Arkansas State head football coach Butch Jones announced Wednesday on National Signing Day that the Red Wolves have added nine players to the Red Wolves’ highly-touted 2023 Recruiting Class ranked first in the Sun Belt Conference by 247Sports.
The class ranks as high as No. 76 nationally, marking the second consecutive year Jones and his staff have assembled an incoming class rated among the top three in school history. Thirty-six players from 15 different states make up the group that is also listed among the top-10 in the Group of Five for the second consecutive year.
Although just three of the nine players announced today are high school recruits, the 23 total are the most announced as part of an A-State class since also signing 23 in 2006. Twelve of the remaining 13 class members are either FBS or FCS transfers, including six who were officially announced today. Including one junior-college transfer, 15 members of the class will be available to participate in A-State’s upcoming spring camp slated to begin March 4.
Including a pair of quarterbacks in high-school standout Christian Hunt and Colorado-transfer JT Shrout, four of today’s additions play on the offensive side of the ball. A 2020 Freshman All-America selection at A-State, wide receiver Corey Rucker returns to A-State, and Ole Miss-transfer Jalen Cunningham will join the Red Wolves’ offensive line after previously being rated as four-star prospect coming out of high school.
A-State added three transfers to the defensive side of the ball, including linebacker Gavin Potter (Kansas) and cornerbacks Manny Stokes Jr. (Coastal Carolina) and Donte Thompson (Incarnate Word). Also joining the class were deep snapper Lucas Ott and kicker Clune Van Andel, rated as the No. 12 prospect in the nation at his position.
“With our nine additions announced today, we’ve been able to strengthen our 2023 recruiting class that we were already extremely excited about,” said Jones. “When you look at this class overall, from the outstanding high school players we’ve signed to the transfers we’ve welcomed into our program to the quality walk-ons we’ve added, this is an outstanding group of individuals who will help elevate Arkansas State football.”
The entire class is made up of 34 players who helped lead their teams to the state playoffs while in high school, including 10 who played in a state championship game. Out of those 10, eight of them were part of a state title while in high school.
The group also consists of 29 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 23 high school players who have signed with A-State, a school-record 17 are rated as a three-star recruit by 247Sports.
The current class in total includes 20 offensive players and 14 defensive players, including six on the offensive line and five on the defensive front. A-State has added seven wide receivers, the most among any position group, but inked at least one player at every offensive and defensive position.
The Red Wolves 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. A-State has also added eight players from Florida, four from Alabama, three from Mississippi and Texas, two from California and Georgia and one each from Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The program signed one player originally from Germany as well.
2023 ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS (announced Feb. 1 in bold)
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. Jalen Cunningham: 6-5, 300, Sr.-R, OL, Odenville, Ala. (Ole Miss)*
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. Kevin Diaz: 6-4, 259, Jr. TE, Houston, Miss. (Northwest Mississippi CC)*
12. Brandon Greil: 5-11, 159, Fr., S, Little Rock, Ark. (Joe T. Robinson HS)
13. Timothy Gulley: 6-1, 294, Fr., DL, Pensacola, Fla. (Pensacola Catholic HS)
14. Hamilton Hall: 6-5, 315, Sr.-R, OL, Atlanta, Ga. (Ole Miss)*
