2018 Carson-Newman Football Signing Day Central
February 7, 2018

2018 Carson-Newman Football Signing Day Central

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman head football coach Mike Turner has announced the signings of 44 student athletes to play football for Carson-Newman University.     

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - Carson-Newman head football coach Mike Turner has announced the signings of 44 student athletes to play football for Carson-Newman University.     

"We believe that this signing class addresses several of our immediate needs for 2018," Turner said. "I'm grateful for the work of our assistant coaches for assembling what we we believe is a stellar crop of not only football players, but also young men.  I'm also grateful for support of our campus administration, from admissions to our financial aid department, everyone has made certain that these incoming players will be welcomed to campus with a first-class experience.   Finally, I'd like to thank all our signees and their families for trusting us to have a role in their lives for the next four years." 

The Eagles addressed needs at offensive line, runnning back and wide receiver after focusing primarily on the defense with the 2017 signing class. Carson-Newman brings in 12 offensive lineman, five running backs and five wide receivers.  

"The exciting thing about this is that we still have some kids preparing to sign in the near future," Turner said. "Today was a high quality start to building the future of our program. I look forward to us finishing strong on the recruiting trail in the days, weeks and months ahead."  

The state of Tennessee was Carson-Newman's most well-represented state. The Eagles added 21 from the Volunteer State.  Carson-Newman grabbed 11 players from Georgia and five each from Florida and North Carolina. 

"What matters now is that we are united together in a common goal and purpose moving forward," Turner said. "That's what we want 2018 to be about.  We want to honor God in all that we do. A great start down that path is to be united as one." 

Name Position Height Weight Hometown High School 
Alexander, Terrance DB 6'0" 160 Dallas, Ga. East Paulding
Antal, Kyle OL 6'4" 270 Whitwell, Tenn. Whitwell
Baker, Cameron  DB 5'10" 172 Loudon, Tenn. Loudon
Bass, Christian TE  6'4" 225 Ludowici, Ga. Long County 
Benson, Trace DL 6'2" 230 Madisonville, Tenn. Sequoyah 
Bowman, Brodie QB 5'9" 190 Bryson, N.C. Swain County 
Bull, Caleb WR 6'3" 160 Murfreesboro, Tenn. Siegel
Chu, Mason  QB 6'0" 195 Jamestown, N.C. Southwest Guilford 
Davis, Daishon DB 6'0" 185 Gastonia, N.C. South Point
Fuller, Zackury LB 6'0" 190 Jesup, Ga.  Wayne County 
Gann, Mason OL 6'2" 275 Maryville, Tenn. Maryville
Harris, Antwon OL 6'3" 290 Knoxville, Tenn.  Central
Hinton, Alex OL 6'1" 305 Knoxville, Tenn.  Central
Hogue, Malcolm RB 5'8" 206 Oakman, Ala. Oakman
Houston, Alonzo LB 5'9" 200 Wimauma, Fla. Palmetto 
Johnson, Toot RB 5'11" 195 Rincon, Ga. Effingham County 
Jones, Hayden OL 6'0" 260 Seymour, Tenn. Northview Academy
Jureidini-Wyche, Trayzel LB 6'0" 207 Douglasville, Ga. Alexander
Kelly, Romain WR 6'3" 193 Spartanburgs, S.C. Spartanburg
Kerley, Jacob DL 6'2" 220 Crossville, Tenn. Cumberland County 
Lane, Gage OL 6'2" 270 Knoxville, Tenn.  Carter 
McClure, Ethan  OL 6'3 300 Locust Grove, Ga. Eagle's Landing Christian 
McDowell, Antonio LB 6'2" 215 Black Mountain, N.C. Charles D. Owen
McMahon, Kolbe RB/P 5'11" 180 Lewisburg, Tenn. Cornersville 
Moore, Carson DB 5'11" 140 Mount Air, Ga. Habersham Central 
Mullins, Dalton QB  5'9" 175 Wise, Va.  Central 
Parker,  Seth WR 6'3" 180 Bryson, N.C. Swain County 
Patterson, Cade K 5'9" 182 Clarksville, Tenn. Clarksville 
Patton, Jarrett LB 6'1" 227 Flagler Beach, Fla. Matanzas 
Payne, Bryan RB/DB 5'10" 180 Memphis, Tenn.  St. George's Independent School 
Perian, Zachary DL 6'4" 240 Sweetwater, Tenn. Sweetwater 
Ponder, Jatavius DL 6'2" 235 Jonesboro, Ga. Carver 
Presnell, Bailey OL 6'2" 285 Jonesborough, Tenn. Daniel Boone
Root, Nick OL 6'1" 270 Cartersville, Ga. Cartersville
Scarbrough, Lane QB 5'11" 175 Abingdon, Va. John S. Mattle
Sheeler, Harrison OL 6'1" 240 Hazlehurst, Ga.  Jeff Davis 
Smith, TJ WR 6'6" 184 Marietta, Ga. Wheeler
Spiller, Kenneth DL 6'1" 300 Miami, Fla. Miami Palmetto 
Stutzman, Logan LB 6'0" 185 Cleveland, Tenn. Cleveland
Tabor, Gabe LB 6'0" 202 White Pine, Tenn.  Jefferson County
Taylor, Zachary TE/DL 6'3" 230 Gray, Tenn. Daniel Boone
Waters, Korey WR 6'0" 175 Bradenton, Fla. Southeast 
West, Jesse OL 6'5" 290 Palmetto, Fla.  Palmetto 
Harrell, Landon LB 6'1" 230 Maryville, Tenn. Heritage 

(Final as of 5 p.m.)

Romain Kelly – Spartanburg, S.C. – Spartanburg High School – WR/FS – 6-3 – 193 – @ YvngGoat2

HIGH SCHOOL: Kelly was a four-sport athlete for the Vikings where he also played basketball, baseball and was on the track team. For head coach Chris Miller, he recorded 1,803 total receiving yards on 130 catches with 47.7 receiving yards per game. He brought in 15 touchdowns in his career.

Kelly won a state championship with the Vikings while also receiving honors from Maxpreps.

PERSONAL: The son of Bernard Kelly, he plans to pursue a degree in engineering at Mossy Creek.

Korey Waters – Bradenton, Fla. – Southeast High School – WR – 6-0 – 175 – @koreyjr1

HIGH SCHOOL: Waters played three sports at Southeast High School including basketball and track. Under head coach Rashard West, he logged nine touchdowns with 32 catches as a Seminole.

PERSONAL: The son of Korey Waters, he intends to study sports medicine at Carson-Newman. He made it onto the honor roll while also being a qualifier for the National Honors Society.

Jatavius Ponder – Jonesboro, Ga. – Carver High School – DL – 6-2 – 235 - @Solid_jt 

HIGH SCHOOL: Davenport racked up a whopping 24 sacks and 56 tackles for loss during his senior year playing for Darren Myles at Carver High School.  Ponder led the entire state of Georgia in sacks his senior year.  He was named all-state, all-metro and all-region in addition to being named the defensive player of the year. 

PERSONAL: The son of Yolanda Ponder.  He wants to study toward being an engineer.  He was a member of the academic honor roll at Carver High School. 

Landon Harrell – Maryville, Tenn. – Heritage High School – LB - 6-1 – 230 - @landonharrell_8 

HIGH SCHOOL:  Harrell played for Tim Hammontree at Heritage High School before coming to Carson-Newman.  He tallied 243 tackles between his junior and senior seasons for the Mountaineers.  His 133 tackles as a senior led the team.  He was a two-time first team all-region selection as a junior and senior.  He helped Heritage to two straight playoff appearances. 

PERSONAL: The son of Joe Harrell, he plans to study biology and pre-med at Carson-Newman. 

Dalton Mullins – Wise, Va. – Central High School – QB – 5-9 – 175 – @Dmullins15

HIGH SCHOOL: Mullins was a three-sport athlete at Central, playing basketball and running track. He recorded 2,908 rushing yards with 2,707 yards through the air. He was the 2017 Wendy's High School Heisman for the state of Virginia. He was a Mountian 7 All-Conference player while also receiving accolades as a member of the All-Region 2A West team and VHSL All-State team.
With the Warriors, he was a Mountain 7 All-Conference player in basketball and a VHSL All-State member in track.

PERSONAL: The son of Jason and Bobbi Mullins, he intends to major in exercise sciences at Carson-Newman. He was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. His father played college football at Clinch Valley College. His mother was a dual-sport athlete in basketball and tennis at Clinch Valley College, as well.

Christian Bass – Ludowici, Ga. – Long County High School – TE – 6-4 -225 - @912_dreamchaser

HIGH SCHOOL: A three-sport star at Long County High School, Bass also played basketball and ran track.  He is a two-time all-region selection on both the football field and the basketball court.

PERSONAL: The son of Ramada Bass.  He plans to study biology at Carson-Newman.  In high school, he was a member of the Beta Club. 

Seth Parker – Bryson, N.C. – Swain County High School – WR – 6-3 – 180

HIGH SCHOOL: Parker played for Neil Blankenship at Swain County High School.  He caught 679 yards worth of passes and grabbed seven touchdowns for the Devils.  He was an all-conference selection and helped Swain Country to a conference title as a senior. 

PERSONAL: The son of Jill and Brian Parker, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman. 

Terrance Alexander - Dallas, Ga. - East Paulding High School - CB - 6-0 - 160

HIGH SCHOOL: A First-Team All-Region player. Alexander was a three-sport athlete playing both basketball and baseball

PERSONAL: The son of Kelli Alexander.  Plans to study education at Carson-Newman. 

Brodie Bowman – Bryson, N.C. – Swain County High School – QB – 5-9 – 190

HIGH SCHOOL: A dual-threat QB, Bowman tossed for 2,952 yards and rushed for 1,589 yards as a senior for coach Neil Blankenship.  He helped the Devils to a conference title and earned all-conference honors along the way.   

PERSONAL: The son of Denise Walkingstick, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman.

Gage Lane – Knoxville, Tenn. – Carter High School – OL – 6-2 – 270

HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter for the Carter Offensive Line.  He was presented the Hornets' Captain's Award at the conclusion of his senior season.

PERSONAL: The son of Jessica and Shawn Lane. 

Jarrett Patton – Flagler Beach, Fla. – Matanzas High School – LB – 6-1 – 227 - @Jarrettpatton8 

HIGH SCHOOL: Patton tallied 171 tackles in his career playing for Robert Ripley at Matanzas High School.  He also made 44 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and had 26.5 sacks.  He was selected for USA U-19 team and played in International Bowl IX at AT&T Stadium. 

He is a three-year defensive starter for the Pirates and earned all-area, all-county and all-district honors.  He led the district in sacks as a senior. 

While a part of the Matanzas defense, he helped the Pirates rank at the tops of the area in total defense and helped guide the unit to a pair of playoff appearances. 

PERSONAL: The son of Britt and Michelle Patton.  He plans to study marketing at Carson-Newman. He was a member of the A/B honor roll in high school.  His father played football at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

Hayden Jones – Seymour, Tenn. – Northview Academy – OL – 6-0 – 260 - @bighcougar 

HIGH SCHOOL: Jones led Todd Loveday's Northview Academy team in knockdown blocks and helped the Cougars to a pair of TSSAA playoff appearances.  He was a first team-all-region and all-county selection as a senior and named his team's lineman of the year. 

PERSONAL: The son of Chuck and Michelle Jones, he plans to study biology at Carson-Newman.  He is Northview Academy's valedictorian. 

Bailey Presnell – Jonesborough, Tenn. – Daniel Boone High School – OL – 6-2 – 285 - @baileypresnell_ 

HIGH SCHOOL: While playing football for Jeremy Jenkins at Daniel Boone High School, Presnell helped the Trailblazers grab a conference title as a senior.  He earned all-conference accolades on three occasions as well as all-district honors.  Twice he was named the lineman off the year for  the district.   He was an all-state pick as a senior. 

PERSONAL: The son of Ancel and Kimberly Presnell, he plans to study nursing at Carson-Newman. 

Kolbe McMahon – Lewisburg, Tenn. – Cornersville High School – RB/P – 5-11 – 180 - @kolbemcmahon34 

HIGH SCHOOL: McMahon ripped off 1,066 yards rushing for coach Gerard Randolph for the Bulldogs. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns on the ground.  McMahon added 175 yards and two more scores through the air.  He finished his senior year with 1,738 all-purpose yards.  He punted 12 times as a senior for an average of 41.75 yards a boot. He was twice named an all-state punter.  He helped the Bulldogs to a state title game appearance for the first time in school history. 

