Arkansas State signs top rated recruiting class in the Sun Belt Conference

Arkansas State head football coach Butch Jones announced Wednesday the Red Wolves have added 29 players from 12 different states to its 2023 recruiting class that is currently ranked first in the Sun Belt Conference by 247Sports, Rivals and On3.

A-State, which also had the league’s No. 1-ranked recruiting class a year ago, signed 20 high school players, eight FBS or FCS transfers and one junior college transfer on the early National Signing Day.  The class includes 12 additions who will be available for the Red Wolves’ 2023 spring camp.

Arkansas State’s 2023 class ranks as high as 69th by the major recruiting web sites, currently giving the Red Wolves back-to-back signing classes that rank among the top three in school history.  It is also A-State’s second straight class rated among the top five programs in the Group of 5.

“This was an exciting day for Arkansas State football, welcoming 29 new additions to our football family and entire University,” said Jones.  “They are high-character, tough and competitive individuals who understand that coming to Arkansas State, you’re going to be committed to excellence in everything that you do.

“I think this class will address many of the needs we have both long-term and in the immediate future through the mix of high school players and transfers, but this is just the beginning.  Today was just the start of the first signing period, so we’ll have more additions to follow.”

The latest group of Red Wolves is made up of 27 players who helped lead their teams to the state playoffs while in high school, including nine who played in a state championship game.  Out of those nine, seven of them were part of a state title while in high school.

The class also consists of 25 players who were listed as at least a three-star prospect by either 247Sports, ESPN, On3 or Rivals coming out of high school.  Out of the 20 high school players who signed with A-State today, a school-record-tying 17 are rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.

The current class includes 17 offensive and 12 defensive players, including five linemen on each side of the ball.  A-State added six wide receivers, the most among any position group, but inked at least one player at every offensive and defensive position.

Arkansas State signed five players from the state of Arkansas, which are the most scholarship players from its home state in a single class since 2015 and ties the most over the last 11 years.  The Red Wolves also added six players from Florida, four from Alabama, three from Texas, two from Georgia and one each from Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.  A-State singed one player originally from Germany as well.

2023 ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

1. Brian Alston:  6-2, 241, Fr., DL, Birmingham, Ala. (Spain Park HS)
2. Jacob Bayer:  6-3, 315, Jr., OL, Grandview, Texas (Lamar)*
3. Micah Bland:  6-1, 321, Sr.-R, DL, Louisville, Ky. (North Alabama)*
4. Tobias Braun:  6-7, 315, So.-R, OL, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (Ole Miss)*
5. Tennel Bryant:  5-7, 149, Fr., WR, Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller HS)
6. DeAndra Burns Jr.:  5-10, 154, Fr., WR, El Dorado, Ark. (El Dorado HS)
7. Chauncy Cobb:  5-6, 147, Fr., WR, Clewiston, Fla. (Clewiston HS)*
8. Will Crowder:  6-2, 217, So.-R, QB, Gardendale, Ala. (West Virginia)*
9. Clyde Curry:  6-2, 162, Fr., WR, Gadsden, Ala. (Gadsden City HS)
10. Walker Davis:  6-3, 280, Fr., OL, Benton, Ark. (Benton HS)*
11. Wendell Davis Jr.:  6-3, 240, Sr.-R, LB, Richmond, Va. (Northwestern)*
12. Kevin Diaz:  6-4, 259, Jr. TE, Houston, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi CC)*
13. Brandon Greil:  5-11, 159, Fr., S, Little Rock, Ark. (Joe T. Robinson HS)
14. Timothy Gulley:  6-1, 294, Fr., DL, Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola Catholic HS)
15. Hamilton Hall:  6-5, 315, Sr.-R, OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Ole Miss)*
16. Cedric Hawkins:  5-7, 173, Fr., RB, Stuttgart, Ark. (Stuttgart HS)
17. DeAubry Hood:  5-11, 170, Fr., CB, Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights HS)
18. Courtney Jackson:  5-11, 179, Jr.-R, WR, Monroeville, Pa. (Syracuse)*
19. Terrell James:  6-3, 219, Fr., DE, Lake Wales, Fla. (Lake Wales HS)
20. Ian Jeffries:  6-4, 274, Fr., DL, Southaven, Miss. (Southaven HS)
21. Dontay Joyner:  6-0, 165, Fr., S, Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS)
22. RJ Kelly:  6-1, 220, Fr., LB, Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS)
23. Takare Lipscomb:  6-0, 175, Fr., WR, Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS)
24. Tyler Little:  6-4, 240, Fr., TE, Galena, Kan. (Galena HS)
25. Mason Myers:  6-4, 254, Fr., OL, Moody, Ala. (Moody HS)
26. Jaylen Raynor:  6-0, 198, Fr., QB, Kernersville, NC (East Forsyth HS)*
27. Jordan Sample:  6-2, 194, Fr., LB, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Marshall HS)
28. Zak Wallace:  6-0, 220, Jr.-R, RB, Benton, Ark. (UT Martin)*
29. Jamil Williams:  5-11, 202, Fr., LB, Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS)

