West Virginia State Football Adds 18 on National Signing Day

INSTITUTE, West Virginia -- "We are extremely excited to introduce our newest Yellow Jackets, said WVSU Head Football Coach John Pennington. "The class of 2017 is highlighted by 13 student-athletes with a 3.0 GPA or higher.  These student-athletes have excelled on and off the football field and we are thrilled to welcome them into our football family."

Here is the list of today's signees with Coach Pennington's remarks and video on each:
 
* Leon Lowery / 6'2" 285 / Offensive Line / Terry Sanford High School / Fayetteville, NC
Lowery was a standout performer, earning 1st team All-Conference Conference, 1^st  team All 757 as a junior for Kecoughtan High School.  During his senior year at Terry Sanford, Lowery earned 2nd team All Cape Fear Valley and 2nd Team All Region. He plans on studying Business Administration or Sports Management.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/4003673/leon-lowery

* Tyrell Barnes /6'3" 200 /  Outside Linebacker / Wilde Lake High School / Columbia, MD
Tyrell Barnes is a long, athletic linebacker from Maryland. Barnes is an exciting prospect for the Yellow Jackets. Barnes recorded 154 tackles as a senior. He was first team All-County and also named Howard County's defensive player of the year. Barnes plans on majoring in Civil Engineering.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3384272/tyrell-barnes

* Jared Rapp / 6'1" 235 / Linebacker / Hilliard Bradley High School / Columbus, OH
Rapp is a top linebacker prospect coming out of Ohio. He tallied 96 tackles, 1 interception, and 1.5 sacks. Rapp was named first team All-Conference and second team All-District. Rapp plans on pursuing a degree in Criminal justice.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2961810/jared-rapp

* Adrian McGill / 6'2" 180 /  Defensive Back / Heritage High School / Lynchburg, VA
McGill was a key member of the Heritage football team. Adrian helped lead his team to a playoff appearance this past fall. He earned second team All-Region and earned District honors as well. McGill plans on majoring in Business Management.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/6610354/adrian-mcgill-jr

* Marcus Taite / 5'10" 205 / Outside Linebacker / Phoebus High School / Hampton, VA
Taite is an explosive linebacker coming to State from Hampton, Virginia. He excels both on and off the field. He was named first team All-State defensive lineman. He was also nominated for Buffalo Wild Wings player of the week. Marcus plans on pursuing a degree in Sociology.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/6135562/marcus-taite

* Aaron Fitzwater / 6'4" 225 / Defensive Lineman / Woodgrove High School / Purcellville, VA
An All-State and All-Region defensive lineman, Fitzwater is a talented player from Virginia. Fitzwater helped lead his team to an 11-1 record and a playoff-berth. Aaron plans to pursue a degree in Business Management.
https://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/5441314/aaron-fitzwater
 
* Jaevynn Holmes-Reid / 5'11" 183 / Outside Linebacker / Bethel High School / Hampton, VA
Holmes-Reid comes to Institute from Hampton, Virginia. Reid is a hard hitting linebacker who earned first team All-Conference honors, All-Region, and was a participant in the 757 All-Star Classic game. He was also a member of the National Honor Society. Jaevynn plans on pursing a degree in communications.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/4611820/jaevynn-holmes-reid

* Dylan Lucas / 5'10" 180 / Running Back / Buffalo High School / Buffalo, WV
Lucas was a standout for Buffalo as a senior. He helped lead Buffalo to a playoff appearance. Lucas is a Curt Warner Award winner and also led the state in rushing. He was named first team All-State as a senior. Lucas plans to pursue a degree in Sports Studies.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/4223961/dylan-lucas

* Dant'e Jones / 6'1" 217 / Linebacker / Rustburg High School / Rustburg, VA
Jones is an athletic freak bringing his talents to Institute. The Rustburg native earned All-State, All-Region, and All-Area. He is a Titan award winner and was named Seminole District offensive player of the year. Jones plans on pursing a degree in communications.
https://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/4620021/dante-jones
 
* Aaron McKenzie / 6'2" 205 / Linebacker / Fairfield High School / Fairfield, OH
McKenzie is a talented linebacker out of Fairfield, Ohio. Aaron earned first team All-Conference as a senior. He also received Southwest Ohio honor. McKenzie plans on pursing a degree in Criminal Justice.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/4384648/aaron-mckenzie

* Desmond Trogdon / 5'11" 185 / Running Back / Asheboro High School / Asheboro, NC
Trogdon is a speedy back from Asheboro High School in North Carolina. His track times in high school show him being one of the fastest players joining the yellow jackets this year. He should develop into a top all around back with the Yellow Jackets.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/4182550/desmond-trogdon

* Matthew Lindmark / 6'3" 255 / Offensive Line / Hurricane High School / Hurricane, WV
Lindmark was a standout offensive lineman for the nearby Hurricane Redskins. He brings his big frame to Institute to dominate opposing defenders. He was named offensive lineman MVP for the Redskins.
https://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/4224022/matthew-lindmark

* Anthony Burlingame / 6'1" 215 / Quarterback / Panther Creek High School / Cary, NC
Burlingame is an exciting dual threat quarterback from Cary, NC. As a senior, Burlingame was voted as Offensive Player of the year for Panther Creek. Anthony plans on pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
https://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3289828/anthony-burlingame

* Moises Valcarcel / 6'2" 200 / Outside Linebacker / American River College / Carmichael, CA
Moises is a hybrid outside linebacker/safety that can come downhill and make dynamic plays from American River College in California.  With losses at safety this year from graduation, look for him to come in and make an immediate impact.  The addition of an older player to a young core should help develop the defensive backs into a strong group.
http://www.hudl.com/profile/1844515/moises-valcarcel
 
* Brody Thomas / 5'10" 215/ Fullback / Herbert Hoover High School / Charleston, WV
Thomas is a local product from Herbert Hoover High School. He excelled in the Kanawha Valley, earning first team All-Kanawha Valley two years straight. He also earned first team All-State two consecutive years in a row. He amassed over 3,000 career rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in his high school career. Thomas plans on pursing a degree in Phycology.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2604117/brody-thomas
 
* Donnovan Campbell / 6'1" 255 / Defensive Lineman / Ledford High School / Thomasville, NC
Campbell was a standout defensive lineman at Ledford High School. Campbell earned All-Conference Honors as a junior and Senior. He was also a recipient of the Golden Helmet Award during his senior campaign. Campbell plans to pursue a degree in nursing.
https://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3354590/donnovan-campbell
 
* Nate Parrish /5'10" 265 / Defensive Lineman / South Charleston High School / Charleston, WV
Parrish is a local, athletic defensive lineman from South Charleston High School. Parrish excelled on and off the field. He earned All-Conference honors during his tenure at South Charleston. He plans on pursing a degree in Business Administration.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3892716/nate-parrish
 
* Kyle Jaskulske / 6'3" 255 / Offensive Line / Yuba JC / Denton, TX
Jaskulske is a nasty offensive lineman coming from Yuba Junior College. Kyle was named first team All-Conference this past season. He also played in two state championships in high school.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/5430652/kyle-jaskulske

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Jarvis Christian College Bulldogs Sweep Series Against St. Francis

HAWKINS, Texas -- The Jarvis Christian College baseball team closed out their weekend series against the University of Saint Francis (IN) in a double-header matchup on the campus of Jarvis Christian College on Saturday, February 4, 2017. The Bulldogs were victorious in game one of the double-header by a score of 7-6 in walk off fashion for the second time, and took game two, 3-2.

GAME ONE
Emilio Griego (JR/Yuma, AZ) allowed just 2 hits and 0 runs through the first five innings of play for the Bulldogs in dominant fashion, as JCC took a 2-0 lead in the 5th off a Ryan Emerald (SR/Jamestown, CA) 2 RBI single that scored Christopher White (FR/Sacramento, CA) and DeAndre McGuire (SR/Houston, TX). Saint Francis answered back in the fifth with 5 runs of their own off 5 hits, 2 walks and 1 JCC error. UST added another run in the 7th to take a 6-2 lead heading into the bottom half of the final inning. McGuire led the inning off with a single and JCC never looked back. With the bases loaded and 2 outs, down by 1, White drove in the tying and go ahead runs as JCC recorded their second walk off victory of the series. Frank Montano (FR/Edinburg, TX) (1-0) recorded the win for the Bulldogs in relief.

GAME TWO
Game two saw a pitching battle between the two sides. Saint Francis got on the board early in the 1st inning before JCC scored runs in the 3rd and 4th innings to take a 2-1 lead. UST scored again in the 5th to knot the score up at 2. Salvador Alvarado Jr. (SR/Tracy, CA) was called in to pinch hit in the 7th inning and recorded an RBI double down the left field line to score Christopher White, as JCC took claim to a 3-2 lead. UST was held scoreless in the 8th and 9th innings as the Bulldogs completed the series sweep. Alejandro Guerrero (JR/San Leandro, CA) (1-1) picked up the win for the Bulldogs tossing 8.0 innings, allowing just 2 runs on 9 hits, while walking none. Tyler Arnsberg (JR/Merced, CA) picked up his second sa
ve of the season in 1.0 inning of work, recording 2 strikeouts and allowing no hits.

FULL STATS

UP NEXT
The Bulldogs (5-3) will host 10 ranked Tabor College (KS) on Thursday, February 9, 2017, in Hawkins. First pitch of the double-header is set for 12:00 pm.

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SWAC Announces Preseason Baseball Honors

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama State (Eastern) and Arkansas Pine Bluff (Western) have been chosen by the Southwestern Athletic Conference head baseball coaches and sport information directors to win the Eastern and Western divisions as the conference announced its preseason honors on Monday.

For the second consecutive season, defending SWAC Baseball Tournament Champion Alabama State (74 points,14 first place votes) has been pegged to win the Eastern division. ASU, which is coming off a historic 2016 season where the Hornets went a perfect 24-0 in SWAC play, returns the majority of what was a dominant offense last year. Jackson State was picked to finish second with 58 points, Alcorn State (41 points), Alabama A&M (35 points) and Mississippi Valley State (17 points) rounded out the projections for the eastern division.

The Western division is predicted to be very close this season. Arkansas Pine Bluff earned 58 points and was chosen as the preseason favorite. Grambling State and Texas Southern were predicted to each finish in second with 53 points, Southern (37 points) and Prairie View A&M (24 points) followed in the projected order of finish.

Sothern’s Harris, Grambling State’s O’Bear and Drain Earn Individual Accolades

Southern outfielder Dondrayas Harris was selected by the league's coaches and sports information directors as the preseason favorite for player of the year.  The Panama City, Fla. native hit .346 last season, while racking up 47 hits, totaling 30 RBIs.

Grambling State had two players chosen for preseason individual honors.  Pitcher Issac O’Bear was selected as the preseason favorite for pitcher of the year, and infielder Wesley Drain was pegged for the preseason defensive player of the year. O’Bear went 7-3 on the mound for the Tigers last season, while striking out 61 batters and totaling a 4.85 ERA.

Drain had a .263 batting average a season ago, while totaling 50 hits and 31 RBIs for the Tigers.  The entire 2017 preseason awards list is below:

PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Dondrayas Harris, Outfielder, Southern

PRESEASON PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Issac O'Bear, Pitcher, Grambling State

PRESEASON DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Wesley Drain, Infielder, Grambling State

PRESEASON ALL SWAC BASEBALL - FIRST TEAM
1B	Chris Biocic (Alabama State)
2B	Eriq White (Alabama State)
3B	Ray Hernandez (Alabama State)
SS	Cornelius Copeland (Jackson State)
OF	Carlos Ocasio (Alabama State)
OF	Dondrayas Harris (Southern)
OF	Yamil Pagan (Alabama State)
OF	CJ Newsome (Jackson State)
C	Hunter Allen (Alabama State)
DH	Diandre Amion (Alabama State)
SP	Tyler Howe (Alabama State)
SP	Issac O'Bear (Grambling State)
SP	Miguel Yrigoyen (Jackson State)
RP	Brandon Marsonek (Alabama A&M)

PRESEASON ALL SWAC BASEBALL - SECOND TEAM
1B	Jesus Santana (Jackson State)
2B	Wallace Rios (Alcorn State)
2B	Richard Alamo (Texas Southern)
3B	Daniel Barnett (Grambling State)
SS	Wesley Drain (Grambling State)
OF	Kamren Dukes (Texas Southern)
OF	Jaqueese Moore (Arkansas Pine Bluff)
OF	Bryce Brown (Jackson State)
OF	Cody Den Beste (Prairie View A&M)
C	Johan Majica (Grambling State)
DH	Julian Jones (Arkansas Pine Bluff)
DH	Sam Campbell (Jackson State)
SP	Seth Oliver (Texas Southern)
SP	Brandon Caples (Alabama State)
RP	Austin Bizzle (Alabama State)
RP	Conrado Skepple (Alcorn State)

East Division	Points (first-place)	West Division	Points (first-place)
Alabama State	74 (14)	Arkansas Pine Bluff	58 (7)
Jackson State	58 (1)	Grambling State	53 (3)
Alcorn State	41	Texas Southern	53 (3)
Alabama A&M	35	Southern	37 (1)
Mississippi Valley State	17	Prairie View A&M	24 (1)

CREDIT: SWAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

MEAC Announces Baseball Preseason All-Conference Honors

NORFOLK, Virginia -- The Norfolk State Spartans and Bethune-Cookman Wildcats were predicted to win the 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) baseball northern and southern divisions, respectively, the conference announced today.

All preseason honors were voted on by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors.

Bethune-Cookman’s Danny Rodriguez was selected as the conference’s Preseason Player of the Year, while teammate Tyler Norris earned Preseason Pitcher of the Year accolades.

Rodriguez, the 2016 MEAC Rookie of the Year, led the Wildcats in hits (69) and RBIs (46); he was second in the MEAC in RBIs, tied for second in home runs and tied for fourth in hits. He recorded 224 at-bats with 10 doubles and 10 home runs, with 38 runs scored, last season. Defensively, he notched a .986 fielding percentage.

Norris earned Second Team All-MEAC honors last season after appearing in 15 games and recording six wins, including one shutout, in 69.2 innings pitched. He ranked first in the MEAC in games started (14), second in wins (6), and fourth in strikeouts (71).

Norfolk State was the 2016 MEAC Northern Division champion. The Spartans finished the season with a 29-21 overall record and a 19-5 MEAC mark.

Delaware State was picked to finish second, followed by Coppin State and Maryland Eastern Shore to round out the Northern Division.

The Bethune-Cookman Wildcats, defending MEAC Baseball Tournament champions, posted a 29-27 overall record and a 17-7 MEAC mark last season.

Florida A&M was predicted to finish second in the Southern Division, followed by North Carolina Central, Savannah State and North Carolina A&T State.

Rodriguez (B-CU) and Norris (B-CU) are joined by Brian Beard (NSU), Brian Davis (FAMU), Denathan Dukes (NSU), Ben Ellzey (FAMU), Jonathan Mauricio (NSU), Alex Mauricio (NSU) Willis McDaniel (FAMU), Adan Ordonez (NCAT), Carlos Ortiz (NCCU), Tim Ravare (NCAT) and Demetrius Sims (B-CU) on the 2017 Preseason All-MEAC First Team.

The 2017 MEAC Baseball Championship Tournament is scheduled for May 17-20 at Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md.

2017 MEAC Baseball Preseason Predicted Order of Finish

As voted on by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors

(First-place votes in parenthesis)

Northern Division	Southern Division
Norfolk State (15)                       69	Bethune-Cookman (10)                                82
Delaware State (1)                     51	Florida A&M (6)                                            74
Coppin State (2)                         32	North Carolina Central (1)                            53
Maryland Eastern Shore            28	Savannah State (1)                                      33
	North Carolina A&T State                             28 2017 MEAC Baseball Preseason All-MEAC Teams As voted on by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors Preseason Player of the Year: Danny Rodriguez, Bethune-Cookman Preseason Pitcher of the Year: Tyler Norris, Bethune-Cookman First Team Pos. Name School Cl. Ht. Wt. Hometown SP Tyler Norris Bethune-Cookman So. 6-1 160 Coral Springs, Fla. SP Jonathan Mauricio Norfolk State Sr. 6-2 180 Midlothian, Va. RP Alex Mauricio Norfolk State Jr. 6-0 180 Midlothian, Va. C Adan Ordonez North Carolina A&T State Jr. 5-7 185 Clermont, Fla. 1B Danny Rodriguez Bethune-Cookman r-So. 6-3 240 Pembroke Pines, Fla. 2B Tim Ravare North Carolina A&T State Sr. 5-7 175 Los Angeles, Calif. 3B Ben Ellzey Florida A&M Sr. 6-0 205 Ocala, Fla. SS Demetrius Sims Bethune-Cookman r-Jr. 6-2 200 Ann Arbor, Mich. OF Carlos Ortiz North Carolina Central Jr. 5-9 197 Cleveland, Ohio OF Denathan Dukes Norfolk State Sr. 6-2 185 Woodbridge, Va. *OF Willis McDaniel Florida A&M So. 5-9 165 Tallahassee, Fla. *OF Brian Beard Norfolk State r-Sr. 5-11 200 Chesapeake, Va. UTL Brian Davis Florida A&M Jr. 195 5-10 Pensacola, Fla. *Indicates tie Second Team Pos. Name School Cl. Ht. Wt. Hometown SP Devin Hemmerich Norfolk State Sr. 6-1 190 Norfolk, Va. SP Lane DeLeon Delaware State Jr. 6-4 185 Georgetown, Del. RP Ivan Coutinho Bethune-Cookman So. 6-1 200 Oviedo, Fla. C Jacky Miles, Jr. Florida A&M Sr. 6-0 205 Graceville, Fla. 1B Roger Hall Norfolk State r-Sr. 6-0 210 Chesapeake, Va. 2B Chase Anderson Norfolk State So. 5-8 150 Norfolk, Va. 3B Ellington Hopkins North Carolina Central Jr. 5-6 174 Lansing, N.Y. SS Milton Rivera North Carolina A&T State Jr. 5-6 175 Humacao, Puerto Rico OF Josten Heron Bethune-Cookman r-So. 6-2 195 Miami, Fla. OF Austin Bentley Delaware State Jr. 5-11 205 Waldorf, Md. OF Khalyd Cox Savannah State So. 6-1 175 Palmetto, Fla. UTL Todd Henry Delaware State So. 5-10 180 Egg Harbor Twp., N.J.

 CREDIT: MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Claflin Panthers Baseball Team to Play a 47-Game Schedule

Orangeburg, South Carolina .-- The Claflin University baseball team will open the 2017 season Friday at the two-day (Feb. 3-4) Francis Marion Invitational in Florence, SC.

The tournament will highlight a 47-game schedule for Claflin. The Panthers will battle host Francis Marion University Friday at 2 p.m., then play two games Saturday -- North Greenville University at 11 a.m. and Wingate University at 5 p.m.

Claflin will make its home debut at Historic Mirmow Field in Orangeburg with three straight games, beginning with Lincoln Memorial University on Monday (Feb. 6), followed by a doubleheader with St. Augustine's University on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Claflin will play a total 22 games in Orangeburg, including 14 straight. The home games run from Friday, February 17 thru Sunday, March 19 against seven teams, including six non-conference opponents.

"The games will allow us to play a lot of kids and give us a chance to see how we stack up against good teams," Claflin Coach James Randall said. "Our schedule is extremely challenging. The non-conference portion is very competitive with several teams ranked in the NCAA Division II preseason polls. We're looking forward to the challenge."

The home stretch for the Panthers will consist of games with Florida Southern University, Bluefield State College, the College of Saint Rose, Francis Marion University, Augusta University and Lincoln University.



Claflin will close out the home stand with a three-game series against Spring Hill College March 18-19 in its Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) opener.

Last season, the Panthers captured the program's first-ever SIAC Baseball Tournament Championship and gained the conference automatic berth into postseason play.

The Panthers finished the season 24-19.

Claflin will face six additional SIAC teams: Morehouse College (Mar. 24-26) in Charleston, Paine College (Apr. 1-2), Albany State University (Apr. 8-9), Clark Atlanta University (Apr. 14-15), Benedict College (Apr. 22-23) and Lane College (Apr. 29-30).

The SIAC Tournament is scheduled for May 3-7 at a site to be determined.

The Panthers other non-conference opponents includes Armstrong State University, Coker College and Lander University.

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Morgan State falls out of first place after rally comes up short against NCCU

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Morgan State played North Carolina Central in a battle for first place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference on Saturday. However, the Bears started slowly, struggled throughout the first half and despite coming back in the game's final 14 minutes, they could not catch the Eagles.

The Bears shot poorly in the first 20 minutes after North Carolina Central jumped out to a lead from the start. That early advantage, plus 17-point performances from Patrick Cole and Kyle Benton, helped the Eagles hold off Morgan State's late rally and post a 68-62 victory at Hill Field House.

North Carolina Central (16-6, 7-1 MEAC) took over the top spot in the conference with the win. Morgan State (10-12, 7-2) slipped back to at least second place, with Savannah State having a chance to push the Bears into third place in a later game.

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Morgan State Recruiting Class Best in Decade

2017 Morgan State Recruiting Class
 

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown	High School/Last School
Malachi Jenkins	DB	6-1	185	Lithonia, Ga.	Lithonia HS
Daylen Baldwin	WR	6-3	200	Waterford, Mich.	Waterford Mott HS
Willie Mabry	DE	6-3	240	Monroe, La.	Dr. Henry A. Wise HS
Demerius Goodwin	RB	5-7	170	Cleveland, Ohio	Ginn Academy-Cleveland Glenville
Ahmari Benjamin	CB	6-2	175	District Heights, Md.	Dr. Henry A. Wise HS
Julian Jacobs	DE	6-4	230	Bowie, Md.	Bowie HS
Chris Jenkins	LB	6-2	225	Atlanta, Ga.	Creekside HS
Cameron Chesley	LB	6-4	225	Fort Washington, Md.	Friendly HS
Elijah Staley	QB	6-7	240	Atlanta, Ga.	Wheeler HS
Haraan Ransom	DB	6-0	200	Newark, N.J.	Don Bosco Prep
Donte Small	DB	6-1	190	Union, N.J.	Paramus Catholic
Schneider Jonassaint	LB	6-1	215	Miami, Fla.	Northwestern HS
Stefan Touani	OL	6-3	285	Oxon Hill, Md.	Oxon Hill HS
Colby Warrior	DE	6-3	220	Manchester, Ga.	Sandy Creek HS
Dion Golatt, Jr.	QB	6-2	210	Upper Marlboro, Md.	Riverdale Baptist School
Gerald Crowley	DL	6-3	280	Newark, N.J.	Paramus Catholic

Malachi Jenkins – DB | 6'1 | 185 | Lithonia, Ga. | Watch
The 6'1, 185-pounder completed his senior season at Lithonia HS with 100 tackles (43 solo) and five tackles for loss. He also added three interceptions and a fumble recovery. Played safety and cornerback during his prep career.

Daylen Baldwin – WR | 6'3 | 200 | Waterford, Mich. | Watch
The 6'3, 200-pound wideout finished his senior season at Waterford Mott HS with 20 receptions for 401 yards, including 6 touchdowns. He also had 14 tackles and an interception.

Willie Mabry – DE | 6'3 | 240 | Monroe, La. | Watch
Mabry was a standout at Dr. Henry A. Wise HS where he earned Defensive Player of the Year. Honor roll student.

Demerius Goodwin – RB | 5'7 | 170 | Cleveland, Ohio | Watch
Goodwin is a 5'7, 170-pounder who played running back under legendary coach Ted Ginn Sr. at Ginn Academy-Cleveland Glenville. 

Cameron Chesley – LB | 6'4 | 225 | Fort Washington, Md. | Watch
The 6'4, 225-pounder had an outstanding prep career at Friendly HS where he was named his team's Defensive Player of the Year. "Cam" earned First-Team All-County and was a Washington Post Honorable Mention.  He was a member of the National Honors Society and National Art Honors Society. 

Ahmari Benjamin – LB | 6'2 | 175 | District Heights, Md. | Watch
Benjamin is a 6'2, 175-pound linebacker from Dr. Henry A. Wise HS. He helped lead Wise to a pair of 4A State Championships (2015 & 2016). Honor roll student.

Julian Jacobs – DE | 6'4 | 230 | Bowie, Md. | Watch
The 6'4, 230-pound defensive lineman was a standout at Bowie HS where he was a two-time All-State performer and two-time All-County performer. 

Chris Jenkins – LB | 6'2 | 225 | Atlanta, Ga. | Watch
The 6'2, 225-pound linebacker was a standout from Creekside HS. He was a two-time Player of the Year.

Elijah Staley – QB | 6'7 | 240 | Atlanta, Ga. | Watch
Staley is a 6'7, 240-pound quarterback who transferred to the Bears following one semester at Tyler Junior College (Texas). He also spent two seasons at Mississippi State (2014-15). He a was standout prep athlete for the Wheeler Wildcats. He was a four-star QB prospect by ESPN.com and a three-star prospect according to Rival.com and 247Sports. The 18^th-best QB in the country according to ESPN.com. First Team All-State selection in basketball, averaging 18.0 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Also competed in the triple jump, 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter relay team. 


Ransom Haraan – DB | 6'0 | 200 | Newark, N.J. | Watch
The 6'0, 200-pound defensive back was a two-team All-League selection at Don Bosco Prep. He was a member of the 2015 State Championship Team.

Donte Small – DB | 6'1 | 190 | Union, N.J. | Watch
Small is a 6'1, 190-pound standout defensive back from Paramus Catholic. "Tay" was an All-Metro selection and was a member of the 2016 State Championship.

Schneider Jonassaint – LB | 6'1 | 215 | Miami, Fla. | Watch
Jonassaint is a 6'1, 215-pound linebacker who was the team captain at Northwestern HS in 2016. He was born in Port Au Prince, Haiti.

Stefan Touani – OL | 6'3 | 285 | Oxon Hill, Md. | Watch
The 6'3, 285-pounder helped lead the Oxon Hill Clippers to its best season in 20 years this fall, going undefeated before losing a triple-overtime heartbreaker in the Maryland 3A South region championship game. Oxon Hill ranked No. 17 in the Washington Post Final 2016 HS Football Poll. 2016 MaxPrep.com 3A Final State Ranking No. 6. Touani started both ways – at center on offense and defensive tackle on the other side of the ball. He transferred to Oxon Hill from Crossland as a sophomore. He was selected to the PG Coaches 3A All-League team and earned Washington Post All-Met Honorable Mention. Big 33 Top 100 Players in the State of Maryland. Was also a PG vs. SMAC All-Star Team selection. Three year team captain under coach Craig Jeffries.

Colby Warrior – DE | 6'3 | 220 | Manchester, Ga. | Watch
Warrior played defensive end and outside linebacker at Sandy Creek High under coach Chip Walker. Defensive Lineman of the Year. First Team All-County. Fayette County Super 12 All-Star. Most Improved Defensive Player. Recorded 30 tackles with eight tackles for loss and six sacks as a senior. He also had two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, an interception and scored a touchdown.

Dion Golatt, Jr. – QB | 6'2 | 210 | Upper Marlboro, Md. | Watch
Golatt is a 6'2, 210-pounder who had a sensational season at Riverdale Baptist School. He threw for 2,111 yards, ran for 429 yards and scored 21 TDs. "DJ" was a 4-year starter at Annapolis Area Christian HS under coach Ceasar Nettles. He completed his prep career with 6,425 passing yards, 52 career TD passes, 1,108 career rushing yards and 19 rushing TDs. Nike Elite II Regional Finalist in DC and Charlotte. Played in the 2016 Crab Bowl. 2016 All-State Second Team and 2015 All-State Honorable Mention.



Gerald Crowley – DL | 6'3 | 280 | Newark, N.J. | Watch
Crowley is a 6'3, 280-pounder defensive lineman from Paramus Catholic where he was an All-League Second Team selection. He was a member of the 2015 State Championship Team. 

MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

ECSU Vikings Release its 2017 Football Schedule

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina -- The Elizabeth City State University Athletics department is proud to release its 2017 football slate.

After finishing 5-5 overall and 4-3 in conference play a season ago, the 2016 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s Coach of the Year Earnest Wilson and team will kick-off the their season on the road at Central State University Sept. 2 in Wilberforce, Ohio at McPherson Memorial Stadium.

The Vikings will host UNC-Pembroke in Roebuck Stadium on Sept. 9 before hosting Fayetteville State University for its 20th Annual Downeast Viking Football Classic in Rocky Mount, N.C. on Sept. 16.

On Sept. 23, the Vikings will come back home to host Johnson C. Smith University in Roebuck Stadium. The following week, the Vikings will travel to Durham, N.C. to face Shaw University in Durham County Stadium.

Elizabeth City State opens the month of Oct. at home with Virginia State University on the 7th and will play host to Lincoln for its annual Homecoming Oct. 14. The Vikings will close the month out on the road at Chowan University on Oct. 21 in Murfreesboro, N.C. and will travel to Richmond, Va. on Oct. 28 to face Virginia Union University.

The Vikings conclude its 2017 slate at home in Roebuck Stadium against Bowie State University Nov. 4. The CIAA conference championship will be held Nov. 11. The site has yet to be announced.

Further information pertaining game times and possible televised games will be released at a later date.

Follow Elizabeth City State Athletics via its official website at: www.ecsuvikings.com to get pre and post-game stories and updates. Also, follow us on twitter at: @ecsuvikings and like us on Instagram: ECSUFB.

ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS