CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The University of Charleston's Football program continues to build on its success coming off its first ever trip to the NCAA Division II Playoffs, as Head Coach Pat Kirkland has announced the following will be joining the Golden Eagle football program in the fall. Kirkland enters his sixth season overall and over the past two season has led UC to an overall 18-4 record and a top-15 national ranking. 

Signing to become Golden Eagles are:


Blaine Stewart
6'1" 205 WR
James Madison University
Morgantown, WV

Blaine joins the UC program after transferring from James Madison University. He appeared in over 20 games for the Dukes and was named to the CAA All-Academic Team. JMU appeared in the FCS national playoffs twice while Blaine was there and he lettered in both of those seasons. He was also awarded as a JMU Athletic Director's Scholar-Athlete and named to the CAA Commissioner's All-Academic Team in 2014. Before JMU, he hauled in 41 catches for 615 yards for the Morgantown Mohigans. His senior year he was named Special Mention AAA All State, First team All-TRAC, Honorable Mention All-OVAC, and Dominion Post All-Area Honors. He participated in the OVAC Ohio Vs. West Virginia All-Star Football Game and represented West Virginia as a captain. Blaine is the son of former WVU head football coach Bill Stewart.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1079612/highlights/35618377/v3



Cedric Brown
6'0" 190 WR
Ohio University
Martinsburg, WV

Cedric joins the UC program after transferring from Ohio University. At Ohio he was a member of two bowl teams and was twice awarded scout team player of the week. Before OU, he was named a 2013 Semper Fidelis All-American and a three time WV AAA All State honoree. He helped guide Martinsburg High School to three consecutive West Virginia AAA State Championships. He was also part of two teams that were ranked among the top 200 high school teams in the nation. He finished his prep career with over 4,000 all-purpose yards and hauled in 2,635 receiving yards and 34 touchdowns. He joins his younger brother Eric Brown who will be a redshirt freshman this fall.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1099020/highlights/37229404/v3



Jacob Staiger
6'5 300 OL
Galion High School
Galion, OH

Jacob was the anchor to an offensive line that averaged 320 yads of rushing per game. As a senior he led his team to an 8-3 record and a trip to the OHSAA State Playoffs. He was awarded 1^st team all MOAC and was selected to play in the OHSAA North/South All Star Game.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2839041/highlights/290720382/v2



Sam Perry
6'3" 255 DL
Cabell Midland High School
Ona, WV

Sam Perry joins the Golden Eagle football program after a standout career for Coach Luke Salmons at Cabell Midland High School.  Sam was a dominant force as a senior accumulating 63 tackles and 11 sacks while receiving 1^st Team All-MSAC honors.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2582223/sam-perry



Jordin Brown
5'10 185 DB
Grove City High School
Grove City, OH

Jordin was a Captain in his final year with the Dawgs. He was a versatile weapon (WR, RB, DB, and K) on both sides of the ball. Jordin was named 1^st Team Ohio Capital Conference on Offense and 2^nd Team ALL District on defense.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1474709/highlights/301046475/v2



Mike Strachan
6'5" 205 WR
Liberty Christian Academy
Lynchburg, VA

Another successful product of Liberty Christian Academy, Mike joins Charleston after a great career for Coach Frank Rocco.  While playing for the Bulldogs, Mike was a member of the 2013 (VISAA 1) State Championship team, and received All Conference and Honorable Mention All-Region WR his senior year.  Mike is also ranked #4 nationally in the 500m, and will run track for UC as well.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2883475/highlights/297881449/v3



Harold Colston
6'3" 305 OL
Euclid High School
Euclid, OH
 
Harold was a stand out player for Euclid High School and Coach Jeff Rotsky. He was the anchor along the offensive line which paved the way for an offense that averaged 450 yards per game. He was an All-League selection and graded out at 92% for the season. Harold is a very physical and athletic lineman who will be a great addition to the University of Charleston's offensive line
 
Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2744566/highlights/291356377/v3



Desmond White
6'1" 175 CB
Euclid High School
Euclid, OH
 
Desmond was a stand out player for Euclid High School and Coach Jeff Rotsky. He finished his senior season with 33 Tackles, 2 INT's and 15 pass deflections. Desmond is a long athletic corner who can transition to the safety position as well. He will be a great addition to the University of Charleston's secondary
 
Film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3062947/highlights/291356387/v3



Keyshawn Johnson
5'11" 180 WR
James Monroe High School
Fredericksburg, VA
 
Keyshawn comes to the University of Charleston after completing one season at GA Prep.  Prior to prep school, he was a standout WR at James Monroe High School.  Keyshawn was a First   Team All-State, All-Conference and All-Region selection. He finished his senior season with 1600 receiving yards and 17 Touch Downs. On special teams he had 5 Kick Returns and 2 punt returns for TD's
 
Film: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1454397/highlights/168194379/v3



Isaiah Anderson
6'4" 295 OL
Nordonia High School
Macedonia, OH

Isaiah Anderson from Nordonia High School was a pre-season All-Ohio Honorable Mention candidate.  During his senior year accumulated 52 pancakes and 125 knockdowns from his tackle position on the Knights' offensive line.  Anderson earned a 1^st Team All-Suburban League selection as well as being named Honorable Mention All-District as a senior.  He was also on teams that made the Ohio State Playoffs the last three seasons and was a state runner-up in 2014.  Isaiah played for Coach Jeff Fox and is a Merit Roll Student that participates in track and field.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2348313/isaiah-anderson



Aaron Elliott
6'6" 310 OL
Waverly High School
Waverly, OH

Aaron Elliott was a four year letterman for the Waverly Tigers football program.  At 6'6 310 lbs., he was a dominant force for the Tigers offensive line as a starter the past four seasons.  Elliott also participates in track and field, where he has qualified for the Ohio State indoor meet in the weight throw every year and in shotput his junior season.  Aaron played for Coach Chris Crabtree.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3017905/aaron-elliott



Austin Houser
6'5" 285 OL
Unioto High School
Chillicothe, OH

Austin Houser was a four year starter and four year letterman for Unioto High School and Coach Jeff Metzler.  A team captain his junior and senior years, Houser accumulated 158 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback sacks, a blocked punt, and a blocked pat attempt in his career.  He was named 1^st Team All-Scioto Valley Conference every year except for his freshman year where he received honorable mention honors. He picked up the Co-Lineman of the year in the SVC as a junior.  Houser was also named 1^st Team All-District as a junior and senior along with being Honorable Mention All-Ohio.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3227116/highlights/285384376



Lee Hurst II
6'0" 180 Athlete
Massillon Washington High School
Massillon, OH

Lee Hurst II played for Nate Moore at the storied Massillon Tigers in Northeast Ohio.  Lee was All-Ohio Special Mention (WR), ESPN 990 Offensive Most Valuable Player, 1^st Team All Northeast Inland (WR), 1^st Team Independent (WR), 3 Year Letterman at Massillon and McKinley.  He has been selected to play in the Stark County East vs West All Star game this summer.  In 2016, Hurst's senior year he played 4 games as a Wide receiver with 31 receptions for 437 yards and 5 receiving touchdowns and had 57 rushing attempts for 405 yards and 3 touchdowns. Lee is on the Honor Roll and volunteers with students that have special needs.  He is also a sprinter in track where he competes in the 100m, 200m, 4x1, 4x2.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3953620/lee-hurst-ii



Mason Kauffeld
6'2" 215 TE/HB
Teays Valley High School
Ashville, OH

Mason Kauffeld was a three year starter and three year letterman for Teays Valley High School and Coach Mark Webber.  In his career Kauffeld had 118 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 9 catches 234 yds, and 2 touchdowns.  Kauffeld was a 1^st Team All-County selection as a senior helping the Vikings to the Mid-State League title and a birth to the state playoffs for the second year in a row.  He was also a 2^nd Team All-County selection as an outside linebacker his sophomore year.  Mason also participates in wrestling and track.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2836247/highlights/289193401



Truman Love
6'1" 225 LB
Zane Trace High School
Chillicothe, OH

Truman Love was a four year starter and four year letterman for Zane Trace High School and Coach Duane Hall and Gary Peters.  Truman has been the leading tackler for the Pioneers the past four seasons, tallying 412 tackles, 10 sacks, and 30.5 tackles for loss.  Love also played as a running back where he rushed for over 1000 yards as a junior and had over 1,700 for a career.  During his time as a running back he also scored 22 total touchdowns while averaging over six yards per carry.  Love was part of three Zane Trace teams that won the Scioto Valley Conference and also made two appearances in the state playoffs where they were they were 2015 Regional Runner Up.  Truman was the Scioto Valley Conference Defensive player of the year his junior and senior season along with being the team captain.  He was 1^st Team All-SVC all four years, a four time 1^st Team All-District selection, twice All-Ohio Honorable Mention, All-Ohio Third Team once, and All-Ohio First Team his senior season. 

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2125438/truman-love





Mister Merriweather
6'6" 245 TE
Lynwood High School / Fullerton College
Lynwood, CA

Mister Merriweather attended Lynnwood High School in Lynnwood, CA where he excelled as a defensive lineman for Head Coach Mark Williams.  During his senior season Mister led the squad with 13 quarterback sacks and 17 tackles for loss.  He was named 1^st Team Defense All-San Gabriel Valley League in 2012.  Following high school he played at Fullerton College as a tight end for Coach Tim Byrnes where he had 7 catches for 101 yards.  Mister was also the team captain for the basketball team where he averaged 10 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4076904/mister-merriweather




Vance Roberts
5'10" 180 DB
ASA CC
Washington, DC

Vance comes to UC by way of ASA community college where he was named 1^st team All-Conference, 1^st team All-Region, and 1^st Team JUCO All-American. Before ASA, he was a key component for Iowa Western during their national championship season. He was also named a JUCO All-American at IWCC. Vance held offers out of JUCO from Maryland, Illinois, North Texas and South Carolina among others.
Before junior college, Vance began his career with his brother at West Virginia University. He was listed as a four star recruit on rivals.com and he was ranked as the #1 player in the District of Columbia. Vance was ranked as the 19^th best cornerback in the national and was ranked as the 219 prospect in the entire country.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2158462/highlights/37725401/v3



Vernard Roberts
5'10" 180 RB
ASA CC
Washington, DC

Vernard comes to UC from ASA community college where he was an All-Conference selection at running back. Before ASA, he was named honorable mention All-American at Iowa Western community college. Vernard was a key player for Iowa Western as they won the JUCO national championship his sophomore season. Leaving JUCO Vernard held offers from Maryland, Illinois, and North Texas among others.
 He originally signed with West Virginia University out of high school where he started for the Mountaineers as a true freshman. He also enjoyed a stellar prep career playing at Dunbar High School in Washington, DC. He was honored with being named 1^st Team All State DC Team and was the leading rusher in the DCIAA. Vernard was selected to play in the NUC All American game. He was also ranked as a three star prospect by rivals and was listed as the 51^st best running back in the country. He will be joined by his twin brother Vance Roberts who will play DB for the golden eagles.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2371335/vernard-roberts



Cody Saul
6'4 210
Mesa CC
Mesa, AZ

Cody joins the UC program after a stellar junior college career at Mesa Community College. Cody was a unanimous 1^st Team JUCO All American and led the country in total receiving yards and receiving yards per game. He had 69 catches for 1,267 yards and 14 touchdowns. Cody had eight different games that season with over 100 yards receiving and Mesa was selected as one of the top five JUCO teams in the country. Saul will join the UC program which averaged 41 points a game and was one of the most explosive offenses in the country.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/166615/highlights/66135375/v3



Jeff Dandridge
6'4 285 DL
Collegiate Prep
Washington, DC

Jeff was a disruptive force on the defensive line for Coach Jackson tallying 16 tackles for a loss and 8 sacks. Jeff also totaled 44 tackles and was active in pressuring the quarterback. He was named 2015 PCSAA Defensive Player of the Year and 1^st Team PCSAA All Conference. He was also selected 1^st Team All State Defensive Tackle.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5225849/highlights/294898385/v3



Quishon Calfee
6'4" 185
Patrick Henry
Roanoke, VA

Quishon comes to UC after playing for Coach Fiddler at Patrick Henry high school. Quishon was one of the area's most explosive players who went148-246 for 2,275 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also ran 131 times for 542 yards with 11 touchdowns. He was named 1^st Team all-conference and 1^st team All-Timesland. He was honored as a channel 7 player of the week and also as a channel 10 player of the week. He was also selected as the team's MVP and a team captain.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2576165/highlights/311001421/v3



Brayden Underwood
5'11" 195
South Charleston
South Charleston, WV

Brayden Underwood joins the Golden Eagle program after an outstanding high school career at both Nitro High School and South Charleston High School where he was a two-way standout for Coach Donnie Mays.  At Nitro he was the first freshman in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards.  In his career, Brayden rushed for over 2,400 yards and 27 Touchdowns.  He was names Honorable Mention All-State three times as well as 2^nd Team All-Kanawha Valley Running Back.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5417331/brayden-underwood



Keon Williams
5'10" 160 WR/CB
Euclid High School
Euclid, OH
 
Keon was a stand out player for Euclid High School and Coach Jeff Rotsky. Keon finished his senior season with 46 catches for 558 yards with 3 TD's. He also had 8 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Keon had 45 tackles, 2 TFL's, 3 INT's and 15 pass deflections. He also made a huge impact on special teams as a kick and punt returner. During his senior campaign, he was named Cleveland.com player of the week. Keon was a 2^nd Team All-League and All-District selection.
 
Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3978699/highlights/290885378/v3





Juan Morgan
6'3 305
AL Brown
Charlotte, NC

Juan comes to UC from one of the best high school programs in the state of North Carolina. Juan has been a two year starter for Coach Newsome and has helped the Wonders go 24-10. AL Brown has made 3 consecutive playoff appearances and has been a two year starter. He was also named a team captain in his senior year.
Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4124055/highlights/285914490/v3



Jeremy Blue
5'10" 210 Safety
Steubenville High School
Steubenville, OH
 
Jeremy was a standout player for Coach Reno Saccoccia at Steubenville High School. He was a two way player for the Big Reds. On defense, Jeremy finished his senior season with 97 tackles and  4 INT's. He was selected as a 1^st Team All-State player and was nominated for Big 22 Defensive Player of The Year. He  also won the SHS Bryan Cartledge award and was named WCDK player of the Game in week 4 of the season. Jeremy will be joined by his twin brother Johnnie at the University of Charleston.
 
Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3034851/highlights/323689379/v3



Johnnie Blue
5'11" 210 LB/RB
Steubenville High School
Steubenville, OH
 
Johnnie was an outstanding  player for Coach Reno Saccoccia at Steubenville High School. He was a two way player for the Big Reds. On offense he rushed for 1600 yards and broke the school record with 34 TD's. Johnnie also played Line Backer on defense and finished his senior season with 95 tackles. He was selected as a 1^st Team All-State player and was nominated for Big 22 Player of the Year. In the Ohio North South Game he earned Team MVP. During his senior season he was WCDK Player of the Game 3 times. Jeremy will be joined by his twin brother Johnnie at the University of Charleston.
 
Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3034846/highlights/323725387/v3



Nic Covington
5'11" 185
CH Flowers
Springdale, MD

Nic comes to UC after playing his senior season for Coach Cato June at CH Flowers high school. Nic led the team in punt returns for touchdowns with 3 and had one pick six. He was a senior leader and also a team captain for the jaguars. He is the son of former NC State All American and Buffalo Bills the late Damien Covington.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2186840/highlights/301759375/v3



Sawyer Klingelhoffer
6'4" 210 DB
Oak Hills High School
Cincinnati, OH

Sawyer joins the Golden Eagle football program after an outstanding career at Oak Hills High School for Coach Evan Dreyer.  Blessed with outstanding size, Sawyer is a rangy athlete that will bring tremendous versatility to the Charleston defense.  Having played the positions of corner, safety, outside linebacker and defensive end, Sawyer made plays all over the field as a senior finishing with 34 tackles, 3 sacks and an interception.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3541435/sawyer-klingelhoffer



Jakob Frye
5'11" 215 FB
Spring Valley High School
Huntington, WV

Jakob Frye joins the Golden Eagles program after a stellar high school career for Coach Brad Dingess at Spring Valley High School.  An extremely physical runner, Jakob plowed through defenses rushing 710 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior while earning 2^nd Team All-MSAC honors as well as honorable mention All-State.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1829807/jakob-frye



Parker Clemons
6"4" 280
Milford High School
Milford, OH

Parker Clemons joins the Golden Eagles program after completing an outstanding career at Milford High School for Coach Shane Elkin.  Parker was a disruptive force as an interior defensive lineman accumulating 29 tackles.  Parker brings tremendous size and athleticism to the Charleston Defensive Line.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2180389/parker-clemons



Kaimire Hodge
6'2" 185 WR
Hermitage High School
Richmond, VA
 
Kaimire is an explosive player that will join the ranks of a very talented receiver corps.  As a starter under Head Coach Patrick Kane, he played a large role in their 24 wins in 2 years.  Leading the Herm Offense in receiving yards, he tallied 724 yards and 10 touchdowns his senior year.  Additionally he was chosen as a 1^st Team All-Conference and 2^nd team All-Region player in 2015.

Video:  http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4258484/highlights/295477375/v3



Nick Bell
6'2 270 OL
Howland HS
Warren, OH

Nick Bell was a three year starter at center for Coach Menedez at Howland High School.  Nick was the anchor of the Offensive Line for Howland High School and helped pave the way for a 1,000 yard rusher. Nick was selected as 1^st team All-Conference and also 1^st team All-County.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2517199/highlights/311908418/v3



Christian Van Horn
6'1" 250
Ardrey Kell
Charlotte, NC

Christian leaves Coach Evans and Ardrey Kell where he was a disruptive force on the defensive line. He totaled 85 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. Christian was also a senior team captain and was one of the top defensive line in the Charlotte area.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1702107/highlights/313966387/v3



Cameron Carlyle
6'3" 190
Howard HS
Ellicott City, MD

Cameron joins the UC program after being named 1^st team All-County and All-Metro as a WR. Cameron was one of the senior leaders for Coach Strunk as they were state runners up in the 2015 AAAA Maryland State Championship. He was also named honorable mention All-State and was selected to participate in the BTC All-Star game where he had 3 receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown. In his senior season, Cameron had 17 receptions for 495 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5226907/highlights/297856413/v3




Matt Ryan
6'1" 185 ATH
Summers County High School
 
While at Summers, Matt was an integral part of the Bobcats' success and broke 7 school records during his career.  Ryan rushed for 1,877 yards on 179 carries his senior year with an average of 10.4 yards per carry and 25 touchdowns.  He also passed for over 850 yards with 8 touchdowns his senior year.  The standout player was 1^st team All-Conference twice during his time, an AA All-State selection in 2015, and nominated for the 2016 McDonald's All American Games in Chicago.

Video:http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3418644/highlights/208808375/v3



Justin Hall
6'1" 175 WR
Atlee High School
Mechanicsville, VA
 
Hall, a star receiver for Atlee High School, stood out in the greater Richmond area with his smooth style of play and exceptional ball skills.  He tallied up around 800 receiving yards on only 46 catches with 11 touchdowns his senior year, and topped his career off with an AAA All-Conference selection.  Under Head Coach Roscoe Johnson, Hall and the Raiders offense entered the AAA play-offs each year he started. 

Video:http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1815661/highlights/313964391/v3




Deven Dews
6'2" 195  SS
Appomattox High School
Appomattox, VA
 
Deven finishes his impressive high school career on a 15-0, state championship team.  The powerful strong safety accumulated 141 tackles, 14 pass break-ups, and 5 interceptions, with 2 returned for touchdowns.  Additionally, he was a 1^st team AA All State selection this past year.  Dews brings an explosive caliber of play to the Golden Eagle defense and has the capability to play numerous positions in the secondary.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3883968/highlights/290949377/v3



Ethan Copeland
5'10 225 RB
Winfield High School
Winfield, WV

Ethan Copeland comes to UC from Winfield High School, Winfield WV. Ethan is a physical athlete who played both sides of the ball. His Senior year he rushed for 996 yards making his career total for 2338 yards. Ethan was named 2013 MSAC All conference special Honorable Mention for running back. 2014 MSAC all conference special honorable mention for Running back and was named 1st team defense at linebacker to the Herald Dispatch All Tri-State Team. Also was 2015 Honorable mention All-State.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1553258/highlights/199445376