alabama A&M Football is thrilled to be a participant in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge,” said Spady. “Working with ESPN and Disney is a great opportunity to give our student-athletes exposure to the best organizations in entertainment and sports programming. Anytime you play against a Rod Broadway-coached team, you better be ready to play technically-sound, error-free and physical football. We look forward to the challenge.”

“The MEAC/SWAC Challenge brings together two of the premier black college conferences in the country,” said Broadway. “Our university, our athletics department and our football program are proud to be playing this event for the first time. I spent four years in the SWAC as the head coach of Grambling State University, so I know firsthand there is quality football played throughout the league. We’re going to face a well-coached, talented opponent, but we’ll be ready to play and represent the MEAC to the best of our ability.”

The MEAC/SWAC Challenge is owned and operated by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN Regional Television (ERT), a subsidiary of ESPN. For more information about the MEAC/SWAC Challenge, or to join the event’s following on Facebook and Twitter, please visit the event’s official Web site at www.meacswacchallenge.com.

Note: Location Venue for the Game TBD as Florida Citus Bowl is currently under reconstruction/expansion and will not be completed until November 2014 for Florida Classic.



Alabama State Football Signs 25 Players to Program

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- The Alabama State football program has signed 24 players to National Letters of Intent, plus one who was awarded an academic scholarship.

Click on names for player highlights.
2014 NLI SigningsPositionHTWTHometown/High School
Thomas Bartley, IIIOL6-3280Seffnar, Fla. / Armwood
Davian BrantleyDB5-10170Selma, Ala. / Selma
Jaderryc BrownOL6-3265Montgomery, Ala. / Lee
Preston ClarkK6-1175Jacksonville, Fla. / University Christian
Cordelral CookQB6-0205Stone Mountain, Ga. / Stone Mountain
Joshua DavisWR6-1185Tallahassee, Fla. / Florida State High
Khalige FleglarRB/S6-0200Augusta, Ga. / Glenn Hills
Hyriam FrederickDE6-1240Seffnar, Fla. / Armwood
Damont GambleOL6-6270Slocomb, Ala. / Slocomb
Brandon HarrisLB6-5205Conyers, Ga. / Rockdale County
Darius HolmesDB5-11175Warner Robins, Ga. / Northside
Dominique JacksonLB6-2210Brewton, Ala. / T.R. Miller
Mekiye KingstonOT6-3260Riverdale, Ga. / Charles Drew
William KellyATH5-8185Tallahassee, Fla. / Rickards
Brensten LindseyWR6-3180Warner Robins, Ga. / Houston County
Shakym PetersDB6-0170Conyers, Ga. / Rockdale
Kurron RamseyDB6-1160Alexandria, Va. / Mount Vernon
Decardo RiversDB5-11 ½175Pritchard, Ala. / Vigor
Shaquille SolomanDB6-1175Enterprise, Ala. / Enterprise
Kyle ThiesOL6-4260Royal Palm Beach, Fla. / Royal Palm Beach
Delwyn TolbertS6-2200Auburn, Ala. / Auburn High
Selwyn TolbertS6-2200Auburn, Ala. / Auburn High
Joe Williams IVWR6-2175Ft. Myers, Fla. / Dunbar
Andre WilsonDT6-1295Savannah, Ga. / Calvary Day
Awarded Dean's Scholarship
Adam ShepherdK6-5225Tuscaloosa, Ala. / Paul Bryant
 

THOMAS BARTLEY, III – Offensive Line (6-3, 280); Seffnar, Fla. / Armwood
Physical player at the point of attack…can play all three interior line positions…helped team to 12-1 record as senior…played in East-West Senior All-Star game.

DAVIAN BRANTLEY – Defensive Back (5-10, 170); Selma, Ala. / Selma
Made 45 tackles with four interceptions, two returned for touchdowns…returned three punts for touchdowns, three kickoff returns for touchdowns, and one blocked field goal for touchdown…gained 1,500 all-purpose yards…Selma Times Player of the Year

JADERRYC BROWN – Offensive Line (6-3, 265); Montgomery, Ala. / Lee
Very athletic player…second-team All-Metro selection as a senior with 35 pancakes blocks.

PRESTON CLARK – Kicker (6-1, 175); Jacksonville, Fla. / University Christian
Second-team all-state performer with strong leg…scored 61 points, primarily on PATs…averaged more than 60 yards on kickoffs.

CORDELRAL COOK – Quarterback (6-1, 205) Stone Mountain, Ga. / Stone Mountain
Combined for nearly 2,300 yards (1,711 passing, 551 rushing) and 23 touchdowns (16 passing, 7 rushing)…combined for nearly 5,000 yards as two-year starter (3,946 passing, 867 rushing)…all-region, all-county, team captain and most valuable player as both a junior and senior…played in Dekalb County All-Star Game.

