FB: Kennesaw State Football Inks 18 on National Signing Day
The third signing class in school history includes 10 offensive players and eight defensive players, plus one four-year transfer who signed a grant-in-aid.
Bohannon and his staff’s recruiting efforts resulted in 10 all-state players and three region players of the year from Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. The group consists of three defensive backs, three linebackers, three running backs, three offensive linemen, two defensive linemen, two wide receivers, one quarterback and one kicker.
“When you look at the overall class what you see is us trying to establish depth. You see every position on our roster has been touched. When we went into this we wanted to hit every position. Last year’s class was very small, more transfers than it was freshmen,” Bohannon said. “We wanted to up the ante from where we were in year one to year three in recruiting. As I tell our football team, and I am very honest with them, we are trying to out-recruit you every year. We’re trying to get better players every year. If you aren’t doing that you’re not trying to get your program better.
“There is no question that this is a great class from top to bottom. We addressed needs of depth per position,” Bohannon added. “I think there were some areas offensively when you look at the backfield and up front along the offensive line, you look at the inside game, something I’ve talked about, those are areas that we needed to get better. You look at depth on the defensive side, we added scholarships at linebacker and added some depth in the secondary, so this was really about establishing depth and this class will come in and have an immediate impact on our program.”
The list of all-state players include Bryson Armstrong (LB, 5-11, 195, Marietta, Ga. / Kell HS), Chris Byrd (LB, 5-9, 205, Gainesville, Ga. / Gainesville HS), Dustin Clabough (DB, 5-10, 170, Alcoa, Tenn. / Alcoa HS), Nick Eldridge (OL, 6-2, 295, Hoover, Ala. / Hoover HS), Allen Johnson (DL, 6-4, 235, Douglasville, Ga. / Allatoona HS), Christian Kinsley (K, 6-3, 215, Lexington, S.C. / Lexington HS), Bronson Rechsteiner (LB, 6-0, 210, Acworth, Ga. / Etowah HS), Brandon Simmons (RB, 6-0, 220, Pleasant Grove, Ala. / Pleasant Grove HS) and Zach Thompson (OL, 6-4, 295, Swainsboro, Ga. / Emanuel County Institute).
Bohannon and his staff also added four-year transfer quarterback Daniel David (6-1, 210), who transferred from Appalachian State and is currently enrolled at Kennesaw State. David is resident of Hoschton, Ga., and played his school football at Mill Creek High School in Hoschton where he was an all-state performer.
The following is rundown of the entire class:
2016 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL SIGNING CLASS
ADESOLA ABISOYE
Grayson High School
Defensive Back
5-10, 175
Loganville, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: Second team All-Gwinnet County by Gwinnett Daily Post; First team All-Area by Atlanta Journal Constitution.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played corner and free safety at Grayson High School in Loganville, Ga. . . . Helped the Rams to a 27-9 mark in three seasons . . . 2015: Second Team Gwinnet County All-Area Team by Gwinnett Daily Post . . . Second Team All-Area Team by Atlanta Journal Constitution . . . Team posted a 10-0 regular season regular season mark and captured the Class 6A Region 8 title . . . Grayson went 3-1 in the state playoffs and advanced to the Class 6A semifinals . . . 2014: Helped lead the Rams to a 9-1 regular season record and a share of Class 6A Region 8 championship . . . Grayson went 1-1 in the Class 6A playoffs . . . Also runs track and field . . . Rated two star recruit by Rivals.com
PERSONAL: Born June 20, 1997 in Atlanta, Ga. . . . A resident of Loganville, Ga. . . . Attended Grayson High School in Loganville . . . Son of Naomi and Adeyinka Abisoye . . . Has seven siblings . . . Coached by Mickey Conn at Grayson High . . . Considered Georgia State, Mercer, South Alabama, The Citadel and Tennessee State before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in communications.
