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A-State announces additions to 2020 recruiting class

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A-State Athletics
Jerry Scott, Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations

JONESBORO – Arkansas State head football coach Blake Anderson announced Wednesday several additions to the Red Wolves’ 2020 recruiting class, which now includes 25 players from 13 different states.

New additions to the class since the initial Dec. 18 National Signing Day included five high school standouts, three junior college transfers and one FBS graduate transfer.  The group was made up of six defensive and three offensive players, including four expected to play in the secondary.

The latest high school student-athletes to join the Red Wolves featured Shannon (Miss.) defensive back Taylon Doss, Caldwell Parish (La.) defensive back Kenneth Harris, Kirby (Tenn.) defensive end Corbet Mims, Yazoo County (Miss.) wideout Corey Rucker and Locust Fork (Ala.) offensive lineman Noah Smith.

Signing today from the junior college ranks were College of the Canyons (Calif.) offensive lineman Kideam Diouf and Mississippi Gulf Coast defensive back Booker Ficklin.  Highland (Kan.) linebacker CJ Harris inked with A-State in December, and along with Doss, will be able to participate in the Red Wolves’ spring camp.

A-State also announced today the addition of UConn graduate transfer and defensive back Tahj Herring-Wilson, who saw action in 26 games over the last three seasons with the Huskies.

A-State’s latest recruiting class, the seventh under Anderson, is now made up of eight defensive backs, five offensive linemen, four linebackers, three defensive linemen, two wide receivers and one quarterback, running back and kicker.  The new additions to the 2020 team will include seven players, including six on the defensive side of the ball, eligible to take part in spring camp.

“I’m pleased with how things went over the course of the year,” Anderson said.  “We’re not completely done, but we’re very close.  We went to a lot of different places to get the guys that we put together as part of this group.  There was obviously a big focus on the defensive backfield…we had to a good job there, and I think we’ve done that.

“We obviously had to do a good job with the offensive line also, and we’ve addressed some needs there.  We really took guys at almost every position with the exception of a couple.  I feel like we brought some guys in who can add some maturity, know the standard already, and can come in here expecting to win.”

The entire group, including four players who were already on the team in 2019 but count toward this year’s class, includes 24 who were named high school all-state, college all-conference and/or rated as 3-star prospect by one of the major recruiting web sites.

Arkansas State is set to begin its 2020 spring camp Feb. 17.  The Red Wolves will hold 14 practices prior to its Spring Game, which is slated for March 19.

2020 ARKANSAS STATE RECRUITING CLASS (additions since Dec. 19 in bold)

  1. Ahmad Adams:  6-1, 220, Fr., LB, Bryant, Ark. (Bryant)
  2. Leroy Deshazor:  6-2, 195, Jr.-R, WR, Lakeland, Fla. (College of the Canyons) (Calif.)**
  3. Kideam Diouf:  6-6, 290, Jr., OL, Elkton, Md. (College of the Canyons) (Calif)
  4. Taylon Doss:  5-11, 176, Fr., DB, Shannon, Miss. (Shannon)*
  5. Antwon Fegans:  6-1, 183, Fr., DB, Oxford, Ala. (Oxford)*
  6. Booker Ficklin:  6-2, 190, Jr., DB, Brandon, Miss. (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC)
  7. Kenneth Harris:  5-11, 170, Fr., DB, Columbia, La. (Caldwell Parish)
  8. Tahj Herring-Wilson:  6-1, 190, Sr., DB, Hartford, Conn. (Connecticut)***
  9. Fred Hervey:  5-11, 215, Jr., LB, Charleston, Miss. (East Mississippi CC)*
  10. CJ Harris:  6-0, 218, So., LB, Macon, Ga. (Highland (Kan.) CC)*
  11. Jarrett Horst:  6-6, 305, Jr., OL, Middleton, Wis. (Ellsworth (Iowa) CC)**
  12. Kyle Kelly:  6-6, 245, Fr., OL, Shawnee, Kan. (Mill Valley)
  13. Quinton Lee:  6-4, 255, Jr., DE, Lee Summit, Mo. (Northeast Oklahoma A&M College)*
  14. Tristan Mattson:  6-2, 170, Fr.-R, K, Clarkston, Mich. (Clarkston)**
  15. Corbet Mims:  6-4, 250, Fr., DE, Memphis, Tenn. (Kirby)
  16. Brett Nezat:  6-5, 224, Fr., QB, Saraland, Ala. (Saraland)*
  17. Lincoln Pare:  5-9, 190, Fr., RB, Germantown, Tenn. (Houston)
  18. Corey Rucker:  6-2, 190, Fr., WR, Yazoo County, Miss. (Yazoo County)
  19. Vidal Scott:  6-2, 295, Jr., DL, Pensacola, Fla. (Hinds (Miss.) CC)*
  20. Noah Smith:  6-8, 270, Fr., OL, Locust Fork, Ala. (Locust Fork)
  21. Javar Strong:  6-3, 175, DB, Cherokee, Ala. (Muscle Shoals)
  22. Anthony Switzer:  6-0, 190, So., Marion, Ark. (Marion)**
  23. Trevian Thomas:  6-0, 177, Fr., DB, Americus, Ga. (Americus Sumter County South)
  24. Israel Whitmore:  6-2, 220, Fr., LB, Ackerman, Miss. (Choctaw County)
  25. Austin Woods:  6-6, 265, Fr., OL, Cleveland, Okla. (Verdigris)

*midyear signee available for spring camp
**enrolled fall 2019 and participated in the 2019 season, but counted toward the 2020 signing class
***FBS graduate transfer eligible for the 2020 season

BY STATE

MISSISSIPPI (5):  Taylon Doss (DB), Booker Ficklin (DB), Fred Hervey (LB), Corey Rucker (WR), Israel Whitmore (LB)
ALABAMA (4):  Antwon Fegans (DB), Brett Nezat (QB), Noah Smith (OL), Javar Strong (DB)
ARKANSAS (2):  Ahmad Adams (LB), Anthony Switzer (S)
CALIFORNIA (2):  Leroy Deshazor (WR), Kideam Diouf (OL)
KANSAS (2):  CJ Harris (LB), Kyle Kelly (OL)
OKLAHOMA (2):  Quinton Lee (DE), Austin Woods (OL)
TENNESSEE (2):  Corbet Mims (DE), Lincoln Pare (RB)
FLORIDA (1):  Vidal Scott (DL)
GEORGIA (1):  Trevian Thomas (DB)
CONNECTICUT (1):  Tahj Herring-Wilson (DB)
LOUISIANA (1):  Kenneth Harris (DB)
MICHIGAN (1):  Tristan Mattson (K)
WISCONSIN (1):  Jarrett Horst (OL)

BY POSITION
DEF BACK (8): Taylon Doss, Booker Ficklin, Antwon Fegans, Kenneth Harris, Tahj Herring-Wilson, Javar
Strong, Anthony Switzer, Trevian Thompson
OFFENSIVE LINE (5):  Kideam Diouf, Jarrett Horst, Kyle Kelly, Noah Smith, Austin Woods
LINEBACKER (4):  Ahmad Adams, CJ Harris, Fred Hervey, Israel Whitmore
DEFENSIVE LINE (3):  Quinton Lee, Corbet Mims, Vidal Scott
QUARTERBACK (1):  Brett Nezat
RUNNING BACK (1):  Lincoln Pare
WIDE RECEIVER (2):  Leroy Deshazor, Corey Rucker
KICKER (1):  Tristan Mattson

HIGH SCHOOL:  17

JUNIOR COLLEGE:  7

FBS:  1

BIOS

Ahmad Adams:  6-1, 220, Fr., LB, Bryant, Ark. (Bryant)

Three-year varsity football letterman who helped lead Bryant High School to back-to-back state titles in 2018 and 2019 . . . Completed his high school career with 166 rushing attempts for 1,298 yards (7.8 average) and 19 touchdowns during his prep career . . . Earned all-conference recognition his senior season after rushing for 990 yards on 128 attempts (7.7 average) and finding the end zone 15 times, while also adding 12 receptions for 105 yards and another score . . . 2019 Landers Award finalist (Arkansas HS Player of the Year as selected by KATV) . . . Junior season posted 20 rushing attempts for 173 yards (8.7 average) and two touchdowns . . . As sophomore, recorded 18 rushes for 135 yards (7.5 average) and two touchdowns . . . 3-star prospect by 247Sports, which lists him as the No. 20 overall player in Arkansas and No. 246 athlete in the nation . . . 3-star recruit, the No. 14 player in the state and No. 59 inside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com . . . 2-star recruit by Rivals . . . High school state champion wrestler.

Leroy Deshazor:  6-2, 195, Jr.-R, WR, Lakeland, Fla. (College of the Canyons) (Calif.)**

Enrolled at A-State last fall and participated in the 2019 season, but counts toward the 2020 recruiting class . . . Saw action in three games this season, recording one tackle, and will receive a redshirt for the season . . . Spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at College of the Canyons before transferring to Arkansas State . . . Earned First Team All-SCFA honors after recording 27 receptions for 391 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore at College of the Canyons . . . Receptions and yards were both the third most on the team, while his five receiving touchdowns tied the second most . . . Also returned 11 punts for 100 yards (9.1) in 2018 with a long return covering 25 yards . . .  Helped lead the Cougars to a perfect 10-0 regular season and the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) National Division, Northern League conference championship . . . Completed his freshman campaign with 10 catches for 167 yards and four touchdowns, while also returning five punts for 35 yards . . . His two-year career at COC saw him post 37 catches for 558 yards and nine touchdowns . . . Varsity football letterman at Lakeland (Fla.) High School . . . Named All-Heartland Region Elite Team by FloridaHSFootball.com.

Kideam Diouf:  6-6, 290, Jr., OL, Elkton, Md., (College of the Canyons) (Calif)

Spent the 2019 season at College of the Canyons playing on the offensive line before transferring to A-State . . . Will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Named a 2019 All-Southern California Football Association (SCFA) selection for the Northern League of the National Division . . . Helped lead College of the Canyons to a 9-3 overall record, the SCFA National Division (Northern League) title and the Southern California championship game . . . Played his freshman season at East Los Angeles College, playing on the defensive line . . . Saw action in three games in 2018, recording four tackles and a sack . . . Attended high school and was a football letterman at Eastern Christian Academy . . . Listed as two-star prospect by Rivals.

Taylon Doss:  5-11, 176, Fr., DB, Shannon, Miss. (Shannon)*

Midyear signee who will be available to participate in A-State’s 2020 spring camp . . . Two-year varsity football letterman at Shannon High School . . . Recorded 60 tackles, two interceptions and 19 pass break-ups during his senior season . . . Tabbed first team all-district . . . Named the team’s “Player of the Game” eight times throughout his high-school career . . . Superintendent’s Honor Roll member . . . Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals . . . Also recruited by schools such as Middle Tennessee, Southern Miss and Louisiana-Monroe.

Antwon Fegans:  6-2, 185, Fr., DB, Oxford, Ala. (Oxford)

Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2020 spring camp . . . Helped lead Oxford to a 14-1 record his senior season . . . Senior season saw him tabbed first team all-state, all-region and all-county . . . As a sophomore, named first team all-county and second team all-region . . . Rivals 3-star recruit ranked as the No. 46 overall player in the state . . . Listed as 3-star prospect by 247Sports, which ranks him as the No. 43 overall player in Alabama and the No. 99 cornerback in the nation . . . 3-star recruit, the No. 42 overall player in the state of Alabama and No. 80 corner in the country . . . Also recruited by schools such as Kentucky, Louisville, Memphis, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh, Arkansas, Kansas and Virginia Tech.

Booker Ficklin:  6-2, 190, Jr., DB, Brandon, Miss. (Mississippi Gulf Coast CC)

Played the 2018 and 2019 seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College . . .  Saw action on both sides of the ball as sophomore . . . Defensively, he was responsible for 42 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions and 18 pass break-ups . . . Also finished the 2019 campaign with seven receptions for 68 yards with his longest catch covering 16 yards . . . Helped lead the Bulldogs to their fifth national championship in 2019 as they completed the season with an unblemished 12-0 record . . . Played in all nine games with seven tackles and one tackle for loss as a freshman. . .  Varsity football letterman at Brandon High School . . . Named Class 6A All-State First Team by the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC), as well first team all-state by the Clarion-Ledger . . . Selected to play in Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game. . . Completed his senior season with five interceptions, three sacks, eight quarterback hurries, 12.0 tackles for loss and 10 pass break-ups . . . As a junior, tallied 46 tackles, 1.0 sacks, two quarterback hurries, one interception, 11 pass break-ups and three forced fumbles . . .  As a sophomore, posted 18 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 10 pass break-ups and one fumble recovery . . .  Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals . . . Also recruited by schools such as Coastal Carolina, Kent State, Texas State and Charlotte.

 CJ Harris:  6-0, 218, So., LB, Warner Robins, Ga. (Highland (Kan.) CC)*

Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2020 spring camp and will have three years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Helped lead Highland to a 6-4 record and to a final No. 20 NJCAA ranking . . . Saw action in four games a freshman at Highland in 2019, recording 37 tackles (9.3 per game), 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and a forced fumble . . . Prepped at Warner Robins High School, where he led the Demons to a state championship as a senior after recording 82 tackles, two interceptions and 2.0 tackles for loss . . . Earned first team all-region recognition and was an honorable mention all-state selection as a senior . . . A three-year varsity letterman, Robins also recorded 55 stops as a junior and 67 during his sophomore campaign, which also saw him intercept a pair of passes  . . .  Also played running back as a junior, recording 792 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 128 carries . . . Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals . . . Also recruited by schools such as Tulane, Akron and Louisiana-Lafayette.

 Kenneth Harris:  6-0, 170, Fr., DB, Columbia, La. (Caldwell Parish)

Varsity football letterman at Caldwell Parish High School in Columbia, LA . . . Helped lead Caldwell Parish to a 10-2 record and the second round of the playoff in 2019 . . . Named First Team All-District 3-3A as both a wide receiver and defensive back his senior season . . . Earned honorable mention all-state honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2019 . . . Listed as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, which also ranks him as the No. 68 overall player in the state of Louisiana and No. 139 cornerback in the nation . . . Rivals two-star prospect . . . Also recruited by schools such as Memphis, Minnesota and Louisiana-Monroe.

Tahj Herring-Wilson:  6-1, 190, Sr., DB, Hartford, Conn. (Connecticut)***

Graduate transfer from UConn . . . Most recently saw action in eight games as a junior, finishing the 2019 season with 17 tackles, two pass break-ups and a forced fumble . . . Completed his sophomore season in 2018 with 29 tackles in 10 games played, including nine as a starter . . . Led the squad with five pass break-ups . . . Recorded a season-high seven tackles in back-to-back games against SMU and East Carolina . . . Saw action in eight contests, including two as a starter, as a redshirt freshman in 2017 . . . Completed the year with 17 tackles and one tackle for loss . . . Posted a career-high eight tackles against Memphis, while also posting six against SMU . . . Redshirted the 2016 season . . . Varsity football letterman at Suffield Academy, where he was named high school First Team All-State by USA Today . . . Responsible for 28 tackles and two interceptions as a senior . . . Helped lead the team to a 7-2 overall record and played in the Wayne Sanborn New England Championship Bowl . . . Named to the NEPSAC Class A All-Stars as a junior when he had four interceptions and 28 tackles . . . Also a varsity basketball and track and field letterman . . . Finished tied for second in the 100 meters at the Division II New England Prep Track Association as a senior in 11.14 seconds . . . Placed fourth in the 200 meters and third in the 4×100 relay . . . Completed his high school career listed as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.

 Fred Hervey:  5-11, 215, Jr., LB, Charleston, Miss. (East Mississippi CC)

Midyear signee who will be able to participate in A-State’s 2020 spring camp and will have two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Two-time First Team All-MACJC selection . . . Helped lead the Lions to an unblemished 12-0 record and the NJCAA national title in 2018, while the 2019 squad finished No. 14 in the final NJCAA rankings . . . Two seasons at East Mississippi saw Hervey pile up 164 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, four forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions . . . Sophomore season posted 71 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, interception and pass break-up . . . Freshman season recorded 93 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, four pass break-ups, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and an interception . . . 93 total stops ranked 12th in the NJCAA, while his 16 TFL were the 26th most . . . 3-star prospect and ranked the No. 11 junior college outside linebacker in the nation by 247Sports . . . Four-year varsity letterman at Charleston High School, where he recorded 159 career tackles and sacks . . . Finished his senior season with 51 stops . . . Saw action on both sides of the ball, also posting 97 career rushing attempts for 719 yards (7.4 average) and 17 touchdowns.

Jarrett Horst:  6-6, 305, Jr., OL, Middleton, Wis. (Ellsworth (Iowa) CC)**

Enrolled at A-State last fall and participated in the 2019 season, but counts toward the 2020 recruiting class . . . Started every game this season at left tackle for the Red Wolves, earning Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors . . . Played his true freshman season at Ellsworth Community College before transferring to Arkansas State . . . Also recruited by teams such as Toledo, Buffalo, Nebraska, Indiana, Cincinnati, UMass and Troy . . . Four-year varsity letterman at Middleton High School . . . Named both all-conference and all-area . . . Selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Game.

Kyle Kelly:  6-6, 245, Fr., OL, Shawnee, Kan. (Mill Valley)

Helped lead Mill Valley High School to a 2019 Class 5A state title . . . Named honorable mention all-state as a senior . . . “Sports in Kansas” All-Senior All-State Team . . . 3-star prospect ranked the No. 19 overall player in Kansas and the No. 212 offensive tackle in the nation by 247 Sports . . . Rivals and ESPN.com 2-star prospect . . . Ranked as the No. 18 overall player in the state and No. 202 offensive tackle in the nation . . . Also recruited by schools such as Tulane, Ohio and Western Kentucky.

Quinton Lee:  6-4, 255, Jr., DE, Lee’s Summit, Mo. (Northeast Oklahoma A&M College)*

Midyear signee who will be available to participate in A-State’s spring camp . . . Two years of eligibility remaining with the Red Wolves . . . Responsible for 25 tackles, 3.0 sacks and one forced fumble as a sophomore . . . Earned Second Team All-Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SJCFC) recognition in 2019 . . . Freshman campaign saw Lee collect 35 stops and 1.0 tackle for loss . . . 2-star recruit, No. 2 overall ranked junior college player in Missouri . . . 247Sports also lists Lee as the No. 202 weakside defensive end in the nation among junior college players . . . Also recruited by schools such as Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan . . . Three-year varsity letterman at Lee’s Summit High School, where he compiled 139 career tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and 3.0 forced fumbles . . . First team all-state selection . . . Senior season saw him record 66 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.

Tristan Mattson:  6-2, 170, Fr.-R, Clarkston, Mich. (Clarkston)**

Enrolled at A-State last fall and participated in the 2019 season, but counts toward the 2020 recruiting class . . . Saw action in three games, including the Georgia, Southern Illinois and Troy contests . . . Recorded 18 kickoffs for a 49.9 average per kick with one touchback . . . Varsity football, soccer and track & field letterman at Clarkston High School . . . Senior season attempted 70 kickoffs for 3,779 yards with 31 touchbacks . . . Made 32-of-36 extra point attempts . . . Connected on 14-of-18 field goal attempts.  Six of his 14 makes were from at least 40 yards out . . . Led the team in scoring with 74 points . . . Also handled punting duties, posting 32 attempts for 1,145 yards and a 35.8 average . . . Named his high school team’s Special Teams Player of the Year . . . Clarkston News Athlete of the Week . . . USA Today, Detroit Free Press and Detroit News Division I All-State Dream Team . . . As a junior in 2017 made 25 extra points and two field goals to finish the season with 31 points . . . Attempted 65 kickoffs for 3,490 yards with 24 touchbacks . . . Helped lead Middleton to a state championship as a junior . . . 2017 Middleton HS Special Teams Player of the Year . . . Competed in the 100 and 200 meter dashes in track and field . . . Named Middleton’s fall Soccer MVP in 2015.

Corbet Mims:  6-4, 250, Fr., DE, Memphis, Tenn. (Kirby)

Named all-state and to the Class 5A All-Metro Team as a senior . . . Listed No. 12 on the Commercial Appeal’s inaugural 2019 “Dandy Dozen,” a collection of the top 12 college football prospects in the 2020 class from the Mid-South . . . As a junior, helped lead Kirby to an 11-2 record and the Class 5A quarterfinals . . . Posted 13 sacks during the 2018 season . . . Listed as a 3-star prospect by Rivals, which ranked him as the No. 14 overall player in the state of Tennessee and No. 21 strongside defensive end in the nation . . . 3-star recruit by 247Sports and listed as the No. 24 overall player in the state and 34 strongside defensive end in the country . . . Also recruited by school such as Arkansas, Louisville, Memphis, Ole Miss, Missouri, Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, Oregon, Missouri, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt.

Brett Nezat:  6-5, 224, Fr., QB, Saraland, Ala. (Saraland)

Three-year varsity football starter who led Saraland post a 37-4 record . . . Quarterbacked SHS to a 10-1 record as a senior, including a perfect regular season . . . That was good enough to garner the No. 1 ranking in the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Class 6A Top 10 . . . Completed 95-of-177 passes for 1,539 yards and 21 touchdowns to just five interceptions as a senior . . . As a junior, completed 159-of-262 for 2,063 yards and 15 touchdowns . . . National Honor Society member . . . Project Outreach . . . Also varsity baseball and basketball letterman . . . 3-star prospect and top-50 pro-style quarterback by 247Sports, the fourth-best in his position in Alabama . . . Also recruited by teams such as Kansas, Syracuse, Central Michigan, Georgia State, South Alabama and Toledo.

Lincoln Pare:  5-9, 190, Fr., RB, Germantown, Tenn. (Houston)

2019 Tennessee 6A Mr. Football who owns the Houston High School record for single-season and career rushing yards . . . Rushed for 2,804 yards on 350 carries as a senior, averaging an astounding 8.0 yards per carry . . . Recorded 38 total touchdowns and surpassed 100 yards rushing in all 14 games played . . . Totaled 3,303 all-purpose yards in 2019 . . . 2-star running back by 247Sports and Rivals . . .  Also recruited by Navy, Dartmouth, Austin Peay, Colgate, Mercer and others.

Corey Rucker:  6-2, 190, Fr., WR, Yazoo County, Miss. (Yazoo County)

Completed his senior season at Yazoo County with 56 receptions for 996 yards and 14 total touchdowns . . . Averaged 76.6 yards per game and almost 18 yards per catch . . . Named Class 3A First Team All-State by the Mississippi Association of Coaches . . . Played in the All-Star Football Classic game, helping lead the North squad to a 28-7 victory . . . Played his junior year at Madison Central, catching 21 passes for 324 yards and four touchdowns . . . Listed as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports, which tabs him as the No. 38 overall player in the state and No. 213 wide receiver in the nation . . . ESPN 3-star prospect rated as the No. 27 player in the state and No. 151 wide receiver in the country . . . Rivals two-star prospect . . . Also recruited by schools such as South Alabama and Louisiana-Monroe.

Vidal Scott:  6-2, 295, Jr., DL, Pensacola, Fla. (Hinds (Miss.) CC)*

Midyear signee who will be available to participate in A-State’s spring camp . . . Played at Hinds (Miss.) CC in Raymond, Miss., prior to transferring to A-State . . . Tallied 18 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, a forced fumble and one fumble recovery . . . Lone season at Hinds saw him earn First Team All-MACJC recognition . . . 3-star prospect and the No. 21 JUCO defensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports . . . Originally signed with Central Arkansas out of high school . . .  Prepped at West Florida High School . . . First Team Florida 5A All-State in 2016 . . . Pensacola News Journal First Team All-Area . . . Played in the East/West Pensacola Area All-Star Game . . . Also recruited by South Alabama, Austin Peay and UAB.

Noah Smith:  6-8, 270, Fr., OL, Locust Fork, Ala. (Locust Fork)

Two-time first team all-region selection . . . First team all-county offense . . . Second team all-county defense . . . Also a varsity track & field letterman . . . 3-star prospect by 247Sports, which lists him as the No. 103 player in the state of Alabama and No. 221 offensive tackle in the nation . . . Rated a 3-star prospect by ESPN, listing him as the No. 86 overall player in the state and No. 203 offensive tackle in the country . . . Rivals 2-star prospect.

Javar Strong:  6-3, 175, DB, Cherokee, Ala. (Muscle Shoals)

Helped lead Muscle Shoals to a 12-1 record and the state playoffs as a senior . . . Listed as a 3-star prospect by Rivals, which also ranks him as the No. 41 player in the state of Alabama and the No. 45 safety in the nation . . . 247Sports 3-star recruit, No. 79 overall player in the state of Alabama and the No. 152 safety in the nation . . . Also recruited by teams such as Memphis, Nebraska and Western Kentucky.

Anthony Switzer:  6-0, 190, So., Marion, Ark. (Marion)**

Enrolled at A-State last fall and participated in the 2019 season, but counts toward the 2020 recruiting class . . . Seen action in eight games this season, including one as a starter . . . Completed the regular season with 23 tackles, including 3.0 tackles for loss . . . Posted a season-high eight tackles against Georgia Southern . . . Tallied a season-best 2.0 tackles for loss against Texas State . . . Varsity football, basketball and track & field letterman at Marion High School . . . Senior season saw him record 51 tackles (25 solo) and an interception . . . Earned Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) Class 6A All-State recognition in 2018 . . . Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com, which also ranks him as the No. 47 player in the state and No. 268 safety in the nation.

Trevian Thomas:  6-0, 177, Fr., DB, Americus, Ga. (Americus Sumter County South)

Two-year varsity letterman at Americus Sumter . . . Completed his senior season with 63 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, a pair of interceptions and two pass break-ups . . . Earned first team all-region honors as both a return specialist and defensive back while leading Americus-Sumter to a 6-6 record and the second round of the state Class 4A playoffs . . . 3-star recruit ranked as the No. 195 overall player in Georgia and No. 184 safety in the nation by 247Sports . . . ESPN.com 3-star prospect and the web site’s No. 196-ranked player in the state and No. 194 safety in the country . . . Listed as a 2-star recruit by Rivals . . . Also recruited by schools such as Arkansas, Georgia Southern, Akron, Liberty, Western Kentucky and Georgia State.

Israel Whitmore:  6-2, 220, Fr., LB, Ackerman, Miss. (Choctaw County)

Responsible for 93 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and an interception his senior season . . . Junior campaign recorded 138 tackles, including 11.0 tackles for loss . . . Finished his sophomore season with 39 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss . . . 247Sports 3-star prospect, as well as the No. 35 player in the state of Mississippi and No. 104 outside linebacker in the nation . . . Listed as a 3-star recruit by ESPN.com, which also tabs him the No. 42 player in Mississippi and No. 159 outside linebacker in the nation . . . Rivals 2-star recruit . . . Also recruited by teams such as Southern Miss and Austin Peay . . . Won the state championship in the shot put event.

Austin Woods:  6-6, 265, Fr., OL, Cleveland, Okla. (Verdigris)

Four-year varsity starter on both the offensive and defensive line . . . Helped lead Verdigris to a 10-3 record and the state playoffs as a senior . . . Listed at No. 27 in The Oklahoman’s Super 30 players in the state . . . Ranked as the No. 18 overall player in Oklahoma and the No. 106 offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports, which lists Woods as a 3-star recruit . . . Rivals 2-star prospect . . . ESPN.com’s No. 16-ranked player in Oklahoma and No. 109 offensive tackle I the nation . . . ESPN.com 3-star recruit . . . Also recruited by programs such as Illinois, Louisiana Tech, Tulane and Texas State.

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