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First up, here is the good looking class for the Chants. The QB from Hargrave will be in the mix for the starting position this fall.
Football Announces Its 2007 Signing Class
CONWAY, SC – 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 (Bellamy and Childers) are currently enrolled at CCU and will be going through spring practices with the Chanticleers.
Coastal Carolina's 2007 Football Signing Class
Name Pos Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School (Previous)
Jeff Antolik OL 6-3 285 Columbia, S.C./Richland Northeast
Brooks Barbaree DL 6-2 285 Douglas, Ga./Coffee
Antonio Bellamy* DB 5-10 160 Conway, S.C./Carolina Forest (Georgia Military)
Bryan Brooks OL 6-6 300 Goose Creek, S.C./Stratford
Jamie Childers* QB 6-5 225 Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Wando (Hargrave Military Acad.)
Ben Collins TE 6-3 222 Warner Robins, Ga./Houston County
Keon Cunningham S 6-0 181 Edgefield, S.C./Strom Thurmond
Ben Erdman P/K 6-2 170 Cleveland, N.C./West Rowan
Andre Ford OL 6-4 293 Waycross, Ga./Ware County
Tim Franklin OL 6-5 320 Prosperity, S.C./Gilbert
Derrick Frasier LB 5-11 215 Orangeburg, S.C./Orangeburg-Wilkinson
Corey Hawkins LB 6-2 210 Blythewood, S.C./Blythewood
Dexter Holman DE 6-3 210 Kathleen, Ga./Houston County
B.J. Jenkins DE 6-2 212 Darien, Ga./McIntosh
Travaughn (Tre) Long WR 6-2 190 Clemmons, N.C./West Forsyth
Eric O'Neal RB 5-9 180 Warner Robins, Ga./Houston County
Myron Rogers TE 6-3 205 Columbia, S.C./Irmo
Joe Rogers TE 6-3 236 Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes
Brian Sanders S 5-11 175 High Point, N.C./TW Andrews
Desmond Steward LB 6-0 230 Douglasville, Ga./Douglas County
Chris Walls LB 6-1 200 Conway, S.C./Conway
* Enrolled in spring 2006 at Coastal and will participate in spring drills
Signees by State: South Carolina (10): Antolik, Bellamy, Brooks, Childers, Cunningham, Franklin, Frasier, Hawkins, M. Rogers, Walls Georgia (8): Barbaree, Collins, Ford, Holman, Jenkins, O'Neal, Rogers, Steward North Carolina (3): Erdman, Long, Sanders
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...
the boys from lexington held their "first" press conference evr to announce their class. the mood in lexington is changing.
February 7, 2007 2007 VMI Football Signees
LEXINGTON, VA.- 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)
Major: Business
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.
Coached by Blair Armstrong
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)
Major: Business
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.
Coached by John Brown
--Eric Church LB, TE, K 6-2 220 4.75 Louisa County H.S. (Louisa, VA)
Major: Engineering
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
Coached by Mark Fischer
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)
Coached by Dominic Zaccarelli
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
Coached by Taylor Edwards
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
Coached by Sean Callahan
--Gabe Itoka RB 5-6 180 6.49/55 meter South Lakes H.S.(Reston Area, VA)
Major: Business
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)
Coached by John Ellenberger
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)
Major: Engineering / Business
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
Coached by Kyle Hockman
--Cameron Jones QB 6-0 195 4.52 Stephen F. Austin High School (Austin, TX)
Major: Business and Economics
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
Coached by Rodney Vincent
--Chaz Jones RB 5-11 207 4.56 Glenville H.S. (Cleveland, OH)
Major: Business
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
Coached by Ted Ginn Sr.
--Chris Otersen QB 6-3 200 4.7 Robert E. Lee H.S. (Springfield, VA)
Major: Business
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
Coached by Rob Everett
--Samuel C. Palmer DL 6-0 285 4.9 Campbell H.S. (Smyrna, GA)
Major: Business
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
Made impressive score of 1170 on SAT
Coached by Kyle Hockman
--Michael Rainey-Wiles 5’9 168 4.4 North Hills High School (Pittsburgh, PA)
Major: Engineering
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
Coached by Jack McCurry
--Tyler Reedy DB 5-10 175 4.45 Sequoyah H.S. (Canton, GA)
Major: Business
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
Coached by Sid Maxwell
--Mario Scott WR/Slot/DB 5-10 175 4.5 Randolph Macon Academy (Front Royal, VA)
Major: Business
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
Coached by Sylvio Brutus
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)
Coached by Eric Ludden
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
CHARLESTON, S.C. - 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."
Name Ht. Wt. Pos. Hometown/Previous School
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
here is charleston southern's class. they had no other infomation on their website.
Buccaneer Football announces 19 signings for 2007
CHARLESTON, S.C. - 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."
Gardner-Webb Football Adds 18 On National Signing Day
Courtesy: Gardner-Webb
Release: 02/07/2007
BOILING SPRINGS – 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.”
Offensively, the Bulldogs’ skill position additions – four receivers, two tight ends and a running back – combined to score an eye-popping 81 touchdowns on the high school level in 2006, with speedy local receivers Tyson Petty (Gaffney, S.C. / Gaffney HS) and Marquis Sanders (Mt. Holly, N.C. / East Gaston HS) each averaging better than 20 yards per catch. Both Petty (6-0, 165) and Sanders (5-11, 170) cover 40 yards in less than 4.4 seconds, giving GWU a pair of game-breaking threats on the outside. The duo combined for 25 touchdown receptions in 2006.
Another local product, Gastonia (N.C.) Ashbrook running back Patrick Hall (5-11, 218) was the top touchdown man among that group of seven, rushing for 1,651 yards and 27 scores for the Green Wave.
Gardner-Webb signed a large collection of offensive linemen, paced by All-State tackles Corey O’Daniel (Louisville, Ky. / St. Xavier) and Patrick Wilson (Atlanta, Ga. / St. Pius X). Both O’Daniel (6-7, 330) and Wilson (6-4, 290) provide excellent size – and each played in high-powered offenses last season. All-State center C.J. Bryant, a 6-foot-1, 275-pounder from Greer (S.C.) Blue Ridge, and guard Zach Welch (6-3, 295) from Greensboro (N.C.) Southern Guilford round out a quartet that averages 6-foot-3, 297 pounds per man.
A complete list of Wednesday’s signees is included below, followed by in-depth bio sketches.
Gardner-Webb’s Football Additions For Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Kendrick Best * 6-1 * 165 * CB * Goldsboro, N.C. / E. Wayne
C.J. Bryant * 6-1 * 275 * OC * Greer, S.C. / Blue Ridge
Patrick Hall * 5-11 * 218 * RB * Gastonia, N.C. / Ashbrook
Kyle Hoffner * 6-2 * 240 * TE * Sebring, Fla. / Sebring
Chris James * 5-11 * 185 * CB * Tyrone, Ga. / Sandy Creek
Lyndon Leslie * 6-2 * 195 * WR * Lithonia, Ga. / ML King
Josh Miller * 6-2 * 225 * TE * Danville, Ky. / Boyle County
Bryce Nixon * 5-10 * 170 * CB * Lithonia, Ga. / ML King
Corey O’Daniel * 6-7 * 330 * OT * Louisville, Ky. / St. Xavier
Tre Perry * 5-11 * 180 * CB/ATH * Greensboro, N.C. / Dudley
Tyson Petty * 6-0 * 165 * WR * Gaffney, S.C. / Gaffney
Kenny Rivers * 6-2 * 180 * WR * Mocksville, N.C. / Davie Co.
Nelson Rushing * 6-1 * 275 * DL * Wadesboro, N.C. / Anson Co.
Marquis Sanders * 5-11 * 170 * WR * Mt. Holly, N.C. / E. Gaston
Zach Welch * 6-3 * 295 * OG * Greensboro, N.C. / S. Guilford
Bradley Williams * 6-3 * 190 * PK * Greenville, N.C. / Greenville
Jeffrey Williams * 6-0 * 205 * LB * Frisco City, Ala. / Frisco City
Patrick Wilson * 6-4 * 290 * OT * Atlanta, Ga. / St. Pius X
BIOS
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.
And even though they aren't officially in the Big South yet, PC becomes a staple of our schedule starting this fall. Their new coach obviously worked his contacts nicely to land a fairly impressive class.
PC Football Signs 21
CLINTON, S.C. – 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.
The Chris Lang of CCU gives his take on the Chants' class:
Signing day a time to retool for Chants
Bennett believes today's signees could be CCU's best class yet
By Ian Guerin
The Sun News
CONWAY - David Bennett has been through enough signing days to keep a level head.
High school football players sometimes change their mind in the final hours before signing, rescind their commitment and ink their name with another school. In other cases, even if a player signs, he might not pan out.
Still, the Coastal Carolina football coach is not exactly holding his tongue when he speaks of the signing class he expects to be finalized sometime this afternoon.
"The way I look at it, it's a very blessed year," Bennett said. "The ones who want to come, they come and work hard.
"The way this looks, this could be our best year."
Bennett cancelled the final two weeks of recruiting visits because he had commitments from his "top players." It left Bennett and his staff in a somewhat awkward position. After pursuing several players very hard from the start of the recruiting period, Bennett said he spoke to at least four high school coaches explaining why he could not offer certain players a scholarship.
It was a good problem to have, and Bennett believes the players who are coming to Coastal will prove him right.
With a concentrated effort on finding the next crop of linebackers and offensive linemen, the coaching staff set out to replace the holes left by the 36-player class that ran out of eligibility after last season.
At linebacker, the Chanticleers lost Jamar Leath, the Big South's all-time leading tackler, and reserve Anthony Featherstone, not to mention Quinton Teal, officially a safety but someone several opposing coaches thought of as another linebacker. Along the line, All-American tackle Brad Poston - a player who started every Coastal game during the program's first four seasons - was one of four players on the departed list. Fellow tackle Brian Kepple and center Frank Tolbert also ran out of eligibility, and guard Brett Porterfield will forgo his final season to pursue law school.
The Chants already have promising players on campus, including former Conway tackle Alex Wolfe, Britt Leggett and Trent Killian, but losing those four starting linemen was too much to overlook.
So the staff set out to replace the losses, and it appears it has done a nice job of filling those holes.
While Bennett cannot comment specifically on players, outside reports point to as many as five linebackers signing letters of intent with the Chants today.
That list includes Shrine Bowl participant Derrick Frasier of Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Georgia North-South all-star Desmond Steward and - keeping the Conway High to CCU pipeline going - former Tigers star Chris Walls.
As for the offensive line, at least three prospects are expected to join the Coastal ranks with Richland Northeast's Jeff Antolick at the top of that list.
The 6-foot-4, 285-pound guard had offers from Big South members Liberty and Gardner-Webb, and earlier in the process was garnering interest from Clemson, South Carolina and Middle Tennessee State.
"We've been anxious to get a kid to Coastal, and he'll be the first one," Richland Northeast coach Jaye Frye said. "Most schools talk about playing time. Best I can recall, they said he could come in early and help out. He is, or should be, one of the better ones they get."
Coastal is also expected to sign two big tight ends, Myron Rogers of Irmo and Ben Collins from Houston County, Ga. Collins will be part of a trio of Houston County players who will likely sign with Coastal today.
Teammates Eric O'Neal, a running back and the Georgia Class AAAAA offensive player of the year, and defensive end Dexter Holman, will join Collins.
Collins turned down offers from Ball State and Connecticut, and all three cancelled official visits to other schools after touring the Coastal campus.
"I think they all feel Coach Bennett has that program headed right," said Houston County coach Doug Johnson, who played at The Citadel in the mid-70s. "Coastal has done a good job of planning and getting that program up and running.
"A lot of people don't know about Coastal, but they're fixin' to find out."
- By Tothehoopyall1
- By TH Spangler