Big South Football Members Announce 2007 Signees
The Big South Conference's football playing members -- Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, Gardner-Webb, Liberty and VMI, as well as future member Presbyterian -- announced their respective 2007 signees on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Here are the school-by-school listings in alphabetical order.
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN (19)
Charleston Southern head football coach Jay Mills announced the signing of 17 student-athletes for the 2007 football season today.
"We knew that this offseason would be pivotal for the future of the program," Mills said. "This recruiting class exceeded our expectations, and we're cautiously optimistic that what's on paper will translate to success on the field. We believe these young men will allow us to cement the solid foundation that has begun and will build on that tradition."
Tyler Addison - 6-2, 215, LB, Cottondale, Fla./Cottondale HS
Billy Baker - 6-5, 290, OL, Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt Co. HS
Jacques Bazille - 5-10, 170, DB, Naples, Fla./Naples HS
Demetrius Brown - 5-11, 178, WR, Whiteville, N.C./Garden City CC
Carnell Dancy - 5-11, 175, WR, Pensacola, Fla./Pine Forest HS
Gabe Gilmour - 6-1, 195, QB, Hilton Head, S.C./Hilton Head Christian
Percy Freeman - 6-2, 195, QB, Jacksonville, Fla./Mandarin HS
Jake Killeen - 6-4, 230, DE, Reno, Nev./Saddleback College
Shawn King - 5-11, 170, DB, Summerville, S.C./Summerville HS
Quinton Johnson - 6-1, 260, DL, Columbus, Miss./NE Miss. CC
Chris Lee - 6-1, 240, LB, Pinellas Park, Fla./Florida Atlantic
Levi McFatter - 6-4, 275, OL, Lake City, Fla./Columbia HS
DeMarcus Moon - 5-9, 188, RB, McDonough, Ga./Luella HS
James Nicholson - 6-4, 278, OL, Ponte Vedra, Fla./Nease HS
Angelo Padilla - 6-3, 270, DL, Jacksonville, Fla./Andrew Jackson HS
Gerald Stevenson - 5-10, 165, WR, Naples, Fla./Naples HS
Quentin Thrash - 6-4, 185, WR, Jacksonville, Fla./Ridgeview HS
Justin Witzmann - 5-11, 280, DT, Encinitus, Calif./Saddleback College
Matthew Woods - 6-3, 245, DL, Niceville, Fla./Niceville HS
COASTAL CAROLINA (21)
Coastal Carolina University has signed 21 to National Letters of Intent to play football for the Chanticleers next fall, head coach David Bennett announced today. This is the sixth recruiting class for Bennett and the Chants, who are three-time defending Big South Conference champions and made their first ever appearance in the Division I Football Championships last year. Coastal is 34-11 in its four years of play in Division I-AA, including an 12-4 mark in league play.
Of the signees, Coastal remained in the southeast, signing 10 from South Carolina, eight from Georgia and three from North Carolina. Among the class, two are currently enrolled at CCU and will be going through spring practices with the Chanticleers.
Jeff Antolik - OL, 6-3, 285, Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast - Earned Class 4A All-State honors from the High School Sports Report after helping Richland Northeast to a berth in the playoffs... Also earned Honorable Mention All-State honors on the defensive line from The State his final season as well as on the offensive line as a junior after helping the Cavaliers to the 2005 Class 4A Lower State Championship.
Brooks Barbaree - DL, 6-2, 285, Douglas, Ga./Coffee - Earned First Team Class AAAAA All-State accolades from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Associated Press his senior season, as well as being honored on the First Team All-Region squad and MVP of the defense at Coffee... Was named Second Team All-Region his junior season and honorable mention as a sophomore... Selected as a Pre-season All-Academic team member (honors not handed out until end of school year)... Chose Coastal over Ball State, Charleston Southern and Georgia Southern.
Antonio Bellamy* - DB, 5-10, 160, Conway, S.C./Carolina Forest (Georgia Military) - Enrolled at Coastal for the spring semester and will be participating in spring drills... Played his first two years at Georgia Military College, including one with current CCU player Kerebi Gause... Helped GMC to an 8-2 mark his sophomore season with 13 tackles, including four for loss... Also was a part of their 2005 NJCAA National Runner Up squad... Two-year starter at Carolina Forest, playing both defensive back and wide receiver... Named 2003 WPDE All-Zoner and Shrine Bowl selection for South Carolina his senior year... Recorded 189 tackles, nine interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his high school career... Also had 35 career receptions for 524 yards and five touchdowns... Selected as Sun News "Toast of the Coast" Honorable Mention selection after posting 87 tackles and five interceptions his junior year... Chose CCU over Division I schools Maryland, Memphis and Oklahoma State.
Bryan Brooks - OL, 6-6, 300, Summerville, S.C./Stratford - Played on the offensive line at Stratford, helping the Knights to the Region 7-AAAA football championship, the Division I-AAAA semifinals and a 12-2 overall mark... Has only been playing football since his junior year... Chose Coastal over Charleston Southern, Newberry and Western Carolina.
Jamie Childers* - QB, 6-5, 225, Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Wando (Hargrave Military) - Enrolled at Coastal for the spring semester and will be participating in spring drills... Played last season at Hargrave Military Academy... Was 119-of-191 for 1,716 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air his senior season at Wando in the school's run-first system, earning High School Sports Report SCISA All-State honors, Honorable Mention All-State accolades from The State and a spot in the 2005 SCADA North-South All-Star Game... Also played baseball at Wando.
Ben Collins - TE, 6-3, 222, Warner Robins, Ga./Houston County - Earned Class AAAAA All-State First Team selection from the Associated Press, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Georgia Sportswriters Association... Picked for the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) North-South All-Star Game, while also being honored on the All-Middle Georgia and All-Region squads... Had 17 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns while grading out at 87 percent blocking his senior season... Posted 40 career receptions for 529 yards and five touchdowns... Also played baseball for the Bears... Selected Coastal over Connecticut, Ball State, Army, Gardner-Webb and Western Carolina.
Keon Cunningham - S, 6-0, 181, Edgefield, S.C./Strom Thurmond - Named Class 3A All-State by High School Sports Report and ranked in The State's Top 50, while being rated 32nd in the state among seniors on the High School Sports Report's top 100... Was a SCADA North-South All-Star game selection his final season Named to The Augusta Chronicle's South Carolina All-Area South team the past three years... As a junior had 58 tackles and three interceptions, earning First Team All-Area honors and helping the Rebels to the Class 3A State title (with current CCU Co-Offensive Coordinator Gary Smallen on the coaching staff)... Recorded five picks as a sophomore.
Ben Erdman - P/K, 6-2, 170, Cleveland, N.C./West Rowan - Earned NCPreps.com Class 3A All-State accolades as a kicker, as well as All-Piedmont honors from the Charlotte Observer his senior year... In 2006 led the state of North Carolina in punting with 40.6 yards per punt and ranked eighth in scoring among kickers with 75 points (51 extra points, eight field goals).
Andre Ford - OL, 6-4, 293, Waycross, Ga./Ware County - A three-year starter on the offensive line at Ware County, earning All-Area First Team selection each of his three seasons... Named to the Region 3-AAAA All-Region squad his senior season... Nominated and a finalist for the Army Bowl... Helped the Gators to a playoff berth his junior season following being a starter on the offensive line for the 2004 Region 1-AAAA champs and a berth in the state semifinals his sophomore season... Selected Coastal over Eastern Kentucky.
Tim Franklin - OL, 6-5, 320, Prosperity, S.C./Gilbert - Selected to play for South Carolina in the annual Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas, as well as Class 2A All-State by High School Sports Report.
Derrick Frasier - LB, 5-11, 215, Orangeburg, S.C./Orangeburg-Wilkinson - Shrine Bowl selection for the state of South Carolina... Named Associated Press South Carolina All-Stat and Second Team All-State by The State, as well as All-Region by The Times and Democrat and Charleston Post and Courier... Recorded 174 tackles, six sacks and two fumble recoveries his senior season, leading Orangeburg-Wilkinson to the Class 4A Playoffs.
Corey Hawkins - LB, 6-2, 210, Blythewood, S.C./Blythewood - Named Class 3A All-Stater by High School Sports Report and SCVarsity.com after leading Blythewood, in just its first season of play, to the Class 3A State title... Recorded 158 tackles (93 solo) 16 tackles for loss, a sack. five pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and blocked a kick to also earn All-Area honors from The State as well as All-Region honors... Played his first three years at Ridge View High School before the school split.
Dexter Holman - DE, 6-3, 210, Kathleen, Ga./Houston County - Was a three-year letterwinner for the Bears... As a senior, earned Second Team All-Region 1-5A and First Team All-Houston County and All-Middle Georgia after recording 79 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, three pass breakups, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles... Had 55 tackles his junior season... Lettered as an offensive guard his sophomore year... Also ran track, qualifying for the state semifinals in the 110 hurdles his junior year, and plays basketball.
B.J. Jenkins - DE, 6-2, 212, Darien, Ga./McIntosh Academy - First Team All-Region his junior and senior seasons, posting 71 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, seven sacks and nine hurries as a senior... Also named First Team All-Academic squad the last two years... Played football and basketball for McIntosh... Chose CCU over Appalachian State, Furman, Wofford and Georgia Southern.
Travaughn (Trae) Long - WR, 6-2, 190, Clemmons, N.C./West Forsyth - As a senior led West Forsyth to the second round of the North Carolina Class 4-AA state playoffs for the first time since 2003... Had 10 catches for 179 yards and all three touchdowns in the second round game against Independence... For the season had 49 receptions for 996 yards and 10 touchdowns, finishing 20th in the state in receiving yardage... Also plays basketball for West Forsyth.
Eric O'Neal - RB, 5-9, 180, Warner Robins, Ga./Houston County - Earned Offensive Player of the Year and First Team Class 5A All-State honors from the Associated Press and Georgia Sportswriters Association... Also named Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Associated Press First Team All-State selection his senior year after leading Region I-AAAAA in rushing with 1,609 yards and 26 touchdowns along with 24 receptions for 279 yards... Also earned All-Region honors and was named the region's Offensive Player of the Year, as well as All-Middle Georgia... Selected to play in the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) North-South All-Star Game... Rushed for rushed for 161 yards and five touchdowns in the first round of the Georgia State playoffs...Posted 528 career rushing attempts for 3,006 yards and 39 touchdowns in 25 career games... Averaged more than 100 yards a game in his nine games played his junior year... As a junior helped the Bears' basketball squad qualify for the postseason.
Myron Rogers - TE, 6-4, 205, Columbia, S.C./Irmo - Named as one of the top 100 seniors by High School Sports Report...Led the Yellow Jackets to a Region 5-4A title and into the Class 4A playoffs his senior season, including a berth in the quarterfinals... Snagged 20 receptions for almost 400 yards his junior season... Also is a starter for the Yellow Jackets' basketball squad.
Joe Rogers - TE, 6-3, 236, Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes - As a senior was named Second Team 1-AAAAA All-Region... Was part of back-to-back State Championships his junior and sophomore seasons, playing both tight end and defensive end... Also competed in track and field for the Vikings... Brother played professional basketball in Europe... Related to NFL players Marcus Stroud (Jacksonville) and Randall Godfrey (San Diego).
Brian Sanders - S, 5-11, 175, High Point, N.C./TW Andrews - Two-time all-conference performer that posted 80 tackles, two interceptions and 15 pass-breakups... Also had four interceptions along with rushing for 503 yards and posting 430 receiving yards his junior season... Runs a 4.5 40-yard dash... Also wrestled for TW Andrews.
Desmond Steward - LB, 6-0, 230, Douglasville, Ga./Douglas County - Selected to play in the GACA North-South All-Star Game... A three-year starter for Douglas County, recording more than 300 tackles in his career... Two-time Douglas County Defensive Player of the Year... Had 151 tackles his senior year after recording 140 as a junior.
Chris Walls - LB, 6-1, 200, Conway, S.C./Conway - Led Conway to the Division II Class 4A state title game... Named The Sun News "Toast of the Coast" Defensive Player of the year after posting 132 tackles, including 20 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, six pass breakups, one fumble recovered and one blocked kick his senior year... Also was honored on the Class 4A All-State squad by High School Sports Report and to the All-Zone squad by WPDE-TV... As a junior was also on the "Toast of the Coast" defensive squad after recording 10.5 sacks and 67 tackles as a rush end/outside linebacker for the Tigers.
* Enrolled in spring 2006 at Coastal and will participate in spring drills
GARDNER-WEBB (18)
Gardner-Webb head coach Steve Patton announced Wednesday that 18 student-athletes had decided to join the Bulldogs’ program as part of National Signing Day. The group signified a major step in shoring up the offensive line, receiver and the secondary – areas that will be depleted due to graduation losses after 2007 and 2008.
“We needed to get more size on the offensive line, and we accomplished that,” said GWU head coach Steve Patton. “We needed to get faster and more talented in the secondary, we did that. We signed our top four guys at receiver and our best two prospects at tight end – two areas we knew going into February that we needed help due to graduation losses.
“We wound up with the top four guys on our recruiting board at cornerback as well, and that’s very tough to do at this level. Our staff did a tremendous job recognizing and identifying young men who could help us win championships and be assets to our University academically. This class ranks at the top since I’ve been here academically, and we’re proud of that.”
Kendrick Best - 6-1, 175, CB, Goldsboro, N.C. / Eastern Wayne HS - Played at Eastern Wayne (N.C.) High under Coach Jeff Price ... One of the fastest corners in the state ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds (2006 Elite 8 Combine) ... A first-team All-Conference selection as a prep senior ... Helped Warriors to a 7-5 record ... Intercepted seven passes and returned three for touchdowns in 2006 ... Among the state leaders in both categories ... Moved from receiver to running back in the final two games of the season, and finished with 452 yards and four touchdowns on just 56 carries ... In addition to his three interception returns for touchdowns, also had a 74-yard punt return for a score ... An honorable mention All-Area selection by the Goldsboro News-Argus as a junior ... Had two kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2005 ... Was the team’s track MVP as a junior ... Chose Gardner-Webb over The Citadel, Western Carolina and Coastal Carolina.
C.J. Bryant - 6-1, 275, OC, Greer, S.C. / Blue Ridge HS - Played at Blue Ridge (S.C.) High under Coach David Farnham ... A Class 3A All-State selection by the S.C. High School Sports Report ... A first-team All-County selection by the Greenville Touchdown Club ... Cleared a path for the Tigers’ single-season rushing record of 2,532 yards and 28 touchdowns ... Tigers’ offense recorded over 3,500 total offensive yards in 2006 ... Played in the SCADA North/South All-Star Game ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Coastal Carolina, Elon and The Citadel.
Patrick Hall - 5-11, 218, RB, Gastonia, N.C. / Ashbrook HS - Played at Ashbrook (N.C.) High under Coach Mike Briggs ... Named Big South 3A/4A Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2006 ... A first-team All-Gaston/Lincoln selection by the Charlotte Observer ... Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds at the 2006 Shrine Bowl Combine in Charlotte, the third-best time among running backs tested ... Carried 235 times for 1,651 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2006 ... Scored 75 percent of the team’s total touchdowns on the season ... Averaged a strong 7.0 yards per carry ... Ran 14 times for 149 yards and five touchdowns in a win over West Mecklenburg ... Had 202 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries vs. East Gaston ... Had 22 carries for 212 yards and three scores vs. North Gaston, including scoring runs of 80 and 49 yards ... Rushed 38 times for 212 yards and four touchdowns against rival Hunter Huss ... Had an 80 yard kickoff return for a score vs. Forestview, and added 192 yard rushing and two touchdowns on 18 carries ... Carried 19 times for 116 yards and three touchdowns vs. Burns ... Bulled for 106 yards and two scores on 15 carries vs. Shelby ... Rushed for 1,196 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior ... Ran for a career-high 292 yards and a touchdown in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs ... Two-time All-Conference selection ... Is the nephew of former Clemson University and Ashbrook High standout Junior Hall ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Western Carolina.
Kyle Hoffner - 6-2, 240, TE, Sebring, Fla. / Sebring HS - Played at Sebring (Fla.) High under Coach Jared Hamlin ... A first-team All-Highlands County selection by the Tampa Bay Tribune ... Selected to play in the 2006 South Central Florida All-Star Game ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.75 seconds ... Caught 28 passes for 631 yards and six touchdowns, averaging an amazing 22.5 yards per catch ... Helped team to its first winning season since 1999, finishing with a 6-4 mark ... Hauled in on catch, a 90-yard touchdown grab, in the season finale win over Bradford (Fla.) High ... Had a season-high six catches for 114 yards and touchdown vs. Winter Haven ... Also a solid defensive end for the Blue Streaks as a senior ... Also recruited by Florida Atlantic.
Chris James - 5-11, 185, CB, Tyrone, Ga. / Sandy Creek HS - Played at Sandy Creek (Ga.) High under Coach Chip Walker ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds ... Helped team to a 7-4 record in 2006 ... A second-team All-Area selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ... Chose Gardner-Webb over UT Chattanooga, Delaware and Coastal Carolina.
Lyndon Leslie - 6-2, 195, WR, Lithonia, Ga. / Martin Luther King HS - Played at Martin Luther King (Ga.) High under Coach Corey Jarvis ... An honorable mention All-DeKalb/Rockdale selection by the Atlanta Journal Constitution ... Helped Lions to a 10-2 mark and the Class 5A state playoffs ... Led team and finished third in DeKalb County with 35 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns ... Accounted for half of the Lions’ receiving yards and touchdowns ... Big, athletic, receiver with excellent leaping ability ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds ... A prep teammate of 2007 GWU signee Lanorris Nixon ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Hampton and Western Kentucky.
Josh Miller - 6-2, 225, TE, Danville, Ky. / Boyle County HS - Played at Boyle County (Ky.) High under Coach Chris Pardue ... Rated the No. 18 senior prospect in Kentucky by Rivals.com ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds ... Carries a 3.67 grade point average ... A third-team All-State choice by the Louisville Courier-Journal ... An honorable mention 2006 All-State selection by the Associated Press ... Named to the Kentucky High School Football Association (KHSFA) Tremendous 26 Team ... An All-Area selection by the Danville Advocate Messenger ... Led the area with 41 catches for 894 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air ... Also rushed 34 times for 252 yards and three scores ... Averaged 15.8 yards per touch on offense ... Named District Player of the Year ... An All-Mid State Football Association selection as a junior ... Also an All-Area selection ... Had 19 catches for 579 yards and seven touchdowns receiving ... Rushed 40 times for 258 yards and four touchdowns at fullback ... Added 85 tackles and two interceptions at linebacker ... Drew recruiting interest from Louisville, Kentucky and West Virginia, among others.
Lanorris Nixon - 5-10, 170, CB, Lithonia, Ga. / Martin Luther King HS - Played at Martin Luther King (Ga.) High under Coach Corey Jarvis ... Helped Lions to a 10-2 record and a berth in the Class 5A state playoffs ... The leader of a talented secondary that allowed just 73.3 yards per game through the air ... Registered 47 tackles and led the team with three interceptions ... Played in 10 games as a junior, helping Lions to a 9-3 record ... A teammate of 2007 Gardner-Webb signee Lyndon Leslie ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Elon.
Corey O’Daniel - 6-7, 325, OT, Louisville, Ky. / St. Xavier HS - Played at state powerhouse St. Xavier (Ky.) High under Coach Mike Glaser ... A first-team Associated Press All-State selection as a senior ... Also named first-team All-Bluegrass State by Bluegrasspreps.com ... Earned first-team All-Region honors ... Helped team to a 9-3 record ... Top blocker for one of the nation’s top running backs, 2007 University of Louisville signee Victor Anderson ... Named All-State by the Associated Press as a junior after helping the Tigers to a 14-1 record and the Class 4A finals ... Helped produce a 1,000-yard rusher in each of his two seasons as a starter ... Played for one of the Bluegrass State’s most storied programs (11 overall state football titles) ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Western Kentucky ... Was recruited by Kentucky, Louisville, NC State and Miami (Ohio).
James Perry III - 5-11, 180, ATH, Greensboro, N.C. / Dudley HS - Played at Dudley (N.C.) High under Coach Steven Davis ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds ... Standout academically who was nominated for the 2007 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award ... An honorable mention All-Area selection by the Greensboro News & Record at quarterback ... Two-time All-Conference selection ... Played both ways for the Panthers, starring at quarterback during the 2006 season, as well as in the secondary ... Completed 74-of-143 passes for 1,677 yards and 18 touchdowns under center, directing a successful Panthers’ offense ... Also took snaps at receiver ... A baseball standout for Dudley, earning All-Conference honors as a junior in that sport ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Western Carolina and Morgan State.
Tyson Petty - 6-0, 165, WR, Gaffney, S.C. / Gaffney HS - Played at Gaffney (S.C.) High under Coach Phil Strickland... Big play receiver with blazing 4.33-second speed in the 40-yard dash ... Class 4A Division I State Player of the Year by the S.C. High School Sports Report ... An All-State selection by SCVarsity.com ... All-Region selection ... A first-team All-Area choice by the Spartanburg Herald-Journal ... Played in the SCADA North/South All-Star Game ... Caught 71 passes for 1,550 yards and 13 touchdowns, an impressive 21.8 yards per catch ... Led Indians to a 15-0 record and their second Class 4A Division state championship ... Team finished ranked No. 9 nationally by Rivals.com ... Had five catches for 141 yards and a 59-yard touchdown in the state title game win over Irmo (S.C.) High ... Scored both of Gaffney’s touchdowns in a 16-13 playoff win over nationally-ranked Byrnes (S.C.) High, taking a kickoff 97 yards for a score and turning a short pass into a 77-yard touchdown play ... Had 150 receiving yards and a touchdown in a regular season defeat of Byrnes ... Chose Gardner-Webb over The Citadel and Western Carolina ... Also recruited by Wake Forest, South Carolina and Kentucky.
Kenny Rivers - 6-2, 180, WR, Mocksville, N.C. / Davie County HS - Played at Davie County (N.C.) High under Coach Doug Illing ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds ... Finished as the War Eagles’ career leader in receiving yardage with 1,091 ... Played in just six games as a senior in 2006 ... Had 32 catches for 674 yards and seven touchdowns ... Averaged 105.3 yards per game to help War Eagles to a 6-0 start ... Had seven catches for 194 yards in a win over West Rowan ... Had 417 receiving yards as a junior ... Helped team to an 11-3 record ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Coastal Carolina.
Nelson Rushing - 6-1, 270, DL, Wadesboro, N.C. / Anson County HS - Played at Anson County (N.C.) High under Coach Jody Grooms ... Two-way standout on the line ... Excellent student ... Earned All-Southern Piedmont Conference honors as a junior and senior ... Helped Bearcats to a 10-4 record in 2006 ... Finished with 71 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks at defensive tackle ... Added five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Furman, Wofford, Western Carolina and William & Mary ... Also recruited by Navy.
Marquis Sanders - 5-11, 170, WR, Mt. Holly, N.C. / East Gaston HS - Played at East Gaston (N.C.) High under Coach Greg Lloyd ... Runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds ... Has run the 100m dash in a strong 10.9 seconds ... A first-team All-Gaston/Lincoln County selection by the Charlotte Observer ... All-Conference ... Had a career-best 47 catches for 1,011 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2006 ... Had five catches for 126 yards and an 86-yard touchdown vs. Burns ... Had three catches for 106 yards and a 65-yard score vs. Carson High ... Had four catches for 111 yards and an 85-yard touchdown vs. North Gaston ... Saw limited action as a junior ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Western Carolina.
Zach Welch - 6-3, 296, OG, Greensboro, N.C. / Southern Guilford HS - Played at Southern Guilford (N.C.) High under Coach Darryl Brown ... A first-team All-Area selection by the Greensboro News-Record ... All-Conference ... Excellent in the classroom with a 4.08 grade point average ... Helped young team to a 6-6 record in 2006 ... Registered 28 pancake blocks and allowed just one quarterback sack in 11 games of pass protection ... Helped squad to a 9-4 record and the Class 2A playoffs as a junior ... Team’s most valuable offensive lineman ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Elon.
Bradley Williams - 6-3, 190, PK, Greenville, S.C. / Greenville HS - Played at Greenville (S.C.) High under Coach Jim Sosebee ... Rated the No. 118 player in South Carolina’s Class of 2006 by the High School Sports Report ... Connected on 40 consecutive PAT attempts and scored 272 career points for the Red Raiders ... Boomed kickoffs to the opposition’s two-yard line on average in 2006 ... All-Region as a senior ... Earned Class 3A All-State honors from the S.C. High School Sports Report in 2005 ... Set a state record with 76 extra point makes that season ... Tied state record twice, once as junior and once as a senior, with 11 extra point makes in a single game ... Earned All-Region honors as a sophomore in 2004.
Jeffrey Williams - 6-0, 205, LB, Frisco City, Ala. / Frisco City HS - Played at Frisco City (Ala.) High under Coach Troy Quinn ... First-team Class 1A All-State choice by the ASWA (Alabama Sportswriters Association) ... Led the state of Alabama with 19.6 tackles per game ... Outstanding student who ranks at the top of his senior class ... An All-Region selection by the Mobile Press-Register ... Had 196 tackles (155 solo) and 37 tackles for loss for the Whippets ... Had six games with at least 20 tackles ... Also a standout on offense, rushing 87 times for 880 yards and six touchdowns at fullback (10.2 yards per rush) ... Had a 92-yard touchdown run vs. McIntosh (Ala.) High ... Had four 100-yard rushing games ... Also caught 13 passes for 361 yards and seven touchdowns (27.7 yards per catch) ... Best all-around game came vs. Blacksher (Ala.) High, rushing for 105 yards on 15 carries, catching five passes for 169 yards and recording 27 hits on defense ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Samford, Jacksonville State and Furman ... Also recruited by Vanderbilt.
Patrick Wilson - 6-4, 290, OT, Atlanta, Ga. / St. Pius X HS - Played at St. Pius X (Ga.) High under Coach Paul Standard ... A consensus first-team Class 4A All-State selection by the Associated Press and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ... Played in the annual Georgia North/South All-Star Game ... First-team All-DeKalb County by the DeKalb County Coaches Association ... A first-team All-Area choice by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2006 ... Led team to a 12-2 record and the Class 4A semifinals at the Georgia Dome ... Graded out at 92 percent in 14 starts as a senior ... Top blocker on an offense that set school records with 4,112 rushing yards and 406 points ... Team’s Offensive Player of the Year ... Graded out at 84 percent as a junior ... An All-Area choice by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in 2005 ... Also Named first-team All-DeKalb County by the Dunwoody Crier in 2005 ... Chose Gardner-Webb over Georgia Southern, Western Carolina and UT-Chattanooga.
LIBERTY (11)
Liberty University Head Football Coach Danny Rocco has announced the signing of 11 players to national letters of intent for the 2007-08 academic year.
“We are very excited about this year’s signing class,” stated Rocco. “This is a very talented group of players which we have assembled, allowing us to upgrade our talent pool at several different positions.
“We set out to make a mark in the state of Virginia and compete with the other I-AA programs in the state. We have signed eight players from Virginia and all of them had options at either the I-A or I-AA levels. We think this speaks volumes for where our program is at and where we are heading in the future.”
Of the 11 players, seven are slated to play on the offensive side of the ball (2 QB, 2 OL, 2 TE, 1 RB), three are defensive players (2 LB and 1 DB) and one player could play on either sides of the field (DB or WR). This marks Rocco’s second recruiting class at Liberty. The Big South Coach of the Year guided Liberty to a 6-5 record in his inaugural season last fall, marking a five-game win improvement over 2005 which ranked tied for the nation’s best turnabout from the previous year. Listed below are the 11 members of the 2007 Liberty University Football Signing Class:
Patrick Bannon – LB, 6-4, 235, Lexington, Va./Rockbridge County High School - Three-year letterwinner for the Wildcats ... finished his career with 424 tackles, 25 tackles for a loss, seven forced fumbles and pass break-ups, five blocked kicks, three sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery ... also added 23 receptions for 336 yards and five touchdowns during his career ... all-district first-team selection as a junior ... AP All-State, All-Timesland and all-district second-team honoree during his junior year ... named Valley District Defensive Player of the Year as a senior linebacker ... finished the year with 152 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and four sacks ... AP All-State, All-Timesland, All-Region and All-District first-team honoree as a senior ... is rated 41st on the Top 100 seniors list in the state of Virginia.
Mike Brown – QB, 6-0, 185, Charlottesville, Va./Monticello High School - Four-year letterwinner ... two-time Monticello Most Valuable Player ... All-Central Virginia first-team (quarterback) and All-Jefferson District second-team (defensive back) selections as a sophomore ... All-Jefferson District second-team honoree at quarterback, defensive back and punter as a junior ... All-Central Virginia first-team utility player as a senior at quarterback, defensive back and punter ... named Falcon Club Player of the Year as a senior ... All-Jefferson District first-team (defensive back) and second-team (quarterback and punt returner) as a senior ... also a four-year letterwinner in baseball and basketball ... captained both the football and basketball team in his final three prep seasons ...joined the 1,000 career point club in basketball as a senior ... three-time member of the academic honor roll ... three-time recipient of the VHSL Academic Excellence award ... National Honor Society member.
Larry Clairborne – DB, 6-1, 175, Ringgold, Va./GW Danville High School - Two-year letterwinner at defensive back ... finished his junior year with 38 solo tackles ... posted 58 solo stops as a senior, plus seven interceptions and seven pass break-ups ... all-district and all-region first-team honoree as a senior ... also named to the all-state second team during his senior year ... honor roll student.
Michael Connolly – OLB, 6-3, 242, Sarasota, Fla./Cardinal Mooney High School - Four-year letterwinner ... two-year varsity starter ... member of an undefeated freshman team ... posted 45 tackles, 10 sacks, three pass break-ups and a safety as a freshman ... started with the junior varsity team as a sophomore, recording 50 tackles, 10 sacks, five pass break-ups and three forced fumbles ... selected team’s Most Valuable Defensive Lineman as a junior ... posted 67 tackles, 11 sacks, six pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown as a junior ... helped Cardinal Mooney High School to a district and regional championship as a senior and the state semifinals ... all-area second-team honoree as a senior ... was selected to the Pal Bowl All-Star game as a senior after finishing the year with 25 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles ... selected his team’s Most Inspirational Player as a senior as he returned from ACL surgery in less than five months to play in the final five games of the year ... varsity basketball starter ... seven-year member of an AAU basketball team ... named to the honor roll six-straight semesters ... National Honor Society member ... Key Club ... has an athletic background as his uncle, Larry Henshaw, played tight end for Lehigh and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Spencer Hodges – OL, 6-6, 292, Bradenton, Fla./Manatee High School - Four-year letterwinner ... started at offensive tackle as a freshman ... junior varsity team captain as a sophomore ... started with the varsity team at left tackle as a junior and senior ... helped Manatee High School to back-to-back Class 5A district titles during his junior and senior years ... state semifinalist both seasons ... all-state first-team offensive lineman as a senior ... finished his senior year with 50 pancakes, including 13 in a single game ... all-district track honoree in the shot put.
Ricky Jenkins – TE, 6-3, 230, Fort Washington, Md./Friendly High School - Three-year letterwinner at tight end and long snapper ... was a member of the Friendly High School state championship team in 2006 ... is ranked as the third-best tight end in the state of Maryland by Rivals.com ... ranks 42nd in the nation as a tight end by Scout.com ... indoor track athlete which helped break the state 4x200 meter record in 2005 ... National Honor Roll ... Who’s Who Among High School Students.
LaRandale Lee – DB/WR, 6-0, 175, Newport News, Va./Heritage - Two-year letterwinner ... recorded 40 tackles, seven pass break-ups and six interceptions as a junior ... added 15 catches for 251 yards and two touchdowns during his junior year ... All-Peninsula District honorable-mention selection as a junior ... capped off his high school career by posting 56 tackles, nine interceptions, four pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown as a senior ... added 19 catches for 347 yards and two touchdowns during his senior year ... All-Peninsula District first-team defensive back selection and All- Peninsula District second-team wide receiver selection.
Justin McCracken – QB, 6-3, 195, Cedar Bluff, Va./Richlands High School - Two-year letterwinner ... threw for 1,701 yards as a junior and was named to the All-Southwest District and All-Region IV first teams and VHSCA All-State second team ... scattered his own school record by throwing for 2,610 yards as a senior ... posted a 66.3 completion percentage as a senior (160-of-241) and threw for 27 touchdowns in leading Richlands to an undefeated season and a state title ... completed 20-of-32 pass attempts for 176 yards and two touchdowns against Rockbridge in the 2006 VHSL championship game hosted by Liberty University at Williams Stadium ... named Player of the Year by All-Southwest District, All-Region IV, Wautauga Orthopedics, All-Four Season County, Pocahontas Coal Association and the All-State VHSCA ... All-State VHSCA and AP all-state first-team honoree as a senior.
Shay Nicholson – RB, 5-11, 210, Staunton, Va./Robert E. Lee High School - Four-year letterwinner ... rushed for 985 yards on 99 carries (9.9 average) for 13 touchdowns as a junior ... named to the all-district and all-region teams during his junior season ... capped off his prep career in grand fashion as he rushed for 1,532 yards on 181 carries (8.5 average) and 25 touchdowns ... Staunton Daily News Offensive Player of the Year as a senior ... all-district first-team and all-region II second-team honoree as a senior ... was a state qualifier in the 55 meters in track as a junior ... finished second in the region and seventh in the state in the 100 meters.
Tommy Shaver – TE, 6-6, 240, Hot Springs, Va./Bath County High School - Three-year letterwinner ... All-Region “C” first-team and all-state honorable mention as a tight end during his junior year ... caught 17 passes for 283 yards and a touchdown as a junior ... also added 88 tackles, 4.5 sacks, nine tackles for a loss, an interception and a fumble recovery as a linebacker during his junior year ... named to the VirginiaPreps.com “Hot 100” list and the Roanoke Times “Elite Eleven” squad as a senior ... all-district first-team and All-Region “C” second-team honoree as a senior ... posted career numbers in his final year at Bath County with 35 receptions for 438 yards and eight touchdowns at tight end ... also added 88 tackles at linebacker.
Toney White – OL, 6-5, 280, Manassas Park, Va./Manassas Park High School - Three-year letterwinner ... member of the junior varsity team as a freshman ... helped Manassas Park to a perfect 14-0 record en route to region, district and state championships as a sophomore ... all-district second-team offensive tackle during his sophomore season ... guided Manassas Park to a state runner-up title with a 13-1 mark as a junior ... all-district, all-region and all-state first-team defensive tackle with 60 tackles and five sacks as a junior ... also was a all-district first-team and all-region second-team selection at offensive tackle as a junior ... all-district, all-region, all-state first-team offensive tackle as a senior ... all-district and all-region first-team defensive tackle as a senior ... was No. 59 on Roanoke Times’ Top 100 Virginia recruits list.
PRESBYTERIAN (21)
New Presbyterian College football coach Bobby Bentley announced the signing of 21 student-athletes to National-Letters-of-Intent on Wednesday. Bentley's first recruiting class at Presbyterian has a strong in-state feel as 16 of the 21 recruits played their high school football in the Palmetto state. The majority of those signed were picked up by Bentley and his coaching staff as only five were committed to the program under the previous coaching staff.
"We are excited about this class," remarked Bentley. "All of these players have what we see as impact potential for the future of PC football."
The first National-Letter-of-Intent received by the coaching staff on Wednesday was Josh Austin's, who is an offensive lineman out of Camden. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, Austin was a two-sport standout at Camden, winning the 2006 state wrestling championship in the AAA Heavyweight division.
Christian Ayler was an outside linebacker at Darlington for new Blue Hose assistant head coach and linebackers coach Phil Magdic. Ayler (6-foot-2, 195), a two-time all-region selection, was a North/South All-Star at the conclusion of the 2006 season.
Michael Butler (6-4, 240) was named the Touchdown Club Of Gwinnett tight end of the Year and all-county last season. The Dacula, Ga. (Dacula High School) native played tight end and defensive end in high school.
Named the AAAA Offensive Player of the Year by The State, Irmo running back Mario Carter comes to the Blue Hose after a tremendous high school career. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Carter ended his senior season all-region, all-state and as the High School Sports Report Offensive Player of the Year in South Carolina.
Jeremy Cole (Ridgeview) was named second team all-state in South Carolina in 2006. Cole (6-foot, 175), a wide receiver, was also all-area and the team most valuable player at Ridgeview. Cole hauled in 58 catches last season for 860 yards.
A wide receiver out of North Myrtle Beach, Matthew DeWitt (6-foot-4, 190) was a North/South All-Star at the end of his senior season. DeWitt caught 33 passes last season for 535 yards and four touchdowns.
Torrell Funderburk (6-foot, 180), a wide receiver/defensive back from Central High School, was named to the High School Sports Reports' and the Coaches all-state first team last season. A two-time all-region choice, Funderburk was a North/South All-Star last season.
A defensive lineman out of Hanahan High School, Steven Grant comes to the Blue Hose football program off a senior season that saw him finish the year all-region. Grant is listed at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds.
A quarterback from Franklin County, Ga., Kyle Harris (6-foot-1, 190) ended his high school career as Franklin County's career total offensive leader. Harris threw for 38 touchdowns during his career and rushed for 13 more. His school's valedictorian, Harris was an Anderson Independent Mail all-area selection.
Billy Kaylor (Villa Rica, Ga.,/Villa Rica High School) was an all-area selection in high school. An offensive lineman with a big frame, Kaylor is 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds.
A defensive lineman out of Sumter High School, Bryan McDaniel is listed at 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds. Strong academically, McDaniel won the Ethel Burnett Academic Award.
Quarterback Brandon Miley (6-foot-2, 212) was a Shrine Bowl player last year for North Carolina. A native of Hoggard, N.C. (J.T. Hoggard High School), Miley was his region's player of the year last season. Miley threw for 29 touchdowns and 2,615 yards last season to conclude his career with over 6,000 yards passing.
A member of three state championship teams at Byrnes, Cam Miller (5-foot-9, 170) joins Bentley at Presbyterian after a stellar high school kicking career. Miller was named all-region last season.
A two-time all-region selection, Isiah Perrin (Timberland High School) will join the PC football program after a good high school career. Perrin (6-foot-3, 275) was named honorable mention All-Lowcountry.
Aaron Provence (6-foot, 271) signs with Presbyterian out of Dutch Fork High School in the Columbia, S.C. area. Provence was all-region at Dutch Fork.
A wide receiver out of Homewood, Ala. (Homewood High School), Tyler Robbins was an honorable mention all-state performer in Alabama. The Monday Morning Quarterback Club Special Teams Player of the Year, Robbins (6-foot-1, 180) was also named to the Birmingham News' All-Metro team. Robbins had 88 receptions for 947 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Daniel Simpson was a North/South All-Star in 2006. A defensive lineman, Simpson (6-foot-1, 250) was an Anderson Independent Mail All-Area selection.
Lexington High School product Grayson Sumner (6-foot-3, 280) was a High School Sports Report all-state choice last season. An offensive lineman, Sumner was also an all-region pick last season.
Belton-Honea Path product Jared Tavernier (5-foot-11, 263) will join his brother redshirt freshman Josh Tavierner at PC. The younger Tavernier was a Shrine Bowl player for South Carolina last season and a Mr. Football finalist. He was also the 2006 state strength champion.
J.R. Thomason, a linebacker out of Pendleton High School, was a North/South All-Star last season. A three-time all-region selection, Thomason (5-foot-10, 180) was named the defensive player of the year last season by the Anderson County Touchdown Club.
Brian Wilson (5-foot-9, 165), a defensive back out of Sumter High School, was an all-region performer last season. Wilson was also named the team's defensive most valuable player.
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE (17)
VMI head football coach Jim Reid announced the signings of 17 recruits to National Letters-of-Intent on the first day of the national signing period.
“We are absolutely delighted with this incoming class,” said Reid. “This group of young men has great skill, athleticism, intelligence, leadership, and a burning desire to excel. They are perfect fits for the challenges and rewards of a VMI cadetship.”
The signees are listed below alphabetically by name, position, height, weight, 40-yard dash time, high school, and hometown. In-depth biographical information on each signee follows.
Aaron Blue - DE/TE, 6-3, 230, 4.8, Peachtree Ridge H.S. (Suwanee, GA) - Member of 2006 Georgia High School AAAAA Football State Championship Team ... Selected as 1st Team All-Region by Area Coaches ... Gwinnett County Touchdown Club Player of the Month (October 2006) ... 3-Time Peachtree Ridge High School Defensive Player of the Week ... One Time Trenchman Award Winner given to Best Overall Lineman of the Week ... at Peachtree Ridge, One Time Special Teams Player of the Week ... Recorded 85 Tackles and 15 Sacks during Senior Campaign ... Also responsible for 6 caused fumbles, as well as 2 fumble recoveries as senior ... Hauled in a TD Pass at the TE position in 2006 ... Started in the 2006 George Athletic Coaches Association North/South Football All-Star Game which also included VMI signee Sam Palmer ... A 4-year Letterman in football and 3-year Letterman in Track ... School Record Holder in Shot Put and Discus ... Cleans an impressive 315 lbs.
James Boatright - OL, 6-0, 245, 4.8, Grayson H.S. (Grayson, GA) - Captain Football ... 3 year Varsity Letterman ... Received 2005 Ironman Spring Practice Award for Toughness & Durability ... Named to 2006 Pre-Season All-Gwinnett County Team ... Named to 2006 Post-Season All-Gwinnett County Team ... Awarded 2006 Ram Motivator Spring Practice Award ... So impressed coaches with his toughness and determination that they created ... Rocky Award and presented it to him as the inaugural recipient at 2006 awards banquet ... Named Offensive Lineman of the Year for Gwinnett County 2006, quite an honor ... Considering Gwinnett County ranks among the top in the state of Georgia in high school football, Coached by Mickey Conn (football) ... 4 year Varsity Letterman in Wrestling ... Qualified for state 3 consecutive years ... 2005 Area Runner-Up ... Won 2006 Area Championship ... Earned 5th place in 2005 County Tournament ... Followed up by winning Gwinnett County tournament in 2006 and 2007 ... Named to 2006 All-Gwinnett County wrestling team ... Selected as the 2006 Wrestler of the Year for Grayson High School ... School record holder for most pins in a season with 40 ... Also school record holder for points in a season with 320 team points ... Plans on wrestling at VMI as well as competing on the gridiron ...
Emilio Calvin - DE, 6-3, 238, 4.7, Freedom H.S. (Woodbridge, VA) - Captain Football (2005, 2006) ... Team MVP (2006) ... All-Region Honorable Mention (2006) ... All District First Team Linebacker (2006) ... All District Second Team Defensive End (2005) ... Lettered in track - throwing the shot and discus.
Eric Church - LB, TE, K, 6-2, 220, 4.75, Louisa County H.S. (Louisa, VA) - Captain Football ... Jefferson District Defensive Player of the Year – (2005, 2006) ... 1st Team VHSCA All State – Linebacker ... All Central Virginia Defensive Player of the Year ... 1st Team All Central Virginia – Linebacker – (2005, 2006) ... Region II Defensive Player of the Year ... 1st Team All Region II – Linebacker – (2005, 2006) ... 1st Team AP All State – Utility ... 1st Team VHSCA All State – Kicker ... 1st Team All Jefferson District - Tight End ... 1St Team All Jefferson District – Linebacker – (2005, 2006) ... 1st Team All Jefferson District – Kicker ... 1st Team All Region II – Kicker ... 2nd Team All Region II – Tight End ... 2nd Team All Central Virginia – Kicker ... HM Team All Central Virginia Team – Tight End ... Defense: 136 Tackles – 23 for loss ... 5 Caused Fumbles, 1 Interception ... 2 Blocked Punts, 2 Blocked Kicks ... 8 Sacks, 9 QB Pressures ... Offense: 16 Rec. 393 yards 3 TD’s ... Special Teams: Punts 18 / 32.9 avg FG 6/8 (long of 45 yards) ... EP 58/63.
A.J. Gross - LB, 5-10, 220, 4.6, Westlake HS (Waldorf, MD) - Captain Football (2005, 2006) ... Team Defensive player of the year (2006) ... 1st Team All Academic team (2005, 2006) ... 1st Team All Conference (2005, 2006) ... 1st Team All Southern Maryland (2005, 2006) ... Recipient of the State of Maryland Minds in Motion award for academic excellence (2005, 2006).
Tracy Hairston - QB/DB, 6-1, 180, 4.5, Martinsville H.S. (Martinsville, VA) - Captain Football and Basketball Team ... All Piedmont District First Team QB and Defensive Back ... Second Team All Region QB ... All Timesland Defensive Back ... Honorable Mention All State ... 2006 Piedmont District and Regional Champion Track & Field ... Leading rebounder from 2005-2006 State Championship Basketball Team ... 2006 Statistics: Passing 60C/95A/5 Int 7 TD 854 yds ... Rushing: 95 att 800 yds. 8.4 yds. per carry ... Def: 40 Tackles 2 Int ... Mentor at Martinsville Middle School ... Honor Roll Student.
Justin Hickman - QB, 6-0, 170, 4.5, Armwood H.S. (Brandon, FL) - Captain Football ... MVP – All County Game ... 2nd Team All County ... 2nd Team Sun Coast ... All State Honorable Mention ... Part of three (3) Florida State Championship Games (won 2 – lost 1) ... 2006 Season Stats: 1,300 Passing Yards, 900 Rushing Yards, 25 Rushing TD’s, 13 Passing TD’s.
Gabe Itoka - RB, 5-6, 180, 6.49/55 meter, South Lakes H.S.(Reston Area, VA) - Captain Football (2006) ... All district running back first team (2006) ... All district kick-returner first team (2006) ... 1st team all region kick- returner (2006) ... 2nd team all region running back (2006) ... Honorable mention state kick-returner (2006) ... All Met. (2006) ... Track: 55m district champion (2005) ... 100m district Champion (2005) ... 300m district champion (2005) ... 2nd team all region (2005).
Steven Hite - OL, 6-4, 250, 5.1, Campbell H.S. (Smyrna, GA) - Graded out at 96% over his career as a 2-year starter at Offensive Tackle ... Logged 68 Pancake blocks in career ... Selected to Cobb County TD Club All-County 1st Team as selected by area coaches ... Selected as Marietta Daily Journal All-County 1st Team Offensive Lineman ... Selected Atlanta Journal Constitution All-County 1st Team Offensive Lineman ... Campbell High School Offensive Lineman of the Year 2006 ... Twice during career selected as the Cobb County Player of the Week, once in 2005 and 2006 respectively ... Helped lead team to 2nd ever state AAAAA playoff berth, before losing to eventual ... state champion Peachtree Ridge ... Teammate of VMI signee Sam Palmer ... 4-year starter on Varsity Baseball Team.
Cameron Jones - QB, 6-0, 195, 4.52, Stephen F. Austin High School (Austin, TX) - Captain Football ... 1st Team All District ... Academic All District Football ... Austin American Statesman Athlete of the Week ... Selected to play in the 1st annual Lone Star Arena Classic ... 118 completions / 209 attempts for 1484 yards, 12 TD’s ... 104 rushing attempts for 622 yards, 7 TD’s ... Honor Roll Student.
Chaz Jones - RB, 5-11, 207, 4.56, Glenville H.S. (Cleveland, OH) - All Northeast Ohio Lake Erie District Honorable Mention ... All LEL Conference Honorable Mention ... All Cuyahoga County Honorable Mention ... Team Offensive MVP ... Plain Dealer Player of the Week ... Adelphia Player of the Game ... 2006 WEWS Player of the Week ... 2006 All-Senate Honorable Mention ... 2005 Season: 871 yards passing, 8 TD’s, 118 Rushes, 787 yards, 9 TD’s ... Total Offense – 1658 passing and rushing yardage, 17 TD’s ... 2006 Season: 110 Rushes 705 yards 8 TD’s, 10 Catches 117 yards 2 TD’s ... All League Running Back ... Channel 5 All-Star.
Chris Otersen - QB, 6-3, 200, 4.7, Robert E. Lee H.S. (Springfield, VA) - Captain Football (2005, 2006) ... 2006: 37/70 for 650 yards 6 TD/1 int, 79 for 686 rushing 7 TD’s ... Team MVP ... Honorable Mention All Northern Region Selection ... 2nd Team All Patriot District QB ... Player of the Week DC Examiner ... 2005: 19 catches 234 yards 1 TD, 16 yard return average on punts 1 TD, 6/11 79 yards at QB ... 2nd team Patriot District WR ... 2004: 9 catches 78 yards ... Student Government Vice President.
Samuel C. Palmer - DL, 6-0, 285, 4.9, Campbell H.S. (Smyrna, GA) - Selected to play in Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star ... Game along with VMI signee Aaron Blue ... Two time selection as Cobb County Defensive Player of the Week in 2006 ... Selected as Campbell High School 2006 Defensive Player of the Year ... Named 2nd-Team Atlanta Journal Constitution All-Cobb County Team as Defensive Lineman in 2006 ... Logged 85 Tackles and 28 Assists Senior Season ... 14 Tackles for Loss and 6 Sacks Senior Year ... Helped Lead Team to Playoffs for Second Time in School History, including 1st round victory over Central Gwinnett ... High School teammate of VMI signee Steven Hite.
Michael Rainey-Wiles - 5-9, 168, 4.4, North Hills High School (Pittsburgh, PA) - Captain – Football & Track ... 3 Year Varsity Letterman ... All State Track ... 10.68 100 meter, 37 inch vertical, 6’8” High Jump ... Junior Year: 2nd team All Conference- All Purpose Back ... 61 Carries 551 yards 2 TDs, 14 Catches 215 yards 2 TDs ... 5 Kick Off Returns 153 yards ... 20 Tackles & 4 Pass Break ups ... Senior Year: Honorable Mention All-State ... Pittsburgh Post Gazzette 1st Team All-Conference ... Journal News 1st Team All Conference ... Special Teams Player of The Year ... #67 ranked player in Pennsylvania ... 454 yards rushing 3 TDs, 310 yards receiving 1 TD, 12 Kickoff Returns 363 yards, 15 Punt Returns 331 yards, 39 Tackles 2 Interceptions, 1348 All Purpose yards.
Tyler Reedy - DB, 5-10, 175, 4.45, Sequoyah H.S. (Canton, GA) - Captain Football 2006 ... 2006 Atlanta Journal Constitution 2nd Team All-State ... 2006 Region 5AAAA Defensive Player of the Year ... 2006 Cherokee Tribune County Defensive Player of the Year ... 2006 Atlanta Journal Constitution Cherokee Co. Defensive Player of the Year ... 2005 All-Region DB ... 2005 Cherokee Tribune All-County Team ... 2005 Atlanta Journal Constitution All-County Team ... High School Stats (2005 & 2006): 301 Tackles, 20 Tackles for Loss, 6 Interceptions, 2 Fumbles Forced, 2 Fumbles Recovered, 8 Passes Broken Up, 5 Blocked Kicks, 1 Defensive TD, 630 Yds. Total Offense in limited time, 34.8 Yds. per Kick Return, 22.0 Yds. per Punt Return, 9 Total Touchdowns, 3 Safeties ... 3 Year Track Letterman – 38” Vertical Jump.
Mario Scott - WR/Slot/DB, 5-10, 175, 4.5, Randolph Macon Academy (Front Royal, VA) - Captain in football, basketball, & track ... 4 year letter winner in football as QB/WR/DB ... 1970 yards passing, 1100 yards rushing as a Jr./Sr. ... 2 year letter winner in basketball ... Avg. 11 ppg, 6 assists and 6 steals ... Member of the 4 x 100 state champ and 4 x 400 state runner-up team in track ... On the President’s List, Dean’s List and a member of the National Honor Society ... Former high school teammate of current Keydet & Big South Freshman of the Year Timothy Maypray.
Josh Wine - DL, 6-0, 255, 4.9, Massaponax H.S. (Fredericksburg, VA) - Captain Football (2005, 2006) ... Commonwealth All District LB (2004, 2005, 2006) ... All NW Region LB (2005, 2006) ... All Area Team LB (2004, 2005, 2006) ... Team Offensive Player of the Year (2006) ... Commonwealth District Defensive Player of the year (2005) ... Pat Tillman Award (Team Defensive Player of the Year) (2004, 2005) ... Wrestling: District Champion, Regional Champ, State runner-up (2005) ... District runner-up, 4th in region, 3rd in state (2004) ... Freestyle Greco Roman State Champ (2004) ... Will be a member of the VMI Wrestling Team ... Member of the National Honor Society (2005, 2006).