JONESBORO, Ark. (2/1/17) – Arkansas State head football coach Blake Anderson announced Wednesday that the Red Wolves, winners of five of the last six Sun Belt Conference championships, have signed 27 players from 12 different states as part of their 2017 recruiting class.
“Big day for us – I am really pleased with the group that our staff put together and excited about the guys in this class,” said Anderson, who met with the media at a 3:00 p.m. press conference at the A-State Football Facility. “It’s been a long process. We haven’t really taken a breath since the season started. All the way from our (Cure Bowl) game until now, it has been a lot of hard work to hang on to guys we had committed and, honestly, close out guys that we were battling on.”
A-State’s latest recruiting class, the fourth under Anderson, is made up of 13 defensive players, 12 offensive, one specialist and one “athlete” that could play on either side of the ball. The Red Wolves put a large focus on its offensive front by signing nine linemen, while also adding five safeties, two cornerbacks and a nickelback to its secondary.
“I think you can look at the signing class and find out real quick that we had a huge need at the offensive line position,” Anderson said. “It’s rare that you have five starters and seven guys total graduating from one (position) group, so we knew this challenge was coming up. How to address it and how to effectively go out and repair the hole that was going to be created was a huge challenge. I have to say, looking at what we’ve done and who we’ve got signed and committed to be here for us, our staff did a phenomenal job. It’s a group effort to get that done – not just (offensive line) coach Rudolph, not just an area coach – really a collective effort to bring in a massive amount of size, power and skills to fit our needs.
“We were facing similar issues at safety, and I think defensive tackle was another key concern,” continued Anderson. “You can look at what we did at safety with some quality players coming to us who have speed, great range and have played at high levels. Then you take a guy like (defensive lineman) Waylon Roberson out of the mix – a guy like him and Jake Swalley who both graduated – that’s hard to replace. But I really like what we’ve done to bring in some veteran guys in those two spots too.”
Six of the nine offensive linemen signed are either junior college or NCAA FBS transfers to help replace the departure of all five starters from last year’s team. The group was part of 16 junior college or FBS transfers inked by A-State, which also signed 11 high school players.
All 11 high school players were part of the 17 total A-State inked on National Signing Day. The remaining 10 players included five midyear signees and five who were already on campus and enrolled at the university. Those 10 student-athletes will all be available to participate in the Red Wolves’ spring camp.
Joining the nine linemen on the offensive side of the ball will be two wide receivers and one quarterback. In addition to the eight defensive secondary players, the Red Wolves also signed three interior linemen, one defensive end and a linebacker.
The entire class features 21 players named all-state, all-conference, All-American or rated as at least a 3-star prospect by one of the major recruiting web sites. The most signees came from the states of Alabama, Kansas and Mississippi as four players from each one inked with the Red Wolves. The class also includes three players from both Arkansas and Georgia, two from both Louisiana and Oklahoma and one from Arizona, California, Iowa, New York and Texas.
A-State collected its second consecutive Sun Belt Conference championship in 2016 and is the only FBS program in the nation to win five league titles over the last six seasons. Dating back to 2011, the 2016 Cure Bowl champions have made a school-record six straight bowl-game appearances and also piled up 52 victories over that span, which is tied for the 23rd most in the nation.
2017 ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
1. Jonathan Adams, Jr.: 6-3, 185, Fr., WR, Jonesboro, Ark. (Jonesboro)
2. *Tony Adams: 6-0, 344, DL, Jr., Fannin, Miss. (Jones County (Miss.) Junior College)
3. *Ronheen Bingham: 6-2, 222, Jr., DE, Bennettsville, S.C. (Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College)
4. Caleb Bonner: 6-1, 194, Fr., DB, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
5. ***Lanard Bonner: 6-5, 330, Jr., OL, Birmingham, Ala. (Highland (Kan.) Community College)
6. Marvis Brown: 6-3, 337, Jr., OL, Orange, Texas (Tyler (Texas) Junior College)
7. AJ Cayetano: 5-10, 181, Fr., CB, Atlanta, Ga. (Benjamin E. Mays)
8. Aldon Clark: 6-2, 180, Fr., QB, New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr)
9. Josh Curry: 6-2, 305, Jr., DL, Columbus, Ga. (Arizona Western College)
10. Justin Dutton: 6-4, 305, Fr., OL, Guthrie, Okla. (Guthrie)
11. Dwayne Fisher: 6-4, 345, Fr., OL, Marrero, La. (John Ehret)
12. **Kendrick Edwards: 6-5, 212, Jr., WR, Miami, Fla. (Arkansas)
13. *Tyler Flathau: 6-0, 185, P, Jr., Hattiesburg, Miss. (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
14. Jefferie Gibson: 6-4, 195, Jr., S, Hope Mills, N.C. (Arizona Western College)
15. Chad Gooden: 6-1, 175, Fr., S, Douglasville, Ga. (Douglas County)
16. Andre Harris: 6-5, 330, Fr., OL, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Putnam City North)
17. Darreon Jackson: 6-0, 200, So., S, Derby, Kan. (Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College)
18. *Chase Johnson: 6-3, 286, Jr., OL, Olive Branch, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi Community College)
19. Michael Johnson: 6-0, 180, Jr., S, Hialeah, Fla. (Mt. San Antonio (Calif.) College)
20. ***Kyle Martin: 5-10, 175, Sr., CB, Wichita, Kan. (Dodge City (Kan.) Community College)
21. Hunter Moreton: 6-1, 275, Fr., DL, Fort Smith, Ark. (Southside)
22. ***Alex Novak: 6-2, 266, So., OL, Fairhope, Ala. (Southwestern Mississippi Community College)
23. Jaypee Philbert: 6-5, 314, Sr., OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Iowa State)
24. *Nour-Eddine Seidnaly: 6-5, 300, Jr., OL, Silver Spring, Md. (ASA (N.Y.) College)
25. Zach Thomas: 6-1, 181, Fr., ATH, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
26. ***Antwon Turnage: 6-3, 205, Jr., LB, Columbia, Mo. (Dodge City (Kan.) Community College)
27. Larry Wooden: 6-0, 180, Fr., S, Hoover, Ala. (Spain Park)
*midyear signee available for spring practice
**already enrolled and sat out 2016 season due to NCAA transferring rules
***enrolled fall 2016 and participated in the 2016 season, but counted toward the 2017 signing class
BY STATE:
Alabama (4): Caleb Bonner, Lanard Bonner, Zach Thomas, Larry Wooden
Kansas (4): Ronheen Bingham, Darreon Jackson, Kyle Martin, Antwon Turnage
Mississippi (4): Tony Adams, Tyler Flathau, Chase Johnson, Alex Novak
Arkansas (3): Jonathan Adams, Kendrick Edwards, Hunter Moreton
Georgia (3): AJ Cayetano, Josh Curry, Chad Gooden
Louisiana (2): Aldon Clark, Dwayne Fisher
Oklahoma (2): Justin Dutton, Andre Harris
Arizona (1): Jefferie Gibson
California (1): Michael Johnson
Iowa (1): Jaypee Philbert
New York (1): Nour-Eddine Seidnaly
Texas (1): Marvis Brown
BY POSITION:
Offensive Line (9): Lanard Bonner, Marvis Brown, Justin Dutton, Dwayne Fisher, Andre Harris, Chase Johnson, Alex Novak, Jaypee Philbert, Nour-Eddine Seidnaly
Safety (5): Jefferie Gibson, Chad Gooden, Darreon Jackson, Michael Johnson, Larry Wooden
Defensive Line (3): Tony Adams, Josh Curry, Hunter Moreton
Cornerback (2): AJ Cayetano, Kyle Martin
Wide Receiver (2): Jonathan Adams, Kendrick Edwards
Defensive Back (1): Caleb Bonner
Defensive End (1): Ronheen Bingham
Quarterback (1): Aldon Clark
Athlete (1): Zach Thomas
Linebacker (1): Antwon Turnage
Punter (1): Tyler Flathau
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES: 11
JUNIOR COLLEGE TRANSFERS: 14
NCAA FBS TRANSFERS: 2
BIOS:
Jonathan Adams, Jr.: 6-3, 185, Fr., WR, Jonesboro, Ark. (Jonesboro)
Two-time all-state selection . . . Named the “Best Under The Sun Football Player of the Year” by the Jonesboro Sun newspaper . . . Little Rock Touchdown Club’s 2016 Arkansas High School Class 6A Player of the Year . . . Named to the East roster for the annual Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star game . . . Completed his senior season with 76 receptions for 1,402 yards and 26 touchdowns . . . Ran for 97 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries . . . Finished his senior campaign with 1,652 all-purpose yards . . . Also played safety, breaking up four passes and posting one interception in limited duty . . . Helped lead Jonesboro High School to just its third conference football championship since 1987 with a 6-2 mark in 6A East and 9-2 overall record . . . Junior season caught 63 passes for 1,231 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also intercepting two passes and returning a punt for a touchdown . . . Also a member of the JHS varsity basketball team that is nationally ranked in the CBS MaxPreps high school poll . . . Earned all-state basketball honors . . . Member of the Jonesboro varsity track and field team . . . Father, Jonathan Adams, was a standout running back at A-State from 1998-2001, earning All-Sun Belt honors in 2001 and still ranking as the Red Wolves’ fourth all-time leading rusher with 3,005 career yards to his credit . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the No. 211 “athlete” in the nation and No. 20 player in the state of Arkansas among all positions.
Tony Adams: 6-0, 344, DL, Jr., Fannin, Miss. (Jones County (Miss.) Junior College)
Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Started nine games in 2016, recording 27 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and a half sack . . . Helped lead the squad to a 6-3 record . . . Received a “Letter J Award” from the football team . . . Played in nine games as a freshman, finishing with 11 tackles and one tackle for loss . . . Prior to signing with Jones County, Adams was a varsity letterman and 1st Team All-Region 2-6A selection for the Northwest Rankin (Fannin, Miss.) High School football team . . . Also a varsity letterman in track & field, basketball and powerlifting . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the nation’s No. 31 junior college defensive tackle by 247Sports.
Ronheen Bingham: 6-2, 222, Jr., DE, Bennettsville, S.C. (Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College)
Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Completed his two-year career at Hutchinson with 110 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks . . . 2016 first team all-region and all-conference after recording 85 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, six quarterback sacks and three fumble recoveries . . . Freshman campaign saw him register 25 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 1 pass break-up . . . A Bennettsville, S.C. native, Bingham was a varsity football letterman at Marlboro County High School . . . Recorded 131 tackles and tied for the area lead with 14 sacks as a senior . . . South Team Defensive MVP in the South Carolina North-South All-Star Game . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the nation’s No. 12 junior college outside linebacker by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by programs such as Utah State, Bowling Green and Colorado.
Caleb Bonner: 6-1, 194, Fr., DB, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
Named a 2016 second team all-state selection at running back by the Alabama Sports Writers Association . . . Played both running back and defensive back for the Tornadoes . . . Helped lead Pickens County to the Class 1A state championship game . . . Member of the West Alabama All-Star Team . . . Ran for over 1,500 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior . . . Named the Tuscaloosa News High School Football Player of the Week after rushing for 198 yards and five touchdowns in a victory over Berry . . . Played at 6A Tuscaloosa County High School before transferring to Pickens as a senior . . . Listed as 2-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the No. 96 player in the state of Alabama by Scout.com . . . 247Sports’ No. 231 safety in the nation and No. 115 ranked player in the state of Alabama.
Lanard Bonner: 6-5, 330, Jr., OL, Birmingham, Ala. (Highland (Kan.) Community College)
Enrolled at A-State last fall and redshirted the 2016 season with the Red Wolves, but counts towards the 2017 signing class . . . Joined A-State after spending the previous two seasons at Highland Community College . . . Named Second Team All-Jayhawk Conference as a sophomore . . . Helped lead Highland to a 5-5 overall record and 4-3 conference mark in 2015 . . . Helped pave the way for a Highlands offense that averaged 398.9 yards and 28.7 points per game . . . Varsity football letterman at Shades Valley (Ala.) High School . . . Listed as a 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports . . . Ranked as the No. 14 junior college offensive guard in the nation in 2016 by 247Sports.com . . . Prior to signing with A-State, was also recruited by schools such as Alabama, Florida State, Houston, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Alabama and TCU.
Marvis Brown: 6-3, 337, Jr., OL, Orange, Texas (Tyler (Texas) Junior College)
Named a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Second-Team All-American in 2016 . . . Led the way for a TJC rushing attack that was eighth in the nation in yards per game (231.1) and in pass protection for the top-rated NJCAA passing offense that averaged 405.8 yards per game . . . Part of an Apaches’ offense that led the NJCAA in total offense per game with 636.9 yards along with points per game (54.3) . . . Played for Texas Southern as a freshman in 2015 . . . Prepped at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in Orange, Texas . . . All-district selection for the Battlin’ Bears . . . Listed as a 3-star by 247Sports and 2-star by Rivals and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 4 junior college offensive guard in the nation and the No. 9 junior college overall player in the state of Texas . . . Also recruited by school such as Southern Miss, North Texas, UAB and Texas State.
AJ Cayetano: 5-10, 181, Fr., CB, Atlanta, Ga. (Benjamin E. Mays)
4-year varsity letterman . . . Played both offense and defense for the Raiders, helping lead the team to an 11-2 overall record, 8-0 region mark and third round of the state playoffs in 2016 . . . Posted over 20 tackles and a pair of interceptions as a senior . . . Returned eight kickoffs for 227 yards (28.4 avg.) with a long of 51 yards . . . Earned all-region honors . . . Named to the Junior Elite Georgia Class Team . . . Mays posted a 10-2 record in 2015 during Cayetano’s junior season . . . Posted 170 rushing yards on 36 carries and returned two kickoffs 87 yards with a long of 60 as a junior . . . Recorded 21 tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass break-up his junior campaign as well . . . Listed as a 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports . . . Scout 2-star recruit . . . Ranked as the No. 172 cornerback in the nation and No. 175 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by schools such as Appalachian State, Connecticut, Georgia Southern, Missouri, North Carolina State, Georgia State, Purdue, Southern Miss and Troy.
Aldon Clark: 6-2, 180, Fr., QB, New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr)
Named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s state offensive Player of the Year after leading Edna Karr to a 15-0 record and the 2016 Class 4A state championship . . . LSWA Class 4A First Team All-State selection . . . Placed on the All-Metro Large School Team by the Times Picayune . . . Selected as the Greater New Orleans Amateur Athlete of the Month by the award’s selection committee, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl . . . Second Team MaxPreps Medium Schools All-American selection . . . Completed 151-of-211 passes for 3,444 yards and 44 touchdowns . . . Rushed for 786 yards and 13 scores . . . 247Sports 3-star recruit . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 58 pro-style quarterback in the nation and No. 67 player in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by schools such as Florida State, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi State, Tulane and Utah.
Josh Curry: 6-2, 305, Jr., DL, Columbus, Ga. (Arizona Western College)
Spent the last two seasons at Arizona Western College in Yuma, where he piled up a combined 64 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks . . . Helped lead Arizona Western to an 11-1 record and an appearance in the NJCAA National Championship game, where the Matadors fell 25-22 against Garden City . . . Arizona Western finished the 2016 season ranked No. 3 in the final NJCAA poll . . . Completed his sophomore season with 39 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and one pass break up . . . Recorded 25 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, a pass break-up and a blocked kick as a freshman at AWC . . . Varsity football letterman at Carver (Ga.) High School prior to attending AWC . . . Listed a 2-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 33 junior college defensive tackle in the nation and the No. 25 junior college overall player in the state of Arizona . . . Also recruited by schools such as Arizona State, TCU, Middle Tennessee, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss and UCF.
Justin Dutton: 6-4, 305, Fr., OL, Guthrie, Okla. (Guthrie)
Honorable mention all-state selection as a senior in 2016 . . . Named to the First Team All-USA Oklahoma Football Team by USA Today High School Sports . . . Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State choice as a senior . . . 2015 and 2016 Preseason All-Vype team in Oklahoma . . . Helped lead Guthrie to the state playoffs in 2016 . . . Ranked No. 28 on the Oklahoman Super 30 and the No. 3 offensive lineman in the state . . . Listed a 2-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 151 guard in the nation and No. 40 player in the state of Oklahoma by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by teams such as TCU, Ohio, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Kansas and Ohio.
Kendrick Edwards: 6-5, 212, Jr., WR, Miami, Fla. (Arkansas)
Arkansas transfer who is already enrolled at A-State and sat out the 2016 season due to NCAA transferring rules . . . Participated in 11 games as a true freshman at Arkansas in 2014 . . . Tallied 70 yards on four receptions, one touchdown and a long reception of 28 yards . . . vs. Nicholls (Sept. 6): Hauled in one reception for 24 yards in Arkansas’ home-opening win . . . vs. No. 6 Texas A&M (Sept. 27): Captured one catch for 28 yards . . . vs. No. 10 Georgia (Oct. 18): Recorded first-career touchdown as a Razorback on a four-yard fade . . . Sophomore season saw him record four catches for 51 yards . . . Hauled in a long reception of 16 yards . . . Ranked as the No. 75 wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com coming out of high school . . . A three-star prospect by Scout, ESPN and 247Sports.com . . . The No. 92 wide receiver in the country and the No. 94 overall prospect from Florida according to 247Sports.com . . . As a senior, made 20 catches for 300 yards and six touchdowns while also playing quarterback in the Vikings’ Wing-T offense . . . In 2012, Miami Norland won eight games, including a four-game win streak that led to the regional semifinals, and caught 30 passes for 534 yards and 11 touchdowns . . . Caught 45 passes for 715 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Vikings’ undefeated 5A state champion team in 2011 . . . Played basketball and was an honor roll student while volunteering at Optimist Park and Sun Life Stadium . . . Chose Arkansas over offers from Auburn, South Carolina, Louisville, Rutgers and Syracuse.
Dwayne Fisher: 6-4, 345, Fr., OL, Marrero, La. (John Ehret)
Named First Team All-USA Louisiana by USA Today High School Sports . . . Honorable mention all-state selection by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association . . . Helped lead John Ehret to a 12-3 record and the quarterfinals of the 2016 state playoffs . . . The 2015 Patriots posted a 12-3 record and runner-up finish in the 2015 Louisiana Class 5A state playoffs . . . Listed as a 3-star recruit by Scout, 247Sports and ESPN.com and a 2-star recruit by Rivals . . . Ranked as the No. 80 offensive tackle in the nation and No. 2 player at the position in the state of Louisiana by Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 41 overall player in the state and No. 82 offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports . . . ESPN ranks Fisher No. 68 in the nation at his position and No. 33 in the state among all players . . . Also recruited by schools such as Colorado, Mississippi State, Arkansas and UT San Antonio.
Tyler Flathau: 6-0, 185, P, Jr., Hattiesburg, Miss. (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
Midyear transfer who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Sophomore season punted 44 times for 1,778 yards and a 40.4 average with a long of 60 yards . . . Recorded 10 punts inside the 20 . . . 40.4 averaged ranked as the 10th highest in the nation . . . Coca-Cola Scholar-Athlete Award . . . Punted 50 times as a freshman for 1,9333 yards and a 38.7 average . . . Posted a long punt of 76 yards and pinned the opponent inside its own 20 yard line 13 times . . . Helped lead MGCC to an 8-3 record and No. 8 ranking in the final NJCAA poll in 2015 . . . Varsity football letterman at Sacred Heart High School . . . Earned all-state recognition two years in a row . . . Named Max Preps Small Schools First Team All-American, 2014 First Team MHSAA Class 1A All-State by the Mississippi Association of Coaches and 2014 Hattiesburg American All-Area First Team . . . Averaged 47.1 yards on 34 punts with 18 inside the 20, while also recording 35 tackles and four interceptions as a senior . . . Member of the varsity soccer squad, scoring 97 career goals and helped lead Sacred Heart to a pair of state championships.
Jefferie Gibson: 6-4, 195, Jr., S, Hope Mills, N.C. (Arizona Western College)
Spent the 2016 season as a wide receiver at Arizona Western College in Yuma after transferring from Clemson . . . Helped lead AWC to an 11-1 record and an appearance in the NJCAA National Championship game, where the Matadors fell 25-22 against Garden City . . . Arizona Western finished the 2016 season ranked No. 3 in the final NJCAA poll . . . Completed his sophomore season with 12 receptions for 223 yards and five touchdowns . . . Also had six rushing yards on one attempt . . . Varsity football letterman at Gray’s Creek High School originally signed with Clemson in 2014 and redshirted his true freshman season at the school . . . At the time Gibson signed with the Tigers, he was rated as the No. 19 player in North Carolina by 247Sports . . . Played in 12 games as a redshirt freshman at Clemson, recording five tackles and one tackle for loss . . . Posted a season-high three tackles against Appalachian State . . . Posted 123 tackles and 10 interceptions (three for scores) during his high school career at Gray’s Creek . . . Posted three punt-return touchdowns and two kickoff-return touchdowns in his career . . . Recorded 45 tackles and three interceptions as a senior . . . Tallied 243 passing yards and 149 rushing yards as a senior . . . Completed his junior season with 69 tackles and four interceptions . . . Also a varsity basketball letterman at GCHS, Gibson averaged double-figure points per game . . . Currently listed as a 3-star recruit by Rivals and a 2-star by Scout and 247Sports . . . Ranked as the No. 25 junior college safety in the nation and No. 24 junior college player in the state of North Carolina by 247Sports.
Chad Gooden: 6-1, 175, Fr., S, Douglasville, Ga. (Douglas County)
First Team All-Region 5-AAAAAA selection as a senior . . . Named 2016 first-team all-county by the Douglas County Sentinel . . . Recorded a team-high five interceptions, four pass break-ups and one forced fumble as a senior . . . Three-sport varsity letterman in football, basketball and track & field at Douglas County High School . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports . . . Ranked the No. 193 athlete in the nation and No. 302 overall player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by schools such as Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Troy and West Virginia.
Andre Harris: 6-5, 330, Fr., OL, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Putnam City North)
Selected as an honorable mention selection on The Oklahoman all-state team . . . Named to the Oklahoma Big 10 All-Conference Team . . . Earned Class 6A-I All-District 2 honors as selected by the coaches . . . Named to the Big All-City football roster by The Oklahoman . . . Also a member of the Putnam City North varsity basketball team . . . 2016 All-USA Oklahoma Football Team member as selected by USA Today High School Sports . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 113 guard in the nation and No. 31 overall player in the state of Oklahoma according to 247Sports . . . Also recruited by schools such as Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Mississippi State and TCU.
Darreon Jackson: 6-0, 200, So., S, Derby, Kan. (Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College)
Defensive back for Coffeyville Community College in 2016 who registered 94 tackles, a forced fumble, six pass break-ups and five interceptions, including two returned for a touchdown . . . Earned Honorable Mention All-KJCCC recognition . . . Helped lead Coffeyville to a 6-5 record, and the Red Ravens received votes in the final NJCAA poll . . . Originally signed with Boise State out of high school and redshirted his true freshman season in 2015 . . . Coming out of high school, he was listed as a 3-star recruit per Scout.com and was also the top-rated individual at his position in the state of Kansas, No. 22 in the Midland Region and No. 100 nationally . . . 3-star recruit per Rivals.com rated No. 9 overall in Kansas . . . 3-star recruit per ESPN rated No. 12 overall in Kansas . . . 3-star recruit per 247Sports rated No. 10 overall in Kansas . . . Named AVCTL-I Defensive Most Valuable Player and first-team all-league on both offense and special teams at Derby High School as a senior . . . Recorded 126 tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries . . . Also had two punt returns for touchdowns and two kick returns for touchdowns . . . Scored seven touchdowns without taking an offensive snap . . . Was also named all-state . . . Junior season competed for Mesquite Horn High School in Texas . . . Named first-team all-district at outside linebacker and was honorable mention 5A All-State . . . Registered 89 tackles, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Chase Johnson: 6-3, 286, Jr., OL, Olive Branch, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi Community College)
Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Expected to play center at A-State . . . Spent the last two seasons at NWCC . . . Played in 24 games, including 14 as a starter . . . Started all 12 games as a sophomore, helping lead the Rangers to the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl, a 9-3 record and a No. 6 spot in the final NJCAA rankings . . . Johnson helped pave the way 349.6 yards total offense per game, including 201.5 rushing yards per game that ranked 15th in the nation . . . Played in all 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2015, earning starts in two outings to help lead NMCC to an 11-1 record and an NJCAA national title . . . Spent the 2014 season as a redshirt at Memphis before transferring to Northwest . . . Varsity letterman at Olive Branch High School, earning team captain honors as a senior when he was named second team all-state . . . Helped lead the Conquistadors to a 15-0 record and the state championship as a sophomore . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the No. 4 junior college center in the nation by 247Sports.com . . . Also recruited by schools such as Cincinnati, New Mexico, Tulane, UAB, UCF, Louisiana-Lafayette and Appalachian State.
Michael Johnson: 6-0, 180, Jr., S, Hialeah, Fla. (Mt. San Antonio (Calif.) College)
Johnson comes to A-State after spending the last two seasons at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. . . . Named as the Southern California Football Association’s (SCFA) National Division Central Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 . . . Earned All-California Community College Region III First-Team Defense accolades . . . Posted 49 tackles (third most on the team), tied for the team lead in pass breakups with eight and led the team interceptions with six as the Mounties registered an 8-3 record . . . Recorded 13 tackles in six games as freshman in 2015 . . . Prepped at Champagnat Catholic High School in Hialeah, Fla. . . . Helped lead CCHS to 2013 Class 2-A state championship . . . Listed as a three-star recruit by ESPN and 247Sports . . . Ranked as the No. 6 and No. 7 junior college safety in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN, respectively . . . Also recruited by school such as Florida Atlantic and Nevada.
Kyle Martin: 5-10, 175, Sr., CB, Wichita, Kan. (Dodge City (Kan.) Community College)
Enrolled at A-State last fall and participated in the 2016 season, but counts toward the 2017 signing class . . . Played in 10 games, recording eight tackles and one forced fumble . . . Tallied a season-high five tackles in A-State’s win over ULM and also posted his lone forced fumble in the game . . . Sophomore season at Dodge City saw him record 15 tackles, six pass break-ups, a pair of blocked kicks and one safety . . . Also returned two punts for 23 yards . . . Helped lead the program to a 9-3 record and a No. 11 position in the final NJCAA poll . . . Freshman campaign in 2014 saw him record three tackles in eight games played . . . Varsity football letterman at Wichita Heights High School.
Hunter Moreton: 6-1, 275, Fr., DL, Fort Smith, Ark. (Southside)
Three-year varsity football starter at Southside . . . 2016 All-Arkansas Preps second-team selection . . . Named to the 2016 Class 7A All-State Team . . . Helped lead Southside to an 8-5 record and the semifinals of the Class 7A state playoffs in 2015 . . . Southside posted a 9-3 record and advanced to the state semifinals Moreton’s sophomore year as well . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports . . . Younger brother of Austin Moreton, a four-year letterman on the A-State football team from 2013-16.
Alex Novak: 6-2, 266, So., OL, Fairhope, Ala. (Southwestern Mississippi Community College)
Enrolled at A-State last fall and redshirted the 2016 season with the Red Wolves, but counts towards the 2017 signing class . . . Has three years of eligibility remaining at Arkansas State . . . Transferred to A-State after spending one season at Southwestern Mississippi Community College in Summit, Miss. . . . Helped lead the Bears to 320.4 total yards and 19.1 points per game his lone season with the program . . . Prior to signing with Southwestern Mississippi, Novak was varsity football letterman at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Ala.
Jaypee Philbert: 6-5, 314, Jr., OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Iowa State)
Philbert is a 6-5, 314-pound offensive tackle coming to A-State after spending the last two seasons at Iowa State . . . Appeared in two games for the Cyclones in 2016 after logging action in 10 contests in 2015 . . . Played at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas in 2014 . . . Named first-team all-KJCCC and earned First Team All-Sunflower State honors in 2014 . . . Led an offensive line unit which possessed one of the most balanced attacks in the nation, recording 3,427 passing yards and 2,671 rushing yards . . . Team finished 9-3, the most wins since 2005, and played in the Heart of Texas Bowl vs. Trinity Valley CC . . . Team was ranked No. 10 nationally in the final NJCAA poll . . . 3-star recruit by Rivals and ESPN . . . named the 92nd-best JC player nationally according to Rivals . . . ranked as the 10th-best JC offensive tackle by ESPN . . . Prepped at Archer High School in Atlanta, Ga. . . . Ranked as the 57th-best player in Georgia and as one of the state’s top offensive lineman . . . All-conference performer . . . Team averaged 210 yards rushing and 27.0 points in his senior season.
Nour-Eddine Seidnaly: 6-5, 300, Jr., OL, Silver Spring, Md. (ASA (N.Y.) College)
Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Spent the last two seasons playing offensive line for the Avengers in the Northeast Football Conference . . . Seidnaly and the offensive line allowed a conference-best 1.7 sacks against during the 2016 season, while also protecting All-NEFC quarterback Ryan Barabe and paving the way for all-conference running back Troy Robinson . . . Behind Seidnaly and the o-line, the Avengers recorded 22 passing and 16 rushing touchdowns, averaged 34.4 points per game and recorded 358.8 yards total offense per game . . . ASA posted a 6-5 record Seidnaly’s freshman season, when the o-line allowed 1.9 sacks against per game and blocked for All-NEFC quarterback Angelo Nocciolo and running back Dieon Tidwell . . . The Avengers posted 22 passing and 13 running scores that season while averaging 353.2 yards total offense, 164.8 yards rushing and 25.1 points per game . . . Seidnaly was a varsity letterman who played defensive line at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Silver Springs, Md. . . . 2-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the nation’s No. 29 junior college offensive tackle by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by programs such as Maryland, Texas Tech, UCLA, Southern Miss, Texas State, Nevada and East Carolina.
Zach Thomas: 6-1, 181, Fr., ATH, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
Named 2016 Second Team All-State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association . . . Named the Super 11 Class 1A Player of the Year as a senior by the Tuscaloosa News . . . Member of the West Alabama All-Star Team . . . Helped lead Pickens County to 12 victories and the Class 1A state championship game . . . Completed 126 of 244 passes for 2,131 yards and 18 touchdowns during senior campaign . . . Also rushed for 1,194 yards and 17 touchdowns on 128 carries.
Antwon Turnage: 6-3, 205, Jr., LB, Columbia, Mo. (Dodge City (Kan.) Community College)
Enrolled at A-State last fall and participated in the 2016 season, but counts toward the 2017 signing class . . . Played in one game, at Auburn, in 2016 and suffered a season-ending injury . . . Redshirted his true freshman season before posting 54 tackles (38 solo, 12 assist) at Dodge City in 2015 . . . Recorded five tackles for loss and two sacks . . . Responsible for two interceptions returned 79 yards . . . Earned First Team All-KJCCC honors . . . Named the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week after recording nine tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in a 17-14 victory over Fort Scott . . . Did not play football until his senior year at Rock Bridge (Mo.) High School after transferring from Hickman (Mo.) . . . Played wide receiver and defensive back . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com.
Larry Wooden: 6-0, 180, Fr., S, Hoover, Ala. (Spain Park)
2015 (Honorable Mention) and 2016 (Second Team) Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 7A All-State selection . . . Helped lead the Jaguars to an 8-3 record and berth in the Class 7A state playoffs as a senior . . . Also played running back and some wide receiver on the offensive side of the ball . . . Named to the All-Birmingham football second team at running back in 2016 . . . Helped lead SPHS to a Class 7A state runner-up finish and 12-2 mark as a junior . . . Helped Spain Park end an 0-13 mark against Hoover High School, as well as Hoover’s overall 43-game win streak as a junior in 2015 with 69 yards on the ground in the contest . . . Named the National MVP of the Week by Great American Rivalries for his performance against Hoover High School . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 118 running back in the nation and No. 95 overall player in the state of Alabama . . . Also recruited by teams such as Minnesota, Southern Miss, Troy, Tulane and UAB.
“Big day for us – I am really pleased with the group that our staff put together and excited about the guys in this class,” said Anderson, who met with the media at a 3:00 p.m. press conference at the A-State Football Facility. “It’s been a long process. We haven’t really taken a breath since the season started. All the way from our (Cure Bowl) game until now, it has been a lot of hard work to hang on to guys we had committed and, honestly, close out guys that we were battling on.”
A-State’s latest recruiting class, the fourth under Anderson, is made up of 13 defensive players, 12 offensive, one specialist and one “athlete” that could play on either side of the ball. The Red Wolves put a large focus on its offensive front by signing nine linemen, while also adding five safeties, two cornerbacks and a nickelback to its secondary.
“I think you can look at the signing class and find out real quick that we had a huge need at the offensive line position,” Anderson said. “It’s rare that you have five starters and seven guys total graduating from one (position) group, so we knew this challenge was coming up. How to address it and how to effectively go out and repair the hole that was going to be created was a huge challenge. I have to say, looking at what we’ve done and who we’ve got signed and committed to be here for us, our staff did a phenomenal job. It’s a group effort to get that done – not just (offensive line) coach Rudolph, not just an area coach – really a collective effort to bring in a massive amount of size, power and skills to fit our needs.
“We were facing similar issues at safety, and I think defensive tackle was another key concern,” continued Anderson. “You can look at what we did at safety with some quality players coming to us who have speed, great range and have played at high levels. Then you take a guy like (defensive lineman) Waylon Roberson out of the mix – a guy like him and Jake Swalley who both graduated – that’s hard to replace. But I really like what we’ve done to bring in some veteran guys in those two spots too.”
Six of the nine offensive linemen signed are either junior college or NCAA FBS transfers to help replace the departure of all five starters from last year’s team. The group was part of 16 junior college or FBS transfers inked by A-State, which also signed 11 high school players.
All 11 high school players were part of the 17 total A-State inked on National Signing Day. The remaining 10 players included five midyear signees and five who were already on campus and enrolled at the university. Those 10 student-athletes will all be available to participate in the Red Wolves’ spring camp.
Joining the nine linemen on the offensive side of the ball will be two wide receivers and one quarterback. In addition to the eight defensive secondary players, the Red Wolves also signed three interior linemen, one defensive end and a linebacker.
The entire class features 21 players named all-state, all-conference, All-American or rated as at least a 3-star prospect by one of the major recruiting web sites. The most signees came from the states of Alabama, Kansas and Mississippi as four players from each one inked with the Red Wolves. The class also includes three players from both Arkansas and Georgia, two from both Louisiana and Oklahoma and one from Arizona, California, Iowa, New York and Texas.
A-State collected its second consecutive Sun Belt Conference championship in 2016 and is the only FBS program in the nation to win five league titles over the last six seasons. Dating back to 2011, the 2016 Cure Bowl champions have made a school-record six straight bowl-game appearances and also piled up 52 victories over that span, which is tied for the 23rd most in the nation.
2017 ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
1. Jonathan Adams, Jr.: 6-3, 185, Fr., WR, Jonesboro, Ark. (Jonesboro)
2. *Tony Adams: 6-0, 344, DL, Jr., Fannin, Miss. (Jones County (Miss.) Junior College)
3. *Ronheen Bingham: 6-2, 222, Jr., DE, Bennettsville, S.C. (Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College)
4. Caleb Bonner: 6-1, 194, Fr., DB, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
5. ***Lanard Bonner: 6-5, 330, Jr., OL, Birmingham, Ala. (Highland (Kan.) Community College)
6. Marvis Brown: 6-3, 337, Jr., OL, Orange, Texas (Tyler (Texas) Junior College)
7. AJ Cayetano: 5-10, 181, Fr., CB, Atlanta, Ga. (Benjamin E. Mays)
8. Aldon Clark: 6-2, 180, Fr., QB, New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr)
9. Josh Curry: 6-2, 305, Jr., DL, Columbus, Ga. (Arizona Western College)
10. Justin Dutton: 6-4, 305, Fr., OL, Guthrie, Okla. (Guthrie)
11. Dwayne Fisher: 6-4, 345, Fr., OL, Marrero, La. (John Ehret)
12. **Kendrick Edwards: 6-5, 212, Jr., WR, Miami, Fla. (Arkansas)
13. *Tyler Flathau: 6-0, 185, P, Jr., Hattiesburg, Miss. (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
14. Jefferie Gibson: 6-4, 195, Jr., S, Hope Mills, N.C. (Arizona Western College)
15. Chad Gooden: 6-1, 175, Fr., S, Douglasville, Ga. (Douglas County)
16. Andre Harris: 6-5, 330, Fr., OL, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Putnam City North)
17. Darreon Jackson: 6-0, 200, So., S, Derby, Kan. (Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College)
18. *Chase Johnson: 6-3, 286, Jr., OL, Olive Branch, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi Community College)
19. Michael Johnson: 6-0, 180, Jr., S, Hialeah, Fla. (Mt. San Antonio (Calif.) College)
20. ***Kyle Martin: 5-10, 175, Sr., CB, Wichita, Kan. (Dodge City (Kan.) Community College)
21. Hunter Moreton: 6-1, 275, Fr., DL, Fort Smith, Ark. (Southside)
22. ***Alex Novak: 6-2, 266, So., OL, Fairhope, Ala. (Southwestern Mississippi Community College)
23. Jaypee Philbert: 6-5, 314, Sr., OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Iowa State)
24. *Nour-Eddine Seidnaly: 6-5, 300, Jr., OL, Silver Spring, Md. (ASA (N.Y.) College)
25. Zach Thomas: 6-1, 181, Fr., ATH, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
26. ***Antwon Turnage: 6-3, 205, Jr., LB, Columbia, Mo. (Dodge City (Kan.) Community College)
27. Larry Wooden: 6-0, 180, Fr., S, Hoover, Ala. (Spain Park)
*midyear signee available for spring practice
**already enrolled and sat out 2016 season due to NCAA transferring rules
***enrolled fall 2016 and participated in the 2016 season, but counted toward the 2017 signing class
BY STATE:
Alabama (4): Caleb Bonner, Lanard Bonner, Zach Thomas, Larry Wooden
Kansas (4): Ronheen Bingham, Darreon Jackson, Kyle Martin, Antwon Turnage
Mississippi (4): Tony Adams, Tyler Flathau, Chase Johnson, Alex Novak
Arkansas (3): Jonathan Adams, Kendrick Edwards, Hunter Moreton
Georgia (3): AJ Cayetano, Josh Curry, Chad Gooden
Louisiana (2): Aldon Clark, Dwayne Fisher
Oklahoma (2): Justin Dutton, Andre Harris
Arizona (1): Jefferie Gibson
California (1): Michael Johnson
Iowa (1): Jaypee Philbert
New York (1): Nour-Eddine Seidnaly
Texas (1): Marvis Brown
BY POSITION:
Offensive Line (9): Lanard Bonner, Marvis Brown, Justin Dutton, Dwayne Fisher, Andre Harris, Chase Johnson, Alex Novak, Jaypee Philbert, Nour-Eddine Seidnaly
Safety (5): Jefferie Gibson, Chad Gooden, Darreon Jackson, Michael Johnson, Larry Wooden
Defensive Line (3): Tony Adams, Josh Curry, Hunter Moreton
Cornerback (2): AJ Cayetano, Kyle Martin
Wide Receiver (2): Jonathan Adams, Kendrick Edwards
Defensive Back (1): Caleb Bonner
Defensive End (1): Ronheen Bingham
Quarterback (1): Aldon Clark
Athlete (1): Zach Thomas
Linebacker (1): Antwon Turnage
Punter (1): Tyler Flathau
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES: 11
JUNIOR COLLEGE TRANSFERS: 14
NCAA FBS TRANSFERS: 2
BIOS:
Jonathan Adams, Jr.: 6-3, 185, Fr., WR, Jonesboro, Ark. (Jonesboro)
Two-time all-state selection . . . Named the “Best Under The Sun Football Player of the Year” by the Jonesboro Sun newspaper . . . Little Rock Touchdown Club’s 2016 Arkansas High School Class 6A Player of the Year . . . Named to the East roster for the annual Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star game . . . Completed his senior season with 76 receptions for 1,402 yards and 26 touchdowns . . . Ran for 97 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries . . . Finished his senior campaign with 1,652 all-purpose yards . . . Also played safety, breaking up four passes and posting one interception in limited duty . . . Helped lead Jonesboro High School to just its third conference football championship since 1987 with a 6-2 mark in 6A East and 9-2 overall record . . . Junior season caught 63 passes for 1,231 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also intercepting two passes and returning a punt for a touchdown . . . Also a member of the JHS varsity basketball team that is nationally ranked in the CBS MaxPreps high school poll . . . Earned all-state basketball honors . . . Member of the Jonesboro varsity track and field team . . . Father, Jonathan Adams, was a standout running back at A-State from 1998-2001, earning All-Sun Belt honors in 2001 and still ranking as the Red Wolves’ fourth all-time leading rusher with 3,005 career yards to his credit . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the No. 211 “athlete” in the nation and No. 20 player in the state of Arkansas among all positions.
Tony Adams: 6-0, 344, DL, Jr., Fannin, Miss. (Jones County (Miss.) Junior College)
Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Started nine games in 2016, recording 27 tackles, including four tackles for loss, and a half sack . . . Helped lead the squad to a 6-3 record . . . Received a “Letter J Award” from the football team . . . Played in nine games as a freshman, finishing with 11 tackles and one tackle for loss . . . Prior to signing with Jones County, Adams was a varsity letterman and 1st Team All-Region 2-6A selection for the Northwest Rankin (Fannin, Miss.) High School football team . . . Also a varsity letterman in track & field, basketball and powerlifting . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the nation’s No. 31 junior college defensive tackle by 247Sports.
Ronheen Bingham: 6-2, 222, Jr., DE, Bennettsville, S.C. (Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College)
Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Completed his two-year career at Hutchinson with 110 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks . . . 2016 first team all-region and all-conference after recording 85 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, six quarterback sacks and three fumble recoveries . . . Freshman campaign saw him register 25 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and 1 pass break-up . . . A Bennettsville, S.C. native, Bingham was a varsity football letterman at Marlboro County High School . . . Recorded 131 tackles and tied for the area lead with 14 sacks as a senior . . . South Team Defensive MVP in the South Carolina North-South All-Star Game . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the nation’s No. 12 junior college outside linebacker by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by programs such as Utah State, Bowling Green and Colorado.
Caleb Bonner: 6-1, 194, Fr., DB, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
Named a 2016 second team all-state selection at running back by the Alabama Sports Writers Association . . . Played both running back and defensive back for the Tornadoes . . . Helped lead Pickens County to the Class 1A state championship game . . . Member of the West Alabama All-Star Team . . . Ran for over 1,500 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior . . . Named the Tuscaloosa News High School Football Player of the Week after rushing for 198 yards and five touchdowns in a victory over Berry . . . Played at 6A Tuscaloosa County High School before transferring to Pickens as a senior . . . Listed as 2-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the No. 96 player in the state of Alabama by Scout.com . . . 247Sports’ No. 231 safety in the nation and No. 115 ranked player in the state of Alabama.
Lanard Bonner: 6-5, 330, Jr., OL, Birmingham, Ala. (Highland (Kan.) Community College)
Enrolled at A-State last fall and redshirted the 2016 season with the Red Wolves, but counts towards the 2017 signing class . . . Joined A-State after spending the previous two seasons at Highland Community College . . . Named Second Team All-Jayhawk Conference as a sophomore . . . Helped lead Highland to a 5-5 overall record and 4-3 conference mark in 2015 . . . Helped pave the way for a Highlands offense that averaged 398.9 yards and 28.7 points per game . . . Varsity football letterman at Shades Valley (Ala.) High School . . . Listed as a 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports . . . Ranked as the No. 14 junior college offensive guard in the nation in 2016 by 247Sports.com . . . Prior to signing with A-State, was also recruited by schools such as Alabama, Florida State, Houston, Mississippi State, Missouri, South Alabama and TCU.
Marvis Brown: 6-3, 337, Jr., OL, Orange, Texas (Tyler (Texas) Junior College)
Named a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Second-Team All-American in 2016 . . . Led the way for a TJC rushing attack that was eighth in the nation in yards per game (231.1) and in pass protection for the top-rated NJCAA passing offense that averaged 405.8 yards per game . . . Part of an Apaches’ offense that led the NJCAA in total offense per game with 636.9 yards along with points per game (54.3) . . . Played for Texas Southern as a freshman in 2015 . . . Prepped at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School in Orange, Texas . . . All-district selection for the Battlin’ Bears . . . Listed as a 3-star by 247Sports and 2-star by Rivals and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 4 junior college offensive guard in the nation and the No. 9 junior college overall player in the state of Texas . . . Also recruited by school such as Southern Miss, North Texas, UAB and Texas State.
AJ Cayetano: 5-10, 181, Fr., CB, Atlanta, Ga. (Benjamin E. Mays)
4-year varsity letterman . . . Played both offense and defense for the Raiders, helping lead the team to an 11-2 overall record, 8-0 region mark and third round of the state playoffs in 2016 . . . Posted over 20 tackles and a pair of interceptions as a senior . . . Returned eight kickoffs for 227 yards (28.4 avg.) with a long of 51 yards . . . Earned all-region honors . . . Named to the Junior Elite Georgia Class Team . . . Mays posted a 10-2 record in 2015 during Cayetano’s junior season . . . Posted 170 rushing yards on 36 carries and returned two kickoffs 87 yards with a long of 60 as a junior . . . Recorded 21 tackles, one tackle for loss and a pass break-up his junior campaign as well . . . Listed as a 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports . . . Scout 2-star recruit . . . Ranked as the No. 172 cornerback in the nation and No. 175 player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by schools such as Appalachian State, Connecticut, Georgia Southern, Missouri, North Carolina State, Georgia State, Purdue, Southern Miss and Troy.
Aldon Clark: 6-2, 180, Fr., QB, New Orleans, La. (Edna Karr)
Named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s state offensive Player of the Year after leading Edna Karr to a 15-0 record and the 2016 Class 4A state championship . . . LSWA Class 4A First Team All-State selection . . . Placed on the All-Metro Large School Team by the Times Picayune . . . Selected as the Greater New Orleans Amateur Athlete of the Month by the award’s selection committee, sponsored by the Allstate Sugar Bowl . . . Second Team MaxPreps Medium Schools All-American selection . . . Completed 151-of-211 passes for 3,444 yards and 44 touchdowns . . . Rushed for 786 yards and 13 scores . . . 247Sports 3-star recruit . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 58 pro-style quarterback in the nation and No. 67 player in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by schools such as Florida State, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi State, Tulane and Utah.
Josh Curry: 6-2, 305, Jr., DL, Columbus, Ga. (Arizona Western College)
Spent the last two seasons at Arizona Western College in Yuma, where he piled up a combined 64 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks . . . Helped lead Arizona Western to an 11-1 record and an appearance in the NJCAA National Championship game, where the Matadors fell 25-22 against Garden City . . . Arizona Western finished the 2016 season ranked No. 3 in the final NJCAA poll . . . Completed his sophomore season with 39 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and one pass break up . . . Recorded 25 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, a pass break-up and a blocked kick as a freshman at AWC . . . Varsity football letterman at Carver (Ga.) High School prior to attending AWC . . . Listed a 2-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 33 junior college defensive tackle in the nation and the No. 25 junior college overall player in the state of Arizona . . . Also recruited by schools such as Arizona State, TCU, Middle Tennessee, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ole Miss and UCF.
Justin Dutton: 6-4, 305, Fr., OL, Guthrie, Okla. (Guthrie)
Honorable mention all-state selection as a senior in 2016 . . . Named to the First Team All-USA Oklahoma Football Team by USA Today High School Sports . . . Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State choice as a senior . . . 2015 and 2016 Preseason All-Vype team in Oklahoma . . . Helped lead Guthrie to the state playoffs in 2016 . . . Ranked No. 28 on the Oklahoman Super 30 and the No. 3 offensive lineman in the state . . . Listed a 2-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 151 guard in the nation and No. 40 player in the state of Oklahoma by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by teams such as TCU, Ohio, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Kansas and Ohio.
Kendrick Edwards: 6-5, 212, Jr., WR, Miami, Fla. (Arkansas)
Arkansas transfer who is already enrolled at A-State and sat out the 2016 season due to NCAA transferring rules . . . Participated in 11 games as a true freshman at Arkansas in 2014 . . . Tallied 70 yards on four receptions, one touchdown and a long reception of 28 yards . . . vs. Nicholls (Sept. 6): Hauled in one reception for 24 yards in Arkansas’ home-opening win . . . vs. No. 6 Texas A&M (Sept. 27): Captured one catch for 28 yards . . . vs. No. 10 Georgia (Oct. 18): Recorded first-career touchdown as a Razorback on a four-yard fade . . . Sophomore season saw him record four catches for 51 yards . . . Hauled in a long reception of 16 yards . . . Ranked as the No. 75 wide receiver in the nation by Scout.com coming out of high school . . . A three-star prospect by Scout, ESPN and 247Sports.com . . . The No. 92 wide receiver in the country and the No. 94 overall prospect from Florida according to 247Sports.com . . . As a senior, made 20 catches for 300 yards and six touchdowns while also playing quarterback in the Vikings’ Wing-T offense . . . In 2012, Miami Norland won eight games, including a four-game win streak that led to the regional semifinals, and caught 30 passes for 534 yards and 11 touchdowns . . . Caught 45 passes for 715 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Vikings’ undefeated 5A state champion team in 2011 . . . Played basketball and was an honor roll student while volunteering at Optimist Park and Sun Life Stadium . . . Chose Arkansas over offers from Auburn, South Carolina, Louisville, Rutgers and Syracuse.
Dwayne Fisher: 6-4, 345, Fr., OL, Marrero, La. (John Ehret)
Named First Team All-USA Louisiana by USA Today High School Sports . . . Honorable mention all-state selection by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association . . . Helped lead John Ehret to a 12-3 record and the quarterfinals of the 2016 state playoffs . . . The 2015 Patriots posted a 12-3 record and runner-up finish in the 2015 Louisiana Class 5A state playoffs . . . Listed as a 3-star recruit by Scout, 247Sports and ESPN.com and a 2-star recruit by Rivals . . . Ranked as the No. 80 offensive tackle in the nation and No. 2 player at the position in the state of Louisiana by Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 41 overall player in the state and No. 82 offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports . . . ESPN ranks Fisher No. 68 in the nation at his position and No. 33 in the state among all players . . . Also recruited by schools such as Colorado, Mississippi State, Arkansas and UT San Antonio.
Tyler Flathau: 6-0, 185, P, Jr., Hattiesburg, Miss. (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
Midyear transfer who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Sophomore season punted 44 times for 1,778 yards and a 40.4 average with a long of 60 yards . . . Recorded 10 punts inside the 20 . . . 40.4 averaged ranked as the 10th highest in the nation . . . Coca-Cola Scholar-Athlete Award . . . Punted 50 times as a freshman for 1,9333 yards and a 38.7 average . . . Posted a long punt of 76 yards and pinned the opponent inside its own 20 yard line 13 times . . . Helped lead MGCC to an 8-3 record and No. 8 ranking in the final NJCAA poll in 2015 . . . Varsity football letterman at Sacred Heart High School . . . Earned all-state recognition two years in a row . . . Named Max Preps Small Schools First Team All-American, 2014 First Team MHSAA Class 1A All-State by the Mississippi Association of Coaches and 2014 Hattiesburg American All-Area First Team . . . Averaged 47.1 yards on 34 punts with 18 inside the 20, while also recording 35 tackles and four interceptions as a senior . . . Member of the varsity soccer squad, scoring 97 career goals and helped lead Sacred Heart to a pair of state championships.
Jefferie Gibson: 6-4, 195, Jr., S, Hope Mills, N.C. (Arizona Western College)
Spent the 2016 season as a wide receiver at Arizona Western College in Yuma after transferring from Clemson . . . Helped lead AWC to an 11-1 record and an appearance in the NJCAA National Championship game, where the Matadors fell 25-22 against Garden City . . . Arizona Western finished the 2016 season ranked No. 3 in the final NJCAA poll . . . Completed his sophomore season with 12 receptions for 223 yards and five touchdowns . . . Also had six rushing yards on one attempt . . . Varsity football letterman at Gray’s Creek High School originally signed with Clemson in 2014 and redshirted his true freshman season at the school . . . At the time Gibson signed with the Tigers, he was rated as the No. 19 player in North Carolina by 247Sports . . . Played in 12 games as a redshirt freshman at Clemson, recording five tackles and one tackle for loss . . . Posted a season-high three tackles against Appalachian State . . . Posted 123 tackles and 10 interceptions (three for scores) during his high school career at Gray’s Creek . . . Posted three punt-return touchdowns and two kickoff-return touchdowns in his career . . . Recorded 45 tackles and three interceptions as a senior . . . Tallied 243 passing yards and 149 rushing yards as a senior . . . Completed his junior season with 69 tackles and four interceptions . . . Also a varsity basketball letterman at GCHS, Gibson averaged double-figure points per game . . . Currently listed as a 3-star recruit by Rivals and a 2-star by Scout and 247Sports . . . Ranked as the No. 25 junior college safety in the nation and No. 24 junior college player in the state of North Carolina by 247Sports.
Chad Gooden: 6-1, 175, Fr., S, Douglasville, Ga. (Douglas County)
First Team All-Region 5-AAAAAA selection as a senior . . . Named 2016 first-team all-county by the Douglas County Sentinel . . . Recorded a team-high five interceptions, four pass break-ups and one forced fumble as a senior . . . Three-sport varsity letterman in football, basketball and track & field at Douglas County High School . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports . . . Ranked the No. 193 athlete in the nation and No. 302 overall player in the state of Georgia by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by schools such as Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, Troy and West Virginia.
Andre Harris: 6-5, 330, Fr., OL, Oklahoma City, Okla. (Putnam City North)
Selected as an honorable mention selection on The Oklahoman all-state team . . . Named to the Oklahoma Big 10 All-Conference Team . . . Earned Class 6A-I All-District 2 honors as selected by the coaches . . . Named to the Big All-City football roster by The Oklahoman . . . Also a member of the Putnam City North varsity basketball team . . . 2016 All-USA Oklahoma Football Team member as selected by USA Today High School Sports . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 113 guard in the nation and No. 31 overall player in the state of Oklahoma according to 247Sports . . . Also recruited by schools such as Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Mississippi State and TCU.
Darreon Jackson: 6-0, 200, So., S, Derby, Kan. (Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College)
Defensive back for Coffeyville Community College in 2016 who registered 94 tackles, a forced fumble, six pass break-ups and five interceptions, including two returned for a touchdown . . . Earned Honorable Mention All-KJCCC recognition . . . Helped lead Coffeyville to a 6-5 record, and the Red Ravens received votes in the final NJCAA poll . . . Originally signed with Boise State out of high school and redshirted his true freshman season in 2015 . . . Coming out of high school, he was listed as a 3-star recruit per Scout.com and was also the top-rated individual at his position in the state of Kansas, No. 22 in the Midland Region and No. 100 nationally . . . 3-star recruit per Rivals.com rated No. 9 overall in Kansas . . . 3-star recruit per ESPN rated No. 12 overall in Kansas . . . 3-star recruit per 247Sports rated No. 10 overall in Kansas . . . Named AVCTL-I Defensive Most Valuable Player and first-team all-league on both offense and special teams at Derby High School as a senior . . . Recorded 126 tackles, five interceptions, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries . . . Also had two punt returns for touchdowns and two kick returns for touchdowns . . . Scored seven touchdowns without taking an offensive snap . . . Was also named all-state . . . Junior season competed for Mesquite Horn High School in Texas . . . Named first-team all-district at outside linebacker and was honorable mention 5A All-State . . . Registered 89 tackles, four interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
Chase Johnson: 6-3, 286, Jr., OL, Olive Branch, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi Community College)
Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Expected to play center at A-State . . . Spent the last two seasons at NWCC . . . Played in 24 games, including 14 as a starter . . . Started all 12 games as a sophomore, helping lead the Rangers to the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl, a 9-3 record and a No. 6 spot in the final NJCAA rankings . . . Johnson helped pave the way 349.6 yards total offense per game, including 201.5 rushing yards per game that ranked 15th in the nation . . . Played in all 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2015, earning starts in two outings to help lead NMCC to an 11-1 record and an NJCAA national title . . . Spent the 2014 season as a redshirt at Memphis before transferring to Northwest . . . Varsity letterman at Olive Branch High School, earning team captain honors as a senior when he was named second team all-state . . . Helped lead the Conquistadors to a 15-0 record and the state championship as a sophomore . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the No. 4 junior college center in the nation by 247Sports.com . . . Also recruited by schools such as Cincinnati, New Mexico, Tulane, UAB, UCF, Louisiana-Lafayette and Appalachian State.
Michael Johnson: 6-0, 180, Jr., S, Hialeah, Fla. (Mt. San Antonio (Calif.) College)
Johnson comes to A-State after spending the last two seasons at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. . . . Named as the Southern California Football Association’s (SCFA) National Division Central Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 . . . Earned All-California Community College Region III First-Team Defense accolades . . . Posted 49 tackles (third most on the team), tied for the team lead in pass breakups with eight and led the team interceptions with six as the Mounties registered an 8-3 record . . . Recorded 13 tackles in six games as freshman in 2015 . . . Prepped at Champagnat Catholic High School in Hialeah, Fla. . . . Helped lead CCHS to 2013 Class 2-A state championship . . . Listed as a three-star recruit by ESPN and 247Sports . . . Ranked as the No. 6 and No. 7 junior college safety in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN, respectively . . . Also recruited by school such as Florida Atlantic and Nevada.
Kyle Martin: 5-10, 175, Sr., CB, Wichita, Kan. (Dodge City (Kan.) Community College)
Enrolled at A-State last fall and participated in the 2016 season, but counts toward the 2017 signing class . . . Played in 10 games, recording eight tackles and one forced fumble . . . Tallied a season-high five tackles in A-State’s win over ULM and also posted his lone forced fumble in the game . . . Sophomore season at Dodge City saw him record 15 tackles, six pass break-ups, a pair of blocked kicks and one safety . . . Also returned two punts for 23 yards . . . Helped lead the program to a 9-3 record and a No. 11 position in the final NJCAA poll . . . Freshman campaign in 2014 saw him record three tackles in eight games played . . . Varsity football letterman at Wichita Heights High School.
Hunter Moreton: 6-1, 275, Fr., DL, Fort Smith, Ark. (Southside)
Three-year varsity football starter at Southside . . . 2016 All-Arkansas Preps second-team selection . . . Named to the 2016 Class 7A All-State Team . . . Helped lead Southside to an 8-5 record and the semifinals of the Class 7A state playoffs in 2015 . . . Southside posted a 9-3 record and advanced to the state semifinals Moreton’s sophomore year as well . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247Sports . . . Younger brother of Austin Moreton, a four-year letterman on the A-State football team from 2013-16.
Alex Novak: 6-2, 266, So., OL, Fairhope, Ala. (Southwestern Mississippi Community College)
Enrolled at A-State last fall and redshirted the 2016 season with the Red Wolves, but counts towards the 2017 signing class . . . Has three years of eligibility remaining at Arkansas State . . . Transferred to A-State after spending one season at Southwestern Mississippi Community College in Summit, Miss. . . . Helped lead the Bears to 320.4 total yards and 19.1 points per game his lone season with the program . . . Prior to signing with Southwestern Mississippi, Novak was varsity football letterman at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School in Mobile, Ala.
Jaypee Philbert: 6-5, 314, Jr., OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Iowa State)
Philbert is a 6-5, 314-pound offensive tackle coming to A-State after spending the last two seasons at Iowa State . . . Appeared in two games for the Cyclones in 2016 after logging action in 10 contests in 2015 . . . Played at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas in 2014 . . . Named first-team all-KJCCC and earned First Team All-Sunflower State honors in 2014 . . . Led an offensive line unit which possessed one of the most balanced attacks in the nation, recording 3,427 passing yards and 2,671 rushing yards . . . Team finished 9-3, the most wins since 2005, and played in the Heart of Texas Bowl vs. Trinity Valley CC . . . Team was ranked No. 10 nationally in the final NJCAA poll . . . 3-star recruit by Rivals and ESPN . . . named the 92nd-best JC player nationally according to Rivals . . . ranked as the 10th-best JC offensive tackle by ESPN . . . Prepped at Archer High School in Atlanta, Ga. . . . Ranked as the 57th-best player in Georgia and as one of the state’s top offensive lineman . . . All-conference performer . . . Team averaged 210 yards rushing and 27.0 points in his senior season.
Nour-Eddine Seidnaly: 6-5, 300, Jr., OL, Silver Spring, Md. (ASA (N.Y.) College)
Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2017 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Spent the last two seasons playing offensive line for the Avengers in the Northeast Football Conference . . . Seidnaly and the offensive line allowed a conference-best 1.7 sacks against during the 2016 season, while also protecting All-NEFC quarterback Ryan Barabe and paving the way for all-conference running back Troy Robinson . . . Behind Seidnaly and the o-line, the Avengers recorded 22 passing and 16 rushing touchdowns, averaged 34.4 points per game and recorded 358.8 yards total offense per game . . . ASA posted a 6-5 record Seidnaly’s freshman season, when the o-line allowed 1.9 sacks against per game and blocked for All-NEFC quarterback Angelo Nocciolo and running back Dieon Tidwell . . . The Avengers posted 22 passing and 13 running scores that season while averaging 353.2 yards total offense, 164.8 yards rushing and 25.1 points per game . . . Seidnaly was a varsity letterman who played defensive line at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Silver Springs, Md. . . . 2-star recruit by Rivals.com and 247Sports.com . . . Ranked as the nation’s No. 29 junior college offensive tackle by 247Sports . . . Also recruited by programs such as Maryland, Texas Tech, UCLA, Southern Miss, Texas State, Nevada and East Carolina.
Zach Thomas: 6-1, 181, Fr., ATH, Reform, Ala. (Pickens County)
Named 2016 Second Team All-State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association . . . Named the Super 11 Class 1A Player of the Year as a senior by the Tuscaloosa News . . . Member of the West Alabama All-Star Team . . . Helped lead Pickens County to 12 victories and the Class 1A state championship game . . . Completed 126 of 244 passes for 2,131 yards and 18 touchdowns during senior campaign . . . Also rushed for 1,194 yards and 17 touchdowns on 128 carries.
Antwon Turnage: 6-3, 205, Jr., LB, Columbia, Mo. (Dodge City (Kan.) Community College)
Enrolled at A-State last fall and participated in the 2016 season, but counts toward the 2017 signing class . . . Played in one game, at Auburn, in 2016 and suffered a season-ending injury . . . Redshirted his true freshman season before posting 54 tackles (38 solo, 12 assist) at Dodge City in 2015 . . . Recorded five tackles for loss and two sacks . . . Responsible for two interceptions returned 79 yards . . . Earned First Team All-KJCCC honors . . . Named the KJCCC Defensive Player of the Week after recording nine tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in a 17-14 victory over Fort Scott . . . Did not play football until his senior year at Rock Bridge (Mo.) High School after transferring from Hickman (Mo.) . . . Played wide receiver and defensive back . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com.
Larry Wooden: 6-0, 180, Fr., S, Hoover, Ala. (Spain Park)
2015 (Honorable Mention) and 2016 (Second Team) Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 7A All-State selection . . . Helped lead the Jaguars to an 8-3 record and berth in the Class 7A state playoffs as a senior . . . Also played running back and some wide receiver on the offensive side of the ball . . . Named to the All-Birmingham football second team at running back in 2016 . . . Helped lead SPHS to a Class 7A state runner-up finish and 12-2 mark as a junior . . . Helped Spain Park end an 0-13 mark against Hoover High School, as well as Hoover’s overall 43-game win streak as a junior in 2015 with 69 yards on the ground in the contest . . . Named the National MVP of the Week by Great American Rivalries for his performance against Hoover High School . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals, 247Sports and Scout . . . Ranked as the No. 118 running back in the nation and No. 95 overall player in the state of Alabama . . . Also recruited by teams such as Minnesota, Southern Miss, Troy, Tulane and UAB.
Nice write up about the new Red Wolves
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