BRYSON ARMSTRONG
Kell High School
Linebacker
5-11, 195
Marietta, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: Georgia Sports Writers Association First Team All-State; First Team All-Cobb County by Marietta Daily Journal; Region 7B Class 5A All-Region and region Defensive Player of the Year; Cobb County 48-Minute Man of the Year; Kell High School Player of the Year. 2014: First Team All-State by Georgia Sportswriters Association and Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Marietta Daily Journal First Team All-Cobb County; All-Region; Cobb County 48-Minute Man of the Year. 2013: Second Team All-State by Georgia Sportswriters Association; Marietta Daily Journal All-Cobb County; All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year standout at Kell High School in Marietta, Ga. . . . Kell went 33-6 in his three years, winning two region championships and posting two undefeated regular seasons . . . Concluded prep career with 1,408 yards and eight touchdowns as a receiver and tallied 385 tackles, four interceptions, 17 passes defensed, three fumble recoveries, five forced fumbles and seven sacks . . . 2015: Named First Team Class 5A All-State linebacker by Georgia Sports Writers Association . . . First Team All-County by Marietta Daily Journal . . . Region 7B Class 5A All-Region Team and Defensive Player of the Year . . . Served as team captain and helped the Longhorns to a 7-3 regular season as a senior . . . Kell went 2-1 in the Class 5A state playoffs, advancing to the final eight . . . Named All-Cobb County by Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Marietta Daily Journal . . . Saw action on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver, linebacker and kick returner . . . Totaled 916 yards and scored five touchdowns . . . Caught 32 passes for 427 yards and two touchdowns . . . Totaled 120 tackles and had three sacks . . . 2014: First Team All-State by Georgia Sportswriters Association and Atlanta Journal-Constitution . . . Led Kell to a 10-0 regular season and Class 5A Region 7B championship . . . Kell went 1-1 in the Class 5A playoffs . . . Caught 50 passes for 725 yards and three touchdowns . . . Had 113 tackles, three sacks and one interception . . . 2013: Second Team All-State by Georgia Sportswriters Association . . . Led Kell to a 10-0 regular season and a Class 5A Region 7B championship. . .Longhorns went 3-1 in the Class 5A playoffs and advanced to the semifinals . . . Tallied 144 tackles, including 88 solo, had one sack and three interceptions as a sophomore . . . 2012: Collected one tackle as a freshman.
PERSONAL: Born November 28, 1997 in Marietta, Ga. . . . A resident of Marietta . . . Prepped at Kell High School in Marietta . . . Son of Bryan and Valerie Armstrong . . . Has a brother, Avery, and sister, Jessica . . . High school teammate of Owls safety Taylor Henkle for two seasons at Kell . . . Coached by Derek Cook . . . Rated two star recruit by Rivals.com . . . Intends to major in business.
TOMMY BRYANT
Northridge High School
Quarterback
6-1, 180
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
HONORS: 2015: Class 6A/7A West Alabama All-Star.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala. . . . 2015: Named Class 6A/7A West Alabama All-Star . . . Led team to a 9-3 overall record and second-round appearance in Class 6A state playoffs . . . Voted team captain.
PERSONAL: Born October 29, 1997 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. . . . A resident of Tuscaloosa . . . Attended Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa . . . Son of Quentin and Sharon Bryant . . . Has three brothers, Mike, Raymond, Quentin, Jr. . . . Coached by Mike Smith at Northridge High . . . Considered Northern Iowa, Austin Peay, Middle Tennessee, Louisiana-Monroe and Murray State before choosing Kennesaw State.
CHRIS BYRD
Gainesville High School
Linebacker
5-9, 205
Gainesville, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: Georgia Sportswriters Association 5A All-State selection. 2014: Honorable mention all-region by Gainesville Times. 2013: Honorable mention Class 5A Region 8 All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year standout at Gainesville High School in Gainesville, Ga. . . . The Red Elephants went 30-9 in his three seasons, winning one region championship and making three playoff appearances . . . Concluded prep career with 1,111 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns . . . Also tallied 281 tackles, four sacks, four fumble recoveries, and six forced fumbles from his linebacker position. . . Played in the 2015 Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) East/West Classic . . . 2015: Named to the Class 5A All-State Team as an athlete on offense by Georgia Sportswriters Association . . . Helped the Red Elephants to a 7-3 regular season . . . Gainesville advanced to the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs . . . Saw action on both sides of the ball as a running back and linebacker . . . Totaled 1,118 yards and scored nine touchdowns . . . Rushed 173 times for 907 yards and eight touchdowns, and caught 34 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns . . . Had 99 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, two sacks, five quarterback hurries, two pass break ups and two fumble recoveries while playing linebacker . . . 2014: Honorable Mention All-Region by Gainesville Times . . . Led Gainesville to an 8-2 regular season . . . The Red Elephants went 2-1 in the Class 5A playoffs advancing to the quarterfinals . . . Rushed 29 times for 254 yards and three touchdowns . . . Had 82 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries . . . 2013: Honorable mention Class 5A Region 8 All-Region team . . . Tallied 100 tackles, including 59 solo, had six passes defensed and six forced fumbles as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Born June 5, 1998 in Gainesville, Ga. . . . A resident of Gainesville. . . . Prepped at Gainesville High School . . . Son of Crystal Wilmont . . . Has a brother, Michael, and sister, Mikaylei . . . Coached by Bruce Miller at Gainesville High . . . Considered Charleston Southern before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in business.