PERSONAL: The son of Misti McMahon, he plans to study business at Carson-Newman.  His mother played basketball at Martin Methodist. 

Gabe Tabor – White Pine, Tenn. – Jefferson County High School – LB – 6-0 – 202 – @Gabe_tabor

HIGH SCHOOL: A tri-sport athlete at Jefferson County High School, Tabor ran track and was on the basketball team for the Patriots. Under head coach Spencer Riley, he recorded 77 tackles with two interceptions and five pass breakups in his senior season.
Tabor served as a captain for the Patriots while also being named an All-Lakeway player along with making it onto the All-Region and East Tennessee All-Star lists.

PERSONAL: The son of Lori Hughes, Tabor plans to major in education at Carson-Newman. He was a Student of the Year nominee at Jefferson County High School.

Antonio McDowell – Black Mountain, N.C. – Charles D. Owen High School – LB – 6-2 – 215 – @ABMXXVI

HIGH SCHOOL: McDowell also spent time on the basketball and track teams at Charles D. Owen High School. During his junior year, he recorded 72 tackles, six for loss, two sacks and 500 rushing yards. His senior year with the Warhorses saw him make over 80 tackles with eight for loss, notching four sacks along with 700 rushing yards.

Lauded a WHC All-Conference player, he was also named the team's Back of the Year.

PERSONAL: The son of Lester McDowell, he plans to major in either criminal justice or sports management. His father was an athlete at Mars Hill and his brother, David, played football at Troy University before joining the St. Louis Rams. Another brother, Chris, was an athlete at the University of Kentucky.

Bryan Payne – Memphis, Tenn.      – St. George's Independent School – RB/DB – 5-10 – 180 -- @bryanpayne_5

HIGH SCHOOL: The dual sport athlete at St. Georges Independent School, Payne almost competed with the Gryphons' Track and Field team. He was named to the All-State team by the Tennessee Football Coaches Association while also garnering First Team defense honors in his region.

A member of the Autozone Liberty Bowl All-Star team, he served as a team captain for the Gryphons during his senior season, recording 15 touchdowns on 1,300 yards with 40 tackles and five pass break ups.

PERSONAL: The son of Stacie and Bryan Payne, he intends to major in physical therapy at Carson-Newman. He was the Cory Horton award recipient for perseverance in high school.

Zackury Fuller – Jesup, Ga. – Wayne County High School – LB – 6-0 – 190

HIGH SCHOOL: Fuller makes his way to Carson-Newman after playing for Ken Cribb at Wayne County High School.  He helped the Yellow Jackets to a region title, winning the team's Mr. Defense accolade in the process.  He led the team in tackles for loss and forced fumbles. He was the Wayne County Region Defensive Player of the Year. 

PERSONAL: The son of Joshua Warren, he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman. 

Cade Patterson – Clarksville, Tenn. – Clarksville High School – K – 5-9 – 182 - @cadenmichaell

HIGH SCHOOL: Patterson comes to Mossy Creek after playing for coach Isaac Shelby at Clarksville High School.  He made six of the seven field goals he attempted that were from 48 yards or longer.  He was 23-for-23 on PATs and had 28 touchbacks on kickoffs.  Twice he was named all-area as a kicker.  Patterson earned all-region honors as a senior. He helped Clarksville to a playoff berth. 

PERSONAL: The son of Michaell Patterson. 

Logan Stutzman – Cleveland, Tenn. – Cleveland High School – LB – 6-0 – 185 - @stutzmanlogan 

HIGH SCHOOL: Stutzman played football for Scott Cummings at Cleveland High School.  He also swam and played soccer for the Blue Raiders.  On the gridiron, he racked up 145 tackles, seven forced fumbles, five picks and three fumble recoveries across 15 starts.  He led the region in forced fumbles and picks as a senior. He was an all-region and all-area selection. 

PERSONAL:  The son of Ed and Kathy Stutzman, he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.  His sister Lauren plays soccer at Lee. He was a Raider Scholar in high school.

Cameron Baker – Loudon, Tenn. – Loudon High School – DB – 5-10 – 172

HIGH SCHOOL: Baker was an all-region defensive back for Jeff Harig at Loudon High School.  He made 67 tackles and picked off six passes for the Redskins.  He brought a pick, a kickoff and a fumble back for touchdowns in his senior season.  He was named the region's defensive back of the year. 

PERSONAL: The son of John Baker, he plans to study sports medicine at Carson-Newman. 

Alonzo Houston – Wimauma, Fla. – Palmetto High School – LB – 5-9 – 200 - @HoustonAlonzo 

HIGH SCHOOL: Houston joins former Palmetto High School star and current All-SAC defensive lineman Brian Bembry on the Eagles' roster.  He racked up 358 tackles, 98 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 16 sacks in three seasons playing for Dave Marino.  He led the team in tackles two of his final three seasons.  He also picked off four passes.  He was his area's defensive player of the year. 

PERSONAL: The son of Alphonso Houston, he plans to study computer science at Carson-Newman.  He has two notable cousins, one Heisman Trophy winner and former Nebraska All-American Tommy Frazier; and two, former Florida State legend Warrick Dunn.  Houston made Palmetto's honor roll.

Zachary Perian – Sweetwater, Tenn. – Sweetwater High School – DL – 6-4 – 240 - @zac_perian 

HIGH SCHOOL: Perian played for Ethan Edminston at Sweetwater High School before coming to Carson-Newman.  He made 54 tackles and had 8.5 sacks as a senior.  He was an all-region selection. 

PERSONAL: The son of Joe and Laura Perian.  He plans to study computer science at Carson-Newman.  He was a member of the Beta Club in high school.

Mason Gann – Maryville, Tenn. – Maryville High School – OL - 6-2 – 275 - @mdgann77 

HIGH SCHOOL: Gann played for coach Derek Hunt at Maryville, twice garnering All-PrepXtra First team honors.  He helped the Rebels to a pair of 6A state titles.

PERSONAL: The son of Robin Cabraja and Denny Gann. 

Trace Benson – Madisonville, Tenn. – Sequoyah High School – DL – 6-2 – 230 - @benson_trace 

HIGH SCHOOL: Benson played for coach Bobby White at Sequoyah High School where he tallied 97 tackles in both his junior and senior seasons with the Chiefs.  He had 29 tackles for loss the final two years with SHS.  He was a three-time all-county and three-time all-region selection.  He was named the region's defensive lineman of the year and started for Tennessee in the Border Bowl All-Star game. Comes from the same high  school as current men's basketball player Taylor Hawkins. 

PERSONAL: The son of Randal and Tina Benson. He plans to study biology at Carson-Newman. 

Jesse West – Palmetto, Fla. – Palmetto High School – OL – 6-5 – 290

HIGH SCHOOL: Former high school teammates of All-SAC defensive lineman Brian Bembry, West played for Dave Marino at Palmetto High School. He was the offensive captain for the Tigers.  He also wrestled and ran track and field. 

PERSONAL: The son of Daniel West, he plans to study religion at Carson-Newman.  He is a member of the National Honor Society and won the Tiger Award for having the top GPA on the football team. 

Kyle Antal – Whitwell, Tenn. – Whitwell High School – OL – 6-4 – 270

HIGH SCHOOL: Antal was a three-year starter on the offensive line for coach Randal Bouldin and led his team in pancake blocks as a senior.  He was a member of the first Whitewell High  School class to make the playoffs in seven years, then became the first class in school history to make the playoffs in four consecutive seasons.  He earned all-region honors as a result and was named the region's offensive lineman of the year as a senior.  The 2017 Tiger team set the school's record for most points scored in a single season with 532. 

PERSONAL: The son of Ivan and Brenda Antal.  He plans to study business and sports management at Carson-Newman.  He was an academic all-state selection and a four-year member of  the Beta Club. 

Nick Root – Cartersville, Ga. – Cartersville High School – OL – 6-1 – 270 - @NickRoot54 

HIGH SCHOOL: Root comes to Carson-Newman after playing for former Carson-Newman quarterback and AFCA Good Works Team Member Joey King at Cartersville High School where he blocked for the number one quarterback prospect in the country.  He was a three-time all-county and all-region selection.  He earned all-state honors as a senior.

He helped the Hurricanes compile a 53-3 record in high school with four regional titles and back-to-back state championships as a junior and senior. 

PERSONAL: The son of Sara Agan, he plans to study physical education at Carson-Newman. Root comes from an athletic family.  His sister Melanie is a gymnast at Oklahoma.  He brother Chris is a gymnast at the University of Illinois-Chicago.  He was a member of Beta Club in high school as well as an honor roll recipient and the winner of the Renaissance Award. 

Caleb Bull – Murfreesboro, Tenn. – Siegel High School – WR – 6-3 – 160 - @Cjbull22 

HIGH SCHOOL: Bull makes his way to Mossy Creek after playing for Michael Copley at Siegel High School.  He also ran track for the Stars.  Bull averaged 33.3 yards a catch as a senior as a big-play threat.  He ensnared 15 receptions for 500 yards and seven scores.  He was an all-region selection on the football field and a first-team all-state choice for the Stars track team. 

PERSONAL: The son of Amanda Charlton, he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.

Antwon Harris – Knoxville, Tenn. – Central High School – OL – 6-3 – 290 - @antwonharris3 

HIGH SCHOOL: Harris comes to Carson-Newman after a stellar career at Central High School.  He was the Bobcats Team Captain and a first-team all-gridiron offensive lineman on a team that went to the state title game in 2017.  He also ran track and played basketball for the Bobcats.  

PERSONAL: The son of Maria Chavez, he plans to study nursing at Carson-Newman. 

Malcolm Hogue – Oakman, Ala. – Oakman High School – RB - 5-8 – 206 - @Malcolmhogue_10 

HIGH SCHOOL: Hogue played football for Mark Hastings at Oakman High School where he was an all-second team selection and team captain.  He helped the Wildcats to a region title.  He Hogue also played basketball. 

PERSONAL: The son of Kenneth Coger.  He was a member of Beta Club in high school.  He also was a part of the National Society of High School Scholars and the Walker County Junior Ambassadors.  He was his senior class president, HOSA treasurer and SGA secretary. 

Mason Chu – Jamestown, N.C. – Southwest Guilford High School – QB – 6-0 – 195 -  @hokie819 

HIGH SCHOOL: Played high school football for Eric Rainey at Southwest Guilford High School.  He also played baseball

PERSONAL: The son of John and Ruth Chu.  He plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman. 

Zach Taylor – Gray, Tenn. – Daniel Boone High School – TE/DL – 6-3 – 230 - @boonepride45

HIGH SCHOOL: Played tight end and defensive line for Jeremy Jenkins at Daniel Boone High School.   On the offensive side of the ball, he had five catches for 67 yards and two scores.  Defensively, he made 55 tackles with 18 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.  Taylor was an All-League choice for the Mountain Lakes Conference as a defensive end. He was named the Trailblazers Defensive Lineman of the Year.  He helped DBHS to an unbeaten conference record and a conference title as a senior. 

PERSONAL: The son of Karen Taylor, he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.

Lane Scarbrough – Abingdon, Va. – John S. Battle High School – QB – 5-11 – 175 - @scarbrough_lane 

HIGH SCHOOL: Scarbrough played for coach Britt Stone at John S. Battle High School. The Trojans quarterback had 2,034 yards of total offense his senior year and was named the Mountain 7 District Offensive Back of the year.  He was named his team's' captain and the Trojans Offensive Player of the Year. 

PERSONAL: The son of Ray and Traci Scarbrough.  He plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman. He is a member of the National Honor Society.

Alex Hinton – Knoxville, Tenn. – Central High School – OL – 6-1 – 305 - @Alex_hinton75 

HIGH SCHOOL: Hinton starred on Central High School's offensive line for coach Bryson Rosser.  He helped the Bobcats to the state title game in 2017.  As a senior, he earned all-region honors.

PERSONAL: The son of Christi Hinton.  He plans to study physics at Carson-Newman. He is a member of the National Honor Society. 

Carson Moore – Mount Airy, Ga. – Habersham Central High School – DB - 5-11 – 140

HIGH SCHOOL: A two-sport athlete at Habersham Central High School.  He played tennis in addition to suiting up on the gridiron for Benji Harrison.  He was a second-team all-region selection and named defensive player of the week once in his senior year. 

PERSONAL: The son of Donald and Jennica Moore.  He plans to study business at Carson-Newman.  He's an honor roll student.

Jacob Kerley – Crossville, Tenn. – Cumberland County High School – DL – 6-2 - 220 - @KerleyJacob 

HIGH SCHOOL: A four-sport athlete for Cumberland County High School, Kerley also played basketball and soccer, plus ran track in addition to his exploits on the gridiron.  He rushed for more than 100 yards as a senior and averaged 3.5 tackles per loss a game on the other side of the ball.  He was named all-conference and the Jets team MVP.  He helped CCHS to its first playoff game in more than a decade. 

PERSONAL: The son of Lorrie and Joe Kerley, he plans to study biology at Carson-Newman. He finished in the top 15 percent in the country on the National Spanish Exam. 

Ethan McClure – Locust Grove, Ga. – Eagle's Landing Christian Academy – OL – 6-3 - 200 - @Ethanmcclure16 

HIGH SCHOOL: McClure helped coach Jonathan Gess and Eagle's Landing grab a trio of state

PERSONAL:  The son of Clayton McClure, he plans to study sports management at Carson-Newman.  His grandfather, Tom McClure, played football at Western State.

Harrison Sheeler – Hazlehurst, Ga. – Jeff Davis High School – OL - 6-1 – 240 - @hsheeler58

HIGH SCHOOL: A three-sport star at Jeff Davis High School, Sheeler also ran track and wrestled for the Yellow Jackets.  He was named his team's most valuable lineman all four years of his high school career.  He was twice named all-region and as a senior, earned all-state honors.  He helped lead Jeff Davis to its first playoff berth in 17 years as a senior.

PERSONAL: The son of Erik Sheeler, he plans to study nursing at Carson-Newman.  He was a four-year member of the Beta Club and on the SGSC Dean's List. 

Lamonee "Toot" Johnson – Rincon, Ga. – Effingham County High School – RB - 5-11 – 195 - @Toot_johnson 

HIGH SCHOOL: Johnson makes his way to Mossy Creek after playing for Buddy Holder at Effingham County High School.  He rushed for  2,165 yards for the Rebels and scored 28 touchdowns.  Johnson was named the MVP in the Blitz Border Bowl Game and won WJCL's Big 22 Award.  He earned first team all-region honors two straight years. 

A two sport athlete, Johnson also runs track in high school.  He is Effingham County's record-holder for the 100 and 200 meters. 

PERSONAL: The son of Niema Johnson.  He is undecided on a major at Carson-Newman. 

Trayzel Jureidini-Wyche – Douglasville, Ga. – Alexander High School – LB – 6-0 – 207 - @45_houdini 

HIGH SCHOOL: Jureidini-Wyche played for Matthew Combs at Alexander High School where he racked up 270 tackles for his career.  He impressively had 225 solo stops and averaged 8.4 tackles per game.  He finished his high school career with 32 sacks, leading Douglas County and Region 5-6A in sacks as a senior. 

He was lauded with all-state and all-county honors three times and all-state honors twice.  He was named the Douglas County Defensive Player of  the Year as a junior and senior. 

PERSONAL: The son of Troy Wyche and Lisette Jureidini, he plans to study math at Carson-Newman. 

TJ Smith – Marietta, Ga. – Wheeler High School – WR – 6-6 – 184 - @TJAYYY15

HIGH SCHOOL: Smith set Wheeler High School records for coach Michael Collins his senior year with more than 1,400 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns. 

PERSONAL: The son of Terry Smith, he plans to study kinesiology and exercise science at Carson-Newman.  His father played football at Arkansas. 

Daishon Davis – Gastonia, N.C. – South Point High School – DB – 6-0 - 185

HIGH SCHOOL: Davis racked up 199 tackles, including 177 solo stops for coach Micky Lineburger at South Point High School.  He picked off two passes en route to earning all-state honors and being named the Gaston Gazette Defensive Player of the Year. 

PERSONAL: The son of Eric Davis and Donna Malker, he plans to study business administration at Carson-Newman. 

Kenneth Spiller - Miami, Fla. – Miami Palmetto Senior High School – Charleston Southern – DL – 6-1 -300 - @Spillerkenneth 

PRIOR TO CARSON-NEWMAN: Redshirted his freshman year at Charleston Southern. 

HIGH SCHOOL: A second team All-Dade County selection playing for Mike Manasco at Miami Palmetto.  He also wrestled for the Bucs. 

PERSONAL: The son of Bertnita Miller, he plans to study sociology at Carson-Newman.  His cousin is former Clemson running back, ACC Player of the Year and Pro-Bowler CJ Spiller.