JOSHUA DAVIS – Wide Receiver (6-1, 185); Tallahassee, Fla. / Florida State High
Caught 77 passes for 978 passes and 10 touchdowns while rushing 16 times for 125 yards and one touchdown during his career…set career highs in
receptions (33), receiving yards (479) and touchdowns (six) as senior.

KHALIGE FLEGLAR - Running Back / Safety (6-0, 200); Augusta, Ga. / Glenn Hills
As a senior, rushed 71 times for 1,085 yards and nine TDs…defensively made 58 tackles (25 solo) with two forced fumbles and four interceptions, three returned for touchdowns…earned Region 3-4A Offensive Player of the Year, 1st-team All-Area and 1st-team All-Region honors 

HYRIAM FREDERICK – Defensive End (6-1, 240); Seffnar, Fla. / Armwood
Disrupted force with 24 tackles for loss and eight sacks as senior

DAMONT GAMBLE – Offensive Line (6-6, 270); Slocumb, Ala. / Slocumb
Long, rangy athletic lineman…very physical at point of attack…nephew of former Hornet and NFL veteran Brad Baxter.

BRANDON HARRIS – Linebacker (6-5, 205); Conyers, Ga. / Rockdale County
Recorded 41 tackles, including seven tackles for loss, and three sacks as senior.

DARIUS HOLMES – Defensive Back (5-11, 175); Warner Robins, Ga. / Northside
Two-year starter at defensive back…made 53 tackles, including three for loss, with six interceptions, two of them returned for touchdowns, with 13 passes defensed, and four blocked kicks…was 2012 all-region player and 2013 defensive back MVP.

DOMINIQUE JACKSON – Linebacker (6-2, 210); Brewton, Ala.; T.R. Miller
Made 58 tackles (37 solo) with one sack…as running back, rushed for 1,517 yards and 27 touchdowns

WILLIAM KELLY – Athlete (5-8, 185); Tallahassee, Fla. / Rickards
Combined for more than 5,400 yards in final two years with 54 touchdowns…as a senior, passed for 2,059 yards and threw for 26 touchdowns and rushed for 840 yards and 10 touchdowns…first-team all-Big Bend, All District, and All-State performer, earning district MVP, Florida 5A player of the year, and first-team All-America honors…MVP of Max Emfinger All-American Game.

MEKIYE KINGSTON – Offensive Line (6-3, 260); Riverdale, Ga. / Charles Drew
Versatile athletic lineman…three-year starter at right tackle…preseason 5A all-state selection…graded at 90 percent on assignments with 31 pancake blocks.

BRENSTEN LINDSEY  – Wide Receivers (6-3, 180); Warner Robins, Ga.; Houston County
Caught 25 receptions for 344 yards and two touchdowns…averaged 13.8 yards per catch…for his career, caught 38 passes for 589 and three touchdown.

SHAKYM PETERS – Defensive Back (6-1, 170); Conyers, Ga. / Rockdale
Recorded 30 tackles (four for loss) and three interceptions as a senior.

KURRON RAMSEY – Defensive Back  (6-1, 160); Alexandria, Va. / Mount Vernon
Standout defensive back and running back…had 243 receiving yards…

DECARDO RIVERS - Defensive Back (5-11 ½, 175); Pritchard, Ala. / Vigor HS
Made 41 tackles with one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and three passes defensed.

ADAM SHEPHERD – Kicker (6-5, 225); Tuscaloosa, Fla. / Paul Bryant
Showed tremendous leg, averaging 65 yards on kickoffs and made 70 percent of field goal attempts.

SHAQUILLE SOLOMAN – Defensive Back (6-1, 175); Enterprise, Ala. / Enterprise
Honorable mention 6-A all-state player..made 37 tackles, five interceptions, 15 pass breakups, with one kickoff return for touchdown and one field goal return for touchdown…registered 107 career tackles, 13 interceptions, 42 pass breakups, and six touchdowns as a three-year starter

KYLE THIES – Offensive Line (6-4, 260); Royal Palm Beach, Fla. / Royal Palm Beach
Physical, high-energy player…A gamer whose motor is always running…played in Florida-Georgia All-Star game

DELWYN TOLBERT – Safety (6-2, 200); Auburn, Ala. / Auburn High
Earned second-team all-area honors after recording 65 tackles, 54 solo, with five tackles for loss…also had two interceptions, five passed defensed, and one forced fumble

SELWYN TOLBERT – Safety (6-2, 200); Auburn, Ala. / Auburn High
Earned all-area large school honorable mention by Opelika News…made 64 tackles, 48 solo, with one interception, four passes defensed, and one fumble recovery.

JOE WILLIAMS – Wide Receiver (6-2, 175); Ft. Myers, Fla. / Dunbar
Caught 21 passes for 596 yards and six touchdowns…earned honorable mention all-district honors.

ANDRE WILSON – Defensive Tackle (6-1, 295); Savannah Ga. / Calvary Day
Disrupted forced in the middle…made 93 tackles (77 solo) with six sacks and one forced fumble as a senior.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION