Alabama State Hornets Sign 17 on National Signing Day

MONTGOMERY – "Being able to bat a hundred is a good thing," Alabama State Head Football Coach Brian Jenkins said in describing the Hornets signing day class.

Jenkins and the Voice of the Hornets, Duane Lewis, announced the signing class in a live three-hour broadcast which was shown on bamastatesports.com.

It was Jenkins' and his coaching staff's second recruiting class, but this class could be considered their first signing class since they arrived so late in the process last season.

"From last year to this has been a tremendous difference," Jenkins added.  "When we came in, we just tried to get what we could get our hands on to fill a football team, but this year we actually had time to evaluate and see what we needed, set a plan and go after guys that could help us be the type of football team that we want."

The coaching staff was able to not only pick up some top talent from other states, but they added five top in-state players to the 2016 class.

"My coaches did a phenomenal job in recruiting," Jenkins said.  They scoured the country and found the best talent that could come and help our team and make an immediate impact.  They traveled all over; from Cleveland, Ohio to Philadelphia to California and we were able to land some top players out of those areas as well as some top players here in the state.  So I couldn't be more proud of our coaching staff and the wonderful job they have done to secure this recruiting class."

The Hornets had the second ranked scoring defense in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) last season and added 12 players on that side of that ball.

Headlining that group from the state is Jamerson Pasteur from Greensboro High School.  The 6'-4", 286 pound lineman will join another in-state recruit Kevin Nunn (6-4, 290) from Calera and Randall Smith (6-4, 265) who is from Dawsonville, Ga., along the Hornets defensive front.

The Hornets also went after several defensive backs.  Aaron Pope, Cleveland, Ohio (6-0, 180) is one of three players from Glenville High School and will play in the defensive backfield.  Other defensive backs that have signed with ASU are Ezekiel Smith, (6-0, 185) Covington, Ga., Joshua Hill (5-10, 165), Prichard, Ala., Darius King (6-0, 200) Phenix City, Ala., and O'Shea Grant (6-0, 180), Sarasota, Fla.  Ezra Gray (5-9, 170) is listed as a defensive back and running back coming out of Lynn Haven, Fla., but could find himself in the defensive backfield once the season begins.

The coaching staff is high on the lone linebacker signee this season, Darron Johnson (6-1, 225), Memphis, Tenn.  The Ridgeway high school talent is not only one of the top linebackers in Memphis, but in the state of Tennessee.

The Hornets have seven new players added to the roster that will line up on the offensive side of the ball, and three of those signees are quarterbacks.

Jimmy Ferrell (6-2, 190), Nashville, Tenn., had been a leader for Pearl-Cohn High School and was the 33^rd ranked player in the state of Tennessee.

ASU was able to out recruit several schools for Ocala, Fla., native Kobie Jones (5-11, 168).  Another quarterback joining the ASU ranks will be in-state product Kha' Darrius Davis (6-2, 170) from Bessemer, Ala.

Taliesin Farmer (6-0, 200), Garfield Heights, Ohio, was the lone running back signee this season.  He will join high school teammates Aaron Pope and Christian Clark on the Hornets roster.

Clark (6-1, 300), Euclid, Ohio will join the Hornets on the offensive line.  Another offensive lineman is Caleb Kinnikin (6-4, 305) the lone junior college signee in the 2016 class.  The Silver City, New Mexico native will transfer to ASU from Grossman Junior College located in El Cajan, Calif.

The final offensive signee is wide receiver Palmer Graham (5-9, 165), Schaumburg, Ill.  He is small in stature, but may be one of the fastest recruits bringing with him 4.48 speed in the 40.

Now that signing day is over the coaching staff can turn its attention to spring practice, which the Hornets will be able to participate in this year after missing out on those days last year.

"We have spring ball back," Jenkins said.  "That's always exciting to have those days back and get a chance to get your team out for those days and see what they can do and get them acclimated to some things you want to do defensively and offensively, philosophies and schemes.  So I'm excited about the direction the program is going and the support we're getting."

The first of 10 spring practice sessions will begin April 2 and will conclude with the Black and Gold Game on April 23.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former Alabama State Hornet Malcolm Cyrus Signs with CFL

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- He had led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in rushing in 2014, but there were no calls coming from National Football League general managers.

Nearly a year later, Malcolm Cyrus was working toward his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Alabama State University, almost resigned to the fact that he would have to search for a job when he graduated in May.

"I always said I wanted to be a probation officer on the federal level," Cyrus said. "That's the main thing I was thinking about. But I was thinking about going back to school, too, and getting my master's degree. I really wanted to get a criminal justice degree because the job field is so open. I could always get a job."

Cyrus had a secret that even his mother didn't know, however. On weekends, when he could locate a tryout within driving distance, he would work out for Canadian Football League scouts in hopes of landing an offer to play professional football.

"Actually, I told my mother this year was going to be my last year trying out," he said. "I graduate in May. I'll get my degree and go to work. But I didn't give up on it. She thought I gave up on it, but I didn't. I really don't talk about the things I've got going on. A lot of folks didn't know I went to this tryout or the other tryouts. I just do that on my own."

The workout Cyrus attended on Jan. 23 at Faulkner University's John Mark Stallings Field for the Saskatchewan Roughriders wasn't even on his schedule. He had circled the Jan. 30 workout in Atlanta with Winnepeg.

But his performance was better than any he had before, exceeding the workout he had for professional scouts on Alabama State's "Pro Day" in the spring of 2015.

"There were a lot of 'oohs' and 'ahs' when I was working out," Cyrus said. "I did better on my vertical (jump) and my 40 (yard dash time). I did better on everything. I did everything extremely well."

When they broke into smaller groups for one-on-one work – pitting the elusive Cyrus on receiving routes and short running bursts versus linebackers, he did even better.

"I had people falling all over the place," Cyrus said. "The next morning, when I woke up, I had a text message. I want to say it was less than seven hours and they wanted to offer me a contract. I guess I did pretty good. I wasn't expecting to get a call the next day. That shocked me."

Cyrus worked out a two-year deal to play for the Roughriders in 2016-17, more than 15 months after he hung up his cleats for the last time at Alabama State, completing a remarkable story for the Autaugaville native who will soon become the first person from his high school to ever play sports at the professional level.

