CHARLESTON, W.Va. - University of Charleston head football coach Pat Kirkland has announced the following have returned National Letters of Intent to attend UC and join his team for the 2015 season.

Kirkland, whose 2014 team finished with an 8-3 record was named 2012 WVIAC Coach of the Year. He has led Charleston to a 28-16 record and a top-25 ranking in 2014 and 2012. Charleston's 2014 rushing attack led the Mountain East Conference with an attack that produced 224.5 yards-per-game.  On the defensive side, Kirkland featured the second ranked squad in scoring defense and rushing defense in the MEC. 

Charleston looks to continue to build and create successful traditions on and off the gridiron. This is Kirkland's fourth recruiting class, and he expects it to add a great deal of quality depth to the already dangerous UC lineup. Kirkland expects to compete for the 2015 MEC Championship and secure a berth to the 2015 NCAA Football Championships.



Julius Fakhoury
6'2" 265 DL
Franklin Regional High School
Reisterstown, MD

Julius was a key player for Coach Anthony Burgos and the back to back AAA Maryland state champions. Julius is an athletic and disruptive defensive lineman that allowed the Franklin defensive to be one of the best in the state of Maryland. During his senior season Julius had 53 total tackles, 38 solo tackles, and 5 tackles for a loss. He was also disruptive in the passing game logging 7 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries, and deflecting one pass. Julius will join former Franklin High teammates Cedric Amadi and Cyril Nuworsoo.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1460506/highlights/180137377



Eric Brown
5'10" 185 S
Martinsburg High School
Martinsburg, WV

Eric Brown joins the UC football program after appearing and winning three AAA state championships during his time at Martinsburg High School. Eric rushed for 1,501 yards, 20 touchdowns, and averaged 8.29 yards a carry. He was also a 9^th all-time in tackles at Martinsburg high school tallying 120 total tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, and 6 pass break ups.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2335979/highlights/38663377



Corey Williams
6'3" 280 OG
Dublin Coffman High School
Dublin, OH

Corey helped pave the way for the Rocks becoming the 2014 Ohio Capital Conference champions with an 11-1 record. He helped lead his team to the 2^nd round of the Division I Ohio state playoffs before being knocked out by Huber Heights Wayne. Corey plans to major in Buisness.
 
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1494586/highlights/208680376/v2



Brant Grisel
6'3" 215 QB
Middle Creek HS
Apex, NC

A four year letterman and two year starter for Coach Mike Castellano at Middle Creek High School.  During his senior campaign he totaled over 2,700 yards passing and 28 touchdowns and was named All SWAC conference for the second year in a row. As a starter he had an outstanding record of 21-6 and led the mustangs to back to back North Carolina playoff berths.  Brant is also is an excellent student being named to the National Honor Society and carrying over a 3.8 GPA.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2213079/highlights/213217376

Justin Phillips
5'11" 185 DB
Hopewell HS
Charlotte, NC

A two year starter for Coach Matt Jenkins at Hopewell High School. During his senior season he accumulated over 50 tackles, 8 pass break ups, and 1 interception. For his outstanding play he was named most outstanding defensive back. He also excelled on offense playing quarterback and running back.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3166370/highlights/169135375              

Andrew Chiarelli
6'0" 275 OL
Cuthbertson HS
Waxhax, NC

A two year starter for Coach David Johnson at Cuthbertson High School. During his career he totaled over 100 pancake blocks 20 of them came in his senior season. For his stellar play he was name All Union County and first team Southern Carolina 3A all Conference. Andrew was also a team captain leading the cavaliers to a North Carolina 3A state semi- final berth.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3196816/andrew-chiarelli



Elijah Jett
5'6 185 RB
Rocky River HS
Charlotte, NC

A four year varsity starter for Coach Jason Fowler at Rocky River High School. During his senior campaign he produced over 1,500 all -purpose yards which included 1,262 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns. After his senior season he named Rocky River team offensive MVP and first team Southwestern 4A All Conference.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2435461/highlights/162388375



Stephen Harris
5'10" 260 DL
Stafford High School
Fredericksburg, VA

Stephen was a standout player for Coach Chad Lewis at Stafford High School. He was named 2^nd team All-Conference after his senior season. Stephen finished his career with 108 tackles, 36 TFL's and had 4 Sacks. He also made an impact on offense, carrying the ball 64 times for 364 yards and finishing the season with 5.6 yards per touch.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/602348/highlights/166947375



Jalen Sarratt
5'10" 180 WR
North Stafford High School
Stafford, VA

Jalen was a standout player for Coach Joe Mango at North Stafford High School. After his senior season, Jalen earned All-Conference as a Wide Receiver and Defensive Back. He was also selected as an All Region Wide Receiver.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/469922/highlights/42178381



Franklin Pannell
5'10" 180 WR
Hayfield High School
Lorton, VA

Franklin comes to the University of Charleston after completing a great career at Hayfield High School. Franklin earned 1^st Team All-Conference and is the All-Time leader in receptions and receiving yards for the regular season. Following his senior season, Franklin won the ACE Award which goes to the most valuable wide receiver.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1239776/highlights/201505380



Daniel Mcallister
5'10" 195 DB
Morgantown High School
Morgantown, WV

Daniel joins the University of Charleston football program after finishing his amazing career at one of West Virginia's most prominent programs, Morgantown High School. During his senior year, Mcallister led the Mohigan defense with 76 tackles on the year and 7.6 tackles per game. Mcallister also has his sights set on a future career in law school. With his knowledge and athleticism, Daniel will be a great addition to an already stellar secondary.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4708313/daniel-mcallister



Devantae Sheppard
6' 180 DB
Brush High School
Cleveland, OH

Devantae joins the University of Charleston football program after an unbelievable career at Brush High School. By his senior year, Sheppard had made a name for himself as one of Ohio's top corners. Offensive coaches regularly game planned for him but he still found a way to make his presence felt on Friday nights. Sheppard finished the season with 42 tackles, 4 interceptions, 15 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles. His speed and athleticism is still on display as he is a main component to Brush's men's track and field team.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2816631/devantae-sheppard



Gerron Fryer
6'4" 200 DB
Cleveland Heights High School
Cleveland, OH

Gerron joins the UC football family after an amazing career for the Cleveland Heights Tigers and head coach Jeff Rotsky. Possessing great speed, ball skills and quickness, Gerron's skill set adds a ton of versatility to the UC defense. He finished his senior year with 46 tackles, 4 interceptions, 9 pass breakups and a sack. He was also a fixture on the Cleveland Heights offense as a WR, compiling 22 catches for 294 yards and 4 touchdowns.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2734582/gerron-fryer



Josh Coffee
5'10" 205 DB
Maple Heights High School
Cleveland, OH

For the past 4 years, Josh has been a feature of the Maple Heights Mustangs football team on the defensive side of the ball. Josh's 123 tackles, 8 sacks and 3 forced fumbles his senior year led him to receive multiple post-season awards including 1^st team All Lake Erie League and 2^nd team All Northeast Ohio. Josh also excels in the classroom and looks to continue his education in UC's sports management department.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3301793/josh-coffee



Moses Marshall
6'4" 225 TE
Brush High School
Cleveland, OH

Moses Marshall looks to be a nightmare for opposing defenses as his athletic ability is a rarity at the Tight End position. A matchup disadvantage for most high school teams, Moses excelled on the field his senior year hauling in 16 catches for 264 yards and 5 touchdowns on offense as well as 36 tackles and 6 tackles for a loss on defense. Marshall is also a fixture on the Arcs varsity basketball team and will be joining high school teammate Devantae Sheppard at UC.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2621017/moses-marshall



Jaylond Butler
5'9" 170 WR
Cleveland Heights High School
Cleveland, OH

Jaylond joins high school teammate Gerron Fryer at the University of Charleston after an amazing career for the Tigers of Cleveland Heights. During his senior year, Butler tallied 42 receptions for 396 yards and 4 TD's. He also stood out as a kick returner and punt returner. Butler will look to continue his education in UC's Business department and will also participate in varsity track and field for the Golden Eagles.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2731877/jaylond-butler



Austin Ringel
6'3" 290 OL
Archbishop Moeller HS
Cincinnati, OH
 
Austin Ringel was a two time state champion for Coach John Rodenberg at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, OH.  As a senior he was named first team all GCL and 2^nd Team All-District.  Austin was also the recipient of the Honorary #67 Jersey.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1679348/highlights/160917378



Davonte McGhee
6'3" 235 LB
Oak Hills HS
Cincinnati, OH

Davonte McGhee was a three year starter at Oak Hills high school in Cincinnati, OH for Coach Dan Scholz.  Blessed with great size and athleticism, Davonte accumulated 214 total tackles for his career with 4 interceptions and 2 sacks.  As a senior, Davonte was named 1^st Team All-Greater Miami Conference.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1611285/highlights/167695375



Daniel Shirk
6'3" 235 DE
Archbishop Moeller HS
Cincinnati, OH
 
Daniel Shirk is a two-time state champion for Coach John Rodenberg at Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, OH.  A two way play, Daniel contributed as both a tight end and defensive end.  Daniel finished up an outstanding senior season with 31 total tackles and 9.5 sacks.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1679364/highlights/162531376



Jason Walters
5'11" 175 WR
Oak Hills HS
Cincinnati, OH
 
Jason Walters is a wide receiver/return specialist that played for Coach Dan Scholz at Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, OH.  As a two year starter, Jason accumulated 98 receptions for 1,275 yards with 10 touchdowns.  Equally dangerous in the return game, Jason totalled 1,114 yards with 1 touchdown over the past two seasons.  As a senior,  Jason was named 1^st Team All-GMC, TriStateFootball.com 2^nd Team Punt Returner and 2^nd Team All-Southwest District.
 
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2931792/highlights/213400377



Joey Melchiori
5'10" 185 Specialist
Aurora HS
Aurora, OH

Joey was a starting specialist for Aurora High School and Coach Bob Mihalik for 3 years and earned 3 varsity letters. For a career he was 130/144 pat's, and 8/11 field goals with a career long of 38.  Joey also averaged 38.4 yards per punt his senior season.  This past season he was selected First Team All Chagrin Valley Conference, First Team All-District, and Honorable Mention All-Ohio, and Akron Touchdown Club All-Star as a place kicker.  Melchiori has also been a two year letterman in track & field.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, Honor Roll, NEO All-Academic 2014.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1782793/joey-melchiori



Tryston Crone
6'1" 230 DL
Scott HS
Madison, WV

Tryston was a four year starter and letterman for Coach Shane Griffith and Scott High School.  Crone recorded 78 tackles, 14.5 quarterback sacks, 35 tackles for loss, had five forced fumbles, five pass deflections and three fumble recoveries his senior season.  To his credit he was selected First-Team All-Cardinal Conference, All-State Special Mention and will play in the 2015 West Virginia North/South Game.  Tryston is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Honor Roll, and placed second at the HOSA State competition for sports med.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3068001/tryston-crone



Austin Bumgardner
6'4" 300 OL
Piketon HS
Piketon, OH

Austin was a starting offensive tackle for the Piketon Redstreaks and Coach Tyler Gullion for the past two years garnering three varsity letters.  A big and physical offensive lineman, Austin was awarded the Waverly Watchman Week 10 Offensive Player of the week.  He was also selected to the All-Pike County Team, was an All-Southeast District Division Five selection, and Honorable Mention All-Ohio honoree.  Austin, has been on the honor roll and was inducted into the 2015 Honor Society.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2982622/highlights/218053380



Tristan Jones
6'2" 180 Specialist
Wyoming East HS
New Richmond, WV

Tristan was a starting specialist for Wyoming East and Coach Gary Poindexter for 2 years and earned 3 varsity letters. He is a two time All-Conference player, having tallied 4,301 kick-off yards, 52 pat's, and hit field goals from 37 and 39 yards.  Tristan has also been All-State in Track & Field the past two years as a sophomore and junior.  Jones is a member of the National Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, RAZE, and the Pep Club.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/471627/highlights/108404375



Mike Stratton
6'0" 200 LB
Aurora HS
Aurora, OH

Mike Stratton was a two year starter and two year letterman for Aurora High School and Coach Bob Mihalik.  Mike has been the leading tackler at Aurora the past two seasons, tallying 240 tackles, 12 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, four pass break ups, two interceptions, and four forced fumbles during his career with the Greenmen.  Stratton was First Team All-Chagrin Valley Conference, First Team All-Northeast Inland District, Honorable Mention All-Ohio, Aurora LB of The Year, and Akron Touchdown Club All-Star as a junior and senior.  As a junior received the ESPN Cleveland "Big Stick" Award.  He also garnered Akron Beacon Journal All-Star Team Honorable Mention Honors as a senior.  He has also been on the Honor Roll and Merit Roll at Aurora High School.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1782772/mike-stratton



Michael Gause
6'3 237 DE
Mifflin High School
Columbus, OH

Michael was a four year letterman as well as voted Captain for the Punchers. He was selected as a 1^st team All-City and District two years in a row. Also was selected as an All-Ohio honorable mention at the Defensive line position.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4375194/highlights/171073381/v2



Josiah Swinton
6'3 175 ATH
West Port
Ocala, FL

Josiah was a duel threat on athlete for the Eagles. Played on both sides of the ball in football as a WR and Defensive Back. Josiah was selected to represent Calvary in the Public vs Private All Star game. As a track star, Josiah was a State Champion in the 4x4 and a District runner up in the 300m hurdles.
 
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/391149/highlights/98121393/v2



Kareem Bushwaigeer
6'0" 245 DL
Stow HS
Stow, OH

Kareem was a three year starter and letterman on the defensive line for Coach Mark Nori and Stow Bulldogs.  Bushwaigeer produced 46 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 10.5 quarterback sacks, recovered two fumbles, forced five fumbles, and had one pass break up.  Kareem was highly recognized with earning All-Conference in the River Division, Co-Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-District Division One, Akron Touchdown Club Foundation Award, and was on the Akron Beacon Journal Top 25 Player Team.  Bushwaigeer was selected to play in the 2014 Thanks-4-Giving game during Thanksgiving weekend.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1550074/kareem-bushwaigeer



Austin Fisher
5'11" 175
Northside High School
Roanoke, VA

Austin comes to UC from Northside high school where he was a part of one state championship. He was also a three year starter and was named all-district as a junior. He was also honored as an all-conference player during that season. He finished his senior season with 22 tackles, four touchdowns, and 4 interceptions. Coach Burt Torrence also had named Austin a team captain for his senior season.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1617583/highlights/92361384



Christian White
6'2" 245 DL
Valley Fayette HS
Smithers, WV

Christian White was a three year starter and three year letterman for the Valley Greyhounds.  During his senior season playing for Coach Benny Hopkins, White tallied, 55 tackles, 10 quarterback sacks, eight tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, and had one fumble recovery for a 16 yard touchdown.  Those numbers locked him in for an All-Coal Field Conference selection his senior season in 2014.  Christian is a member of the National Honor Society and the Honor Roll at Valley High School

http://youtu.be/883w3rKm5Ws




Ricky Spradling
6'0" 200 RB
Jackson HS
Massillon, OH

Ricky was a three year starter and three year letterman for the Jackson Polar Bears.  His play both as a running back and defensive back locked down a spot for First Team All-Federal League.  Spradling had a great senior season accumulating 1,357 total yards, 21 touchdowns, and 46 tackles.  His six touchdowns vs. Toledo St. Francis De Sales set a school record for td's in a game.  He was named First Team Repository All-Stark County, First Team Northeast Inland All-District, Second Team All-Ohio, and Team MVP.  Ricky has also been on the Ohio Football Academic Honor Roll along with being a member of the Honor Roll at Jackson High School.  He is also a four year letterman on the men's lacrosse team.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/788346/ricky-spradling



Luke Sulken
5'11" 180 WR
Archbishop McNicholas HS
Cincinnati, OH
 
Luke Sulken was three year starter playing both quarterback and wide receiver for Coach Mike Orlando at Archbishop McNicholas High School in Cincinnati, OH.  Luke was a member of three GCL Coed Central Division Champions.  Luke finished his high school career with 2,233 yards passing, 2,145 yards rushing, 633 yards receiving and was responsible for 47 touchdowns. As a senior Luke was named GCL Coed Central Offensive Player of the Year, 2^nd Team All SW District and 1^st Team Offense by the Cincinnati Enquirer.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1751169/highlights/203971399


Connor Maloney
6'6" 290 OL
Jeffersontown HS
Louisville, KY
 
Connor Maloney is an offensive lineman from Jeffersontown High School in Kentucky where he played for Coach Nathan Jones.  Blessed with great size, Connor was a two time All-District Performer as well as 1^st Team All-Region Performer.  Prior to his senior season, Connor was named his regions preseason player of the year.
 
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2765341/highlights/127830380



Luther Toney
6'4 210 TE/DE
George Washington HS
Charleston, WV

A three letterman and two year starter for Coach Steve Edwards at George Washington High School. During his senior season he totaled 10 catches for 140 yards and 48 pancake blocks which helped be name to the All MSAC team. Luther also excelled on defense totaling 48 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2190333/luther-toney



Dylan Miles
5'11" 185 Specialist
Southeastern HS
Chillicothe, OH

Dylan was a starting specialist for Southeastern High School and Coach Evan Gallagher for four years and earned four varsity letters. For a career he was 14/21 field goals with a career long 43 yards. He holds school records for most field goals in a season (8), game (3), career (14), most PAT's in a season (24), and most PAT's in a career (87).  Miles was named Scioto Valley Conference Kicker of the year (2012, 13, and 14).  He was Honorable Mention All-Southeast District in 2012, Southeast District Kicker of the Year in 2013, All-Chillicothe Gazette Team, and was Honorable Mention All-Ohio in 2014. Dylan has also been a four year letterman in basketball, a two year letterman in track and field, and a two year letterman and two time All-Ohio player in soccer.  He is a member of the National       Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Key Club Member.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1521773/dylan-miles



Zach Shoemaker
6'1" 235 FB
Archbishop Hoban HS
Akron, OH

Zach was a two year starter and three year letterman at fullback for Archbishop Hoban and Coach Tim Tyrell.  Shoemaker, a bruiser at the fullback position, recorded a 96% grade out, 20 pancake blocks, and five receptions for 86 yards and four touchdowns.  As an outside linebacker he had 36 tackles, seven quarterback sacks, five tfl's and a fumble recovery his senior season.  He was named to the All-North Coast League Team and played in the 2014 Thanks-4-Giving All-Star game for the West squad.  He has also been on the Honor Roll at Hoban for the past four years.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1496762/zach-shoemaker



Nik Walker
6'1" 205 RB/WR
Wyoming East HS
New Richmond, WV

Nik Walker transitioned from wide receiver to running back this past season for Coach Gary Poindexter and Wyoming East High School.  He tallied 1,705 total offensive yards this past year.  With that production Walker was named Beckley Register Player of the Week, First-Team All-Coal Field Conference, and Second-Team All-State and was a Beckley Register Herald Player of the Year Finalist.   Nik also competes in track & field where he was First Team All-State in the 200m and Second Team All-State in the 100m.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, Academic Letterman, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, RAZE, Warriors for Christ, Book Club, Beta Club and a volunteer coach for youth organizations.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2981782/nik-walker



Cody Rine
6'4" 290 DL
Brooke High School
Wellsburg, WV

Cody was a standout player for Coach Mac McLean at Brooke High School. During his great career, Cody was a 4 time varsity letterman. He was named Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2013 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. Cody was also a 1^st team All-T.R.A.C, 1^st Team All- OVAL and was a Special mention All-State Selection. Cody finished the season with 64 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss and 2 fumble recoveries.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1037762/highlights/115587375



Ray Witcher
6'2" 200 LB
Magna Vista High School
Martinsville, VA

Ray Witcher comes to Charleston after helping Magna Vista win their first state championship title in the school's history. Ray was responsible for 51 tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 3 sacks, and 8 tackles for a loss. Ray was a captain for Coach Joe Favero and also plays basketball for the warriors. He joins former Magna Vista teammate George Ramey in UC's signing class.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1551123/highlights/224923378



George Ramey
6'3" 181 WR
Magna Vista High School
Martinsville, VA

George Ramey led Magna Vista in receiving as the warriors were crowned the 2014 state champions for the first time in school history. Ramey hauled in 12 touchdowns and had 940 yards receiving. He was also named first team all-district, 1^st team all-conference, and was named 1^st team all-state in the state of Virginia. He joins former Magna Vista teammate Ray Witcher in UC's signing class.

http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1551127/highlights/189763375



Hayes Foster
6'0" 176 K/P
Mt.Juliet High School
Mount Juliet, TN


Hayes was ranked the 27^th best kicker in the country according to www.kholskicking.com. He placed 2^nd in their field goal kicking competition that included over 150 participants. During his senior season, 83% of his kickoffs were ruled as touchbacks. He was 43 of 51 for touchbacks and was 4 of 7 on field goals; his longest was from 43 yards. Hayes was also named District 9-AAA special team player of the year.


http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3259903/highlights/190418375