Charleston, W.Va-- Tuesday February 2nd was National Signing Day around the country. The Golden Eagles welcomed in new blood for 2022 with the singing of 32 athletes with a few more who will likely sign later in the spring. This is a big day for UC Football and marks another successful signing day in the books.
Below are all the current signees who have signed to play at the University of Charleston in 2022 along with some background information on each player.
NAME: Dariyonne Bryant
POSITION: WR
HOMETOWN: Portsmouth, OH
HIGH SCHOOL: Portsmouth High School
Dariyonne comes to the University of Charleston after earning 1
st Team All District, All Conference, and Honorable mention All-State. The three-year starter had a senior season which saw him rack up 49 receptions, 606 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Dariyonne will provide a dynamic vertical threat for the University of Charleston offense in the years to come.
NAME: Thaxton Gallagher
POSITION: Linebacker
HOMETOWN: Dunwoody, GA
HIGH SCHOOL: Johns Creek HS
Thaxton Gallagher is coming to the University of Charleston after a great high school career at Johns Creek in Georgia. Thaxton has the ability to play in space, as well as be a dynamic force as an edge defender. At 6'2 235 Thaxton's senior year stats include 85 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. Thaxton was a two-time First Team All-Region, as well as the team defensive MVP, coupled with All-State honors.
NAME: Kolton Goldie
POSITION: Ath/Running Back
HOMETOWN: Logan, WV
HIGH SCHOOL: Logan High School
Kolton is a great all-around football player from Logan, WV. Kolton rushed for 490 yards and 5 touchdowns, while also recording 161 receiving yards with another touchdown. He also threw for 278 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kolton was also a force on defense recording 87 total tackles and causing 2 forced fumbles. Kolton will be a great addition to our offense and team, and his future is bright here as a Golden Eagle!
NAME: Demmarri Planter
POSITION: Running Back
HOMETOWN: Falls Church, VA
HIGH SCHOOL: Justice High School
Demmarri is an elite running back prospect from the state of Virginia. Demmarri accumulated 1,223 yards in his career, while also rushing for 13 touchdowns. Demmarri received 1
st Team All District and 2
nd Team All Region as a senior. Demmarri will be a great addition to the Golden Eagles rushing attack that led the entire Super Region 1 this past season with 218.8 yards a game. We are elated to add Demmarri to our running back room.
NAME: Robert Ty Wickliffe
POSITION: Defensive Back
HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY
HIGH SCHOOL: Ballard
Ty is a very intelligent defensive player coming out of Ballard High School. His ability to adapt and learn things quickly allows him to anticipate plays. Ty has been very resilient throughout his life and stands tall in the face of adversity. He brings an incredible level of toughness to this program. We expect his contagious work ethic to bring this program to new heights.
NAME: Robert Byrd
POSITION: Defensive Back
HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY
HIGH SCHOOL: Louisville Male
Robert is an awesome defensive back prospect coming out of Louisville. He has great ball awareness that leads to creating opportunities for his team. His relentless work ethic makes him a versatile player. Robert's track speed translates extremely well to the field and never allows him to be out of a play. He is a humble young man that plans to study business here at Charleston.
NAME: Devin Hatfield
POSITION: Wide Receiver
HOMETOWN: Elkview, WV
HIGH SCHOOL: Herbert Hoover High School
Devin is one of the most electrifying players in the state of West Virginia. Devin lined up all over the field and produced big numbers on both sides of the ball. As a Wide Receiver Devin was responsible for 41 catches for 786 yards and 9 touchdowns. As a Defensive Back Devin produced 53 tackles with 9 INT's with 5 of those being returned for touchdowns. For Devin's efforts he was named 1
st Team All-State and finished up as the runner-up for both the Carl Lee award and conference player of the year award.
NAME: Bryson Tate
POSITION: Long Snapper
HOMETOWN: Scott Depot, WV
HIGH SCHOOL: Winfield High School
Bryson is a top ranked Long Snapper from Winfield High School in West Virginia; just up the road from the University of Charleston campus. He is a highly intelligent football player that was a crucial part of the Winfield offense during his senior season as a running back. Bryson is expected to come in and compete for the starting job early in his career for the Golden Eagles. With Bryson's' skillset, he is expected to be an integral part of the Golden Eagle special teams unit for years to come. He plans to study Nursing at the University of Charleston.
NAME: Noah Thomas
POSITION: Outside Linebacker
HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY
HIGH SCHOOL: Louisville Male
Noah is a phenomenal outside linebacker prospect coming out of Louisville. His athleticism and fierce competitive spirit allow him to play multiple positions in our nationally ranked defense for years to come. During his time at Male, Noah finished his career with an amazing 49 wins and only 5 losses. We expect Noah to bring his winning mentality to our team and help uphold our high defensive standard.
NAME: Derrick Crawley Jr
POSITION: Outside Linebacker
HOMETOWN: Richmond, VA
HIGH SCHOOL: Manchester
Derrick is a very raw prospect out of Manchester High School. His frame gives him tremendous upside to become a generational player. Derrick has an amazing work ethic that has a direct correlation to his success in life and on the field. He is a great person and will represent his family and our football program well.
NAME: Tae Marrero
POSITION: Wide Receiver
HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY
HIGH SCHOOL: Ballard
Tae Marrero is an electric wide receiver coming out of Ballard High School. He is very shifty and is a threat to score anytime the ball is in his hands. In his senior year, he accounted for 1400 all-purpose yards, and 15 touchdowns on his way to being named district player of the year and earning all-state honors. We expect Tae to come in and become to next great wide receiver at Charleston.
NAME: Jacob Dezern
POSITION: ATH
HOMETOWN: Chesapeake, VA
HIGH SCHOOL: Deep Creek High School
Jacob was a versatile player for Deep Creek High School who in addition to snapping played on the defensive line and at fullback. During his tme at Deep Creek he was a 4-year letterman and 2-year starter. Jacob has the ability to make an impact on special teams early in his college career. He will be an excellent addition to the specialist unit.
NAME: Nijil Amburgey
POSITION: Offensive Line
HOMETOWN: South Charleston, WV
HIGH SCHOOL: South Charleston High School
Nijil is a phenomenal Offensive Lineman prospect from right down the road in South Charleston. Nijil is a throwback Offensive Lineman who plays with a nasty streak looking to finish opposing defenders. Nijil also displayed phenomenal leadership abilities as he was named a captain during his senior year and also help South Charleston claim a State title during the 2020 season.
NAME: TJ Gillam
POSITION: Wide Receiver
HOMETOWN: Rochester, New York
HIGH SCHOOL: University Prep Charter
TJ is a great find out of Rochester, New York. Gillam is an all-purpose player. On offense in 2021 he had 34 receptions for 389 yards and 2 touchdowns. Where he made his biggest mark was in the return game. TJ averaged 40 yards per punt return with a long of 55 and 35.8 yards per kick return with a long of 70. On defense TJ had 2 interceptions and 25 total tackles.
NAME: Cleadieais Alston
POSITION: Running Back
HOMETOWN: Lake City, SC
HIGH SCHOOL: Lake City High School
Cleadieais is a big time running back prospect from Lake City, SC. Cleadieais bring high level track speed to the football field as he has gone sub 11 in the 100 meters. In a 5 game shorten season he was able to produce over 500 of total offense and 6 touchdowns. Cleadieais has unique combination of speed and power for the position and looks to come in and help the University of Charleston early in his career.
NAME: Tyson Rodgers
POSITION: WR/KR/PR
HOMETOWN: Roebuck, SC
HIGH SCHOOL: Dorman High School
Tyson is an elite wide receiver from the state of South Carolina. With his elite speed and deep ball skill, Tyson averaged almost 20 yards per reception his senior year. He collected 26 receptions for 517 yards and 8 touchdowns as a senior. Tyson is also a dynamic athlete and we are excited to see him run by the Mountain East!
NAME: Blake Perry
POSITION: Offensive Lineman
HOMETOWN: Morehead
HIGH SCHOOL: Rowan County
Blake is a physical road grader, out of Rowan County. He is the nucleus of the offensive line unit that paved the way for the Kentucky's high school leading rusher. Blakes incredible work ethic and determination earned all-state honors. Along with his success on the field, he also excels in the classroom. We are excited to make him a part of a polarizing offensive line unit.
NAME: Ean Hamric
POSITION: Quarterback
HOMETOWN: Glenville, West Virginia
HIGH SCHOOL: Gilmer County
Ean is a monumental signee for the University of Charleston. We evaluated him as the #1 QB in the state of West Virginia in the class of 2022. He has a big arm and can make every throw. Ean also has the ability to run the football. His football IQ is one of the highest we have seen in a long time. We love everything about Ean Hamric. He will not only be a great addition to our organization but the entire city of Charleston. Ean is the all time leading passer in Gilmer County High School history. He broke the 35 year old record in October of 2021. Hamric finished his senior season with 147 completions, 2,273 yards, 28 touchdowns with only 4 interceptions. Ean also rushed for 374 yards and 4 touchdowns.
NAME: Ryker Brown
POSITION: QB
HOMETOWN: Bluefield, WV
HIGH SCHOOL: Bluefield
Ryker Brown is a gritty quarterback out of Bluefield High School. His athleticism gives him the ability to make plays with his arm and legs. With his cannon of an arm and elite decision-making skills, we expected him to earn a huge role in our offense. Ryker is also the epitome of a student athlete with a 3.6 GPA.
NAME: Elijah Williams
POSITION: Fullback
HOMETOWN: Eskdale, WV
HIGH SCHOOL: Riverside High School
Elijah is a decorated football player from the state of West Virginia. During his career at Riverside High School he was a three year starter, earned All Kanawaha Valley, two-time All-MSAC, and two-time All-State Honorable Mention. During his senior year he was selected as team captain and tallied 68 pancakes, 43 tackles, 4 sacks, and 8 tackles for loss.
NAME: Jadyn Garnes
POSITION: Athlete
HOMETOWN: New Albany, Ohio
HIGH SCHOOL: New Albany
Jadyn is a downhill, physical runner and a highly sought-after prospect in the central Ohio area. During his senior campaign he has 217 carries for 1,966 yards and 30 touchdowns. He averaged 9.1 yards per carry. Garnes racked up the honors as he was the Ohio Capital Conference offensive player of the year, 1
st team all central district and a 1
st team all state selection. Jadyn is a huge get for our program.
NAME: Jack Blumberg
POSITION: Offensive Line
HOMETOWN: Marysville, Ohio
HIGH SCHOOL: Marysville
Jack is an intriguing offensive lineman hailing from Marysville High School right outside of Columbus, Ohio. After recruiting Jack and getting to know his family he's our type of guy. He's a physical presence at the point of contact and understands conceptual football. Jack was honorable mention all-conference in one of the best leagues in central Ohio. His best football has yet to come.
NAME: Ty Thompson
POSITION: LB
HOMETOWN: Huntersville, NC
HIGH SCHOOL: Hopewell High School
Ty comes to the University of Charleston after earning All-Conference in his senior year. Ty broke Hopewell's single season tackles record after recording 100 total tackles. He also compiled 27 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 1 pass break up , and 1 forced fumble. Ty led the conference in tackles and was elected Charlotte Observer defensive player of the week in week 9.
NAME: Johnathan Hamm
POSITION: Linebacker
HOMETOWN: Suwanee, GA
HIGH SCHOOL: North Gwinnett HS
Johnathan Hamm is coming to the University of Charleston after a great high school career at North Gwinnett in Georgia. Jonathan has the ability to come in and make a big impact in the Golden Eagle Linebacker room. At 6'0 235 Johnathan won the Iron Man award on his team as well as the Chris Miles scholarship. His stats during his high school career include 84 tackles, 18 of those are tackles for a loss, and 8 Quarterback sacks.
NAME: Daquan Stevenson
POSITION: Defensive Tackle
HOMETOWN: Baltimore, MD
HIGH SCHOOL: Milford Mill
Daquan was the anchor of the defensive line at Milford Mill Academy and Coach Reggie White. Daquan is a disruptive force who does a great job of using his and athleticism to beat opposing offensive lineman. The big man registered 64 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles on his way to being named First Team All-County.
NAME: Aden Miller
POSITION: Linebacker
HOMETOWN: West Chester, OH
HIGH SCHOOL: Lakota West High School
Aden is an elite defensive prospect from the state of Ohio. Aden is a tackling machine and recorded an astounding 89 tackles as a senior. He also recorded 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and had 1 fumble recovery to go along with 2 interceptions. Aden was also awarded 1
st Team All GMC and 1
st Team All Cincinnati as a senior. Aden is a great addition to the nationally ranked Golden Eagle's defense and we are excited to see him tackle the Mountain East.
NAME: Luke Hill
POSITION: Offensive Line
HOMETOWN: Woodford County
HIGH SCHOOL: Woodford County
Luke is a tough, physical, mauler of an athlete out of Woodford County. His wrestling skills translate well to the field. He is uncompromising in the run game and has great finesse in pass protection. With his blue-collar mentality, we expect him to uphold our rushing attack reputation at Charleston.
NAME: Kyree Surita
POSITION: Safety
HOMETOWN: Richmond
HIGH SCHOOL: Varina
Kyree is a physical athlete out of Varina High School. He does an outstanding job of destroying blocks on the perimeter. Kyree was the starting outside linebacker and backup running back on his state championship team this year. With his unique skillset we expect him to be a great fit in our defense at safety.
NAME: Leshon Crenshaw
POSITION: Running Back
HOMETOWN: Twinsburg, Ohio
HIGH SCHOOL: Walsh Jesuit
Leshon comes to Charleston from Walsh Jesuit. He is joining his cousin Bryan Blackwell another signee in the class of 2022. Leshon had 71 carries for 526 yards and 7 touchdowns during his senior season. He is an elusive back with so many unique skill sets that fit what makes our offense special. We are blessed to get such a great player.
NAME: Bryan Blackwell
POSITION: Defensive Back
HOMETOWN: Streetsboro, Ohio
HIGH SCHOOL: Walsh Jesuit
Bryan is an awesome addition to the University of Charleston. He comes by way of Walsh Jesuit High School. As a senior Bryan had 43 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 7 pass break ups, 3 interceptions and 1 touchdown. He was 1
st team all-conference and 2
nd team all-district selection in 2021. Bryan's upside is tremendous. Bryan will join the Golden Eagle family with his cousin Leshon who also signed with the University of Charleston.
NAME: Casey Hudson
POSITION: DL
HOMETOWN: Crown City, OH
HIGH SCHOOL: Fairland High School
Casey will join the University of Charleston Defensive Line after starting for 3 years at Fairland High School. The 4 year letterman recorded 121 total tackles and 16 sacks during his senior campaign. Additionally, Casey was named to the All-Ohio team twice and the All-OVAC team twice during his career.
--UC--