Cyrus had set a national record for touchdowns on punt returns during a successful career at Autaugaville High, but struggled to adjust to college football as a freshman and played behind Cleveland Browns tailback Isaiah Crowell as a sophomore and junior.

As a senior, he led the SWAC with 1,662 rushing yards to earn co-offensive player of the year honors and was known throughout the conference for his durability but at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, no one making decisions at the NFL level wanted to draft him.

"I didn't get a tryout with any NFL teams," he said. "I thought I should have gotten a lot of them, rookie mini-camps or something. I don't know what it was. I wasn't getting a lot of feedback from my agent."

He spent 2015 in the classroom, trying to finish up the requirements for his degree but still harboring dreams of playing professional football.

"I work out at the (athletic) complex every now and then and I did a little working out on my own," Cyrus said. "I always stay in shape. I didn't work out as hard as I used to work out, but I still worked out, just in case something did happen."

And while he had an agent, Cyrus continued to do everything on his own, from working out to lining up tryouts to ironing out the details of his first professional contract.

"I did most of that on my own," he said. "It was stuff I set up or people referred to me. The workout with Saskatchewan, I found out three or four days before. I just went and tried out."

He tried out for Edmonton in the fall, "but I didn't get a call from them," he said. He worked out for another CFL team in December. Still no luck. But his perseverance was finally rewarded a month later and now Cyrus will be preparing for the Roughriders' mini-camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., on April 9-12 for a sport that differs in some aspects from the National Football League.

"You get a running start toward the line of scrimmage," Cyrus said, when asked what he knew about Canadian Football League rules. "Besides that, I'll learn it. It's not hard to learn it."

It will be the first of several obstacles he's eager to overcome. For a guy from a small rural community, it's an ideal fit to play in Regina, Saskatchewan, the second smallest market in professional sports behind Green Bay. If he can only find it on a map.

"If you were to drive it, I want to say it's about 29, 30 hours," Cyrus said. "I'm not driving it. It's a long way."

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

ASU’s Jenkins hopes promise turns to performance

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State head football coach Brian Jenkins was noticeably jovial as national signing day came to a close.

Jenkins took over just weeks before signing day last season and said his most important recruits were the players he inherited.

Jenkins said he and his staff had more time to work this time around, making a big difference in 2016.

“Last year, we had to get in where we fit in,” Jenkins said. “This year, we were about to sit back and really evaluate the players that we needed to upgrade this team and set a plan of action of going after those guys.”

Alabama State’s festivities began with a live three-hour broadcast announcing the signees on the school’s athletic website, followed by a news conference and ending with a gathering of fans and alumni at the Club Lounge at ASU Stadium.

The Hornets signed 17 players on Wednesday, including a trio of players from Glenville High School near Cleveland.

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Jerry Rice goes unrecognized -- in San Francisco?

SAN FRANCISCO, California -- NFL Hall of Famer and former Mississippi Valley State and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice went undercover as a Lyft driver for a day in the San Francisco area -- and he was unrecognized.

The SWAC legend did a nice job of covering up, as well as a good job of steering people the wrong way. The superstar told one passenger "I'm not really into sports" and another that "I like to think of myself as a method dancer or something like that ... If I'm doing the Worm, I think like a worm."



No one recognized him until he revealed himself.

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DC’s Carter signs with Jackson State

DeSOTO, Texas -- On the heels of National Signing Day for high school football players Wednesday, DeSoto Central senior Jalah Carter chose the following day, Thursday, to commit to play at the next level in another type of football, which we know as soccer.

Carter, a forward on the Lady Jags’ girls soccer team, signed a letter of intent to play at Jackson State University. Coach Amber Denfip said she was the first girls’ soccer player from DeSoto County to sign with a Division I school this season.

However, it’s believed Carter may also be the first girls’ soccer player from the county ever to move into the Division I ranks.

Carter provided an offensive punch for a Lady Jag team that finished 15-4 and 6-0 in MHSAA 6A-1 play this winter. She led the Lady Jags with 20 goals scored and she assisted on five others for a team that reached the first round of the playoffs before falling in penalty kicks to Northwest Rankin in Southaven.

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GSU Adds Athleticism, Size, Depth On Signing Day

Former Ole Miss quarterback DeVante Kincade, Texas wide receiver Montrel Meander and Texas Tech safety Derrick Dixon — are the stars of Grambling's 24-member class for 2016.

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- The smell of coffee wafted through the Grambling State University football offices early Wednesday morning as Coach Broderick Fobbs and his coaching staff paced patiently, and with anticipation, back and forth from the fax machine to the printer as national letters of intent started coming in one by one.

The G-Men had great successful last season, and they were intent on building an even stronger foundation, one that would make them a bigger, faster, stronger championship-focused team. It was clear that Fobbs is excited about GSU's 24-member National Signing Day success and what's ahead this spring and summer as he prepares for another great season after a 9-3 overall, 9-1 Southwestern Athletic Conference  record and the SWAC Western Division title.

"I can tell you, and I can reassure you, that it has been a great day for us coaches," head football coach Broderick Fobbs said after numerous faxes had arrived. "These guys are difference makers. These guys come in and things change immediately."

Grambling State landed 24 players in its 2016 class, including previously committed mid-year transfers from larger FBS school programs and high school prospects Among them were five mid-year transfers: quarterback Devante Kincade, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound player who transferred from Ole Miss earlier this year; Darius Christmas, a 5-foot-10, 210-pound middle linebacker from East Mississippi Community College; Derrick Dixon, a 5-foot-9, 190-pound safety from Texas Tech University; Darrell Clark, a 5-foot-10, 175-pound wide receiver from the University of Arizona, and Montreal Meander, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound wide receiver from the University of Texas.

GSU landed several linemen, especially offensive lineman, beefing up the front line to protect any Grambling State quarterback following the success of QB Jonathan Williams. The team also beefed up with more linebackers, and got commitments from several Louisiana players.

Overall, in addition to the transfers, Grambling State landed players from near and far, including nearby Louisiana players, four players from Texas, four players from Alabama, eight players from Louisiana and one each from Arkansas, Florida and California.