*Available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp (12)

HIGH SCHOOL:  20

FBS/FCS TRANSFERS:  8

JUNIOR COLLEGE:  1

BY POSITION:  OFFENSE

QB (2):  Will Crowder, Jaylen Raynor

RB (2):  Cedric Hawkins, Zak Wallace

WR (6):  Tennel Bryant, DeAndra Burns, Chauncy Cobb, Clyde Curry, Courtney Jackson, Takare Lipscomb

TE (2):  Kevin Diaz, Tyler Little

OL (5):  Jacob Bayer, Tobias Braun, Walker Davis, Hamilton Hall, Mason Myers

BY POSITION:  DEFENSE

DL (4):  Brian Alston, Micah Bland, Timothy Gulley, Ian Jeffries

DE (1):  Terrell James

LB (4):  Wendell Davis Jr., RJ Kelly, Jordan Sample, Jamil Williams

CB (1):  DeAubry Hood

S (2):  Brandon Greil, Dontay Joyner

BY STATE/COUNTRY

Florida (6):  Chauncy Cobb, Timothy Gulley, Terrell James, Dontay Joyner, RJ Kelly, Jamil Williams

Arkansas (5):  DeAndra Burns Jr., Walker Davis, Brandon Greil, Cedric Hawkins, Zak Wallace

Alabama (4):  Brian Alston, Will Crowder, Clyde Curry, Mason Myers

Texas (3):  Jacob Bayer, DeAubry Hood, Jordan Sample

Georgia (2):  Hamilton Hall, Takare Lipscomb

Mississippi (2):  Kevin Diaz, Ian Jeffries

Kansas (1):  Tyler Little

Kentucky (1):  Micah Bland

North Carolina (1):  Jaylen Raynor

Ohio (1):  Tennel Bryant

Pennsylvania (1):  Courtney Jackson

Virginia (1):  Wendell Davis Jr.

Germany (1):  Tobias Braun

2023 ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS BIOS

Brian Alston:  6-2, 241, Fr., DL, Birmingham, Ala. (Spain Park HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3, ESPN and Rivals … Ranked as the No. 69 Edge player in the nation and the No. 34 overall player in the state of Alabama by 247 Sports … Listed as the No. 39 overall player in the state of Alabama by Rivals … ESPN’s No. 109 defensive end in the country and No. 32 overall player in the state … Ranked by On3 as the No. 149 defensive lineman in the nation and No. 55 overall player in Alabama … Selected to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Game in Mobile’s Hancock Whitney Stadium as a senior … Named to the Starnes Media All-South Metro Football Team as an honorable mention selection in 2022 … Recorded 61 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback pressures and 4.5 sacks as a junior … Received Power 5 offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State and West Virginia.

Jacob Bayer:  6-3, 315, Jr., OL, Grandview, Texas (Lamar)

LAMAR:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Started at center in all 22 games of his two-year career at Lamar … Helped Lamar average nearly 350 yards of total offense per game in 2022, including a 174.8 rushing average that ranked fourth in the league.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Varsity football letterman at Grandview (Texas) High School … Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … Ranked among the top 400 recruits in the state of Texas … Received first-team all-county and all-state honors as a junior … Named 2019 District 9 Offensive Lineman of the Year … 2019 Johnson County Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year … Led Grandview to back-to-back state titles (2018 and 2019) … Guided his prep squad to a near perfect 11-1 (.917) overall record and a perfect 5-0 district mark as a senior … The district title came on the heels of a 2019 state championship … Invited to the Rivals Combine … Also, Standout in the classroom Earned Academic All-District honors … Also recruited by schools such as Air Force, Wyoming and Texas State, Columbia and Dartmouth.

Micah Bland:  6-1, 321, Sr.-R, DL, Louisville, Ky. (North Alabama)

NORTH ALABAMA:  Grad transfer available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Started on the defensive line in all 22 games of his two-year career at North Alabama, compiling 96 tackles and 5.5 TFL … Finished the 2022 season with 54 total tackles, which were the third most on the team … Also third on the team with 4.0 TFL for six yards … Had a career-high 11 tackles against Kennesaw State … Registered a quarterback hurry against Tarleton State … Had six games with at least six tackles … As a sophomore in 2021, finished sixth on the team in tackles with 42 total (16 solo, 26 assists) … Added 1.5 tackles for loss of seven yards, a sack for five yards, a pass breakup, a forced fumble and three blocked kicks … Tallied seven tackles against Kennesaw State and six each against Charleston Southern and Monmouth … His sack and tackles for loss came against North Carolina A&T … Blocked kicks against Campbell (field goal), Charleston Southern (field goal) and Hampton (extra point).  LOUISVILLE:  Transferred to UNA from Louisville, where he was a member of the football program from 2018-20 … Played on the offensive line as a freshman for the Cardinals, but did not see game action in 2018 under head coach Bobby Petrino … New head coach Scott Satterfield moved him to defense in 2019 … Saw action in six games in 2019 and four in 2020.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Played at Male High School in Louisville, Ky., from 2015-17 … Bulldogs won the 2016 Class 6A state championship … Had perfect attendance in high school.

Tobias Braun:  6-7, 315, So.-R, OL, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany (Ole Miss)

OLE MISS:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Member of the Ole Miss football program from 2020-22 before transferring to Arkansas State … Played in one game in 2022 versus Central Arkansas after redshirting the 2021 season … Athletics Director’s Honor Roll member and named SEC First-Year Honor Roll in 2020-21.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Ranked a 3-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals … Rated the 58th offensive tackle and No. 10 player in German by the 247Sports composite ranking … Played at Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut, as a senior, earning all-league and All-New England honorable mention honors … Originally came to the United States as a junior in high school and played at Brook Hill (Texas) High School … Chose Ole Miss over offers from Arkansas, Missouri, Michigan, Florida State, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Indiana, Arizona State, Kansas State, Iowa State, Texas Tech and Rutgers.

Tennel Bryant:  5-7, 149, Fr., WR, Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, which lists Bryant as the No. 157 wide receiver in the nation and No. 36 overall player in the state of Ohio … Two-star prospect by Rivals … Helped lead his senior squad to a 13-2 overall record and a final four finish in the Division I state playoffs … Played in 14 games as a senior and registered 664 receiving yards for six touchdowns … Had a long run of 70 yards … Recorded 80 rushing yards on nine carries … Finished with 199 kick return yards as a senior with a long return of 63 yards … Received offers from Air Force, Army, Central Michigan, Massachusetts, Navy, and Toledo.

DeAndra Burns Jr.:  5-10, 154, Fr., WR, El Dorado, Ark. (El Dorado HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Listed as 3-star prospect by 247Sports, ESPN, Rivals and On3 … Ranked among the top seven overall players in the state of Arkansas by 247Sports, ESPN and On3 … ESPN’s No. 105 wide receiver in the nation, while also the No. 130 player at his position according to 247Sports … Named a Class 6A all-state selection as a senior … As a junior, finished with 859 receiving yards on 42 catches with 10 touchdowns while helping lead El Dorado to the state championship … Posted 755 receiving yards as a sophomore with nine touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns … Arkansas state champion as a junior in the 100 meters (11.09) and long jump (23-0.5) … Placed second in Arkansas in the 400 meters (49.01) and ran a 48.93 that season … Finished third in the state in the 200 meters (22.25) … Also received offers from Arkansas and Pittsburgh.

Chauncy Cobb:  5-6, 147, Fr., WR, Clewiston, Fla. (Clewiston HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com and On3, which lists Cobb as the No. 290 wide receiver in the nation … Rivals 2-star prospect … As a senior in 2022, he finished with 1,246 yards on the ground with 14 touchdowns and five games of at least 100 yards rushing … Added 115 receiving yards as a senior and had a pick six … In 2021, caught 38 passes for 723 yards and 11 touchdowns … Also added 114 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns … On defense, totaled 15 tackles and two interceptions … Averaged 31.0 yards on the punt return team … Helped lead Clewiston to the Florida 4A playoffs … Responsible for 31 touchdowns in high school … Also received offers from Air Force and Navy, among others.

Will Crowder:  6-2, 217, So.-R, QB, Gardendale, Ala. (West Virginia)

WEST VIRGINIA:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons at West Virginia, redshirting his true freshman season … Saw action in two games in 2021, completing both of his pass attempts for 28 yards … Played in one game in 2022, completing 6-of-6 attempts for 57 yards and a touchdown against Towson … Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll member.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Pro-style quarterback at Gardendale High School … 2019 All-Birmingham High School Football Team honorable mention by AL.com … Played in the 2020 Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game, completing 9-of-12 for 152 yards and two touchdowns … Sports Illustrated All-American finalist … 2019 Gardendale MVP … Led Gardendale to a 9-3 record as a senior, completing 158-of-255 passes for 2,132 yards and 20 touchdowns … Also recorded 104 rushing attempts, notching 586 yards and three rushing scores … Led his team to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs … Three-time Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Athlete of the Week … As junior, completed 185-of-303 passes for 2,295 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also rushing for 443 yards and five touchdowns in helping Gardendale to the second round of the Class 6A playoffs … 3-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals coming out of high school … In addition to West Virginia, received offers from Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Kentucky, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest, among others.

Clyde Curry:  6-2, 162, Fr., WR, Gadsden, Ala. (Gadsden City HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, which lists him as the No. 94 wide receiver in the nation and the overall No. 25 player in the state of Alabama … Rivals 2-star prospect … Selected to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Game … Helped lead Gadsden City to the Class 6A, Region 8 championship in 2022 … In a playoff victory against Cullman, Curry caught nine passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns … Recruited and received offers from Michigan State, Minnesota, Western Kentucky, Georgia Southern, and Southern Miss, among others.

Walker Davis:  6-3, 280, Fr., OL, Benton, Ark. (Benton HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Listed as a 3-star recruit by 247Sports and On3 and as the No. 8 and No. 13 overall player in the state by each, respectively … 247Sports’ No. 152 interior offensive lineman in the nation and On3’s No. 190 defensive lineman in the country … Played on both sides of the ball at Benton … Named Class 6A All-State as senior, helping lead the Panthers to a 9-3 overall record, 8-1 mark in the 6-A East and to the semifinal round of the state playoffs … Earned all-conference in 2021 while helping lead the Panthers to the 6A West title … Also received offers from Georgia Southern Liberty and Middle Tennessee, among others.

Wendell Davis Jr.:  6-3, 240, Sr.-R, LB, Richmond, Va. (Northwestern)

NORTHWESTERN:  Grad transfer available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Saw action in three games, recording two tackles after transferring from Pitt.  PITT:  Played in 26 games, including five as a starter, during his time at Pitt, compiling 44 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks … Played in eight games with three starts at middle linebacker in 2021 … Recorded 27 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack … Twice posted a career-high six stops (vs Virginia Tech and Western Michigan) … Started the opening two games of the 2020 campaign at middle linebacker before missing the remainder of the season due to injury … Totaled seven tackles on the year, including a season-high four stops with an assisted TFL against Syracuse … Played in 12 games in 2019, serving on special teams and as a reserve middle linebacker … Posted nine tackles, 1.0 sack and a blocked punt on the year … Twice had a season-high three stops (vs Ohio and Duke) … In Pitt’s 35-34 win over UCF, was responsible for one of the game’s crucial plays when he scooped up a blocked punt and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown … The following week, Davis himself blocked a Delaware punt that Pitt parlayed into a touchdown six plays later … Played in four games as a true freshman in 2018, preserving a redshirt.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Two-time All-Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) selection at linebacker … Was a four-year varsity letterman and three-year starter at Benedictine … Helped the Cadets to four VISAA Division I playoff berths, three state title games and two state championships … As a senior, compiled 52 tackles, 14 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles … Rated the No. 18 overall prospect in Virginia by 247Sports, No. 22 by Rivals and No. 23 by ESPN.

Kevin Diaz:  6-4, 259, Jr. TE, Houston, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi CC)

NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Earned NJCAA All-Region 23 honors in 2022, posting 11 receptions for 113 yards a pair of touchdowns in eight games played … Helped lead the Rangers to a 10-2 record, perfect 6-0 mark in MACCC North Division play, the NJCAA semifinals and a No. 3 national ranking …  As a freshman in 2021, helped lead Northwest to a 9-3 overall record, the MACCC Championship and an appearance in the inaugural NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs … Played in all but one game for the Rangers in 2021, compiling 24 catches for 299 yards and two touchdowns … Hauled in a season-best five catches in the team’s MACCC Semifinal victory at Jones College, resulting in 56 yards and a score … Recorded a season-high 64 yards on four catches in the Rangers’ MACCC Championship win against Hinds … Posted his two touchdowns in back-to-back victories at Mississippi Delta and Jones College … Received academic honors off the field, including a selection to the Vice President’s List for the Fall 2021 semester and Second Team NJCAA All-Academic accolades … In addition to Arkansas State, also received offers from Old Dominion, Marshall, ULM, Western Kentucky and Buffalo, among others.  MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE:  Enrolled at Mississippi College in 2020 … The Choctaws, members of the Gulf South Conference, did not participate in a traditional season during the 2020-21 school year due to the NCAA Board of Governors/Gulf South Conference Board of Directors decisions regarding COVID-19 protocol.  POSTGRADUATE:  Prepped under coach Trey Brown at Phillips Academy Andover in 2019 … Named to the All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council Class A team as an honorable mention selection during his post-graduate year.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Varsity letterman at Houston (Miss.) High School … Helped the Hilltoppers to a 11-2 record, a Region 4-3A championship and the third round of the MHSAA Class 3A playoffs as a senior … Caught 12 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown in his final varsity season … Also had 49 tackles and four sacks from his linebacker position and served as the team’s primary kicker/punter … Selected to the Mississippi Association of Coaches 3A All-State second team and to the Super 24 team as a tight end after his senior campaign … Chosen All-Region 4-3A as a punter and received Houston’s Captain Award … Participated in the Northeast Mississippi Football Coaches Association All-Star game following his senior season … Off the field, graduated HHS with Special Honors and received the BancorpSouth Academic Achievement Award.

Brandon Greil:  5-11, 195, Fr., S, Little Rock, Ark. (Joe T. Robinson HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 … Major contributor on both sides of the ball for Joe T. Robinson, garnering Arkansas Activities Association 5A All-State honors at wide receiver … Totaled 905 all-purpose yards in his senior season, with 12 scores – five receiving and seven rushing … Racked up 55 tackles (5.5 TFL) and an interception as a senior, while also forcing a fumble … Helped the Senators to a 11-2 ledger in 2022 and unbeaten 8-0 mark in 5A Central play, reaching the 5A state semifinals … As a junior, wrapped up 69 tackles, including 14 for loss with two sacks and an interception … Tabbed as the No. 159 safety and No. 10 player in the state of Arkansas by 247Sports … On3’s No. 190 safety in the nation and 15th-ranked recruit in the Natural State … Also offered by Navy and Central Arkansas.

Timothy Gulley:  6-1, 294, Fr., DL, Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola Catholic HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports and On3 … Rivals 2-star prospect … Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 191 defensive lineman nationally and No. 181 by On3 … Helped Pensacola Catholic to a 10-2 mark and the second round of the state playoffs … Racked up 13.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and 10 QB hurries as a senior … 2021 All-Pensacola News Journal Second Team honoree … District qualifier in track and field as a junior in the shot put and discus … Held offers from Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Louisiana Tech and Troy.

Hamilton Hall:  6-5, 315, Sr.-R, OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Ole Miss)

OLE MISS:  Grad transfer available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Logged time in 11 games at Ole Miss in 2022, primarily on the Rebels’ special teams units … Saw time in five games on special teams and as a reserve offensive lineman in 2021 … Played in all 10 games in 2020, primarily on field goal block unit, but also saw time as a reserve offensive lineman … Made his collegiate debut in 2019 against New Mexico State (Nov. 9) … One of six Ole Miss student-athletes to participate in the SEC’s 2021 Virtual Career Tour … Three-time SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll scholar … Five-time Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member … 2019 National Football Foundation Freshman Scholar-Athlete … HIGH SCHOOL: Consensus 3-star recruit by 247Sports, Rivals and ESPN out of Chamblee Charter High School … Ranked as the No. 75 recruit in Georgia by Rivals … Top-100 offensive tackle by 247Sports … First team 5A All-State honoree from Recruit Georgia as a senior in 2017 … Also fielded Power-5 offers from Louisville, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi State and Nebraska, as well as interest from Cincinnati, Memphis, UCF and several others.

Cedric Hawkins:  5-7, 173, Fr., RB, Stuttgart, Ark. (Stuttgart HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 … On3’s 10th-ranked player in the state of Arkansas and 131st-ranked running back nationally … Rated by 247Sports as the 11th-ranked player in the state and No. 181 running back in the class of 2023 … Rivals 2-star prospect … 2022 Arkansas Activities Association 4A All-State selection … Part of a Stuttgart program that went 32-6 over its last three seasons, including back-to-back conference titles in 2020 and 2021, as well as two state quarterfinal trips and one semifinal bid … Rushed for over 4,000 yards in those three seasons for the Ricebirds … Four-sport standout, also competing in baseball, basketball and track and field … 2022 Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year finalist, helping the Ricebirds to the second round of the state playoffs … Churned out 222 yards on 24 carries with three scores, along with a 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown on Oct. 28, helping Stuttgart battle back from a 14-0 deficit to oust Lonoke 35-32 … Rushed for 1,199 yards as a junior with 15 touchdowns in 2021, while also compiling 511 receiving yards and seven scores … Also offered by Central Arkansas.

DeAubry Hood:  5-11, 170, Fr., CB, Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, which ranks him as the No. 132 cornerback nationally … Played primarily at corner, but also provided help in the return game and on offense … Helped Harker Heights to a 12-2 record and the Texas 6A D-II Region I championship game … Racked up 79 tackles (5 for loss), three interceptions, a forced fumble and a blocked punt as a senior … Finished his junior year with 43 tackles and four picks, helping the Knights to a 9-2 mark and Texas 6A D-I first-round playoff appearance … Track and field standout who was a Texas 6A regional qualifier in the 100 meters as a junior with a time of 10.33 … Also offered by Navy.

Courtney Jackson:  5-11, 179, Jr.-R, WR, Monroeville, Pa. (Syracuse)

SYRACUSE:  Grad transfer available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Saw action in 36 career games over four seasons for Syracuse, earning a redshirt in 2019 … Hauled in 63 career catches for 662 yards … Caught 15 passes for 201 yards in 2021, averaging 13.4 yards per reception … Led the Orange in receptions in 2021 with 37 for 389 yards, earning a spot on Pro Football Focus’ All-ACC Team … The team’s primary return man for the last four weeks, returning three punts for 110 yards (36.7/return) and one touchdown … Appeared in all 11 games as a slot receiver in 2020, catching 10 balls for 69 yards … Three-time SU Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Rated as ESPN’s No. 67 wide receiver in the class of 2019 and 5th-ranked overall prospect from Pennsylvania … No. 100 athlete in the country and 25th-ranked player in Pennsylvania by 247Sports … Ranked by Rivals as the No. 26 prospect in the state … Three-time First Team All-WPIAL 5A Big East Conference pick … Two-time all-state selection … Twice named to the Post-Gazette’s “Fabulous 22” list … Named to the 2018 American Family Insurance All-USA Pennsylvania Second Team by USA Today as a defensive back … Helped Gateway High School to a combined 26-3 record in his final two seasons … Caught 153 passes for 3,015 yards (19.7 per catch) and 47 touchdowns in his career … Had 96 grabs for 1,916 yards and a state-best 24 scores as a junior, including 15 catches for 264 yards and three TDs in the PIAA state semifinal game … Hauled in 40 passes for 925 yards and 20 touchdowns as a senior … Two-time team captain … Also played basketball, earning first-team all-conference honors at guard, and ran track.

Terrell James:  6-3, 219, Fr., DE, Lake Wales, Fla. (Lake Wales HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Consensus 3-star recruit by all four major recruiting rankings … Listed as the No. 115 edge rusher nationally by 247Sports … Ranked by On3 as the No. 121 edge rusher … Helped Lake Wales to its first-ever state title, totaling 108 tackles (58.0 for loss) with 29.0 sacks in the Highlander’s unblemished 15-0 season … Helped his defense allow just 6.5 points per game … Invited to the 2022 FACA North/South All-Star Classic … Helped Lake Wales to a 9-3 record in 2021, racking up 95 tackles, 21 for a loss, as well as eight sacks and 17 QB hurries … Held offers from Purdue, Coastal Carolina, FIU, FAU, Georgia Southern, Tulane, Temple, Western Kentucky and others.

Ian Jeffries:  6-4, 274, Fr., DL, Southaven, Miss. (Southaven HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star prospect by On3, 247Sports and ESPN, while being rated as a 2-star by Rivals … Tabbed by ESPN as the No. 102 defensive tackle and 31st-ranked player in the state of Mississippi … Rated as the No. 32 overall player in the Magnolia State by 247Sports and the 154th-ranked defensive lineman nationally … On3’s 33rd-ranked Mississippi prospect and No. 191 defensive tackle … 2022 Commercial Appeal Dandy Dozen member … Helped Southaven to a 10-0 regular-season mark and district title … Owned Power-5 offers from Illinois and Indiana, as well as offers from Liberty and Georgia State.

Dontay Joyner:  6-0, 165, Fr., S, Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 and ESPN … Rated by Rivals as a 2-star prospect … Helped Lakeland High School to a state title as a senior in Florida’s second-highest classification, leading the Dreadnaughts to a perfect 14-0 ledger … Rated by ESPN as the 130th-ranked safety in the nation and 230th overall in the state of Florida … Ranked as the No. 138 safety nationally by 247Sports … Tabbed by On3 as the No. 167 safety in the country … No. 11 in The Ledger’s Super 16 selections in 2022 … Totaled 79 tackles, seven interceptions and four pass break-ups in 2021 at safety for Lakeland … Received offers from Coastal Carolina, FIU, James Madison, Marshall, Toledo, USF and others.

RJ Kelly:  6-1, 220, Fr., LB, Lakeland, Fla. (Lakeland HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3 and Rivals … Ranked by 247Sports as the No. 145 linebacker nationally and No. 245 overall in the state of Florida … Helped Lakeland High School to a state title and unbeaten 14-0 record in Florida’s second-highest classification … Played his junior season at Lakeland Kathleen High School, totaling 84 tackles with two interceptions and a sack, earning first-team All-County by The Ledger … Also held offers from Eastern Michigan, Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, James Madison, Marshall, Navy, Wake Forest and others.

Takare Lipscomb:  6-0, 175, Fr., WR, Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Consensus 3-star recruit by the four major recruiting sites … Ranked by ESPN as the No. 185 wide receiver in the nation … Helped Carrollton to the state final in 2022, being named First Team All-Region by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution … Part of four region championship squads … Hauled in 46 catches for 775 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior … Caught 45 passes for 727 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior in 2021, helping Carrollton go 12-2 in Georgia’s AAAAAA classification … Offered by Appalachian State, Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Pittsburgh, Western Kentucky and others.

Tyler Little:  6-4, 240, Fr., TE, Galena, Kan. (Galena HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star prospect by 247Sports, listed as the 13th-ranked player in the state of Kansas and No. 78 tight end nationally … Multiple-time all-state honoree … Unanimous first-team All-CNC wide receiver as a senior … Versatile player who started at offensive line as a freshman before seeing time at tight end, wide receiver, fullback, running back, defensive end and linebacker throughout his tenure … Helped the Bulldogs reach the second round of the state playoffs … Also offered by Eastern Michigan, Air Force, Buffalo, New Mexico State, UTEP and others.

Mason Myers:  6-4, 254, Fr., OL, Moody, Ala. (Moody HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Unanimous 3-star recruit by On3, 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals … Ranked by On3 as the No. 60 player in the state of Alabama and No. 129 offensive tackle in the nation … Played in the North/South All-Star Game … Tabbed Second Team 5A All-State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association … Helped Moody’s offense shatter the school’s single-season scoring record by 110 points and win the program’s first playoff game since 2004 …Tabbed by ESPN as the 53rd-ranked player in Alabama and No. 130 offensive tackle … Offered by Army, Georgia Tech and Tulane.

Jaylen Raynor:  6-0, 198, Fr., QB, Kernersville, N.C. (East Forsyth HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Received 3 stars from On3 and 2 stars from Rivals … Ranked by On3 as the No. 18 player in North Carolina and 26th-best dual-threat quarterback … Led East Forsyth to a 12-1 record and the third round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs … Honorable Mention all-state pick … Mr. North Carolina Football finalist … Completed 186 of 285 passes for 2,944 yards with 40 touchdowns to just three interceptions in 2022 … Also rushed for 1,259 yards on 145 carries and 17 scores … Scored 32 total touchdowns (19 passing, 13 rushing) as a junior, throwing for 2,304 yards and adding 973 more on the ground … Earned journalnow.com All-Area First Team and All-Central Piedmont 4A honors … Offered by Army, Air Force, Navy, UMass and Miami (Ohio).

Jordan Sample:  6-2, 194, Fr., LB, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Marshall HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by On3, 247Sports and ESPN, while rated as a 2-star by Rivals … Ranked by ESPN as the No. 90 linebacker in the nation and No. 228 overall player in Texas … Tabbed by 247Sports as the 124th-ranked linebacker nationally and No. 232 overall in Texas … Helped lead Fort Bend Marshall to a 12-2 overall record and unbeaten 7-0 mark in district play, reaching the state quarterfinals … Part of two district-championship squads at Fort Bend Marshall … Totaled 167 tackles over the last two seasons, including 104 as a senior in 2022 … Tallied 27 total tackles for loss, including 18.0 this past season … Also offered by Missouri, Marshall, Memphis, Texas State and Wyoming, among others.

Zak Wallace:  6-0, 220, Jr.-R, RB, Benton, Ark. (UT Martin)

UT MARTIN:  Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Two-time All-Ohio Valley Conference first team honoree (2021, 2022) … Four-time OVC Offensive Player of the Week, three times in 2022 … Rushed for 1,012 yards on 169 carries (6.0 yards/carry) and 16 touchdowns for UT Martin in 2022, averaging 92.0 yards per game … Preseason All-OVC, while also being named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-OVC first team … Played in 13 games in 2021, helping the Skyhawks to the OVC Championship and second round in the NCAA FCS Playoffs … Rushed for 807 yards on 148 carries (5.5 yards/carry) and 15 touchdowns, which led the OVC and ranked sixth in the FCS … Led the OVC in scoring with 90 points … Garnered Freshman All-American honors from Phil Steele and HERO Sports, while also being billed second-team All-OVC by Steele … Played in seven games for the Skyhawks in 2020-21, tallying 113 yards on 39 carries with a score … Redshirted in 2019 as a true freshman.  HIGH SCHOOL:  Prepped at Benton High School … Posted 1,438 yards and 21 touchdowns as a senior, averaging 10.5 yards per carry … Tallied 171 carries for 1,260 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior … Tabbed to the 6A All-State squad … Named the top running back in 6-A West … Honored as the Tri-Lakes Edition Offensive Player of the Year and to All-Area team … Named to AHSCA All-Star Game … Won 6A/7A State Weight Lifting championship … Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports and Rivals.

Jamil Williams:  5-11, 202, Fr., LB, Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS)

HIGH SCHOOL:  Three-star recruit by On3, 247Sports and ESPN, while being tabbed a 2-star player by Rivals … Ranked by ESPN AS THE No. 133 safety in the class of 2023 and No. 227 overall player in Florida … No. 169 safety by On3 and No. 272 in the Sunshine State … Has seen time at safety and as an edge rusher … All-District selection … Totaled 17.0 tackles for loss and four sacks as a senior, helping Palmetto to a playoffs bid and 6-4 record in 2022 …  As a junior in 2021, tallied 60 tackles, 11 for loss, with four forced fumbles (3 recoveries) and a pair of interceptions … Boasts Power-5 offers from Tennessee and Duke, along with offers from Charlotte and Florida Atlantic.