Morgan State 2014 National Letters of Intent Signees

BALTIMORE, Maryland  -- Per NCAA rules, the Morgan State University Department of Athletics will announce a signee when the program has received and Morgan State Athletics Compliance has verified the signee's National Letter of intent. Signees are not officially Bears until approved and then listed at morganstatebears.com.  

Offensive Line
Matthew Thompson 6-4, 320, Lanham, Md., Perry Hall HS
First Team All-State … Baltimore Sun First-Team All-Metro … First Team All-Baltimore … Super 22 All-Star ... Helped pace the way for 2,994 rushing yards ... Recorded 50+ pancake blocks ... Did not allow a sack while team passed for 2,127 yards ... Was also recruited by Maryland, Buffalo and Mount Union … Watch

Ehijele Ubuane 6-4, 260, Baltimore, Md., Saint Frances Academy
Was selected 2012 MIAAC Conference Champions … Was also recruited by Marshall and Albany … Watch

Joshua Miles 6-6, 285, Randallstown, Md., Western Tech
2012 All-Division selection … 2013 All-Division/County … 2013 All-Star selection … Was team captain at the City vs. County All-Star game … Was also recruited by Old Dominion, Towson and North Carolina A&T ... Watch
 
Defensive LineAyodeji (AJ) Agbelese 6-2, 234, Columbia, Md., Duval HS
Recorded 40 tackles … Recorded 40 tackles (32) as a senior … Helped lead the Tigers to a 10-2 record and an 8-1 league title ... Watch

Dalonte' Jenifer 6-2, 286, Baltimore, Md., Saint Frances Academy
2012 MVP … Mervo Chesapeake Bowl selected ... Maryland Big 33 selection ... 2013 All-State Honorable Mention ...  Watch

Marquese Meadow 6-1, 310, Washington, D.C., Friendship Collegiate
… Was also recruited by Akron, East Michigan and Tennessee … Watch

Linebackers

Brandon Griffin 5-11, 200, Baltimore, Md., Centennial HS
Was team captain for the Cougars … Williamson Country Player of the Week … Watch

Damare' Whitaker 6-0, 220, Washington, D.C., Friendship Collegiate
Selected 2013 Defensive Player of the Year … Was selected to the Chesapeake Bowl … Was also recruited by Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan and Ohio … Watch
 
Wide Receiver
Dominic Miller 5-8, 180, Baltimore, Md., Paul Laurence Dunbar HS
Two-time State Champion (2011, 2012) … 2013 All-State First Team selection … Had 56 catches for 1,106 yards and 12 TDs as a senior with the Poets … Was one of the top performers at the Next Level Nation 5 Star Showcase   Watch
COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Delaware State Announce Eight Signing Day Additions

HEAD COACH KERMIT BLOUNT

DOVER, Delaware  --  Delaware State University head football coach Kermit Blount has announced that eight high school seniors signed the National Letter of Intent today to attend DSU and join the Hornets for the 2014 season.

The incoming freshmen class features a quarterback, three offensive linemen, two linebackers, a defensive back and wide receiver.

The Hornets have announced the addition of three players who enrolled in the university this semester and are eligible to compete this coming season.

    2014 DSU football signings

“I’m pleased with the quality of young men we have added to the program,” said Blount. “We were able to address some 2014 needs we have along the offensive line and linebacker, in addition to adding more speed to our roster.”

The Hornet head coach also cited the off-the-field qualities of his 2014 newcomers.

“I was equally impressed with the character and academic credentials of these young men. Each should be a good fit for the team and the university.”

Among the DSU newcomers is 2013 Delaware All-State First Team offensive tackle Michael Hurd of Dover (Del.) High School. Hurd, also an all-state third team defensive tackle, helped lead the Senators to a 9-3 overall record and state tournament semifinal appearance as a senior in 2013. Dante Jones, a former Delaware State University standout defensive back (1997-99), is the head football coach at Dover High.

In addition to Hurd, the Hornets have inked offensive linemen David Allen (Union, N.J./Union HS) and Lamont Bradford (Erial, N.J./Timber Creek HS) for the 2014 season.

Allen was a 2013 First Team All-Hudson County (N.J.) Interscholastic Athletic League Red Division selection after leading Union City HS to an 8-3 overall record and fourth consecutive New Jersey State Tournament appearance.

Bradford helped lead Timber Creek to a 10-2 overall record in 2013 and a 32-4 mark in his three varsity seasons with the team. He was a 2013 All-West Jersey Football League selection and competed in the Chesapeake Bowl High School All-Star Game in Virginia Beach, Va., last fall.

The Hornets have also signed quarterback Darryl Johnson from Richmond, Va. Johnson earned All-Richmond Area Second Team honors after passing for 1,851 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior at Highland Springs High School in 2013. He was the 5A Conference Offensive Player-of-the-Year and led all Richmond area quarterbacks with a 182.9 passer rating last season.

The Hornets also hope to bolster their linebacking corps with the addition of Dan Zajac (Ambridge, Pa.) and Malik Harris (Potomac, Md.).

Zajac was a two-time Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association First Team and Pennsylvania Fabulous 22 selection as a senior at Ambridge High School.

Harris was a 2013 Washington, D.C., Area All-Star and All-League selection at Friendship Collegiate Academy, where he helped lead the team to a post-season playoff berth as a senior. He recorded three defensive touchdowns, two forced fumbles, and an interception, while leading the team in tackles during the 2013 season.

Xavier Wilcher, a defensive back from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pa., has also signed with the Hornets. Wilcher was a 2013 Express-Times All-Area Second Team selection after collecting 68 solo tackles, three interceptions, three pass break ups and a forced fumble as a senior last season.

Delaware State has also added DeShawn Smith from William Penn High School in New Castle, Del., to its receiving corps. Smith helped lead the Colonials to a 7-4 record and state playoff berth in 2013. He has also been selected to compete in the 2014 Delaware Blue-Gold High School All-Star Game.

Linebacker Josh Ealy (Vero Beach, Fla.), defensive back Jordan Smith (Lakeland, Fla.) and tight end Ameer Watson (Smyrna, Del.) are already enrolled in the university and will participate in the Hornets’ spring camp.

Ealy was a 2012 All-Indian River County (Fla.)Second Team linebacker.

Smith was selected to the All-Polk County (Fla.) Second Team as a safety in 2012. He is also a school record-setting high jumper.

Watson was a Delaware All-State and All-Henlopen Conference tight end at Smyrna High School two seasons ago.

Delaware State posted a 5-6 overall record in 2013, including losses to FCS National Champ North Dakota State and national runner-up Towson. The Hornets were tied for third in the MEAC with a 5-3 league record last season.

    2014 DSU football signings   

DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY 2013 FOOTBALL SIGNEES
High School recruits

Name POS Ht/Wt Hometown/High School
David Allen OT 6-5/265 Union City, N.J./Union City HS
Lamont Bradford OL 6-4/290 Erial, N.J./Timber Creek HS
Malik Harris LB 6-0/210 Potomac, Md./Friendship Collegiate Academy
Michael Hurd OL 6-3/315 Dover, Del./Dover HS
Darryl Johnson QB 6-0/200 Richmond, Va./Highland Springs HS
DaShawn Smith WR 6-0/190 New Castle, Del./William Penn HS
Xavier Wilcher DB 6-2/175 Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty HS
Dan Zajac LB 6-1/225 Ambridge, Pa./Ambridge HS

Mid-year Signees
Josh Ealy LB 6-3/230 Vero Beach, Fla./Vero Beach HS
Jordan Smith DB 6-0/185 Lakeland, Fla./Lake Gibson HS
Ameer Watson TE 6-3/245 Smyrna, Del./Smyrna HS

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

National Signing Day 2014: Southern U. Signees

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- National Signing Day is here and the Southern University football program is happy to welcome the future wave of Jaguars who will compete for championships for years to come.

Join Head Coach Dawson Odums and the coaching staff when they unveil the 2014 class at the National Signing Day celebration Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom. The event will be live streamed free of charge on GoJagSports.com beginning at 6:55 p.m.

Eight mid-year enrollees are among the Jaguars 2014 signing class, including University of Florida transfer S Rhaheim Ledbetter, North Texas transfer RB Jamarcus Jarvis and University of Memphis transfer WR Reggie Travis.

Here are the official up-to-the-minute listing of the 2014 SU Football Signees. 

No.		Name	Pos.	Hometown	High School	Ht.	Wt.	Video
1.		Eddie Nickles	OL	Missouri City, Texas	Hightower	6-3	280	Video
2.		Lemar Martin	LB	New Orleans, La.	Edna Karr	5-10	200	Video
3.		Bryan Anderson	S	New Orleans, La.	Edna Karr	6-1	195	Video
4.		Kentavious Preston	MLB	Conyers, Ga.	Rockdale County	6-1	240	Video
5.		Simeon Houston	OL	Houston, Texas	Westbury	6-3	230	Video
6.		Danny Johnson	ATH	Jackson, La.	East Feliciana	5-11	175	Video
7.		Jordan Taylor	LB	Kentwood, La.	Kentwood	6-0	210	Video
8.		Jarrad Hayes	QB	Central, La.	Central	6-0	175	Video
9.		Aaron Tiller	DE	Pataskala, Ohio	Licking Heights	6-1	240	Video
ENROLLED		Malcolm Crockett	RB		Pitt	5-10	205
ENROLLED		Martin Henry	LB		Pierce College	5-10	210
ENROLLED		Willis Howard	TE		Atlanta Sport Academy	6-4	250
ENROLLED		Jamarcus Jarvis	RB		North Texas	5-10	195
ENROLLED		Montrell Jones	TE		Rocherster Tech CC	6-4	225
ENROLLED		Rhaheim Ledbetter	S		Florida	5-9	219
ENROLLED		Renaldo Thomas	S		Tulane	6-4	204
ENROLLED		Reggie Travis	WR		Memphis	6-2	195

 COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

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 Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown / Highschool
	Brandon Bailey	CB	6-1	185	Duncan, S.C. / Fork Union Military Academy
	Nicholas Bentley	RB	5-10	225	Decatur, Ga. / Decatur
	Josh Berry	DB	5-11	210	Fort Pierce, Fla. / Long County
	Ellison Burns	TE	6-3	205	Savannah, Ga. / Benedictine
	Damien Campbell	OL	6-3	250	College Park, Ga. / Hapeville Charter
	Keynnard Campbell	ATH	5-11	185	Savannah, Ga. / Bible Baptist
	Conner Christian	DT	6-3	250	Dallas, Ga. / East Paulding
	Marcus Collins	LB	6-0	230	Philadelphia, Pa. / University of Iowa
	Willie Cooper	DL	6-1	266	Savannah, Ga. / Beach
	David Crowley	DB	5-10	180	Jacksonville, Fla. / Trinity Christian
	Traynearious Dillard	SS	5-10	190	Savannah, Ga. / Savannah High
	Jamal Earls	OL	6-3	275	Hampton, Va. / Phoebus
	Sean Fogarty	OL	6-4	265	Savannah, Ga. / Benedictine
	Rohan Francis	OL	6-3	240	College Park, Ga. / Hapeville Charter
	Anquavius Fuller	OL	6-2	290	Sharpsburg, Ga. / East Coweta
	Blake Gerido	OL	6-4	305	Brentwood, Tenn. / Ravenwood
	Taylor Gordon	OL	6-4	275	Bluffton, S.C. / Bluffton HS
	Edward Goubadia	DE	6-2	228	Union, N.J. / Union HS
	Rodheem Greene	DE	6-3	260	Savannah, Ga. / Memorial Day School
	Christian Guinn	DE	6-3	220	Dallas, Ga. / East Paulding
	Steven "Tyler" Hagan	WR	6-7	205	Guyton, Ga. / South Effingham
	Quaron Hilliard	DE	6-6	240	Savannah, Ga. / Savannah High
	Derek Kirkland	WR	6-2	180	Savannah, Ga. / Calvary Day
	Michael Knox	QB	6-3	205	Columbia, S.C. / C.A. Johnson
	Marlin Latson	WR	5-7	158	Savannah, Ga. / Memorial Day School
	K'Lon Lovett	DB	6-1	190	Evans, Ga. / Evans
	Jaylen McGriff	WR	6-2	190	Savannah, Ga. / Fork Union Military Academy
	Daniel McKoy	OL	6-4	310	Newark, N.J. / ASA Junior College
	Leonard Miller	OL	6-4	290	Augusta, Ga. / Union Military Academy
	Leonardo Myers	LB	6-1	225	Augusta, Ga. / Monroe Junior College
	Aaron Redmond II	DL	6-1	360	Columbia, S.C. / Ridgeville
	Stephen Reynolds	DB	5-11	175	Tucker, Ga. / Tucker HS
	Johvonte Singleton	LB	5-11	190	Savannah, Ga. / Memorial Day School
	Tino Smith	QB	6-2	215	Noblesville, Ind. / Fork Union Military Academy
	Bradley Stophel	OL	6-4	260	Brunswick, Ga. / Brunswick
	Kersean Wilson	QB	6-2	195	Columbia, S.C. / Eastern Arizona Community College
	Deric Wright	WR	6-7	199	Savannah, 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-Kusi	DB	5-11	180	Triangle, Va. / Forest Park HS	Click here
Kyle Archie	LB	6-0	230	Portsmouth, Va. / I.C. Norcom HS	Click here
Thomas Coleman	OL	6-3	280	Chesapeake, Va. / Western Branch HS	Click here
Terrance Ervin	QB	6-3	210	Chesterfield, Va. / L.C. Bird HS	Click here
Ricky Haley	LB	6-3	225	Norfolk, Va. / Maury HS	Click here
Bryce Hankins	WR	5-9	175	Ridgeway, Va. / Magna Vista HS	Click here
Marques Harvey	OL/DL	6-4	270	Portsmouth, Va. / I.C. Norcom HS	Click here
Christopher Lee	TE/LB	6-4	245	Woodbridge, Va. / C.D. Hylton HS	Click here
Terry Polk	RB	5-10	165	North Port, Fla. / Venice HS	Click here
Martavias Robinson	OL	6-4	340	Chesterfield, Va. / Atlanta Sports Academy	Click here
Darius Wilson	WR	6-3	170	Amherst, Va. / Amherst County HS	Click 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

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Last School	Hometown	Video
Jerrell Antoine	QB	6-2	170	Oak Ridge HS	Orlando, Fla.	Video
Jonathan Black	DT	6-5	295	Scottsdale CC	Scottsbale, Ariz.	Video
Eric Carter, Jr.	RB	5-10	215	Britt HS	Fayetteville, N.C.	Video
Chaka Diarrassouba	DB	6-2	200	Martin L. King HS	Lithonia, Ga.	Video
Hayden Gregory	LB	6-1	226	Pearl-Cohn HS	Nashville, Tenn.	Video
Joshua Harlan	FB/LB	6-0	195	Spring Valley HS	Columbia, S.C.	Video
Keito Jordon, Jr.	DE	6-4	228	Ridge View HS	Columbia, S.C.	Video
Owen Obasuyi	DE	6-5	252	Landstown HS	Virginia Beach, Va.	Video
Michael Young	C	6-1	290	ASA Junior College	Brooklyn, N.Y.	Video
Andre Fils	FS	5-11	172	Scottsdale CC	Scottsdale CC	Video
Darius Banks	WR	5-10	165	Denbigh HS	Newport 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 14^th 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. 26^th 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 10^th 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 10^th 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.