"We are very pleased with the guys that we have that we are adding to the mix," added Fobbs.

Fobbs said a lot of the young players are filling areas of need after a large number of players graduated.

"We wanted to get bigger. We feel that we are probably one of the most athletic bunches in college football," said Fobbs. "I felt we needed to get bigger so that's why you see a lot of offensive lineman and defensive lineman."

Fobbs said he and his coaches set a high threshold for recruits because they wanted to bring in only players who are already better than the best players or those who have the potential to be better than the best players.

The coach said the rapid team athletic success in two years and a focus on discipline and strong academics has brought more attention to the program. He noted that 40 out of his 85 student-athletes had a 3.0 GPA or higher and 23 players had a 2.5 GPA or better. "This speaks volumes for our program and what we have been able to accomplish," said Fobbs.



GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

MVSU replaces women's basketball coach Elvis Robinson

Courtesy: Chris Jones / Chris Jones Photography

ITTA BENA, Mississippi - Mississippi Valley State University has informed women’s basketball head coach Elvis Robinson that his contract will not be renewed. Assistant coach Melvin Williams will serve as the acting head coach until a successor is named. The announcement was made Thursday evening.

The MVSU department of athletics did not issue a formal release but emailed the Southwestern Athletic Conference to inform the league of Robinson’s departure.

“Mississippi Valley State University would like to thank Elvis Robinson for his years of service, the announcement said. “We wish him the best in his future endeavors”.

Robinson took over the program in 2012-13 and led the Delta Devils to a 17-15 mark and an appearance in the 2013 SWAC Basketball Tournament Championship. Since then, he has gone 16-63. This season the team is off to (3-16, 1-8) start and currently on an eight game losing streak.

Robinson, who was an assistant at Jackson State, played for MVSU from 2000-04 and was a member of the 2003-04 regular season SWAC championship team.

He went on to become a graduate assistant for the Alcorn State women’s basketball team from 2004-06. The Lady Braves won the 2004-05 SWAC championship. He then served as an assistant coach for the Braves from 2006-08 before heading back to JSU in 2008.

About Melvin Williams

Melvin Williams is in his second season as assistant women’s' basketball coach. He arrived at MVSU after a three-year stint at Alabama A&M where he served as assistant coach from 2010-13. From April to May of 2013, Williams worked as the team’s interim head coach.

Prior this time at AAMU, he served as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Georgia Perimeter during the 2009-10 season.

His time at Georgia Perimeter was preceded by a two-year stint as head women’s basketball coach at Tennessee Temple University. Prior to arriving at Tennessee Temple, Williams served as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at Cumberland University under Lonnie Thompson for one season from 2006-07. He also spent time as senior recruiting coordinator at Tennessee State for two seasons (2004-06) and head men’s and women’s basketball coach at Chattanooga State for six years (1998-2004). He began his head coaching tenure at Chattanooga State in 1999 after a one-year stint as an assistant with the men’s team.

Under Williams’ guidance, the CSCC men’s team reached the semifinals of the TJCAA Tournament three consecutive seasons. In 2003, the men’s team advanced to the TJCAA championship. During that span, the Tigers posted back-to-back 20 win seasons. In 2002, the Lady Tigers finished fourth in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Tournament after dominating their region and finishing with a 30-5 record.

A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Williams earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering technology.

2010-13
Alabama A&M
Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach

2009-10
Georgia Perimeter College
Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach

2007-09
Tennessee Temple University
Head Women’s Basketball Coach

2006-07
Cumberland University
Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

2004-06
Tennessee State
Senior Recruiting Coordinator

1998-2004
Chattanooga State College
Head Men’s & Women’s Basketball Coach

COURTESY SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

Southern Jaguars ink 19 new recruits on NSD 2016

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- With five student-athletes enrolled at Southern University for the spring semester, head football coach Dawson Odums added 19 signees to his 2016 National Signing Day class on Wednesday.

Odums, who is ushering in his fourth recruiting class dating back to 2013, will unveil the complete 2016 signing class Wednesday night during National Signing Day celebration in the Royal Cotillion Ballroom inside the Smith-Brown Student Union. Festivities are set to start at 7 p.m. and will include highlights of the Jaguar recruits complete with commentary from the coaching staff.

Here is the complete listing of the 2016 SU Football Signees. 

No.	Name	Pos.	Hometown	High School	Ht.	Wt.	Highlights
1.	Tyler Brown	WR	Donaldsonville, La.	Donaldsonville H.S.	6-2	200	Video
2.	Tyran Nash	LB	New Orleans, La.	Warren Easton H.S	6-4	315	Video
3.	Caleb Carter	LB	Baton Rouge, La.	Scotlandville H.S.	6-1	217	Video
4.	Kyle McGregor	LB	Alpharetta, Ga.	Milton H.S.	6-1	225	Video
5.	Robert Kimble	DB	Conyers, Ga.	Salem H.S.	6-0	195	Video
6.	Christopher Reed	LB	Houston, Texas	Yates H.S.	6-4	215	Video
7.	Bladrick Veal	QB	Baton Rouge, La.	Southern Lab H.S.	6-5	190	Video
8.	Darbbeon Profit	RB	Baton Rouge, La.	Southern Lab H.S.	5-10	190	Video
9.	Bryce Beekman	DB	Baton Rouge, La.	Scotlandville H.S.	6-4	175	Video
10.	Darquez Lee	QB	Shelby, N.C.	Shelby H.S.	6-2	208	Video
11.	Jamarqueza Mims	RB	Shreveport, La.	Evangel Christian H.S.	5-10	201	Video
12.	Jeremias Houston	TE	Shreveport, La.	Evangel Christian H.S.	6-5	237	Video
13.	Jeremiah Abby	OL	Atlanta, Ga.	Carver H.S.	6-3	310	Video
14.	Dakavian Champion	DT	Houston, Texas	Dekaney H.S.	6-2		Video
15.	Lee Castille	OL	Loreauville, La.	Loreauville H.S.	6-3	334	Video
16.	Quentavious Monday	WR	Atlanta, Ga.	Carver H.S.	6-0	185	Video
17.	Devon Benn	RB	River Ridge, La.	John Curtis H.S.	5-10	180	Video
18.	James Howard	DB	New Orleans, La.	McMain H.S.	6-0	200	Video
19.	Kaycee Ntukogu	DB	New Orleans, La.	Edna Karr H.S.	6-0	175	Video
ENROLLED	Ruan Albuquerque	K	Rochester, Min.	RCTC H.S.	5-10	215	Video
ENROLLED	Antonio Estrada	K			5-10	160	Video
ENROLLED	Tevin Horton	RB	New Orleans, La.	Eastern Arizona/John Curtis	5-10	220	Video
ENROLLED	B.J. Harris	RB	Peoria, Ill.	Peoria HS	5-11	180	Video
ENROLLED	Elijah Small	DB	Charlotte, N.C.	Independence	5-9	180	Video

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Xavier will offer junior cheerleaders camp Feb. 13

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana will offer a junior cheerleaders camp (grades 3-8) from noon-5 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Convocation Center (7900 Stroelitz St., New Orleans LA 70125).

Registration fee is $30 before Feb. 13 or $35 the day of the camp. Campers will learn traditional Xavier cheer, dance and beginner stunting. Upon completion of the camp, participants will be invited to perform at halftime of the Xavier-SUNO women's basketball game Feb. 15 at the Convocation Center (5:30 p.m. tip-off). T-shirts for the performance will be provided.

Registration is available by calling (720) 401-0805 or by email, xulacheer@gmail.com.

Flyer in PDF format

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
twitter.com/xulagold
www.facebook.com/xulagold 

FAMU continues to rebuild with strong recruiting class

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M head football coach Alex Wood attacked his first full recruiting season as the leader of the Rattlers and came away pleased.

On national signing day, FAMU announced the addition of several new Rattlers. The group in Wood’s presentation included 21 high school signees and nine JUCO transfers – all of whom Wood said will make fine additions to the rebuilding football program.

“Take a good look at them now,” Wood said Wednesday while showing off his recruits to a small crowd at the university’s College of Pharmacy, “because in the fall, you’ll have to pay to see them.”
Wood said he and his coaches focused on linemen – both offensive and defensive – for the 2016 recruiting class. The Rattlers made a splash by adding three-star guard Obinna Nwankwo to go along with four other offensive linemen and six defensive linemen.

The Rattlers struggled with depth in the trenches for most of the season.

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Savannah State Tigers Announce 2016 Recruiting Class

SAVANNAH, Georgia -- Savannah State University head football coach Earnest Wilson III is pleased to announce the Tigers 2016 signing class, which includes 15 student-athletes who have signed National Letters of Intent.

In addition to two mid-year enrollees, SSU added 13 newcomers on National Signing Day.

The class is comprised of players from four different states. The class includes 10 players from Florida, two from Georgia and Ohio and one from Alabama.

The group consists of three offensive linemen, three linebackers, two wide receivers, two defensive backs, two running backs, two defensive linemen and one quarterback.

One of the jewels of the signing class may be Deshawn Smith (5-9, 195), a running back from Brooksville, Fla.

Smith played at Nature Coast High School where he led the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns and was runner-up from national Player of the Year by Parade Magazine. He was named the 2015 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Football; named to the MaxPreps 2015 First-Team All-American; was named the 2015 All-USA Florida Football Offensive Player of the Year; named the 2015 All-Big County Preps Offensive Player of the Year; and named Class 5A Player of the Year. Listed as a three-star running back by 247sports, Smith recorded 241 rushes for 3,715 yards for an average of 15.4 yards per carry and 285.8 yards per game with 60 rushing touchdowns; went 3-for-4 for 17 yards and a touchdown throwing the ball; caught 10 passes for 321 yards for an average of 32.1 yards per carry and five touchdowns; recorded 67 touchdowns and 408 points in a single season, which is the most in Florida high school history; has recorded the third most rushing yards in a season and 10^th most rushing yards in Florida high school history.

The other running back signed was Octavious James (5-10, 190) from Palmetto High School in Palmetto, Fla. James finished the 2015 season with 1,010 total yards with 13 touchdowns and played in the FACA All-Star game. He was named to the All-Area, All-Conference and Second-Team All-State.

Offensive linemen signed were Tajavious Jackson (6-4, 300) out of Space Coast High School in Cocoa, Fla.; Marquez Martin (6-2, 255) from Griffin High School in Griffin, Ga.; and Awni Alshafei (6-4, 285) from Celebration High School in Orlando, Fla.

Jackson graded out 85 percent with 12 pancake blocks, played in the Space Coast All-Star game and was named to the All-District, All-Conference and Academic All-State teams while Martin was named to the First-Team All- Region Division B and was an All-State honorable mention and recorded a touchdown with 16 tackles and a sack as a defensive line substitute.

Linebackers signed were Kamaury Avery (6-0, 230) from Wadley, Ala. and Desmond Young (6-2, 220) from Ironton, Ohio. At Wadley High, Avery finished his senior season with 72 rushing attempts for 730 yards and 13 touchdowns with 75 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles and was named the Area Defensive MVP. In his career, he has rushed for 4,800 yards with 90 touchdowns and recorded 480 tackles. At Ironton High, Young recorded 190 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, three sacks and four forced fumbles and was named First-Team All-District and was an All-State Honorable mention. He was also named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference Team.

Wide receivers signed were Czar Beneby (6-6, 190) from Boynton Beach, Fla. and Derrick Harvey (6-2, 210) from Akron, Ohio. Beneby attended Boynton Beach High School where he finished with 47 receptions for 678 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior season. He was named to the First-Team All-Conference, Second-Team All-Area and honorable mention in All-State … was selected to play in the Florida-Georgia All-Star game. At Buchtel High, Harvey recorded 28 catches for 728 yards and seven touchdowns averaging 26 yards per catch in senior season. He recorded school records of a 90-yard touchdown reception and 206 receiving yards in a game. On defense, recorded 36 tackles, including one tackle for loss, four interceptions and six pass breakups. He was named First-Team All-Conference, All-District and was an All-State honorable mention. He was also named the conference Offensive Player of the Year and conference game MVP.

Defensive backs Travon Rumph (5-10, 190) and Roddre Hardwick (6-1, 180) were also signed. Rumph played at Manatee High in Bradenton, Fla. while Hardwick played at Apopka High in Apopka, Fla. Rumph recorded 29 total tackles with three interceptions, one pass defection and one force fumble and was named to the First-Team All-Area, County and Conference teams and received All-State Honorable mention. Hardwick won two of three state championships and was an Academic Scholar Recipient.

Quintin Sanders (6-3, 287) will play on the defensive line. The Camilla, Georgia native who played at Mitchell County High School recorded 86 solo tackles, 66 assisted tackles for 152 total tackles with 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in his career. He also played in the Florida-Georgia All-State game, was an Albany Herald Honorable mention and was named by Georgia Football Magazine as the No. 2 Defensive Tackle in the state.

Blake Dever (6-4, 215) was signed as a quarterback. At Wellingtion High School in Wellington, Fla., Dever completed 141-of-257 attempted passes for a 55 percent completion percentage for 2,784 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and seven interceptions and was ranked No. 1 in Class 8A. He recorded 214 rushing yards and four touchdowns, played in the Florida-Georgia game and was an attendee for the Outback Bowl high school game. He was ranked No. 6 passer in yards and No. 4 passer in touchdowns in the state of Florida. He was named to the All-County and All-Conference teams and was an All-State Honorable mention. He was also named the Landrover/ESPN Player of the Week on Sept. 4, 2015, U.S. Marines "Friday Night Rivals" Player of the Game on Sept. 18, 2015 and Palm Beach Post Player of the Week on Oct. 21, 2015. His father, Jeff, played football at the University of Miami, Fla.

The Tigers' mid-year recruits include:
Antonio Cintron (6-2, 210), a Linebacker from Ed White High School out of Jacksonville, Florida. At Ed White, he had 74 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles. Cintron also played in the North/South All-Star game.

Andrew Colvin (6-2, 295) is the second mid-year recruit for the Tigers. The defensive lineman comes to SSU from Fork Union Military Academy in Gainesville, Fla.

Both Cintron and Colvin are currently enrolled at SSU.  

Savannah State University
2016 Football Recruits

Awni Alshafei (Offensive Lineman)
6-4, 285, Orlando, Fla./Celebration HS
Offers- Florida A&M, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Kamaury Avery (Linebacker)
6-0, 230, Wadley, Ala./Wadley HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: Finished his senior season with 72 rushing attempts for 730 yards and 13 touchdowns with 75 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles … was named the Area Defensive MVP … in his career, he has rushed for 4,800 yards with 90 touchdowns and recorded 480 tackles.

Czar Beneby (Wide Receiver)
6-6, 190, Boynton Beach, Fla./Boynton Beach HS
Stats/ Honors -  HS: Finished with 47 receptions for 678 yards and eight touchdowns in his senior season … was named to the First-Team All-Conference, Second-Team All-Area and honorable mention in All-State … was selected to play in the Florida-Georgia All-Star game.
Offers- Bethune-Cookman University, Wingate, and Stetson University

Blake Dever (Quarterback)
6-4, 215, Wellington, Fla./Wellington HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: Completed 141 of 257 attempted passes for a 55 percent completion percentage for 2,784 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and seven interceptions … ranked No. 1 in Class 8A … recorded 214 rushing yards and four touchdowns … played in the Florida-Georgia game and was an attendee for the Outback Bowl high school game … ranked No. 6 passer in yards and No. 4 passer in touchdowns in the state of Florida … was named to the All-County and All-Conference teams and was an All-State Honorable mention … was named the Land Rover/ESPN Player of the Week on Sept. 4, 2015, U.S. Marines "Friday Night Rivals" Player of the Game on Sept. 18, 2015 and Palm Beach Post Player of the Week on Oct. 21, 2015 … his father, Jeff, played football at the University of Miami, Fla.
Offers- Idaho, Florida A&M, Southeast Louisiana, North Texas, Northern Iowa, and South Dakota

Roddre Hardwick (Defensive Back)
6-1, 180, Apopka, Fla./Apopka HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: Won two of three state championships and was an Academic Scholar Recipient.

Derrick Harvey (Wide Receiver)
6-2, 210, Akron, Ohio/Buchtel HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: recorded 28 catches for 728 yards and seven touchdowns averaging 26 yards per catch in senior season … recorded school records of a 90-yard touchdown reception and 206 receiving yards in a game … on defense, recorded 36 tackles, including one tackle for loss, four interceptions and six pass breakups … was named First-Team All-Conference, All-District and was an All-State honorable mention … was named the conference Offensive Player of the Year and conference game MVP.

Tajavious Jackson (Offensive Line)
6-4, 300, Space Coast Cocoa, Fla.
Stats/Honors -  HS: Graded out 85 percent with 12 pancake blocks … played in the Space Coast All-Star game … was
named to the All-District, All-Conference and Academic All-State teams.
Offers- Fordham, Florida A&M, and Florida Tech

Octavious James (Running Back)
5-10, 190, Palmetto, Fla./Palmetto HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: Finished with 1,010 total yards with 13 touchdowns and played in the FACA All-Star game … Was named to the All-Area, All-Conference and Second-Team All-State.
Offers- Southern Utah, and Army

Marquez Martin (Offensive Lineman)
6-2, 255, Griffin, Ga./Griffin HS
Stats/Honors - HS: Was named to the First-Team All-Region Division B and was an All-State honorable mention … recorded a touchdown with 16 tackles and a sack as a defensive line substitute.
Offers- Georgia Southern, Lenoir Rhyne, and Furman

Travon Rumph (Defensive Back)
5-10, 190, Bradenton, Fla./Manatee HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: Recorded 29 total tackles with three interceptions, 1 pass defection and one force fumble … named to the First-Team All-Area, County and Conference teams and received All-State Honorable mention.
Offers- South Dakota State, Western Illinois, Nebraska-Kearney

Quintin Sanders (Defensive Lineman)
6-3, 287, Camilla, Ga./Mitchell County HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: Recorded 86 solo tackles, 66 assisted tackles for 152 total tackles with 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in his career … played in the Florida-Georgia All-State game … was an Albany Herald Honorable mention … was named by Georgia Football Magazine as the No. 2 Defensive Tackle in the state.
Offers- Tulane, University of Louisiana Lafayette, Florida A&M, and Valdosta State

Deshawn Smith (Running Back)
5-9, 195, Brooksville, Fla./Nature Coast HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: Led the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns and was runner-up for national Player of the Year by Parade Magazine … was named the 2015 Florida Dairy Farmers Mr. Football and named to the MaxPreps 2015 First-Team All-American … was named the 2015 All-USA Florida Football Offensive Player of the Year and 2015 All-Big County Preps Offensive Player of the Year … named Class 5A Player of the Year and is a 3-star running back by 247 sports … recorded 241 rushes for 3,715 yards for an average of 15.4 yards per carry and 285.8 yards per game with 60 rushing touchdowns … went 3-for-4 for 17 yards and a touchdown throwing the ball … caught 10 passes for 321 yards for an average of 32.1 yards per carry and five touchdowns … recorded 67 touchdowns and 408 points in a single season, which is the most in Florida high school history … has recorded the third most rushing yards in a season and 10^th most rushing yards in Florida high school history.
Offers- Kent State, Marshall, Charleston Southern

Desmond Young (Linebacker)
6-2, 220, Ironton, Ohio/Ironton HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: Recorded 190 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, three sacks and four forced fumbles … was named First-Team All-District and was an All-State Honorable mention … was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference Team.

Mid-Year Recruits
Antonio Cintron (Linebacker)
6-2, 210, Jacksonville, Fla./Ed White HS
Stats/Honors -  HS: In his senior season, he had 74 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and three forced fumbles … played in the North/South All-Star game.

Andrew Colvin (Defensive Tackle)
6-3, 295, Gainesville, Fla./Fork Union Military Academy

COURTESY SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Jackson State 2016 National Signing Day Recap

JACKSON, Mississippi -- First year head coach Tony Hughes announced that 26 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play football with the Jackson State Tigers Wednesday, joining three players who signed and enrolled at JSU in January.

“Today was a good day at the office,” said Hughes. We (as a staff) decided the type of student-athletes we wanted to bring into the program and we were able to sign some quality players. I feel we have one of the best recruiting classes in the country.”

In his inaugural signing class, Hughes and his staff inked 29 total players, including the three mid-year enrollees. The majority of the class hails from the Magnolia state – Mississippi (20), Louisiana (7), Alabama (1), Illinois (1).

“There are some great athletes in the state of Mississippi. This is our home and there are some players that can be developed and have the chance to be great. These young men will be part of the foundation to our winning and championship tradition.”

The Tigers added a quarterback (Juwan Adams), an athlete (Jordan Johnson), two linebackers (Ricky Scott, Cedric Triplett), three running backs (Deon Cole, Terry Sullivan, Justin Blue), three defensive secondary members (Tenoa Alex, Joshua Miller, Ryan Theyard), five offensive linemen (William James, Darius Joseph, Eddie Maxon, Charles Moffett, Vincent Sampson), seven wide receivers/tight ends (Adarius Craft, Kobe Gates, Javian Jackson, Rashun Jackson, De’Ryan Wansley, Keenen Young, Dario Robinson) and seven defensive linemen (Charles Anderson, Kyree Bradford, Eric Brown, Kahlil Johnson, Devon McNeil, Leroy Roddy, III, Deshawn Tillman).

Get all the latest information on the Tigers by following on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Join the conversation using the #JSUMoreThanAGame.

HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES (26)

Juwan Adams	QB	6-3	210	Summit, MS	North Pike HS
Tenoa Alex	CB	5-11	172	Zachary, LA	Southern Lab HS
Charles Anderson, Jr. Daveon Ball	DL-DT DB	6-3 6-3	275 190	Hattiesburg, MS Macon, MS	Hattiesburg HS Noxubee Co. HS
Kyree Bradford	DE-TE	6-7	226	Tupelo, MS	Tupelo HS
Eric Brown	DE	6-4	245	Jackson, MS	Murrah HS
Deon Cole	RB	5-11	205	Gulfport MS	Gulfport HS
Adarius Craft	WR-TE	6-3	215	Gulfport, MS	Gulfport HS
Kobe Gates	WR	6-4	215	Walnut Grove, MS	Leake Co. HS
Javian Jackson	WR	6-0	180	Tylertown, MS	North Pike HS
Rashun Jackson	WR	6-6	178	Pickens, MS	Velma Jackson HS
William James	OL	6-4	300	Columbus, MS	Columbus HS
Jordan Johnson	ATH	6-0	190	Byram, MS	Terry HS
Kahlil Johnson	DE	6-5	240	Jackson, MS	Provine HS
Darius Joseph  Terrell Kennedy, III	OL ATH	6-3 5-11	285 190	Harvey, LA Mobile, AL	St. Augustine HS McGill Toolen HS
Eddie Maxon	OL	6-4	290	Batesville, MS	South Panola HS
Devon McNeil	DE	6-4	218	Jackson, MS	Provine HS
Joshua Miller	DB	5-10	175	Kokomo, MS	West Marion HS
Charles Moffett	OL	6-8	278	Gulfport, MS	Harrison Central HS
Leroy Roddy, III	DT	6-1	325	Zachery, LA	Northeast HS
Vincent Sampson	OL	6-3	290	Cloutierville, LA	Menard HS
Ricky Scott, Jr.	LB	5-10	230	Montgomery, AL	Park Crossing HS
Terry Sullivan Adrian Tate	RB OL	6-1 6-6	225 305	Zachary, LA Jackson, MS	Zachary HS Murrah HS
Ryan Theyard	CB	6-2	172	New Orleans, LA	Lusher HS
Cedric Triplett	LB	6-2	225	Baton Rouge, LA	Madison Prep
De'Ryan Wansley	WR	6-4	210	Decatur, MS	Newton Co. HS
Keenen Young	WR-SS	6-1	205	Belleville, IL	Althoff Catholic

MIDYEAR JUCO SIGNEES (3)

Justin Blue	RB	5-8	194	Brookhaven, MS	SW Miss. CC
Dario Robinson	WR	5-10	185	Amory, MS	East Miss. CC
Deshawn Tillman	DL	6-4	240	Bruce, MS	East Miss. CC

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Alcorn State Signing Day Central

NAME	POS	HT	WT	HOMETOWN	HIGH SCHOOL
Darius Davis	OL	6-4	317	Clinton, Louisiana	East Feliciana High School
Kevin Hall	OL	6-6		Prentiss, Mississippi	Prentiss High School
Felix Harper	QB	6-0	170	Fairborn, Georgia	Creekside High School
Brelion Hollis	LB	6-0	195	Monroe, Louisiana	Ouachita High School
Mustaffa Ibrahim	OL	6-2	292	Ridgeland, Mississippi	Ridgeland High School
Kwanza Jackson	DL	6-3	240	Lovejoy, Georgia	Lovejoy High School
Nickolos Madourie	DL	6-4	220	Sunrise, Florida	Piper High School
Corey McCullough	K	5-11	175	Louisville, Mississippi	Louisville High School
Darius Miller	RB/S	5-8	165	Saint Petersburg, Florida	St. Petersburg High School
Marcus Montemayor	OL	6-3	285	Missouri City, Texas	Ridge land High School
Javen Morrison	WR	5-10	160	Corinth, Mississippi	Corinth High School
Sidney Murray	DL	6-3	247	Richmond, Texas	Foster High School
Quention Patterson	WR	6-0	165	Corinth, Mississippi	Corinth High School
Jefferson Souza	K	6-0	170	Deerfield, Florida	Deerfield High School
Kadarrius Rayner	DL	6-4	266	Somerville, Tennessee	Fayette Ware High School
Taurence Wilson	DB	6-0	175	Lakeland, Florida	Kathleen High School
Thaddeus Webb	QB	6-3	200	Braselton, Georgia	Lakeview Academy
Troy Burnett	LB	6-0	215	Fresno, Texas	Elkins High School

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

South Carolina State Inks 29 Prospects

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina  – South Carolina State, Wednesday, announced the signing of twenty-nine (29) football prospects to national letters. Seventeen (17) of the signees are from South Carolina, seven are from Georgia, three are from North Carolina and two are from Virginia.

Among the Palmetto State prospects are eight North/South All-Star selections –OL Malcolm Garrett of Moncks Corner, SC, LB Chad Gilchrist of Johnston, SC, FB Buss Hamilton of Newberry, SC, TE Kijana Johnson of Bennettsville, SC, OL Francios McFall of Clio, SC, OL Patrick McNeill of West Columbia, SC, TE Tyler Schadewald of Lexington, SC, OL Austin Schofield of Aiken, SC and a Shrine Bowler in OL Demarcus Gilmore of Newberry, SC.

For complete 2016 Signee List click link: Click here.

SC State head coach Buddy Pough, who is looking to replace 17 seniors, expressed his excitement at the latest Bulldog signing class and noted that his staff addressed vital needs, on the offensive and defensive line spots with the departure of All-American Javon Hargrave. The Bulldogs were also looking at help at the tight end and running back positions.

"We think we address our needs with this signing class and I am really excited about these young guys coming in here and putting together a solid football team," Pough said. Once again I think our coaches did a great job with putting together another solid class. We always try and emphasize keeping talent in-state and we signed 17 from the palmetto state."

"We are right where we were last year with signing 29 kids, but once it's all said it done we should have around the mid-twenties that will actually make it. We took a few more offensive linemen that we normally would but for the most part it takes those guys longer to develop."

SC State signed four signal callers in the previous 2015 class. Freshman quarterback Caleb York returns for his sophomore season having had a breakout rookie season, throwing for 142-of-254 for 1,723 yards and 11 TD's in replace for injured starter redshirt junior Adrian Kollock, Jr.

Seven linebackers, five defensive lineman, five offensive lineman, four tight ends, four running backs, three defensive backs, and one quarterback.

For more information on South Carolina State Athletics log onto www.scsuathletics.com or call the Office of Athletic Media Relations at (803)536-7060.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

North Carolina A&T Aggies Sign 15 On National Signing Day

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- North Carolina A&T, the defending HBCU football national champions and two-time MEAC champions, released its Signing Day Class on Wednesday. The Aggies signed 15 players including four defensive backs, three wide receivers, two offensive linemen, two linebackers, a defensive tackle, quarterback, running back and tight end.

“I thought we got what we needed,” said N.C. A&T head coach Rod Broadway. “There are a lot of good players out there, so sometimes it is really hard to stay discipline and fill your needs instead of going out and recruiting positions you don’t have a need for at the time. I thought for the most part we were disciplined, got some really good players that can run, hit and make plays and filled in some gaps along the way.”

The Aggies will hold their Signing Day Party 7:30 p.m., Thursday at Corbett Sports Center. It is open to the public.

Tyler Beck (LB, 6-2, 235, Glenwood, Ill., Homewood Flossmoor HS): Beck transferred to Homewood Flossmoor before the start of the season. He eventually became the starter at middle linebacker for a team ranked 26th in the nation at one point during the season. His high school coaches say he has great size and potential to be an effective middle linebacker on the collegiate level. He made 52 tackles, 37 solo, five tackles for loss, four quarterback hurries, three sacks and recovered a fumble in his one season at Homewood Flossmoor.

Elijah Bell (WR, 6-2, 210, Wheeling Park, WVA., Wheeling Park HS): Bell was the recipient of the Randy Moss award, given annually to the top wide receiver in West Virginia. Led the state in receiving yards and touchdowns with 1,214 yards and 17 TD’s on 50 receptions. Set numerous single-season school records. Was named the USA Today Offensive Player of the Year for West Virginia. Helped Wheeling Park High School earn the Class AAA state championships.

Daquan Blake (OL, 6-3, 315, Leavenworth, Kan., Coffeyville CC): The Aggies got stronger upfront with the signing of Blake. He can play guard or tackle. He played two seasons at Coffeyville Community College, so he will bring majority to the offensive line. The Aggies will return all five starters from the 2015 season, so Blake will also add depth. He is good in pass protection and moves his feet well. He played 18 games at Coffeyville. As a sophomore, he helped Coffeyville have the No. 1 pass attack in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference 336 passing yards per game. As a high school player, he played in the 22nd Annual Country Mart Kansas vs. Missouri All-Star Game as a defensive tackle. He also threw the shot put in high school.

Kentre’ Grier (QB, 6-2, 175, South Charleston, WVa., South Charleston HS): Grier was a four-year starter at South Charleston. As a junior he was 220-for-306 (.719) for 3,533 yards, 47 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, while rushing for another 1,061 yards and 13 touchdowns on 169 carries. For his efforts he was named the 2014 USA Today West Virginia Gatorade State Player of the Year as well as the MetroNews High School Football Player of the Year. He led South Charleston to an 11-3 mark and appearance in the Class AAA state championship game in 2014. South Charleston was 8-4 his senior season and made another playoff appearance. For his career, he threw for 9,350 yards and 111 touchdowns. His father Ken Grier was a two-year starter at West Virginia State in the early 90’s.

Ron Hunt (WR, 6-2, 175, Greensboro, N.C., Southern Guilford HS): He is a tall, speedy target who played a big role in Southern Guilford winning the Mid-Piedmont 3-A conference title. They also went 11-3 and recorded the third round of the playoffs. As a senior he caught, 34 passes for 751 yards and six touchdowns. He is Southern Guilford’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 1,662. He was second-team News-Record All-Area as a junior and first team as a senior.

Savion Johnson (RB, 5-11, 220, Wheeling Park, WVa., Wheeling Park HS): He finished second as a sophomore and fourth as a senior for the coveted Harry H. Kennedy Award given to the top football player in West Virginia. As a senior he rushed for 1,884 yards and 26 touchdowns on 276 carries to earn USA Today second-team all-state honors. He was first-team All-West Virginia. Led Wheeling Park to a 12-1-1 mark and the Class AAA state title with a 23-15 win over Capital. All this came a year after tearing his ACL as a junior. As a sophomore, he ran for 1,484 yards and 20 touchdowns, while helping Wheeling Park to an 11-2 mark while being named All-Valley, All-West Virginia and The Intelligencer’s 29th annual Sophomore of the Year.

Randy Leak (WR, 6-2, 180, Laurinburg, N.C., Scotland County HS): The Aggies added another standout from Scotland County High School. He is a speedy target who helped the Scots go 10-0 in the regular season before losing to North Davidson in the second round of the 4-A playoffs. Over the past two seasons, he recorded 55 receptions for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had 137 yards and a touchdown on 12 receptions in a 35-31 win over Pinecrest. He is a two-time Southeastern 4-A all-conference performer.

Franklin McCain III (DB, 6-1, 170, Greensboro, N.C., Dudley HS): His name will sound familiar to N.C. A&T Aggies. He is the grandson of Franklin McCain, a member of the Greensboro Four who famously sparked the modern day civil rights movement with their lunch-counter sit-in at local Woolworth on Feb. 1, 1960. McCain III has compiled 96 tackles over the past two seasons at Dudley. He has also caused two fumbles and deflected 14 passes in 24 games. He earned News-Record All-Area honorable mention honors as a senior.

Justin Philip (DB, 6-0, 190, Brooklyn, N.Y., Grand Street Campus HS): Philip played a major role in Grand Street Campus’ 2015 PSAL championship. Grand Street went 12-0 last season. Philip made 12 tackles against Midwood. As a senior, he had 43 tackles (21 solo) and three interceptions. He can play cornerback or safety. He also had a pick-6 on the season.

Jarvis Reid (6-3, 230, Albany, Ga., Westover HS): He was a standout on the offensive and defensive at Westover. He also got many looks from colleges as a defensive end. As a tight end, he made eight receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also garnered consideration from Kennesaw State, FAMU, Georgia Southern, Kent State, Middle Tennessee State, Southern Miss, Troy and Western Kentucky.

Leon “Tre” Smalls (LB, 6-1, 217, Hanahan, S.C., Hanahan HS): He is a linebacker with tremendous speed. He has been clocked at 4.52 in the 40-yard dash. On Dec. 19, Small played in the Shrine Bowl, a game where the best seniors in South Carolina play against the best seniors in North Carolina. During his senior season, he made 129 tackles, caused three fumbles, recovered two and deflected four passes. Named second-team all-state by USA Today. He was named to the Post and Courier’s All-Lowcountry first team as a linebacker. As a track and field athlete, he finished second at the Class AAA state meet in the shot put with a throw of 51-feet, 11-inches.

DeMarcus Tinsley (OL, 6-4, 295, Newnan, Ga., Newnan HS): He is another in a long line of offensive lineman Broadway has signed he brings the combination of speed, agility and power upfront. He could play tackle or guard at the NCAA FCS level. He is a good run blocker and has the type of frame where he can play effectively at 310-315 pounds. He helped the Cougars earn a 9-3 record as they advanced to the second round of the playoffs. Thanks Tinsley’s protections, the Cougars had a 1,000-yard passer and rusher. Tinsely was among 12 players to earn All-Region 3-AAAAAA honors.

Ashton Tolliver (DB, 6-0, 175, Bronx, N.Y., Cardinal Hayes): Tolliver played two varsity seasons for Cardinal Hayes. Over that span, he made 95 tackles, eight interceptions and 21 pass deflections. He also forced six fumbles and recovered four. He also returned punts and kickoffs, averaging 34 yards per kick return and 21 yards per punt return. In 2014, he was named all-conference and runner-up for the defensive player of the year award. He runs a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash

Shomari Wallace (DT, 6-3, 260, Hope Mills, N.C., South View HS): Wallace played varsity for South View for four seasons. He is a two-time All Mid-South 4A first-team all-conference performer. He had 24 tackles and a sack as a freshman. He was a second-team all-conference selection as a sophomore after compiling 67 tackles, six tackles for loss. As a junior, he made 79 tackles and 14 tackles for loss.

Derrek Williams II (5-10, 177, Winston-Salem, N.C., North Forsyth HS): He played both offense and defense for the Vikings. He comes to N.C. A&T with the reputation of being a good student in the classroom. He runs a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash and closes in all the ball well.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION