CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The 2017 signing period has started for Golden Eagle football and the coaches have been busy this recruiting period looking for the next class of UC football.  Coach Pat Kirkland welcomes in his 6th recruiting class as he heads into the 2017 season, his 7th season as head coach of Charleston football.  The Golden Eagles will look to get back on track for 2017, after suffering through a 3-8 2016 season that was plagued with injuries.

Fans can keep up to date with all of Charleston's signings by following UC football on twitter (ucwv_football) as well as checking this page periodically throughout the week for updates on the newest Golden Eagles to join the nest.  Coach Kirkland will give us a wrap up of the signing period later in the week, stay tuned for more information.











Jaquan Rankins
5'11" 165 DB
Harding University High School
Charlotte, NC

Jaquan Rankins joins the UC football program after earning SoMECK 8 All-Conference honors the last 3 years. In Jaquan's senior season he had over 1400 total yards on offense, 23 offensive touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown, and 3 kick returns for touchdowns.  
 
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/5453885/57d04dec688ec30a74cef9c0












Jimmy Priest
6'5" 286 OL
Tri-Valley High School
Frazeysburg, OH

Jimmy Priest joins the UC football program after winning the Muskingum Valley League championship in all four years of his high school career. Jimmy is also an accomplished wrestler for the Tri-Valley wrestling team, as well as a member of the track team.
 
Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3571667/5825f4694ba87714a864fc59












Nathan Ramsey
5'11" 195 LB
Scott High School
Madison, WV

Nathan Ramsey joins the UC football program after earning first team All Cardinal Conference honors. Nathan recorded 97 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 2 defensive touchdowns in his senior campaign. 
 
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3416884/58251c05f5605e14b47d8312











Joel Cannady
6'5" 330 DL
Wyoming East High School
Mullens, WV

Joel Cannady joins the UC football program after a senior season in which he had 40 total tackles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 2 forced fumbles. Joel has also been selected to play in the West Virginia Athletic Coaches Association's North-South Football Classic. 
 
Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4229565/57e9484c842eb20a043ba683











Andrew Harris
5'10" 170 ATH
Patrick Henry High School
Roanoke, VA

Harris joins the Golden Eagle football program after an outstanding career at Patrick Henry High School.  Blessed with athleticism that will bring tremendous versatility to the University of Charleston football team. Having played the positions of corner, safety, running back, and wide receiver, Harris made plays all over the field as a senior finishing on the All-Conference Team.

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/profile/2845113/andrew-harris













Jason Dunois
6'3" 300 OL
Carol City High School
Miami, FL

After winning a 6A State Championship in Florida, Dunois joins the Golden Eagle football program after an outstanding career at Carol City High School.  With his great size, power and strength Dunois will be a great addition to the University of Charleston offensive line. Dunois also helped pave the way for an explosive Carol City offensive running game that would help propel them to a state championship.

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/profile/5256358/jason-dunois












Travis Bivins
6'1" 170 DB
Carol City High School
Miami, FL

After winning a 6A State Championship in Florida, Bivins joins the Golden Eagle football program after an outstanding career at Carol City High School.  Blessed with great length and a ball hawking mentality that will be a great addition to the University of Charleston secondary. Bivins made huge plays in the secondary for Carol City all season long which was a big reason for Carol City's state title run. 

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/profile/5242363/travis-bivins











Terrel Lee
6'2" 260 DL
Euclid High School
Euclid, OH

Terrel Lee joins the Golden Eagle football program after a standout career for Coach Jeff Rotski at Euclid High School. The Euclid, Ohio native finished his dominant senior season with 74 tackles and 3 Sacks. Lee's hard work earned him 1^st team All-State

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/profile/3979215/terrel-lee











Jalen Ridges
6'0" 180 CB
Fayette County High School
Fayetteville, GA

Jalen Ridges joins the Golden Eagle football program after a standout career for Coach Mike Davis at Fayette County High School.The Fayetteville, Georgia native was a dominant force as a senior leading the secondary with 39 tackles and accumulating 5 pass break ups.

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/profile/4237357/jalen-ridges












JaMarcus Williamson
6'4" 230 DL
Fayette County High School
Fayetteville, GA

JaMarcus Williamson joins the Golden Eagle football program after a standout career for Coach Mike Davis at Fayette County High School. Williamson earned first team all-county and all region honors, and current region sack leader. The Fayetteville, Georgia native was a dominant force as a senior leading the region with 10 sacks and accumulating 64 tackles and 6 tackles for loss.

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/profile/5560150/jamarcus-williamson













Khadim Fall
6'3" 185 DB
Sycamore High School
Cincinnati, OH

Khadim joins the University of Charleston football program after an outstanding career at Sycamore High School under Coach Scott Dattilo.  Blessed with outstanding size, speed and ball skills, Khadim was a constant big play threat for the Aviators.  For his career he amassed 838 yards on 61 receptions including a pair of touchdowns. As a senior Khadim was named Second Team All-GMC.

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/3529220/5721d46790eead5d90dc32ce












Brock Adkins
5'11" 210 SS/LB
Spring Valley High School
Huntington, WV

Brock Adkins joins the University of Charleston Football program after a standout career at Spring Valley High School where he helped lead Coach Brad Dingess' Timberwolves to an appearance in the 2016 West Virginia AAA State Championship.  Brock was an unstoppable force for the Timberwolves' defense racking up 46 tackles, including 27 for loss, 12 sacks, 1 interception, 5 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 blocked punts and scored a pair of defensive touchdowns.  For his efforts Brock was named 2^nd Team All-State, 1^st Team All Tri-State and 2^nd Team All-MSAC

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3412735/57eb0fa0688ec25da84dd84e












Skylar Larcart
6'3" 230 DE
Spring Valley High School
Huntington, WV

Skylar Larcart joins the University of Charleston Football program after a standout career at Spring Valley High School where he helped lead Coach Brad Dingess' Timberwolves to an appearance in the 2016 West Virginia AAA State Championship.  In 2016, Skylar had 52 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 7 sacks. Skylar was named Honrable Mention All-State, 2^nd Team All-MSAC and 2^nd Team All Area by the Huntington Dispatch. 

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4240776/580ce7e3bd75210db495db76












Kaleb Hardin
6'3" 265 OL
Spring Valley High School
Huntington, WV

Kaleb Hardin joins the University of Charleston Football program after a standout career at Spring Valley High School where he helped lead Coach Brad Dingess' Timberwolves to an appearance in the 2016 West Virginia AAA State Championship.  Kaleb helped pave the way for a dominant rushing attack that racked up over 5,000 yards on the ground in 2016. 

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4240776/580ce7e3bd75210db495db76

Ebube Emeh
6'2" 265 DL
Tate's Creek High School
Lexington, KY

Ebube Emeh joins the University of Charleston Football program after an outstanding career at Tate's Creek High School where he played for Coach Antoine Sims.  Ebube was a force on the defensive line as a senior while registering 32 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 6 sacks.

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/8113045/5841be015b3cda20d444dcc7












Zach Kerns
6'4" 295 OL
George Washington High School
Charleston, WV

Zach Kerns joins the University of Charleston Football program from George Washington High School where he was a two-way standout for Coach Steve Edwards.  Offensively, Zach racked up 87 pancakes while accumulating 32.5 tackles and forcing a pair of fumbles on the defensive side of the ball. As a senior Zach was named Honorable Mention All State.

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/4398225/57d4aef211fa7f1bccf88ee2












Kevin Payton
6'5" 340 OL
Montgomery County High School
Mt. Sterling, KY

Kevin Payton joins the University of Charleston football program from Montgomery County High School where he played for Coach Jamie Egli.  Utilized at tight end and defensive line in high school, Kevin will join the Golden Eagles' offensive line.  As a senior Kevin had 7 receptions for 42 yards and 30 pancake blocks.  On the defensive side of the ball Kevin registered 27 tackles.

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/profile/4552449/kevin-payton/videos











Ja'Quez Taylor
5'9" 175 WR/KR
Mallard Creek High School
Charlotte, NC

Ja'Quez Taylor joins the UC football program after finishing his high school career with a record of 55-6. Ja'Quez accounted for over 700 all-purpose yards and scored 7 total touchdowns his senior year. Ja'Quez also competes for the Mallard Creek track team. 

Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hoynrQojA0











Calvin Martin
5'9" 175 CB
Goochland High School
Goochland, VA
 
Calvin was a key player for the Goochland, and helped the Bulldogs to a 30-8 record, and a Regional Championship ('16) in three years.  Racking up 4,200 all purpose yards, 43 touchdowns, and 120 total tackles, he proved to be a versatile player.  During his time, Calvin accumulated 5 All-Conference awards, 4 All-District awards, 3 All-Region awards, and 2 All-State awards, for defensive back, kick returner, and running back respectively.    












Carter Jamerson
6'3" 170 P/K
Appomattox High School
Appomattox, VA
 
Carter was a vital player in Raiders' 30-0 campaign to back-to-back AA State Championships.  The Special Teams phenomena averaged 42 yards per punt with a 4.3 second hang-time.  Putting the Raider Defense in great position, he also managed to put the majority of his kick-offs behind the 5 yard-line.  Adding onto 3 additional All-Conference awards, Jamerson won the Golden Toe Titan Award as well.  Carter will be joining former Appomattox High teammates Deven Dews and Marquise Morgan.  












Derrick Mills
6'2" 180 DB
Atlee High School
Mechanicsville , VA
 
Derrick will be joining the University of Charleston program after a phenomenal career at Atlee High School.  Under direction of first year head coach Matt Gray, the standout DB accumulated 68 solo tackles, 40 assisted tackles, 4 interceptions, and 30 pass-break-ups in 11 games.  Mills also received the Defensive MVP award, and was chosen for Atlee's Senior Leadership Award during his final campaign with the Raiders. 













Derrick Spencer
6'2" 245 LB/HB
Amherst High School
Amherst , VA
 
Derrick leaves an outstanding Amherst program, under the direction of Coach Cecil Phillips, and becomes the first Lancer to join the University of Charleston Program.  The linebacker/H-back stands at 6'2", weighing 245 lbs, and possesses unique athleticism for his frame.  Spencer earned an All-Seminole District linebacker award in 2016, along with the All-Region "Titan Award", and finished as the Defensive MVP.  Whether he becomes a nightmare on defense, or an offensive weapon, Derrick will be a problem for opponents.












Phillip Fleshman
5'9" 175 RB
Appomattox High School
Appomattox, VA
 
Phillip is another exceptional product of Coach Doug Smith's program at Appomattox, where he finished 30-0 with two AA State Titles.  The outstanding back collected 46 touchdowns on 319 carriers, ending with a 8.3 yards-per-carry average.  During his tenure with the Raiders, Phillip was a 2 time VHSL All-Conference running back, 2 time All Region running back, VHSCA All-Underclassmen running back, and 2016 All-Metro running back.  He joins former Appomattox High teammates Marquise Morgan and Deven Dews.












Xzavier Morgan
6'1" 290 DL
Appomattox High School
Appomattox, VA
 
Xzavier signs alongside his high school teammate Phillip Fleshman at the University of Charleston after a phenomenal career for the Raiders at Appomattox.  He became the anchor to an outstanding Raider Defensive Line, and played a large role in the back-to-back AA State Title wins.  Along with numerous All-Conference, All-Region, and All-State awards, he was chosen to compete against Virginia's best at the VHSCA All-Star Game.  Xzavier will be joining former Appomattox High teammates Deven Dews, and older cousin Marquise Morgan.












Devon Kasey
6'4" 240 lbs. DE
William Byrd High School
Roanoke, VA

Devon joins the UC family after graduating from William Byrd High School in Roanoke, Virginia. Kasey was a standout defensive end and stud basketball player for the Terriers. He was voted as a Captain for two seasons by his teammates. In both 2015 and 2016, he was voted First team All-Blue Ridge District as well as Lineman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. At the conclusion of the 2016 season, he was voted First team All-Conference 24 as well as Defensive Player of the Year. He capped of his senior campaign by being named First team All-State, along with being named Lineman of the Year by Friday Football Extra.












Jalen Gomillion
6'2 285  OL
Latta High School
Latta, SC

Jalen was a three year starter on both Offensive and Defensive line at Latta High School in Latta, South Carolina. Jalen accumulated 148 tackles, 7 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries. He was also named offensive lineman of the year in both 2015 and 2016.


 










Hunter McGary
6'2 285 OL
Lincoln High School
Lumberport, WV

Hunter McGary is coming to the University of Charleston after a standout career at Lincoln High School. Hunter was a huge part of the Cougars success as he played both offensive and defensive line. Hunter accumulate 32 pankcakes on offense and 35 tackles, 9TFL's, and 4 sacks on defense.
 


 









Javonte "Moo-Moo" Howard
6'1  180  QB
Potomac High School
Washington, DC

Javonte "Moo-Moo" Howard was a Three year starter for Potomac High School in Washington,DC. Moo-Moo threw for over 5,500 yards and had 64 passing touchdowns against 16 interceptions.  Moo-Moo was also the starting Quarterback in the PG/SMAC All-Star game where he was named the game MVP after throwing 3 touchdowns.


 









Rodney Pitts
5'10  175  RB
Sumter High School
Sumter,SC

Rodney joins UC after finishing up a stellar career at Sumter High school in Sumter, SC. Rodney finished his senior year with 191 carries for 1172 yards and 23 touchdowns. Rodney also had 25 receptions for 297 yards and one Touchdown. Rodney was also 6A All-Region and was named 2016 Most Outstanding Back in his conference. Rodney was also MVP of the track team in 2014,2015, and 2016.
 











Jatise Garrison
6'4  190  WR
Lakeview High School
Cortland, OH

Jatise joins after finishing his career at Lakeview High School where he played for Coach Tom Pavalensky. Jatise is a three sport athlete who a member of the Football,Basketball, and Track & Field team. Jatise finished last year with 32 for 467 yards and 6 TD. While also contributing 3 Int's, 42 tackles and 1 TD on defense.












Darrien Laboo
6'2  280  DL
Milford Mill
Baltimore, MD

Darrien is joining the Golden Eagles after finishing his career at the Milford Mill where he played for coach Reggie White. Darrien was a team captain his senior year and also was a BTC All-Star Team, Crab Bowl All Star Team and 1^st team All – Division. Darrien finished his senior year with 40 tackles, 8 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.


 









Justin Hall
6'1  250  LB/DE
Latta High School
Latta, SC

Justin will be joining the University of Charleston by way of Latta High School in Latta, South Carolina. Justin is a versatile athlete who will play either at linebacker or defensive end. Justin finished his senior season with 63 tackles, 5 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss and one defensive touchdown.


 









Jquane Harris
5'10  235  LB
Milford Mill
Baltimore, MD

Jquane Harris is a phenomenal athlete out of Milford Mill High School in Baltimore, MD. This past season Jquane accounted for 28 sacks, 41 tackles for a loss 73 tackles and 3 forced fumbles. On offense at running back he contributed 510 rushing yards and 6 Touchdowns with a long of 82 yards.


 









Geno Gonzalez
6'2  180  FS
Warren G. Harding
Warren, OH

Geno Gonzalez joins Charleston after finishing his playing career for coach Steve Arnold at Warren G. Harding High School in Warren, Ohio. Geno had 32 tackles, 5 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.











Kenjae Rose
5'11  185  SS
Sumter High School
Sumter, SC

Kenjae with join the Golden Eagles after a stellar career at Sumter High School in Sumter, South Carolina. Kenjae amassed for 74 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, and 2 block punts. Kenjae was named Defensive player of the Year for the Gamecocks.
 

 









Zafeer Muhammad
6'2  265  DL
Copley High School
Akron, OH

Zafeer will join the Golden Eagles this far after finishing a stellar career at Copley High School. Zafeer was 1^st Team All-League, All Summit County, 1^st Team All District performer on both the offensive and defensive line. On defense this year Big Z accounted for 66 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 interception.












Tyrese Holland
5'11" 205 RB
Berea-Midpark High School
Fayetteville, GA

Tyrese Holland joins the Golden Eagle football program after a standout career for Coach Jon Hunek at Berea-Midpark High School.  Tyrese was a dominant force as a senior accumulating 1,700 yards and 25 Touchdowns while receiving 1^st Team SWC honors.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/profile/3654234/tyrese-holland












James Jones
6'2" 180 Safety
Bedford High School
Bedford Heights, Oh

James Jones joins the Golden Eagle football program after a standout career for Coach Sean Williams at Bedford High School.  James was a dominant force as a senior accumulating 5 Sacks and 50 Tackles. James hauled in one interception and registered a block punt on special teams.

Video: http://www.hudl.com/profile/6112339/james-jones











Jireh Crittenden
6'0  170  ATH
South Walton High School
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
 
Jireh is a tremendous Athlete joining us from the Sunshine State. Jireh played WR,RB,DB and also a returner. Jireh accounted over 1000 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns. While also contributing 4 interceptions of defense. Jireh is also a member of the track & field team at South Walton earning one medal in last last year's 2A State championship.












Jeremiah Crittenden
6'2  215  H-Back/LB
South Walton
Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Jeremiah is joining the University of Charleston after finishing his playing career at South Walton High School. Jeremiah is a three starter for South Walton high school at both linebacker and wide receiver. Jeremiah had 64 tackles, 2 sacks,2 interceptions, 2 defensive touchdowns. 










Garrett Roberts
5'10" 190 RB
Scott High School
Yawkey, WV

Garrett Roberts joins the UC football program after earning first team All Cardinal Conference honors in 2016, and second team honors in 2014. Garrett rushed for 13 touchdowns, passed for 4 touchdowns, and returned 2 kicks for touchdowns. Garrett amassed 1,972 yards in his senior season. 

Highlights: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/3148217/5815326b7bddf85c1851bb3c












Ryan Perry
6'1" 175 DB
Brookville High School
Lynchburg, VA
 
Ryan Perry joins the University of Charleston program after an exceptional career at Brookville High School.  As a senior, under direction of first year head coach Jon Meeks, he had 763 yards on 35 catches with 12 touchdowns.  Defensively, the standout safety also racked up 55 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 3 interceptions, and 10 pass break-ups.  Throughout his tenure as a Bee, Perry was also an All-Conference, All-District, All-Region, and All-State selection in back-to-back years.  











Aramis Algood
5'10" 170 S
David W. Butler High School
Matthews, NC

Aramis Algood joins the UC football program after finishing his high school career with a record of 44-14. Aramis recorded four interceptions in his senior season. Aramis earned a spot on the Southwestern 4A All-Conference football team as a defensive back in his sophomore and senior seasons. Aramis is also a member of the David W. Butler Track team.

Highlights: http://www.hudl.com/video/3/4171951/5807718bed57ee0a549b5a41