15. Cedric Hawkins: 5-7, 173, Fr., RB, Stuttgart, Ark. (Stuttgart HS)
16. DeAubry Hood: 5-11, 170, Fr., CB, Harker Heights, Texas (Harker Heights HS)
17. Christian Hunt: 6-5, 210, Fr., QB, Redondo Beach, Calif. (Redondo Union 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. Lucas Ott: 6-3, 220, Fr., DS, Webb City, Mo. (Webb City HS)
27. Gavin Potter: 6-2, 225, Jr.-R, LB, Broken Arrow, Okla. (Kansas)*
28. Jaylen Raynor: 6-0, 198, Fr., QB, Kernersville, NC (East Forsyth HS)*
29. Corey Rucker: 6-1, 212, So.-R, WR, Bentonia, Miss. (South Carolina)*
30. Jordan Sample: 6-2, 194, Fr., LB, Missouri City, Texas (Fort Bend Marshall HS)
31. J.T. Shrout: 6-3, 210, Sr.-R, QB, Santa Clarita, Calif. (Colorado)
32. Manny Stokes Jr.: 5-10, 165, Jr., CB, Orlando, Fla. (Coastal Carolina)*
33. Donte Thompson: 5-11, 175, Jr., CB, Pensacola, Fla. (UIW)*
34. Clune Van Andel: 6-0, 195, Fr., K. Grand Rapids, Mich. (Forest Hills Eastern HS)
35. Zak Wallace: 6-0, 220, Jr.-R, RB, Benton, Ark. (UT Martin)*
36. Jamil Williams: 5-11, 202, Fr., LB, Palmetto, Fla. (Palmetto HS)
*Available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp (15)
ARKANSAS STATE FOOTBALL 2023 RECRUITING CLASS BY THE NUMBERS
HIGH SCHOOL: 23
FBS/FCS TRANSFERS: 12
JUNIOR COLLEGE: 1
BY POSITION: OFFENSE (20)
QB (3): Christian Hunt, Jaylen Raynor, J.T. Shrout
RB (2): Cedric Hawkins, Zak Wallace
WR (7): Tennel Bryant, DeAndra Burns, Chauncy Cobb, Clyde Curry, Courtney Jackson, Takare Lipscomb, Corey Rucker
TE (2): Kevin Diaz, Tyler Little
OL (6): Jacob Bayer, Tobias Braun, Jalen Cunningham, Walker Davis, Hamilton Hall, Mason Myers
BY POSITION: DEFENSE (14)
DL (4): Brian Alston, Micah Bland, Timothy Gulley, Ian Jeffries
DE (1): Terrell James
LB (4): RJ Kelly, Gavin Potter, Jordan Sample, Jamil Williams
CB (3): DeAubry Hood, Manny Stokes Jr., Donte Thompson
S (2): Brandon Greil, Dontay Joyner
BY POSITION: SPECIAL TEAMS (2)
K (1): Clune Van Andel
DS (1): Lucas Ott
BY STATE/COUNTRY
Florida (8): Chauncy Cobb, Timothy Gulley, Terrell James, Dontay Joyner, RJ Kelly, Manny Stokes Jr., Donte Thompson, Jamil Williams
Arkansas (5): DeAndra Burns Jr., Walker Davis, Brandon Greil, Cedric Hawkins, Zak Wallace
Alabama (4): Brian Alston, Jalen Cunningham, Clyde Curry, Mason Myers
Mississippi (3): Kevin Diaz, Ian Jeffries, Corey Rucker
Texas (3): Jacob Bayer, DeAubry Hood, Jordan Sample
California (2): Christian Hunt, J.T. Shrout
Georgia (2): Hamilton Hall, Takare Lipscomb
Kansas (1): Tyler Little
Kentucky (1): Micah Bland
Michigan (1): Clune Van Andel
Missouri (1): Lucas Ott
North Carolina (1): Jaylen Raynor
Oklahoma (1): Gavin Potter
Ohio (1): Tennel Bryant
Pennsylvania (1): Courtney Jackson
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.
Jalen Cunningham: 6-5, 300, Sr.-R, OL, Odenville, Ala. (Ole Miss)
OLE MISS: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Played four seasons at Ole Miss, redshirting in 2018 … Appeared in 46 games with one start, primarily on the Rebels’ special teams unit … Drew a start at right guard versus Liberty (11/6/2021) … Also saw time as a reserve offensive lineman … Did not allow a sack, hit or hurry in over 50 snaps at second-ranked Alabama (9/28/19) … Spring 2020 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll member … HIGH SCHOOL: Rated as high as a four-star recruit by Rivals … 247Sports and ESPN tabbed him a three-star DT … Ranked as high as seventh-best player in the state of Alabama (Rivals), and No. 21 by ESPN and No. 25 by 247Sports … Selected to play in the 2017 Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game … Also chosen to play in the Offense/Defense All-American Bowl … Helped lead St. Clair County to the 2017 Super 7 State Championship and an 11-4 record.
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.
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.
Christian Hunt: 6-5, 210, Fr., QB, Redondo Beach, Calif. (Redondo Union HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Redondo Union High School … A three-star prospect by 247Sports … Rated the 128th best quarterback in the nation … Helped turn around his high school squad from a 2-8 record as a junior to an 8-4 mark and CIF Quarterfinal appearance as a senior … Appeared in 11 games as a senior and finished with 1,950 passing yards on 263 attempts … Hurled 20 touchdowns with a long completion of 63 yards … Had one rushing touchdown in 2022 … SBLive Southern California Player of the Week selection … As a junior, finished with 1,898 passing yards in 10 games played … Recorded 18 passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in 2021 … Had a long completion of 80 yards during his junior season.
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.
Lucas Ott: 6-3, 220, Fr., DS, Webb City, Mo. (Webb City HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Webb City High School … Was a defensive end, linebacker and long snapper … Was a two-time Class 5 First Team All-State selection on defense … Helped lead team to the state playoffs … A four-and-a-half star long snapper per Kohl’s Professional Camps … Attended the Kohl’s National Scholarship Camp and averaged a snap time of .69 seconds … At the Kohl’s Underclassmen Challenge, he finished with the eighth highest overall charting score … Recorded 89 tackles, four sacks, an interception and eight TFL as a senior … Finished with 125 tackles, nine TFL and two forced fumbles in 2021.
Gavin Potter: 6-2, 225, Jr.-R, LB, Broken Arrow, Okla. (Kansas)
KANSAS: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Appeared in 37 career games across four seasons at Kansas, including 25 starts at linebacker … Played in five games in 2022 for the Jayhawks … Saw action in all 12 games in 2021 for the Jayhawks, drawing 11 starts … Finished third among KU defenders with 78 tackles with an interception and 3.5 tackles for loss … Played in eight of nine games in 2020, including five starts, finishing fourth with 35 tackles … 2019 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors … Played in all 12 of KU’s games, starting on defense in the final eight contests … Fourth on the team with 56 total tackles … HIGH SCHOOL: Earned a three-star rating from 247Sports.com and Rivals.com … Helped lead Broken Arrow High School to a 6AI state championship with a perfect 13-0 record in 2018 … Finalist for Oklahoma Defensive Player of the Year by the Tulsa World … All-State First Team honoree by The Oklahoman and USA Today at linebacker, after playing on offense until his senior season … Recorded 92 total tackles with two sacks including 52 solos and 40 assists his senior season … He also added 23 tackles-for-loss, three fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks and an interception … Also a standout wrestler, winning two state titles.
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).
Corey Rucker: 6-1, 212, So.-R, WR, Bentonia, Miss. (South Carolina)
SOUTH CAROLINA: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Appeared in just two games at South Carolina in 2022 before going down to injury, recording one catch for 52 yards against Charlotte (Sept. 24), going for a touchdown … ARKANSAS STATE: Spent two seasons at Arkansas State, seeing action in 20 total games in his first stint in Jonesboro … Tabbed a FWAA Freshman All-American in 2021, also earning Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors … Phil Steele Second Team All-Sun Belt … CoSIDA First Team Academic All-District 6 … During A-State’s spring camp, earned the team’s offensive “consistency in performance” award … Led the team and ranked fifth in the Sun Belt with 826 receiving yards on 59 catches … Scored nine receiving touchdowns, leading the team and ranking second in the league … Finished with three 100-plus yard receiving games including a career-high 138 yards receiving against Central Arkansas in the season opener … Recorded a long reception of 37 yards at Tulsa, a game where he also finished with 115 receiving yards … Had four games with at least seven catches … Scored a season-high three touchdowns against Central Arkansas … Had two multi-touchdown games … Finished with two carries for 20 yards and a touchdown … Recorded one solo tackle versus Georgia Southern … Saw action in eight games as a true freshman, hauling in 16 receptions for 453 yards and five touchdowns … Broke the NCAA FBS record for single-game receiving yards by a freshman against ULM, recording a school-record 310 yards and four touchdowns on nine catches, earning CFPA National Performer of the Week and College Sports Madness National Player of the Week honors, as well as Sun Belt Conference Offensive Player of the Week laurels … HIGH SCHOOL: 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 … Helped lead team to the state playoffs … 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 ULM.
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.
J.T. Shrout: 6-3, 210, Sr.-R, QB, Santa Clarita, Calif. (Colorado)
COLORADO: Played in nine games in 2022, completing 90 passes for 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns … Came off the bench to throw the game-winning touchdown against Cal in overtime, completing 8-of-12 passes for 69 yards … Completed 13-of-23 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown against eventual CFP runner-up TCU … TENNESSEE: Played in eight games for the Volunteers, starting one … Completed 37-of-69 passes (.536) for 494 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions … In 2020, he played in four games, completing 24-of-42 passes (.571) for 315 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions … Had two passing touchdowns against Vanderbilt … Against No. 6 Florida, he completed a career-high 12 passes and threw a touchdown … In 2019, he played in four games with one start, going 13-of-27 passing for 179 yards and a touchdown… He did not see action in 2018 as a true freshman … HIGH SCHOOL: Consensus three-star prospect … Ranked by 247 Sports as the No. 26 pro-style quarterback in the 2018 class and a top-70 player out of California … ESPN ranked him as the No. 34 pocket passing quarterback and a top-60 player in the state … Rivals listed him as the No. 15 pro-style quarterback in the class… Prepped at Hart High School, helping his team to an 8-4 mark in his senior season and a trip to the state playoff quarterfinals … Compiled a 233-of-450 passing mark in his career for 3,304 yards with 29 touchdowns and 84 rushes for 311 yards and five touchdowns … Started his senior season and completed 211-of-414 passes for 3,064 yards and 27 touchdowns that season … Also had 70 rushes for 262 yards and four touchdowns … Recorded four 300-yard passing games his senior season with Hart compiling a 3-1 record in those games, while throwing for three-plus touchdowns five times.
Manny Stokes Jr.: 5-10, 165, Jr., CB, Orlando, Fla. (Coastal Carolina)
COASTAL CAROLINA: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … Played in nine games for Coastal Carolina in 2022, racking up a career-high 24 total tackles (14 solo) … 2021 Phil Steele Sun Belt Conference fourth team (kick returner) … Saw action in all 13 games for the Chanticleers on defense as a cornerback and nickel back, but primarily on special teams, lining up on kickoff returns, kickoff defense and punt defense … Returned a team-high 13 kickoffs for 239 yards, including a season-long 41 yards at Buffalo (9/18/21) … Played in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2020, mostly on special teams … HIGH SCHOOL: Three-star cornerback by ESPN and 247 Sports … Ranked as high as No. 30 in the Orlando Sentinel‘s Central Florida Super60 class of 2020 rankings … Played both cornerback and wide receiver at Lake Nona High School … Helped lead team to the state playoffs … First team All-Area as a senior by the Orlando Sentinel as a senior … Tabbed 2019 All-Metro East Team as both a wideout (first team) and defensive back (second team) … Named the DB MVP at the Nike Opening Camp in Orlando in spring 2019 … Received an invitation to play in the Florida vs. Georgia High School Showcase game, as well as the Central Florida All-Star Game.
Donte Thompson: 5-11, 175, Jr., DB, Pensacola, Fla. (UIW)
INCARNATE WORD: Midyear signee available to participate in A-State’s 2023 spring camp … First Team All-Southland Conference … Had an FCS semifinal appearance before falling to North Dakota State … Southland Conference champion … Third in FCS with 17 pass breakups … Finished the 2022 campaign with 37 tackles and 2.5 TFL … Had four games with at least four tackles … Finished with a career-high six tackles against Northwestern State … Also forced a fumble against Northwestern State … Recorded an interception returned for 25 yards against Houston Christian … Had four games with multiple pass breakups … HIGH SCHOOL: Attended West Florida High School … Helped lead his team to a District 1-5A championship on defense … Was invited to the VTO Elite Showcase in Birmingham, Ala. … Recognized as one of the Top Four defensive backs in the competition and was invited to VTO’s National All-American Challenge in Charlotte, N.C. … Received multiple offers, including to FAU, Southern Miss, UAB, and Western Kentucky.
Clune Van Andel: 6-0, 195, Fr., K. Grand Rapids, Mich. (Forest Hills Eastern HS)
HIGH SCHOOL: Attended Forest Hills Eastern High School … Ranked the No. 12 kicker for the Class of ‘23 at Chris Sailer Kicking … A Division 4 MHSFCA First Team All-State selection in 2022 … Named to the Chris Sailer Award 2022 Preseason Watch List … Ranked a five star kicker per Chris Sailer Kicking … Field goal range is over 55 yards … Was a member of his high school soccer team.
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.