DUSTIN CLABOUGH
Alcoa High School
Defensive Back
6-0, 180
Alcoa, Tenn.
HONORS: 2015: First Team Class 3A All-State by Tennessee Sportswriters Association; 2-3A Region Defensive Player of the Year; First Team All-Region; All-Blount County. 2014: First Team Class 3A All-State by Tennessee Sportswriters Association; All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: A two-way standout at Alcoa High School in Alcoa, Tenn. . . . A part of two state championship teams . . . Played defensive back and wide receiver . . . Tornados posted 40-4 record and captured two Class 3A state titles last three seasons . . . 2015: Alcoa posted a 14-1 record and won the Class 3A state championship . . . First Team Class 3A All-State by Tennessee Sportswriters Association . . . 2-3A Region Defensive Player of the Year . . . First Team All-Region and All-Blount County . . . 2014: Tornados went 13-2 . . . First Team Class 3A All-State by Tennessee Sportswriters Association . . . All-Region . . . 2013: Alcoa recorded a 13-1 mark and won the Class 3A state championship.
PERSONAL: Born March 10, 1997 in Knoxville, Tenn. . . . A resident of Alcoa, Tenn. . . . Attended Alcoa High School in Alcoa . . . Father is David Clabough . . . Coached by Gary Rankin at Alcoa . . . A high school teammate of current Owls defensive lineman Braylon Young . . . Considered Morehead State and VMI before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in civil engineering.
ABDUL DAVIS
Westside High School
Defensive Lineman
6-3, 250
Macon, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: First Team 3AAA All-Region. 2014: Second Team 3AAA All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Westside High School in Macon, Ga. . . . Seminoles compiled an 18-6 record during his junior and senior and senior years . . . Totaled 125 tackle, including 26 sacks in two seasons . . . 2015: First Team 3AAA All-Region . . . Served as team captain . . . Tallied 56 total tackles, including 22 solo, and had eight sacks for 43 yards in losses . . . Helped the Seminoles to a 9-4 record and the quarterfinals of the Class 3A state playoffs . . . 2014: Second Team 3 AAA All-Region . . . Named the Seminoles’ Defensive Lineman of the Year . . . Registered 69 total tackles, including 14 sacks for 25 yards . . . Part a Westside team that went 9-2 and reached the first round of the state playoffs.
PERSONAL: Born May 8, 1998 in Macon, Ga. . . . A resident of Macon . . . Attended Westside High School in Macon . . .Son of Kesha and Thomas Russell . . . Coached by Sheddrick Risper . . . A member of the National Technical Honor Society . . . Served as vice president of hospitality as a member of DECA . . . Senior student ambassador and Volunteer for the Home at the Holidays . . . . Senior ambassador for Christ single . . . African-American Brotherhood student officer . . . Considered South Alabama, Furman, Chattanooga, Mercer, Tennessee Tech and Eastern Kentucky before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in engineering.
JAI’LEN EDWARDS
Greene County High School
Defensive Back
5-11, 165
Greensboro, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: Class AA Region 8 First Team All-Region as a wide receiver and honorable mention as a defensive back. 2014: Tabbed all-region as a wide receiver and defensive back . . . 2013: Earned all-region accolades as a wide receiver.
HIGH SCHOOL: A two-way player at Greene County High School in Greensboro, Ga. . . . Played wide receiver and defensive back . . . A three-time all-region pick as a wide receiver and earned all-region honors as a junior . . . Concluded career with 67 catches for 986 yards and tallied 76 tackles and five interceptions . . . The Tigers compiled a 13-9 record during his three seasons . . . 2015: Class AA Region 8 First Team All-Region as a wide receiver and honorable mention as a defensive back . . . Selected the team’s top wide receiver and defensive back . . . 2014: Tabbed all-region as a wide receiver and defensive back . . . 2013: Earned all-region accolades as a wide receiver.
PERSONAL: Born December 18, 1997 in Athens, Ga. . . . A resident of Greensboro, Ga. . . . Attended Greene County High School in Greensboro . . . Son of Miranda Wright . . . Has a brother named Jamarr Edwards . . . Coached by Robert Edwards at Greene County High . . . Considered The Citadel and Charlotte before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in construction.
NICK ELDRIDGE
Hoover High School
Offensive Lineman
6-2, 295
Hoover, Ala.
HONORS: 2015: Second team All-Birmingham by the Birmingham News. 2014: Second team Class 7A All-State by Alabama Sportswriters Association.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letter winner at Hoover High School in Hoover, Ala. . . . Helped the Buccaneers capture state championships in 2013 and 2014 . . . Hoover compiled a 37-5 record in three years, including a 15-0 mark in 2013 . . . 2015: Selected second team All-Birmingham by the Birmingham News . . . Named Friday Night Rivals Jet Prep Scholar Athlete of the Week . . . 2014: Named Class 7A Second Team All-State by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. . . Contributed to a 12-2 record, Class 7A state championship and class 7A Region 3 crown . . . 2013: Buccaneers posted a 15-0 season, and won the Class 6A state championship and a Class 6A Region 3 title.
PERSONAL: Born June 11, 1998 in Nashville, Tenn. . . . A resident of Hoover, Ala. . . . Prepped at Hoover High in Hoover . . . Son of Rolanda and Maurice . . . Has a brother, Zack . . . Coached by Josh Niblett at Hoover High . . . Considered UT Martin, Navy, Air Force, Furman, Louisiana-Monroe and Mercer . . . Plans to major in pre-med.
FORREST EVANS
Walton High School
Offensive Lineman
6-2, 290
Roswell, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: All-Metro Atlanta and Class 6A Region 5 by Atlanta Journal Constitution; First team All-Cobb County by Cobb County Touchdown Club and second team all-county by Marietta Daily Journal. 2014: Atlanta Journal Constitution first team all-region.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year starter and four-time letter winner at Walton High School in Marietta, Ga. . . . Raiders compiled a 17-15 record in three years . . . Played on both the offensive and defensive lines . . . Rivals.com 3 star recruit and rated as the No. 6 offensive lineman in the state of Georgia as a senior . . . Selected to the 2014 Georgia Elite Junior Classic and started at right tackle in the North’s 45-38 victory . . . Played in the 2013 Offense Defense Group All-American Game in Orlando, Fla., and was the only player to start on offense and defense . . . 2015: All-Metro Atlanta and Class 6A Region 5 by Atlanta Journal Constitution . . . First team All-Cobb County by Cobb County Touchdown Club and second team all-county by Marietta Daily Journal . . . Earned multiple Cobb County Touchdown Club Player of the Week honors . . . 2014: Named first team all-region . . . Also was a first baseman/pitcher on Walton’s baseball team as a sophomore.
PERSONAL: Born August 21, 1997 in Atlanta, Ga. . . . A resident of Roswell, Ga. . . . Prepped at Walton High School in Marietta, Ga. . . . Son of Jim and Dana Evans . . . Father was a pitcher at Southeast Missouri State under legendary baseball coach Joe Uhls . . . Coached by Mo Dixon at Walton High . . . Earned the 2013 Walton Raider Pride Award that is given to an athlete for most outstanding character . . . Appeared on the cover of the 2015 Georgia High School Football Magazine . . . Considered Chattanooga, Elon, Jacksonville State, Mercer and Charleston Southern before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in either sports marketing or sports management.
ALLEN JOHNSON
Allatoona High School
Defensive End
6-4, 235
Acworth, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: Georgia Sportswriters Association Class 5A First Team All-State; Marietta Daily Journal All-Cobb County; 5A All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letter winner at Allatoona High School in Acworth, Ga. . . . Tallied 107 tackles, including 61 solo, collected 17 sacks, three fumble recoveries and three forced fumbles during career . . . The Bucs posted a record of 34-6 in his three years, which included the school’s first-ever Class 5A state championship . . . 2015: Georgia Sportswriters Association Class 5A First Team All-State . . . Marietta Daily Journal All-Cobb County; All-Region . . . Had 50 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.
PERSONAL: Born April 16, 1998 in Chicago, Ill. . . . A resident of Acworth, Ga. . . . Attended Allatoona High in Acworth . . . Son of Alnita Johnson . . . Has two siblings . . . Coached by Gary Varner at Allatoona High . . . Considered Georgia State, Alabama State and West Georgia.
CHRISTIAN KINSLEY
Lexington High School
Placekicker
6-3, 215
Lexington, S.C.
HONORS: 2015: 4A All-State Specialist of the Year by South Carolina Coaches Association; High School Sports Report 4A Division 2 All-State kicker; Region 5 4A; All-Midlands by The State Newspaper; All-Chronicle County by Lexington County Newspaper. 2014: 4A and Lower State Kicker of the Year; All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Lexington High School in Lexington, S.C. . . Appeared in 41 games during three-year career . . . Handled both placekicking and punting responsibilities during junior and senior campaigns . . . Team special teams Most Valuable Player as a junior and senior . . . Wildcats went 30-11 during three years . . . 2015: 4A All-State Specialist of the Year by South Carolina Coaches Association . . . High School Sports Report 4A Division 2 All-State kicker . . . Region 5 4A; All-Midlands by The State Newspaper . . . All-Chronicle County by Lexington County Newspaper . . . 2014: 4A and Lower State Kicker of the Year; All-Region . . . Hit a field goal with :03 remaining to lift Lexington High to a 38-35 victory over Spartanburg in the state semi-final game.
PERSONAL: Born November 22, 1997 in Beckley, W. Va. . . . A resident of Lexington, S.C. . . . Attended Lexington High School in Lexington, S.C. . . . Son of Bryan and Cindy Kinsley . . . Has a brother named Zachary . . . Coached by Josh Stepp at Lexington High . . . Considered Mississippi Valley State, Howard and Lenoir-Rhyne . . . Plans to major in either marketing or nursing . . . First recruit from South Carolina and scholarship kicker in program history.
DORIAN MILES
Brookwood High School
Wide Receiver
6-2, 195
Lawrenceville, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: Gwinnett Daily Post and Gwinnett Touchdown Club First Team All-County.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga. . . . 2015: Gwinnett Daily Post and Gwinnett Touchdown Club First Team All-County . . . Caught a school-record 63 passes for 745 yards and seven touchdowns . . . Totaled more than 1,000 all-purpose yards . . .Reception total led all Gwinnett County receivers . . . Twice named the Gwinnett Daily Post Offensive Player of the Week . . . Started at wide receiver in the Rivalries of Gwinnett All-Star Game . . . Brookwood High School vertical jump record holder . . . Posted the team’s fastest 40-yard time of 4.39 seconds.
PERSONAL: Born June 30, 1998 in Atlanta, Ga. . . . A resident of Lawrenceville, Ga. . . . Attended Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga. . . . Son of Robert and Carla Miles . . . Has an older brother, Kenny, who played football at South Carolina . . . Coached by Philip Jones . . . A member of the Brookwood High musical theatre and starred in the school’s production of “A Christmas Carol” as the Ghost of Christmas Present . . . Performed in the Brookwood Maroon and Gold Orchestra . . . Considered Mercer and Western Carolina before choosing Kennesaw State.
EZRA NAYLOR
North Atlanta High School
Wide Receiver
6-4, 190
Atlanta, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: First team 6A All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at North Atlanta High School in Atlanta . . . 2015: Earned first team 6A All-Region after totaling 37 catches for 785 yards . . . Named the Warriors’ Offensive Most Valuable Player.
PERSONAL: Born October 22, 1997 in Miami, Fla. . . . A resident of Atlanta . . . Attended North Atlanta High . . . Son of Beautii Joseph . . . Has one brother . . . Coached by Jeremy Gainer at North Atlanta High . . . Considered Georgia and Navy before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in either business or marketing.
SAM OUTLAW
South Forsyth High School
Running Back
6-1, 205
Cumming, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: First team all-county by Forsyth County News; 6A Region 6 All-Region. 2014: All-Forsyth County; All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letter winner at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Ga. . . . Played fullback sophomore and junior seasons before moving to running back for senior campaign . . . War Eagles posted 24-10 record in his three seasons . . . 2015: Named First Team All-County by Forsyth County News . . . 6A Region 6 All-Region . . . Helped the War Eagles to a 9-1 record and a split of the Class 6A Region 6 title . . . Team went 2-1 in the Class 6A Playoffs before falling in the quarterfinals . . . Rushed 172 times for 1,153 yards and 14 touchdowns . . . Also caught 14 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns . . . 2014: All-Forsyth County and all-region . . . Played fullback for one of the top rushing offenses in the state . . . Served as lead blocker for Tyler LaFlamme (Auburn) . . . 2013: Was the fullback for a team that went 7-3.
PERSONAL: Born August 29, 1997 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. . . . A resident of Cumming, Ga. . . . Prepped at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, Ga. . . . Son of Margaret and Joe Outlaw . . . Has three siblings, Joseph, Caleb and Margaret . . . Coached by Jeff Arnette at South Forsyth High.
BRONSON RECHSTEINER
Etowah High School
Linebacker
6-0, 210
Acworth, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: Honorable Mention Class 6A All-State by Georgia Sports Writers Association; First Team All-County by Cherokee Ledger News; Cherokee County Defensive Player of the Year by Cherokee Tribune.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letter winner at Etowah High School in Woodstock, Ga. . . . The Eagles posted a 26-10 record in his three years . . . 2015: Named Honorable Mention Class 6A All-State by Georgia Sports Writers Association . . . First Team All-County Football team by Cherokee Ledger News . . . . Named Cherokee County Defensive Player of the Year by Cherokee Tribune . . . Helped the Longhorns to an 8-3 regular season and as a senior . . . . . Named All-Cobb County by Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Marietta Daily Journal . . . Saw action on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver, linebacker and kick returner . . . Caught 11 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns . . . Totaled 43 tackles, 17 for loss, 4.5 sacks ,and forced two fumbles . . . Also returned two kicks for touchdowns . . . 2014: Led Eagles to an 11-3 overall record and a semifinal appearance in the Class 6A playoffs . . .2013: Helped Etowah to a 7-4 record . . . Also competes on the wrestling team and finished 2015 as the 182-pound state runner-up . . . Won a state title as a freshman.
PERSONAL: Born October 24, 1997 in Woodstock, Ga. . . . A resident of Acworth, Ga. . . . Attended Etowah High School in Woodstock. . . . Son of Rick and Jamye . . . Has two brothers, Hudson and Maveric . . . Coached by Dave Svehla at Etowah High . . . Dad, Rick, and uncle, Scott Rechsteiner were both former professional wrestlers in the WCW and WWE . . . Considered Akron, Coastal Carolina and Eastern Michigan before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in business.
BRANDON SIMMONS
Pleasant Grove High School
Running Back
6-0, 220
Pleasant Grove, Ala.
HONORS: 2015: Class 5A All-State Second Team by Alabama Sports Writers Association; Named to All-Birmingham team by Al.com and the Birmingham News.
HIGH SCHOOL: A three-year letter winner at Pleasant Grove High School in Pleasant Grove, Ala. . . . Rated a three star recruit by Rivals, 24/7, and Scout.com . . . Spartans went 30-9 in his three years . . . 2015: Named to the Class 5A All-State Second Team by the Alabama Sports Writers Association . . . Selected to the All-Birmingham team by Al.com and Birmingham News . . . Team was 8-4 and lost in the second round of the class 5A playoffs . . . Rushed for 1,829 yards as a senior . . . Was named Player of the Week by Al.com on November 12 after rushing 27 times for 256 yards and three touchdowns vs. Madison County in the Class 5A playoffs . . . 2014: Carried the ball 102 times for 942 yards and scored 11 touchdowns . . . Helped the Spartans to an 8-2 record in the regular season . . . Team went 4-1 in the playoffs and lost in the Class 5A state championship game . . . 2013: Rushed 30 times for 194 yards and one touchdown . . . Spartans went 9-1 in the regular season and 1-1 in the playoffs, falling in the second round.
PERSONAL: Born December 12, 1997 in Birmingham, Ala. . . . A resident of Pleasant Grove, Ala. . . . Attended Pleasant Grove High School . . . Son of Jeffrey and Valerie Simmons . . . Coached by Jim Elgin at Pleasant Grove . . . Considered Jacksonville State, Georgia State and Georgia Southern before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in sports administration.
SHAQUIL TERRY
McAdory High School
Running Back
5-9, 175
Bessemer, Ala.
HONORS: 2015: Second team All-Birmingham Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: Prepped at McAdory High School in McCalla, Ala. . . . 2015: Second team All-Birmingham Region . . . Helped the Yellow Jackets to 10-2 overall record, including a 6-0 regional record . . . McAdory advanced to the second round of the 6A state playoffs.
PERSONAL: Born October 5, 1997 in Bessemer, Ala. . . . A resident of Bessemer . . . Attended McAdory High School in McCalla, Ala. . . . Son of Mance and Kathy Terry . . . One of seven siblings . . . Has four brothers, Emmett, Darryle, Mance and Charleston, and two sisters, Ashlie and Amber . . . Played for David Powell at McAdory High . . . Considered Austin Peay and Furman before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in nursing.
ZACH THOMPSON
Emanuel County Institute
Offensive Lineman
6-4, 295
Swainsboro, Ga.
HONORS: 2015: Georgia Class A All-State Honorable Mention by Georgia Sports Writers Association; Class A First Team All-State by Atlanta Journal Constitution . . . 3A All-Region. 2014: 3A All-Region. 2013: 3A Honorable Mention All-Region. 2012: 3A All-Region.
HIGH SCHOOL: A four-year letter winner at Emanuel County Institute in Twin City, Ga. . . . The Bulldogs compiled a 38-11 record in his four years . . . Team captured the Class A State championship in 2012 . . . . Played on both the offensive and defensive lines . . . 2015: Named Georgia Class A All-State honorable mention by Georgia Sports Writers Association . . . 2014: Played in the Georgia Elite Sophomore Junior Classic . . . 2012: Named honorable mention all-region while helping the Bulldogs to a 13-1 record and the Class A State Championship.
PERSONAL: Born August 23, 1997 in Statesboro, Ga. . . . A resident of Swainsboro . . . Prepped at Emanuel County Institute in Twin City, Ga. . . . Son of Beth Hardy and Tracy Thompson . . . Has three siblings . . . Played for Chris Kearson at Emanuel County Institute . . . Rated a 2 star recruit by Rivals.com . . . Considered Mercer, Western Carolina, Chattanooga, Army, Troy, Marshall and The Citadel before choosing Kennesaw State . . . Plans to major in business.
MID-YEAR TRANSFER
DANIEL DAVID
Mill Creek High School / Appalachian State
Quarterback
6-1, 210
Hoschton, Ga.
A mid-year transfer from Appalachian State.
HIGH SCHOOL: Rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports coming out of Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Ga. . . . Tabbed by Rivals.com as the nation’s No. 30 dual-threat quarterback in the Class of 2015 . . . Earned honorable-mention all-state recognition as a senior, as well as being named the Gwinnett County Touchdown Club Athlete of the Year, first team all-county and first-team all-region . . . Amassed 5,999 yards of total offense (4,117 passing, 1,882 rushing) and 64 touchdowns (36 passing, 28 rushing) as a three-year starter at quarterback . . . 2014: Threw for 945 yards, rushed for 799 and accounted for 21 touchdowns (eight passing, 13 rushing) while leading Mill Creek to a 7-4 overall record and a share of the Georgia AAAAAA Region 7 championship as a senior . . . in 2014 . . . Named Most Valuable Player of 2014 Georgia Athletic Coaches Association North-South All-Star Football Game after completing 13-of-20 passes for 170 yards and two touchdowns to rally North squad from a 7-0 halftime deficit to a 14-10 victory.
Personal: Born Sept. 15, 1996 . . . Son of Ashley and Drew David . . . Oldest of two siblings . . . Father, Drew, played football at University of Georgia (1990-94; special-teams captain in ’94) and was college teammate of Owls head coach Brian Bohannon . . . Played professionally for the Canadian Football League’s Birmingham Barracudas in 1995 . . . .Coached by Shannon Jarvis . . . Majoring in exercise science.
Source link
