Reddie football inks 41 on National Signing Day
HSU Athletics
David Salley
ARKADELPHIA — The Henderson State football program added 41 players to its roster for the 2020 season Wednesday on National Signing Day.
The Reddies, fresh off of a 9-3 season and an appearance in the Live United Texarkana Bowl, mined the state of Arkansas hard this recruiting cycle and landed 16 players from inside the state’s border, including three who won Arkansas High School State Championships this season. Henderson’s class also features 17 players from Texas, six from Louisiana and two from Oklahoma.
Henderson’s emphasis on the lines of scrimmage was clear in its 2020 class, as nine offensive linemen and seven defensive linemen inked with the Reddies on Wednesday. HSU also added nine defensive backs, eight receivers, four running backs, two linebackers, one athlete and one quarterback.
“This class addresses some very important areas for us on the field, and the group as a whole is made up of a bunch of competitors who are really high-character young men,” head coach Scott Maxfield said. “I am proud of my staff for all the work they did to make this happen, and want to say thank-you to everyone who has helped us along the way. We look forward to getting this group on campus and to continuing to build on the success we have had. I believe we have identified young men and their families who fit at Henderson State. That is huge for us because our niche is developing young men who buy in and are motivated by the environment here to be great.”
2020 Henderson State Signing Class
Jalen Abraham | ATH | 5-10 | 177 lbs. | Evangel Christian Academy | Shreveport, La. | Highlights
A speedy stand-out at wide receiver and free safety for Evangel Christian . . . Helped lead the Eagles to back-to-back unbeaten seasons in district play in 2018 and 2019 . . . Was named KSLA 12-Shreveport’s Athlete of the Week in August of his senior season . . . Ran the 100-meter dash in 11.14 seconds.
DeWayne Adams | DB | 6-0 | 165 lbs. | Mesquite HS | Mesquite, Texas | Highlights
Hard-hitting safety and dangerous return man for Mesquite High School . . . Led the Skeeters to an 8-4 season as a senior in 2019 . . . Had a huge game in a 35-17 win over North Mesquite, when he recorded 10 tackles, three interceptions, recovered a fumble and forced a fumble.
Grayson Bailey | WR | 6-2 | 170 lbs. | Alma HS | Alma, Ark. | Highlights
Do-it-all player for Alma High School . . . Caught 35 passes for 602 yards and four touchdowns as a senior and also rushed for 257 yards and six scores . . . Had 43 receptions for 764 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior for the Airdales . . . A 2019 5A All-State selection . . . Scored three touchdowns and registered a sack for Alma in 34-33 upset of Forrest City his senior season.
Ty Basiliere | WR | 6-0 | 166 lbs. | Nashville HS | Nashville, Ark. | Highlights
Caught 35 passes for 797 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior for Nashville High School . . . Helped lead the Scrappers to an 11-2 season and a berth in the Class 4A state quarterfinals . . . 4-A All-State selection as a junior and senior . . . High jumped 6’7 for Nashville’s track team and ran 11.4 in the 100-meter dash.
Brandon Bishop | OL | 6-5 | 295 lbs. | Central Arkansas Christian | Sherwood, Ark. | Highlights
Three-year letterwinner and starter for CAC . . . Was a 2019 4A All-State Selection as a senior . . . 2018 First Team All-Conference as a junior . . . Led the Mustangs to an 8-4 record and a 5-2 mark in conference play.
Trey Briggs | OL | 6-8 | 343 lbs. | McAlester HS | McAlester, Okla. | Highlights
Mammoth offensive lineman from the Sooner State who played left tackle as a senior for McAlester High School . . . Earned 2019 Class 5-A All-Star honors . . . Helped the Buffaloes to a 6-2 record in district play as a senior.
Korien Burrell | RB | 5-11 | 201 lbs. | Beaumont United HS | Beaumont, TX. | Highlights
Two-year letterwinner for Beaumont United High School . . . Ran a 4.5 40-yard dash and a 4.61 shuttle . . . Rushed 140 times for 1214 yards and 10 touchdowns as a junior; also caught 15 passes for 322 yards and five receiving scores.
Matthew Carter | DB | 5-9 | 185 lbs. | Sachse HS | Rowlett, TX. | Highlights
Made 43 tackles, including 34 solo stops, and broke up five passes as a senior for Sachse High School . . . Helped lead the 6A Mustangs to a record of 8-3 and 6-1 in district play . . . Ran an 11.02 100-meter dash as a sophomore in 2018.
Derek Carter | DL | 6-4 | 263 lbs. | Spiro HS | Spiro, Okla. | Highlights
A 2019 2A-All Star and 2A-5 All-District selection at defensive end and tight end for Spiro High School . . . Made 61 tackles, including 28 solo, as a senior and racked up 14.0 tackles for loss in just 10 games . . . Also caught 10 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown for the Bulldogs.
JJ Coopwood | DL | 5-11 | 333 lbs. | Earle HS | Crawfordsville, Ark. | Highlights
A stand-out on both sides of the line for Earle High School . . . Terrific athlete, was also used as a running back in certain situations on offense for the Bulldogs . . . Repped 225 lbs. on the bench press 23 times in January.
Jamaul Crayton | WR | 6-2 | 192 lbs. | West Memphis HS | West Memphis, Ark. | Highlights
Caught 19 passes for 336 yards and four touchdowns as a senior for West Memphis High School . . . A big play threat who averaged nearly 18 yards per catch in 2019 . . . Led the Blue Devils to a 5-2 record in conference play.
Jeremiah Davis | RB | 5-7 | 197 lbs. | Palestine HS | Montalba, TX. | Highlights
Finished his senior season with 301 carries for 2045 yards on the ground to become just the second player in Palestine history to eclipse 2000 rushing yards in a season; the other being NFL legend Adrian Peterson . . . Scored 22 rushing touchdowns in 2019 and finished fourth in rushing yards among all 4A-1 Texas running backs . . . School record holder in career carries (708), second in yards (4329) and third in touchdowns (47) . . . Helped lead Palestine to its first regional appearance since 2004.
Treyton Dawson | WR | 5-10 | 170 lbs. | Greenwood HS | Greenwood, Ark. | Highlights
Caught 60 passes for 838 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior for Greenwood High School . . . Had six catches for 120 yards in the Class 6A Semifinals against eventual state champion Searcy . . . Had 855 yards receiving and seven touchdowns as a junior in 2018 on Greenwood’s 6A State Championship team . . . Caught six passes for 50 yards and a score in the 2018 state title game win over Benton.
Najee Ellies | RB | 5-9 | 161 lbs. | Mansfield Timberview HS | Arlington, TX. | Highlights
Rushed for 277 yards and five touchdowns on 21 carries as a senior for Timberview High School . . . Also had offers from UAM and Southwestern Oklahoma State . . . Ran 11.46 in the 100-meter dash as a junior in the spring of 2019.
Ethan Foster | DB | 6-2 | 172 lbs. | Ozark HS | Altus, Ark. | Highlights
A three-way stand-out for Ozark High School at corner, punter and receiver . . . The Hillbillies’ top weapon in the passing game, caught 29 passes for 446 yards and two scores . . . Had 757 all-purpose yards, 211 of which came on kick return . . . Also made 32 tackles and 2.0 tackles for loss on defense . . . Was a 2019 Second Team Preseason All-Arkansas selection as a punter by MaxPreps . . . Helped lead Ozark to a 12-2 record and a 2019 conference title.
Elijah George | WR | 6-1 | 154 lbs. | La Porte HS | Baytown, TX. | Highlights
Hauled in 23 passes for 491 yards and six touchdowns as a senior for La Porte in 2019 . . . Averaged over 21 yards per reception for the Bulldogs . . . Also had 195 kick return yards . . . Held an offer from Northwestern Oklahoma State.
AJ Hawkins | QB | 5-11 | 192 lbs. | Lake Ridge HS | Arlington, TX. | Highlights
Dual threat signal caller who completed 173 of 276 passes for 2192 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions as a senior in 2019 . . . Also rushed 131 times for 584 yards and four scores . . . Earned First Team All-District honors in the “District of Doom”, 7-6A . . . A Second Team Academic All-District selection.
Devin Hill | DB | 5-8 | 162 lbs. | Hot Springs HS | Hot Springs, Ark. | Highlights
Play-making defensive back for Hot Springs High School . . . Had 52 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, an interception, a fumble recovery and 10 pass break-ups for the Trojans as a senior in 2019 . . . Selected to the Arkansas 501 Football Team as one of just 27 players representing all 11 counties in the 501 area code . . . Helped Hot Springs improve from one win in 2018 to five in 2019.
Cameron Jackson | WR | 6-6 | 180 lbs. | Woodlawn HS | Shreveport, La. | Highlights
A playmaking receiver for Woodlawn High School . . . An invitee to the Louisiana Gridiron Football All-Star Bowl game . . . Had offers from Arkansas Tech, Arkansas Baptist and Hendrix.
Cameron Jackson | DB | 6’0 | 175 lbs. | Jena HS | Jena, La. | Highlights
Four-year letterman at Jena High School . . . Was named First Team 3-3A All-District as a wide receiver and return specialist as a senior in 2019 . . . The speedster repeated as the District’s most electric return specialist after taking home First Team honors as a junior . . . Finished his career as a two-time Second Team All-District defensive back . . . Honored as a Second Team All-District wide receiver following his junior season.
Tim Jennings | DB | 5’9 | 158 lbs. | Desoto HS | Desoto, TX. | Highlights
Multi-year letterwinner at Desoto High School . . . Named First Team 7-6A All-District following an impressive senior season in which he broke up 17 passes . . . Led an Eagles defense that held Skyline High School to just six points in the first round of the Texas High School playoffs . . . Chose the Reddies over Southern Arkansas, Missouri S&T, Arkansas Tech and Southeastern Oklahoma State.
Ty Johnson | OL | 6’2 | 284 lbs. | Bryant HS | Bryant, Ark. | Highlights
Prepped at Bryant High School . . . Anchored an offensive line that led the Hornets to 43 points per game, a perfect 13-0 record and a State Championship in 2019 . . . Helped the Hornets to a State Championship in 2018 . . . Joins Bryant High School teammate Darrick Rose Jr. in HSU’s signing class.
Jason Lambel | OL | 6’5 | 311 lbs. | Malvern HS | Malvern, Ark. | Highlights
Prepped at Malvern High School . . . Led the Leopards incredible turnaround from an 0-10 season in 2018 to a playoff appearance in 2019 . . . Rated a two-star recruit on both Rivals and 247 Sports . . . Rated the No. 29 player in the state of Arkansas by 247Sports . . . Was a 2019 Preseason Second Team All-Arkansas selection by MaxPreps . . . Received an offer from Division I Texas State.
Ross Lisemby | OL | 6’5 | 350 lbs. | Woodlawn HS | Rison, Ark. | Highlights
Prepped at Woodlawn High School . . . Helped the Bears to a 5-2 record in conference play. . . First player to sign from an Arkansas 8-man team. . . Chose the Reddies over Oklahoma Baptist among others . . . Offered a preferred walk on spot to Central Arkansas . . . Garnered interest from Memphis University.
Cole McLawchlin | WR | 6’3 | 180 lbs. | Tarkington HS | Cleveland, TX. | Highlights
Prepped at Tarkington High School . . . A speedster who saw time at multiple positions for the Longhorns . . . Awarded First Team 9-4A All-District and First Team THSCA Academic All-State . . . Chose the Reddies over Texas A&M-Commerce and others.
Trenton Moore | DL | 6’2 | 215 lbs. | Tomball Memorial HS | Tomball, TX. | Highlights
Two-time letterwinner at Tomball Memorial High School . . . Anchored the defense and led the Wildcats to an 11-2 record and an appearance in the Texas State Playoffs as a senior . . . Had a breakthrough junior season and was named First Team 14-6A All District . . . Racked up 93 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and nine sacks during his career . . . Received interest from Harvard, Tulsa, and Air Force among others.
Christian Owens | DL | 6’3 | 255 lbs. | Trinity Valley CC | Whitehouse, TX. | Highlights
Prepped at Whitehouse High School and played at Trinity Valley CC . . . Comes to the Reddies with two years of eligibility . . . Named to the East Texas Super Team as a senior after finishing the season with 62 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and three sacks . . . Awarded First Team 17-5A All District as a junior. . . Finished his high school career with over 100 tackles, and more than 30 tackles for loss . . . Chose the Reddies over GAC rivals Arkansas Tech, Southwestern Oklahoma State, and Southern Nazarene, as well as Tarleton State, Texas A&M Kingsville and others.
Reese Payne | LB | 6’1 | 210 lbs. | Caddo Mills HS | Caddo Mills, TX. | Highlights
Three-year letterman at Caddo Mills High School . . . A standout in all three phases, Payne was named All District as a linebacker and a tight end, as well as being recognized for punting . . . Posted 111 tackles and eight tackles for loss as a senior . . . Had a breakout junior season and was named to the Associated Press All-Texas Team . . . Chose the Reddies over Ouachita Baptist, Southern Arkansas, Arkansas-Monticello, Southeastern Oklahoma State . . . Received interest from Baylor, SMU, Air Force, Central Arkansas and Tarleton State.
Keilib Pree | OLB | 6’4 | 230 lbs. | Joe T. Robinson HS | Little Rock, Ark. | Highlights
Multi-year letterwinner at Joe T. Robinson High School . . . Played all over the field for the Senators, logging time at tight End, defensive end, and outside linebacker while helping to capture a State Championship . . . Chose the Reddies over Arkansas Tech . . . Received interest from Arkansas among others.
Isaiah Rojas | WR | 5’8 | 160 lbs. | McKinney HS | McKinney, TX. | Highlights
Speed demon standout at McKinney High School . . . Posted 52 receptions for 940 yards and 10 total touchdowns during his senior season . . . Clocked a time of 4.36 in the 40-yard dash at the 2019 Adidas Rivals Camp . . . Chose Reddies over East Central, Southwest Baptist and Midwestern State among others.
Darrick Rose Jr. | DB | 5’10 | 165 lbs. | Bryant HS | Bryant, Ark. | Highlights
Three-year letterman at Bryant High School . . . Finished his senior season with five interceptions and was named First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference . . . Helped the Hornets to back-to-back State Championships in 2018 and 2019 . . . Chose the Reddies over Northeastern State and Missouri Western State among others . . . Joins Bryant High School teammate Ty Johnson in HSU’s signing class.
Adonnis Sanders | OL | 6’4 | 263 lbs. | Huntington HS | Shreveport, La. | Highlights
Three-year letterman at Huntington High School . . . Named First Team 1-4A East All-District and First Team All-City for Shreveport as a senior. . . Led the Raiders in pancake blocks . . . Chose the Reddies over Arkansas Tech and Arkansas-Monticello among others.
Maxton Sloan | DL | 6’1 | 245 lbs. | Klein HS | Klein, TX. | Highlights
Four-year letterman at Klein High School . . . Named First Team 15-6A All-District and was voted defensive lineman of the year by his teammates as a senior. . . Had a breakout sophomore season and was named Honorable Mention and Academic All-District . . . Chose the Reddies over GAC rivals East Central, Southern Arkansas, Northwestern Oklahoma State among others . . . Received interest from Stephen F. Austin and Texas State.
Draven Smith | RB | 6’0 | 190 lbs. | Vilonia HS | Vilonia, Ark. | Highlights
Three-year letterman at Vilonia High School . . . Had a sensational senior season, rushing for 2,149 yards on 220 carries while scoring 29 touchdowns . . . Averaged 195.4 yards per game and 9.8 yards per carry while breaking three school records . . . Named the Fearless Friday Player of the Week after rushing for 313 yards and six touchdowns on just 11 carries against Beebe . . . Led the Eagles to a 7-4 record including 6-1 in conference play as a senior. . . Racked up 792 yards on 139 carries and 15 touchdowns as a junior . . . Also a track standout, Smith was All-State in the 200, 400, and multiple jumping events . . . Chose the Reddies over GAC rivals Arkansas Tech and Southern Arkansas among others . . . Received interest from Arkansas.
Beau Stevenson | OL | 6’2 | 300 lbs. | Conway Christian HS | Conway, Ark. | Highlights
Three-year letterman at Conway Christian High School . . . A two-way player on the Eagles line, Stevenson was a 501 Football Team selection.
Cayde Taylor | OL | 6’3 | 260 lbs. | Weatherford HS | Weatherford, TX. | Highlights
Three-year letterman at Weatherford High School . . . Helped turn around the Kangaroo program and led them to a 7-4 record after going winless two seasons ago. . . Named First Team 3-6A All-District following his senior season . . . Anchored an offensive that averaged over 45 points per game including an astronomical 81 points in the season opener . . . Chose the Reddies over SEOSU, ECU, Northern Colorado and others . . . Invited to and played in the in the Blue-Grey All American Bowl . . . Received interest from SMU and North Texas.
Kyland Terry | OL | 6’2 | 270 lbs. | Central HS | West Helena, Ark. | Highlights
Three-year letterman at Central High School . . . A two-way standout on both the offensive and defensive line . . . Chose the Reddies over Missouri Southern, Harding, Missouri Western, Northeastern State, Arkansas Tech, and Arkansas Pine-Bluff among others . . . Member of the Central High School 4A-2 Conference Champion Track Team.
Cameron Thomas | DB | 5’9 | 165 lbs. | Calvary Baptist Academy | Shreveport, La. | Highlights
Lettered all four years at Calvary Baptist Academy . . . Named First Team All-District after posting 74 tackles, seven fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles, two interceptions, and two sacks as a senior . . . Led the Cavaliers to an 11-1 record and an appearance while helping the defense give up less than eight points a game in the regular season . . . Finished his career with 309 tackles, 21 passes defended, 12 fumble recoveries, 10 forced fumbles, and six interceptions . . . A two-time State Champion in powerlifting . . . Chose the Reddies over Arkansas Tech, Arkansas-Monticello, and Northeastern State . . . Received interest from Arkansas State.
EJ Thomas | DL | 6-1 | 235 lbs. | Langham Creek HS | Houston, TX. | Highlights
A 2019 First team All-District 14-6A honoree . . . Had 26 tackles, including 10 solo stops, to go with 4.0 tackles for loss as a senior for Langham Creek High School . . . Put the shot 45’11 in the District 14-6A track meet in the spring of 2019 . . . Listed offers from DI Incarnate Word and West Texas A&M.
Azion Washington | DL | 6-1 | 255 lbs. | Lake Highlands HS | Dallas, TX. | Highlights
A unanimous 2019 Texas All-District 8-6A selection on the defensive line for Lake Highlands High School . . . Helped lead the Wildcats to eight wins and their first playoff victory since 2009 . . . Held offers from Northwestern Oklahoma State, Southeastern Oklahoma State, East Central, Midwestern State and West Texas A&M.
Dyllan Williams | DB | 6’1 | 172 lbs. | Loyola College Prep | Shreveport, La. | Highlights
Four-year letterman at Searcy High School . . . Posted more than 50 tackles while notching 13 passes defended, three interceptions, a forced fumble and a defensive touchdown on the way to being named First Team All-District as a senior . . . Led the Flyers to a 9-3 record and the program’s first playoff victory in more than a decade . . . Broke out as a junior and was named to the All-City team . . . Chose the Reddies over Arkansas-Monticello and East Texas Baptist among others . . . Received interest from Louisiana Tech, Southern Miss, Louisiana, SMU, and Arkansas State.